Plushie toys, also known as stuffed toys or soft toys, have a history that traces back to the late 19th century, when advances in textile manufacturing made soft, sewn toys more affordable and durable. One of the earliest mass-produced plush toys appeared in the 1880s in Germany, with companies like Steiff pioneering high-quality stuffed animals filled with materials such as straw, wool, or later kapok. The popularity of plushies surged in the early 20th century with the introduction of the teddy bear, inspired by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and quickly becoming a cultural icon worldwide. Over time, improvements in synthetic fabrics, safety standards, and machine stitching expanded plushie designs beyond animals to include dolls, cartoon characters, and licensed pop-culture figures. Today, plushie toys are both beloved children’s companions and collectible items for adults, reflecting changing trends in entertainment, craftsmanship, and emotional comfort across generations.
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