Steiff: What's not to love?
Of all the stuffed animals, the teddy bear is the most famous. Have you ever wondered who made the first teddy bear? And where the name "teddy bear" actually comes from? Let us take you on a journey through the enchanting world of Steiff, the legendary inventor of the teddy bear and the world's most famous soft toy manufacturer. For over 140 years, Steiff has been synonymous with impeccable quality, premium materials, beautiful design, and unparalleled safety standards. At In den Olifant, we are therefore very proud to have this top brand in our collection.
Does your heart beat for Steiff teddy bears and animals? At In den Olifant, we know exactly how much joy these charming, often lifelong cuddly friends with the "knopf im ohr" quality label can bring.
Since its founding in 1880 by Margarete Steiff, the German company has built a reputation for craftsmanship and quality that we at In den Olifant are very proud of. We'd therefore like to highlight the Steiff teddy bears, Friends, and other stuffed animals in this blog post.
Because why are Steiff cuddly toys so loved by collectors and children all over the world, and why are they the perfect gift for any occasion?
For over 140 years, the German brand Steiff has been the epitome of the highest quality, the finest materials, original designs, and the strictest safety standards. At In den Olifant, we've been huge fans for years and are thrilled with our collection of Steiff stuffed animals and teddy bears.
Steiff is the inventor of the teddy bear and the world's most famous soft toy manufacturer. When founder Margarete Steiff created the Elefäntle pincushion in 1880, she saw how the small felt elephant immediately captured the hearts of children and became their favorite cuddly toy. Her ultimate vision was "Only the best is good enough for children," and that remains the philosophy behind the brand and every product that leaves the factory today. In 1902, Margarete's nephew Richard invented the first movable bear, which quickly earned its world-famous name "Teddy Bear," inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, and gave the Steiff brand its international breakthrough.
Today, Steiff brings joy and softness all over the world, world famous from the USA to Asia and Europe, and in Antwerp at In den Olifant.
Just as every person is unique, every Steiff plush toy is a precious, one-of-a-kind piece. Truly made with love!
Meet Margarete Steiff
Steiff's founder, Margarete Steiff, was a remarkable woman in many ways. Exceptional for her time, as a young girl she fought for her place in life, against many odds, and became an independent entrepreneur.
With a pincushion shaped like a small fabric elephant, she wrote the first chapter of an unprecedented success story that continues to this day, more than 140 years later. Her loving dedication and pursuit of perfection in quality remain the cornerstones of this wonderfully beautiful cuddly toy brand.
"Freedom is believing in yourself"
A teddy bear is made ...
Before a Steiff stuffed animal, which often accompanies your child throughout their childhood, begins its journey around the world, it is lovingly crafted in many small steps. Just as every person is unique, each Steiff animal is a precious, one-of-a-kind piece thanks to this special production process. This makes them just as special and unique. Truly made with love!
At the Steiff toy factory in Germany, only the highest quality materials are used. From the sewing thread, through the stuffing, buttons, eyes, and accessories, to the Steiff animals' respective outer shells and, of course, the "Knopf im Ohr" (Button in the Ear) label, which is both recognizable and truly iconic.
To this day, every child has a teddy bear, one of the world's most beloved toys that accompanies him or her as they grow up.
Did you know... the teddy bear is named after an American president?
In November 1902, President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt refused to shoot a wounded young bear during a hunting trip. This noble gesture was immortalized in a cartoon that quickly became immensely popular . Inspired by this event, American retailer Morris Michtom created a soft toy bear and named it "Teddy's Bear."
Meanwhile, across the ocean in Germany, Margarete Steiff and her cousin Richard Steiff created a similar bear with movable limbs. Their design took the world by storm and became a huge success at the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair.
Thus, the teddy bear emerged from a remarkable combination of circumstances in both the United States and Germany, and has become one of the most beloved toys in the world. To this day, every child has a teddy bear to accompany them as they grow and play.
Watch the video below to see Steiff teddy bears through the years (and even centuries):
These iconic stuffed animals and teddy bears are handmade from the finest materials , such as mohair and alpaca, and each Steiff item proudly bears the signature button-in-ear logo, a guarantee of authenticity and durability. Steiff plush toys are beloved by collectors and children worldwide and make the perfect gift for any occasion.
Choose your favorites from our Steiff collection
Which cuddly toy is your favorite?
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