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Many, many years ago stuffed animals were used for random stuffing of the evacuated skins of hunted animals. The phrase "stuffed animal" is still sometimes used to refer to examples of taxidermy. However, with modern technology it is now possible to produce plush toys with synthetic materials. For this reason, plush toy or stuffed animal (as known in the U.S.) or soft toy (British English) may be more appropriate names for today's synthetic stuffed animals.
The first commercial company to create stuffed animals is Steiff, founded in 1880 in Giengen an der Brenz, Germany by Margaret Steiff. Some other well known commercial manufacturers today include Ty, Disney, Gund, Russ Berrie, Ganz, Build A Bear Workshop and Meslissa and Doug. Among the most popular types of classic stuffed animals are teddy bears and sock monkeys, but who could forget the mass hysteria over Beanie Babies and now of course the ever so popular Webkinz?
Today's stuffed animals are widely popular among kids all ages, young and old and are purchased for a variety of reasons. Plush toys and stuffed animals make great gifts for any one, any age, any time for any reason! However many retailers purchase realistic life like stuffed animals for display (they require less maintenance!) and the film industry is also another source that benefits from the manufacturing of life size lifelike stuffed animals. Hansa, now considered to be one of the largest producers of exclusive high end one-of-a-kind stuffed animals makes over 5,000 plush toys with over 350 species, including mostly rare and endangered species. Hansa toys are distributed throughout the world in over 17 countries.
Stuffed animals of all shapes and sizes continue to be one of the best selling items during the holiday season. Not only are plush toys very popular at Christmas time, but they are also great gift ideas such as graduation, Valentines Day, other special days, religious sentiments or simply as an expression of thought.
Stop by and visit our Ebay store where you'll find a huge selection of premium quality stuffed plush animals and our adorable PRECIOUS PLUSH playmates!
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