About Stuffed Animals

History

• Stuffed animals were first made available commercially by a small family business in Germany that was founded by Margaret Steiff. Other companies soon followed, and numerous stuffed animals were created in the late 1800s in Germany.

  During World War I, a ban against German imports went into effect, and British stuffed-animal manufacturers flourished. In the 1920s and 1930s, new materials and designs were introduced. However, in the 1940s, commercial stuffed animals were scarce, as the economy declined. They were typically made at home from fabric scraps during this time.

  During the postwar period, as the economy improved, stuffed animals made a comeback. Man-made materials were used more often, and safer features, such as plastic eyes instead of glass, were incorporated. Over time, stuffed animals became popular toys among children around the world.

Features

• Modern stuffed animals are made from a variety of materials. Cloth and plush are popular choices, but other textiles may also be used. Stuffed animals are filled with cotton and synthetic fibers. In the past, straw, beans and fabric scraps were used as a filling. Stuffed animals are typically sewn together with thread, and may come in the shapes of real animals, cartoon characters or fantasy creatures.

Types

• There are hundreds of different types of stuffed animals in existence. Some popular types include teddy bears, sock monkeys and Beanie Babies. Some stuffed animals are interactive, with electronic components that allow the toy to talk or react when a certain action is taken, such as pushing a button.

Function

• Stuffed animals are primarily used as toys for small children to play with. However, they may also be given as gifts, used for comfort or employed as an expression of thought. Many adult collectors accumulate stuffed animals to display in their home or office, or to accrue monetary value for later resale.

Warning

• When purchasing stuffed animals for infants or young children, remember that small parts can be a hazard. If there are eyes or other parts that may come off the toy, choking can be a concern. Toys are generally labeled with age recommendations when they are bought new, and these requirements should be followed to prevent danger.