Everyone had a favorite stuffed toy as a child and fond nostalgia makes some adults become collectors, especially in the case of Steiff stuffed animals.
The original animals can demand high prices at auctions and fairs these days, particularly the bears.
The Steiff stuffed animals history begins in the town of Giengen an der Brenz in Germany, around 1880.
A wheelchair bound seamstress called Margarete Steiff started a hobby and made toy animals from her own designs.
She created mostly cats, pigs, elephants and dogs.
The Steiff stuffed animals that we know of today began when Richard Steiff, a nephew of Margarette, created the first toy bear with jointed limbs in 1902.
This bear rapidly became popular in the US and around the world, as it won first place at the World Exhibition in St. Louis in 1904.
It later became known as the teddy bear, named after President Teddy Roosevelt.
The company is known for its high quality Steiff stuffed animals, which are still made in the town of Giengen.
Today, Giengen is the location of the Steiff factory and Adventure museum, and the town is a mecca for those who are fans and collectors of stuffed animals.
The Adventure museum details the history of Steiff products, and has a gift shop that sells bears, replica bears, historic catalogues and porcelain creations.
The Classic range by Steiff is considered the top of the line, featuring Steiff stuffed animals that are hand made.
A majority of the creations date back to the early 1900's up to the 1920's.
You can even see the special Valentine Bear, with a stitched on heart. It is a wonderful and romantic gift idea.
The range also includes characters from the Beatrix Potter stories, including Peter Rabbit and the Mrs. Tiggy Winkle hedgehog.
Another children's favorite is available in Paddington Bear, with his trademark blue hat and red duffel coat.
The majority of Steiff baby animals are created with babies and toddlers in mind.
They are made from durable materials and include teddy bears, kittens and lambs.
The Cosy Animal selections by Steiff are machine washable. Other products in the line include clothing, bags, keyrings and gift sets made especially for children.
The Limited Edition Steiff stuffed animals contain pink and gray replica versions of the 1908 teddy bear.
There is also a Grizzly Bear, a Moon Bear that has a white stripe and a black and white Pierrot Bear.
This range also has a stuffed Rupert Bear, another favorite character from story books.
However, the teddy bear will continue to be the toy that is most associated with the Steiff Company. - 31411
The original animals can demand high prices at auctions and fairs these days, particularly the bears.
The Steiff stuffed animals history begins in the town of Giengen an der Brenz in Germany, around 1880.
A wheelchair bound seamstress called Margarete Steiff started a hobby and made toy animals from her own designs.
She created mostly cats, pigs, elephants and dogs.
The Steiff stuffed animals that we know of today began when Richard Steiff, a nephew of Margarette, created the first toy bear with jointed limbs in 1902.
This bear rapidly became popular in the US and around the world, as it won first place at the World Exhibition in St. Louis in 1904.
It later became known as the teddy bear, named after President Teddy Roosevelt.
The company is known for its high quality Steiff stuffed animals, which are still made in the town of Giengen.
Today, Giengen is the location of the Steiff factory and Adventure museum, and the town is a mecca for those who are fans and collectors of stuffed animals.
The Adventure museum details the history of Steiff products, and has a gift shop that sells bears, replica bears, historic catalogues and porcelain creations.
The Classic range by Steiff is considered the top of the line, featuring Steiff stuffed animals that are hand made.
A majority of the creations date back to the early 1900's up to the 1920's.
You can even see the special Valentine Bear, with a stitched on heart. It is a wonderful and romantic gift idea.
The range also includes characters from the Beatrix Potter stories, including Peter Rabbit and the Mrs. Tiggy Winkle hedgehog.
Another children's favorite is available in Paddington Bear, with his trademark blue hat and red duffel coat.
The majority of Steiff baby animals are created with babies and toddlers in mind.
They are made from durable materials and include teddy bears, kittens and lambs.
The Cosy Animal selections by Steiff are machine washable. Other products in the line include clothing, bags, keyrings and gift sets made especially for children.
The Limited Edition Steiff stuffed animals contain pink and gray replica versions of the 1908 teddy bear.
There is also a Grizzly Bear, a Moon Bear that has a white stripe and a black and white Pierrot Bear.
This range also has a stuffed Rupert Bear, another favorite character from story books.
However, the teddy bear will continue to be the toy that is most associated with the Steiff Company. - 31411
