The amazing story of stuffed animals
Almost everyone can think of a favorite stuffed animal they own or have ever owned. These soft toys are often very special to use and can help us get through the tough times in life. As we see stuffed animals everywhere, it’s easy to assume that they have always been available. However, learning about the history of stuffed animals can help you appreciate them more.
It is believed that they actually originated centuries ago in Egyptian culture. While the remains of the actual stuffed animals have not been found, paintings of them around the tombs of the Egyptians have given researchers the impression that they did have them. In other cultures it is believed that they were used in ceremonies to replace real animals.
The first stuffed animals were introduced in the 1830s. Although they were not as well made as they are today in factories with various types of stuffing. Instead these were homemade. The materials used were cloth and straw. With the passage of time new materials were used. How many of you remember sock puppets as toys? Most kids today don’t, but the older generation loved to play with them.
It may surprise you to learn that stuffed animals actually grew out of the idea of stuffing real animals that had been killed. That is still a process that hunters engage in today as a way to preserve the beauty of those animals. It is also a way to display them as a trophy. However, that process can be time consuming and expensive.
The idea for stuffed animals as we know them today came in the 1880s. These were the first types commercialized. They were made in Germany. Now there are brands out there made all over the world.
As materials such as cotton and various types of synthetic fibers were introduced, they became the main types of items used to stuff these lovely toys. They could be produced quickly and very cheaply. The idea of using beans for filling also added future appeal in this market.
In the United States, attention for stuffed animals came about when President Roosevelt was shown with an image of a stuffed animal icon. A manufacturer approached the president asking him to use his name with his production in 1902. Today there are thousands of different types, including the teddy bear, for him to choose from.
Even though kids today seem to be more interested in electronics than using their imaginations to play, stuffed animals are still top sellers. You’ll find plenty of classics, including Raggedy Anne and Andy, teddy bears, and Disney characters. Some of the older stuffed animals are considered collector’s items and are worth a lot of money if they are in good shape. You may have some of them at home or in storage that are more valuable than you ever imagined.
