German Toys

Another example of the success of German brands is Steiff. Margarete Steiff made the first teddy bear by hand more than 100 years ago. Over the past century, the bear with his trademark button in the ear has become a favourite of millions of children and collectors. Almost exactly as old as the teddy bear are the dolls of Käthe Kruse. In what may be the oldest German doll-making factory, the dolls are still finished by hand. Another company established in 1873 in Mannheim is Schildkröt. Today, children from every continent play with these German dolls. Märklin also has a very wide fan base. The Märklin name is a byword for quality model railways and a sure-fire way of making children’s eyes light up.