Here’s where you can buy Pudsey ears and other merchandise to support Children in Need 2020

Since Children in Need began in 1980, the BBC charity has raised over £1bn for disadvantaged children.

The focus of fundraising is the annual November appeal, which takes place this year on Friday 13 November.

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One way you can support is by purchasing merchandise featuring the charity’s beloved mascot, Pudsey Bear.

From Pudsey ears to t-shirts and tote bags, here are the best places to get your hands on products featuring the yellow bear.

When is Children in Need on TV?

This year’s annual telethon will run from 7pm until 10pm on Friday 13 November.

It will be presented by actor and comedian Stephen Mangan, presenter and pundit Alex Scott MBE, comedian Chris Ramsey and presenter Mel Giedroyc.

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Alongside touching stories of how the charity supports projects around the UK, a star-studded line up is also expected - including the 2020 Strictly contestants.

Performances from singers Shawn Mendes and Beverley Mendes have been confirmed, with Kylie Minogue and Cher’s Children in Need single “Stop Crying your heart out” also anticipated.

Who is Pudsey Bear?

Although the BBC charity has been running for 40 years, Pudsey has only been around for 35 of those.

First appearing with presenter Joanna Ball in 1985, he is the official mascot of Children in Need and takes his name from Joanna’s home town in Yorkshire.

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On his debut appearance he was brown with three black buttons which spelled out BBC, but only one year later he had received a makeover and the revamped Pudsey showcased his iconic spotted bandana and yellow fur.

Where can I buy Pudsey merchandise?

While the official Children in Need online shop is the most obvious place to nab your favourite stuffed bear, bobble hats and t-shirts, you will also find Pudsey merchandise in stores such as ASDA, Boots and the Cotswolds Company.

ASDA has already raised a whopping £24,000,000 for the charity since they began supporting it over 20 years ago. The supermarket’s popular George products include Pudsey socks, babygrows, ears and his and hers onesies to name a few.

You can also donate £10 directly to the charity on the ASDA website.

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Boots is offering two styles of Pudsey ears to match its two Pudsey bears. The accessories and toys come in the original yellow and a brown version. You can also buy Baylis and Harding Pudsey soap, face masks and pin badges from Boots to support Children in Need.

Advantage points cannot be used to pay for Children in Need products.

The Cotswolds Company has also joined in on supporting the children’s charity by selling bobble hats and ‘buffs’ - a multiwear item which can be worn as a head scarf, face mask, scarf, or wristband. Of the total retail price, 40% will be donated to the charity.

Are there any new Pudsey products this year?

As 2020 has been the undeniable year of facemasks, Children in Need has got involved.

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Pudsey will feature on two separate designs, one spotted and the other black with a yellow Pudsey silhouette. Both come with a handy storage bag and cost £3.50. You can buy them online at the Pudsey shop or on the Boots website.

What limited edition merchandise can I buy this year?

Children in Need has created a number of limited edition bears in collaboration with the BBC’s most popular TV shows for this year's anniversary appeal.

Available on the official Pudsey shop, there are special limited edition Doctor Who, Autumn Watch, Countryfile, DIY SOS, Eastenders and Masterchef bears to choose from.

However, this merchandise is only available to pre-order before November 30, 2020 and will not be delivered until Spring 2021.

£7.60 (38%) of the £20 price will be donated to the charity.

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