subject: The History Of Big Stuffed Animals [print this page] When it comes to choosing big stuffed animals, like with dolls, it is the facial features that are the key to their attraction. That is closely followed by the feel of their 'fur' or skin and then the stuffing. In addition, how closely big stuffed animals look like the animal they were modelled after, goes a long way to deciding which ones will get chosen.
It goes without saying that the success of the teddy bear, no matter if it is just two inches in size or lifesize, it's simply phenomenal. Some of the more famous bears such as Winnie the Pooh, Rupert, and Paddington (named after the London railway station) first made their appearance in children's books and comics before they became the subject of character merchandise. This lucrative character merchandising first began when Beatrix Potter gave her publisher the right to reproduce her illustrations of the popular character Peter Rabbit, as a soft toy in 1903. Other characters, such as Mrs. Tiggiwinkle have since joined Peter Rabbit in the soft toy world.
The first registered Peter Rabbit was based on a doll Beatrix Potter had made herself and can be seen in a photograph as an upright rabbit made of fur wearing his signature waistcoat. Today, they are all part of big stuffed animal collections and Peter Rabbit (like others) has been modified to remain in line with modern materials. Mickey and Minnie Mouse of Walt Disney fame, first appeared in black and white strip cartoons in the early 1930s. Mickey's image was later modified to the smiling mouse, accompanied by Minnie, as we know them today. While strict licensing agreements protect his use, soft toy versions of the iconic couple can be found the world over.
Some original big stuffed animals were even jointed so their arms, legs, and head could move. The softness of the 'fur' and angles of the arms and legs to the body makes them easy to cuddle, and with faces and gazing eyes they become animals to confide in. From the beginning, some big stuffed animals like teddy bears, even had squeaker or growl activation by pushing in their stomach, and more recent developments have included electronics so that they can speak.
While the history of the first plush toy - the teddy bear - may be long forgotten by some, that has not changed the fact that whole shops and exhibitions are devoted to this bear. Even as a symbol, the teddy bear outline implies childhood and security and is often used by charitable organizations for fund raising events.
Looking back to where soft toys first came from, the quantities and varieties of big stuffed animals has never been as large as they are today. While some may incorporate electronic sounds and movements, and others are super-soft and snugly, with many produced in both colors and textures far removed from the original form they are replicating, it does not change the fact that the allure of big stuffed animals is timeless.
