Steiff, the company that invented the Teddy bear, is celebrating its 140th Anniversary this year with a collection full of collectibles, plush, and baby items for a range of ages.
The entire Steiff North America collection, along with some studio animals, will be on display at the 2020 Toy Fair in New York City, February 22-25th at Booth #1983.
Steiff will kick-off the show with a 140th Anniversary Party at their booth on Saturday, February 22nd at 4 p.m. Attendees will have a chance to enter a raffle to win a 140th Anniversary Paddy Teddy Bear and Mohair Elephant along with Steiff’s Soft Cuddly Friends bear, Jimmy, whose popularity has garnered his own Instagram page as the unofficial Steiff mascot @JimmySteiff.
“It all started when our founder, Margarete Steiff, created the first plush toy: an elephant,” said Jim Pitocco, President of Steiff North America. “What began as a small company led by a savvy business woman ahead of her time has become the premier brand gift-givers continue to trust for special occasions and play.”
First established as the Margarete Steiff Toy Company in 1880, Steiff has maintained its status around the world with notable collaborations, celebrity followers, and a continued commitment to children’s play. Its “Soft Cuddly Friends” line, unveiled in 2019, expands this year. The plush products range from the classic Jimmy Teddy Bear, to foxes, elephants, and giraffes, and are for children ages 0 and up.
In addition to its new plush items, Steiff is further commemorating its anniversary with a 140th Anniversary Paddy Teddy Bear and three different 140th Anniversary Elephants: Mohair Elephant, Little Elephant with Story Book, and Little Elephant with Rattle in honor of the first Steiff toy ever made.
“We are incredibly proud of our newest collection,” said Pitocco. “Steiff has always devoted itself to making the very best soft toys for children while embracing innovation, imagination, and perfection. As Margarete Steiff herself said: ‘For children, only the best is good enough.’ This year we certainly feel our tagline exemplifies all she envisioned and more: ‘For 140 years, only the best is good enough.’ We are honored to continue her legacy and look forward to yet another prosperous year.”
For more information on Steiff and its 2020 Collection, visit www.steiffusa.com.