Almost everyone can think of a favorite stuffed animal that they have or had at the same time. These stuffed animals are often very special to use and can help us get through difficult times in life. Since we see stuffed animals everywhere, it is 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 actual stuffed animals have not been found, paintings of them around the tombs of the Egyptians have given researchers the impression that they had them. In other cultures it is believed that they were used in ceremonies to replace royal animals.
The first stuffed animals were introduced in the 1830s. Although they were not well made as they are today in factories with various types of stuffing. Instead, these were homemade. The materials used were cloth and straw. As time passed, new materials were used. How many of you remember sock puppets as toys? Most of today’s kids don’t, but older generations loved to play with them.
It may surprise you to learn that stuffed animals actually came from the idea of stuffing real animals that had been euthanized. That is still a process that hunters participate in today as a way to preserve the beauty of these animals. It is also a way to display them as a trophy. However, that process can be time consuming and expensive.
The idea of stuffed animals as we know them today took place in 1880. These were the first types to be marketed. They were made in Germany. Now there are brand names that are manufactured 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 fill these lovely toys. They can be produced quickly and very cheaply. The idea of using beans to fill them also added future appeal in this market.
In the United States, the attention for stuffed animals came when President Roosevelt was shown a picture of a stuffed icon. A manufacturer approached the president to ask him to use his name with the production of them in 1902. Today there are thousands of different types, including the teddy bear, that you can choose from.
Although children today seem to be more interested in electronic gadgets than using their imaginations to play, stuffed animals are still top sellers. You’ll find many classics, including Raggedy Anne and Andy, teddy bears, and Disney characters. Some of the older stuffed animals are considered collectibles and are worth a great deal of money if they are in good shape. You may have some of them in your home or packed that are more valuable than you ever imagined.
