Steiff and the history of the teddy bear

Steiff is a prominent manufacturer of high-quality plush toys, recognized for its durable materials and signature ‘button in ear’ authenticity mark. The company’s products, including teddy bears and various stuffed animals, are noted for their softness and ability to withstand heavy use by children.

The history of the modern teddy bear traces back to 1902, when Richard Steiff, nephew of toy manufacturer Margarete Steiff, created the first teddy bear with movable limbs, known as ‘Bär 55 PB’. The toy gained global fame following an incident involving US President Theodore Roosevelt, who declined to shoot a tethered bear during a hunting trip. This event led to political caricatures that popularized the name ‘Teddy’ worldwide.