Mary

Margarete Steiff was born on July 24th, 1847 in Giengen an der Brenz. At only 18 months old Margarete contracted polio and was to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair. Despite her tremendous physical discomfort and difficulties this courageous lady did not allow her hardship to distract her. Margarete attended a dressmaking school and by the age of 17 she completed her training as a skilled seamstress. In 1880, she made a little felt pincushion in the form of a delightful elephant. The elephant enchanted her family who encouraged her to make these not as functional pincushions, but as children’s TOYS! The popularity of these little elephant soft toys soon spread rapidly. Never had children had soft playmates. Most toys were made of tinplate, wood and even porcelain. In 1880, she opened her own Felt Toy Company, Margarete Steiff GmbH was founded and so began the story of Steiff toys. The company motto, which is still used today, was established: “For Children, only the best is good enough”. Many other wonderful animals joined the little elephant. To distinguish the Steiff products and to identify them as outstanding quality the now famous Trademark “Button-in-ear” was launched in 1904, invented by her nephew Franz Steiff. About Margarete Steiff GmbH We work daily with the pursuit that "for children only the best is good enough". This mission state is the core of our company values. We are committed to deliver highest quality standards in all our products in the plush and children’s fashion sector. Based on our own developed standards and expectations, we test and inspect each product with great care to guarantee not only joy for children but also their health and safety, which is paramount. With more than 20.000 active Club members, Steiff products do not only light up children's eyes - they also find admiration among adults. Impressum: Margarete Steiff GmbH Richard-Steiff-Straße 4 D-89537 Giengen/Brenz E-Mail: info@steiff.de Tel. +49 (0)7322 131 1