Stuffed toy

A stuffed toy is soft. It is made from cloth and filled with straw, beans, plastic beads, cotton, or other similar things.

A teddy bear is an example of a stuffed toy.

Stuffed toys

Stuffed toys are made in many different shapes and sizes. They often look like animals or cartoon characters. They are often given as gifts for birthdays or holidays such as Valentine's Day.

History

Margarete Steiff, a woman affected by polio since infancy, played a pivotal role in popularizing stuffed animals. Despite her physical challenges, she pursued sewing, eventually mastering the craft with the aid of a sewing machine. Recognizing the potential of felt, she began crafting stuffed animals like elephants, mice, and bunnies as gifts, later expanding to sell them commercially.

In the late 1800s, Steiff's creations garnered widespread demand, prompting the expansion of her business. Notably, the Steiff Corporation introduced teddy bears in 1902, which gained immense popularity after being showcased at a Leipzig fair. Named after Theodore Roosevelt, the bears quickly became a sensation in the United States.

Steiff's commitment to quality was unwavering, reflected in her famous quote, "The best is just good enough for our children." She meticulously oversaw every aspect of production, from designing prototypes to sourcing top-notch materials, ensuring her toys were of the highest standard.

Establishment of stuffed toys market

During the early 1900s, Teddy Bears emerged as a childhood favorite alongside a variety of plush toys manufactured by companies like Gund and Mattel. Mass production enabled these toys to become ubiquitous in households. However, after World War II, the post-war baby boom fueled a surge in the toy market, leading to the emergence of new brands such as the Wallace Berry Company (later known as Applause). These companies produced officially licensed toys featuring characters from Disney, Warner Bros., and Jim Henson productions.

In the 1980s, plush toys evolved further with the introduction of fictional characters from movies and cartoons. Winnie the Pooh and Sesame Street characters gained popularity through companies like Mattel, while American Greetings introduced My Pet Monster, Strawberry Shortcake, and the Care Bears. The 1990s saw brands like TY dominating the market with bears and figures in various colors and designs, transforming stuffed toys into collectibles.