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Steiff UK Toys and Where to Get Them

We get it. You’re as addicted and as enamored over the toys as we are. We can’t blame you for wanting to add another furry friend to your already brimming collection. That’s just how it works and for some weir reason, that’s how the human brain seems to be wired. We like doing the things we love over and over again. We know it can be obvious to a degree but we thought you’d like to know where else you can get hold of Steiff toys so we asked no other than the Steiff UK team and fans for some head start.

• The Mall – Department stores and the usual shopping centers and malls should be brimming with all sorts of toys including those of the Steiff variety. If you’re in search of a more affordable option and you don’t exactly have a design or model in mind, malls are not a bad place to look especially if you’re just staring your stash or if you just want to check what’s out there first. This is also the easiest place to head out to for a quick present dash. They’re very accessible and you get to dine some place good later. Win! • Toy Boutiques – If you’re a bit too specific about the model or perhaps you want a more curated option basket, toy shops are your next best bet. As the name suggests, they sell toys and oftentimes these stores can be very specific as to the ones they store in their shelves. • Garage Sales – Because these toys are exceptionally made, secondhand pieces are still quite the catch. This is a starting point should you want to try your luck on previous Steiff models and designs that are no longer in the market. • Antique Shops – For the vintage lovers and fans out there, this treasure trove may be a bit intimidating at first glance but the gems in this place are hard to spot in others. You never know so why not try? • Auctions – Online or offline, auctions are the way to go if you’re a serious Steiff toy collector. The prices however can go steep as a bidding process is involved. But for a one of a kind piece, we know you’d try your luck nonetheless. • Online Shops – Steiff UK products can also be bought online and delivered straight to your doorstep. We’re a modern world after all and what else can you not shop for online?

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What You Don't Know About Steiff Bears

Toys are just as interesting as they are cute and entertaining. Steiff bears in particular are one if not the toy with the most colorful and interesting of stories. While a dedicated collector may know what these are, most of us just do not and we should. So what don't we or might not know about these toys yet? Here's a list for you to peruse. • They were born in Germany at the Steiff headquarters, the first commercial plush manufacturing company in the world built by Margarete Steiff, a polio victim who learned how to sew and worked as a seamstress prior to the company's birth. • It invented the teddy bear craze. In 1902, Richard, nephew of Margarete's, presented the idea for the toy to his aunt. The boy was a graduate of art school and has worked for the family company, designing some of the earliest stuffed toys ever released in the market. He was fond of bears and often sketched them and from there he got the idea for them. • They were a trial product. Margarete was hesitant about the design but decided to give it a chance. The duo launched them in one of the toy markets in town where it became a massive success. One time, an American businessman saw them and was so impressed that he placed an order for 3,000 Steiff bears which he brought to America. • Steiff bears are some of the more valuable collectible items in the market. As a matter of fact, it holds the record for the most expensive stuffed toy there ever was. This was the collaboration toy between the German brand and the French fashion house Louis Vuitton. The Steiff LV bear was dressed in a complete travel gear with a matching luggage and was bought by Jessie Kim of Korea for $2.1 million at a 2000 Monaco auction. • The button in ear didn't come until a few years later after its invention. Woth their popularity, more and more replicas and counterfeits were found in the market as so to help buyers identify their products, the brand added the knopf-im-ohr or the button in ear whose  design, make and material can vary depending on the time of production and whether the item is a limited edition or not. • For its 125th anniversary, the brand produced 125 special Steiff bears, each priced at the time for $87,000 a piece. The toy came with golden thread for fur, a golden snout and eyes made of diamonds and sapphires. It sits as one of the teddy bears of luxury.

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One of a Kind Collectible Teddy Bears

Collectible teddy bears have established a name for themselves amassing a unique following of their own. It’s not surprising that a lot of people have come to be enamored with their charm. After all, who doesn’t want a rare find? But if these toys already feel extraordinary, wait till you get to know about the following collectible teddy bears. They’re one of a kind in the most literal sense possible. You won’t find anything like it on the face of the planet.

Steiff Louis Vuitton Bear Known to hold the record for being the most expensive bear to date, this toy was a collaboration between the German toy manufacturer and the Paris-born international fashion house. Currently on display at the Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju Island in South Korea, it is seen to wear a complete LV travel gear composed of a designer coat and hat, and a miniature Louis Vuitton suit case. It was bought by Korean collector Jessie Kim at a Monaco charity auction in 2000 for $2.1 million.

Alonzo Of the toys in this list, this bear is the most royal. Owned by a monarch herself, it was a Christmas present to then four year old Princess Xenia of Russia from her father, Grand Duke George Michailovitch, in 1908. That day, the mohair bear was then named Alonzo. Princess Xenia’s nanny sewed a pair of cotton Cossack tunic and trousers for the toy which made the piece even more unique. In 1914 she had to go to London to spend the summer at Buckingham Palace and had the red teddy bear with her. But as World War I began, they never got the chance to return home as Tsar Nicholas II and his family were murdered in Yekaterinburg in 1918. The Grand Duke George Michailovitch survived but was assassinated in St Petersburg the year after. It was later sold at a Christies auction for f £12,100 in 1989. Such was the clamor for it that replica bears were made in its honor which were immediately snatched by collectors from the shelves.

Teddy Girl The 1904 model may have other surviving siblings but Teddy Girl is truly nothing like the rest. It was a present given to Bob Henderson’s brother on his birthday in 1905 which was later passed on to him. Later on, Bob became a Colonel in the British Army during the World War II, acting as a small arms adviser to Field Marshal Montgomery. Throughout the battle and even after having survived the D-Day landings, he had the toy glued to his side. He married and had a daughter. After coming home from work one day, he found his daughter and the bear dressed up in a dress on the dinner table thus the moniker “teddy girl”. This richly documented history made the bear quite the collector’s item. In 1994, it was sold to Japanese businessman Yoshihiro Sekiguchi for £110,000 at a Christie’s auction, the highest record to date for a vintage toy.

So, which of these rare collectible teddy bears would you love to have?

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Here’s Why It’s Best to Buy Teddy Bears Online

Shopping has come a long way. Modern day people have been blessed with the luxury of convenience at the touch of a button, something our forefathers only managed to imagine some centuries later. But when choosing between doing it the traditional way and going digital, what factors should we really consider? Why is it best, at least for most cases, to buy teddy bears online?• You can shop from anywhere. – You can be at home in bed binging on your favorite television show, at the office during a coffee break, in school, on your way home or literally anywhere in the face of the planet and you can shop online as long as you’ve got a trusty gadget and an internet connection.• You can shop from everywhere. – There’s no need to feel contained and limited to the options within your area because buying teddy bears online means shopping from sellers all over the globe. We love options and we sure like it when we need not hop on a plane to make that purchase.• You can shop with zero traffic and queues. – We can also skip the horrible traffic whenever we go to malls or shopping centers. We need not suffer the long queues at the counter either. Imagine how it feels to experience all that come holiday season. Ngihtmare-ish!• You can shop and canvass easily. – Type in a few words into the search bar and you’d be given hundreds to thousands of choices. With that come a number of sellers and shops too from which you can compare and canvass prices and quality. It’s easier this way and you didn’t have to move an inch from where you are.• You can shop twenty-four hours seven days a week. – Sometimes we can’t help but make last minute purchases. The horror to that is that the shops we want to buy from could be closed for the day. Not with online shopping. You can order from these sites at any time of the day. Yes even at the dead of night.• You can shop for a wider assortment of toys. – One of the more prominent reasons as to why people love to buy teddy bears online is because the possibilities are endless. One click and there’s a lot to choose from. One need not be limited by what’s available at a certain shop or location.

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How to Shop Pre-loved Stuffed Animals

Just because something was previously owned doesn't mean it's any less beautiful or valuable. In the case of stuffed animals, they may just prove otherwise especially if we consider the factor on collectible, rare and vintage toys. But how exactly does one shop for pre-loved stuffed animals? We give you some word of advice from the experts starting off with where to search. WHERE 1. Collectors - Believe it or not, pre-loved and collectible toys have massive market. Collectors trade amongst themselves so it's always nice to ask around. 2. Specialty Shops - You won't find these stuffed animals in a regular toy shop so look for specialty ones that carry these pieces. 3. Online - With a digital world like ours, we can pretty much buy anything (well almost) over the World Wide Web. 4. Auctions - For those rare and highly coveted pieces, auctions both online and traditional are another option. Fair warning though because biddings can escalate quickly. 5. Garage Sale - Consider this a wild card. You'll never know what you might find. Besides, many people have no idea about the value of some of their items. As they say, one man's trash is another's treasure. 6. Antique Store - Looking for a rare gem? Consider antique stores and flea markets a wide piece of land. Dig in and you might find a treasure. It doesn't hurt to look. TIPS1. Always check condition and quality. Just because it's a pre-loved doesn't mean we can settle for lackluster.2. Validate authenticity. If we're talking about a collectible or vintage item, make sure that it's legit. Research and know how to check for authenticity.3. Take things with a grain of salt. Sellers will always sy this and that and whatsoever and although there are honest ones out there, it still pays to be sure. Check the previous tip.4. Know their value. Research ahead of time and determine how these stuffed animals are priced and valued in the market. This should give you a good estimate as to what to expect and it a deal is reasonable enough.5. Stick to our budget. Whether it be brand new or pre-loved stuffed animals, we always tend to sway from logic and be taken by overwhelm. These pieces still cost some cash so make sure to spend yours wisely.6. Check for bugs. Apart from condition and possible damages, see to it that ye stuffed animals are absolutely free from bugs or insects.

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Buy Teddy Bears Online Without the Drama

With technology and the guise of the modern world, we can buy almost anything online. That includes toys regardless if they’re regular releases, vintage pieces or limited edition collectibles. But how exactly does one buy teddy bears online without the drama, the tacky mistakes and the horrors? We’ve got you covered on that. Take a look at these tips and find out for yourself.

Know the basics to online shopping. This has to be one of the best advice anyone can give you. There’s a lot that goes with this chore than what many people would think or like to believe.

First off, see to it that you’ve got an idea on your head. It would be pretty dangerous to go online shopping with nothing in mind. That’s because the options are endless and you can easily get lost in a bubble. Before you know it, you’ve spent an entire day scrolling without any accomplishment whatsoever. Have a picture of what toy you’d like or at least a specific category in mind so that you can focus on a particular type and not the entire universe.

Second, find a trusted site or seller. There are tons in the internet but not all of them are to be trusted or provides quality of products and services. There are many ways for you to determine or assess this. There are reviews, feedbacks and testimonials on the internet found in forums, blogs, websites and social media. You can also check with the BBB.

Always look for the “lock” sign. Ensure that the website runs on secure servers. This helps ensure that any information exchanged are dealt with more securely and confidentiality is upheld. To check, look for the “https’ or the lock sign in the address bar. Read the site’s Privacy Policy as well.

Be wary of the shipping details. Some teddy bears may seem affordable but add in the shipping costs plus the custom duties and taxes and they turn out to be pretty hefty. Apart from the shipping fees, check the length of time it takes for the package to be delivered to your doorstep. Timing is important too.

Assess if returns and refund policy is reasonable. Should there be any need for you to return the teddy bear, say wrong item or damages, you’ll want to know if the return and refund policy is customer-friendly or not.

Keep these in mind when you buy teddy bears online for a smoother experience!

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Storage Ideas and Tips for Stuffed Animals

Part of the care and maintenance of stuffed animals will always include storage. After all, leaving the said items sprawled across the entire room doesn’t exactly spell care. Plus, putting them someplace safe, dry and clean is one way to keep them away from dirt and harm’s way. So to help you in such endeavor, we’ve rounded up some ideas and tips on how you can store your stuffed animals the right way.

Try it Dry – One of the most important facets of toy storage will be to make sure that the area and space is clean and dry. Humidity and moisture are some f the many villains that can haunt and damage the said toys over time. Not only do they encourage mold growth that could potentially rot the stuffed animals but such too may invite insects and rodents as well.

Treasure Chest – Using a toy box, basket or similar other storage unit is nothing new. In fact, this is perhaps the most common of all. The idea is pretty simple. You toss the toys into it and place it out of the way. This is perfect for nurseries and playrooms with so many toys around.

The Shelve Appeal – Sometimes, you want something that works as a storage and display unit at the same time. Floating shelves and even open or glass doored cabinets shall do the trick. This is also the storage of choice for many collectors out there who want to place their pieces in the spotlight.

Up, Up and Away – There are toys that must be kept away from kids and pets alike. To do so, they must be out of their immediate reach. Cabinets and shelves are likely already on top. Toy boxes on the other hand may need to be placed atop something to better yet, covered.

Spring Clean – The storage unit or space must be clean and such has to be maintained. Make sure that apart from the stuffed animals, the place and area in which they are stored are kept clean as well. This has to be done regularly so as to avoid any accumulation of dirt and to give immediate attention should repairs or replacements be needed.

Drawer Power – Stuffed animals may also be kept in drawers in the same manner as toy boxes, baskets and chests. They are also perfect considering that they lock out the elements that can dirty the toys.

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How to Fix a Bug Infested Stuffed Toy

A bug infested stuffed toy should be thrown out of the house and into the garbage truck. Maybe but not all the time; do know that not all cases are helpless. There is still a chance for there is an available fix. That said we’ve tapped the team from steiffteddybears.co.uk and asked them for advice on the matter. Take a look at the step by step procedure that they have shared with us. 

Step 1: Assess the damage. – Before anything else, make sure that you examine the gravity of the case. As we’ve mentioned earlier, bug infestations can be mild, moderate to severe. Mild to moderate cases may be tackled on your own or with the help of an expert toy repair shop. Severe cases on the other hand have lesser chances at revival. 

Step 2: Freeze the toy. – Take a clean plastic or Ziploc bag and put the toy in it. Make sure to vacuum out the air to compress and save space. Seal it shut. Place this inside your freezer for at least twenty four hours. If you can manage to do so for another day then that would be better. This would help kill the bugs and the eggs before cleaning so they don’t scuttle away and spread again. Step 

3: Remove the stuffing. – Carefully undo a small portion of the hem to remove the old stuffing. This is where the bugs have resided so replacing them is necessary. Place it in a plastic bag. Seal it and throw it away. 

Step 4: Clean the toy. – You can either machine or hand wash the stuffed toy. In both cases make use of lukewarm water and mild detergent. When machine washing, place it inside a mesh bag or pillow case for protection. 

Step 5: Dry it. – Let the toy sit for a few minutes to let the excess water out. You can use your machine’s dryer or a handheld one for faster results. Just see to it that they are at a cool setting to avoid color from fading. Air drying may be done as well but make sure that it is not left exposed to the sun. 

Step 6: Re-stuff the toy. – Once the stuffed toy is squeaky clean and free from those pesky bugs, put in new stuffing and sew it back up. Voila, your toy looks spanking new again! Goodbye insects!

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A Step by Step Guide to Washing a Steiff Bear

Steiff bears are one of the highest selling toys in the world today. They have long acquired the throne when it comes to stuffed and plush animal items. Considered a favorite and surefire hit among both kids and kids at heart, it’s impossible to not have one of your own or at least know of someone who does.

But even if they are one of the most durable toys in the market, they are not completely immune to dirt, grim and even wear and tear. Part of their maintenance includes regular cleaning and washing. That said, we are here to give you a run down and a step by step guide to washing your Steiff bears.

Step 1: Check – Look for the fabric tag for the model type, material and care instructions. This should guide you an idea of the care process and point you to items or procedures that can harm the toy.

Step 2: Assess – Determine the level of dirt or damage that the toy has. Is there a bug infestation? If yes then proceed to the next step. If dirt or damage is present, can you handle it on your own? If yes, proceed to step 5 if not bring your bear to a toy repair shop stat.

Step 3: Freeze – To kill the bugs and its eggs, place the toy in a sealed plastic bag and place in a freezer for at least 24-48 hours.

Step 4: Re-stuff – Loosen the hems and remove the old infested stuffing and replace it with new ones then sew the toy back up. These can be bought at fabric and craft supply shops.

Step 5: Protect – Steiff bears can be hand or machine washed. Should you prefer to machine wash your toy, place it inside a mesh wire or pillow case first to protect it and avoid any buttons or ribbons that might come loose to get stuck inside the washing machine.

Step 6: Wash – Again, one can wash them by hand or by machine. In both instances, only use mild soap with zero bleach, lukewarm water and a soft sponge or brush.

Step 7: Rinse – Rinse the toy twice to thrice or as needed to remove all soap residues. These items cannot be wrung so press or squeeze them gently instead to take out all the excess water once done.

Step 8: Dry – Drying can be done by air or machine. With the former, see to it that it isn’t exposed to the sun and they are not hung immediately. Water is still trapped and will weight he fabric down causing it to loosen and stretch. Let it sit for a couple of minutes first before placing them in the clothesline. You can also use your machine’s dryer or a handheld blow-dryer set at the cool temperature to dry your Steiff bear.

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Exactly How Regal is the Queen Elizabeth II Bear

When asked to describe the limited edition Queen Elizabeth II bear released by German brand Steiff, collectors refer to it as regal. We wondered why so we decided to do a little sleuthing and find out for ourselves. Here is what we discovered.

1.    It’s got the trademark button in ear but better.

Steiff has been known not only to pioneer the very first teddy bear design but also for their special “knopf im ohr” or button in ears found in every toy they manufacture. These were initially manufactured in 1904 to separate originals from fakes back in the day. Regular models come with nickel or brass buttons but limited edition ones come made of valuable materials. The Queen Elizabeth II bear has a gold plated “knopf im ohr” accompanied by a red and white fabric tag.

2.    There are only 2,015 pieces of it manufactured.

The toy was designed to serve as a tribute to British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II for achieving a milestone not all rulers get the luxury of having. As of September 9, 2015, she has officially surpassed the 63 year, 7 month and 2 day reign record of the late Queen Victoria making her the longest ruling monarch in all of history.

3.    It is made of the finest materials.

To ensure utter royalty fit for a queen, Steiff made use of high quality materials in its production. It employed the use of one of nature’s most beloved fabrics, the Schulte mohair. This is harvested from the silky smooth hair of the Angora goat. Characterized by its high luster, velvety texture and durability, it’s definitely got the chops.

4.    The design was made to look classic.

The Queen Elizabeth II bear comes in white and clocks at 30 centimeters tall. It’s got a black snout and a pair of brown eyes. Dressed in a deep blue coronation robe with spotted plush edging, it has a crown on top of its head to complete the look.

5.    It is a special musical bear.

Because it was made as a form of salute to Her Royal Highness, the Queen Elizabeth II bear has a special feature. It plays the national anthem “God Save the Queen”. To denote and signify such attribute, the designers added special embroidery in gold in one of the toy’s lower paws. It is that of a music staff complete with a treble clef, notes and a time signature.

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The Beauty that is the Steiff Queen Elizabeth

It cannot be denied that humanity has fallen under the spell of teddy bears. Ever since they were first designed, manufactured and released in 1904, we have come to love them more than any other stuffed animal there is making them one of the most popularly bought and sought after toys from all across the globe then and now. In fact, many limited edition and collectible pieces have been manufactured and effectively sold. Take the Steiff Queen Elizabeth bear for example.

Recently released by the same brand that pioneered the very first teddy bear design, the Steiff Queen Elizabeth bear has become one of the most sought after limited edition pieces at the moment. Made of the finest Schulte mohair, this five jointed thirty centimeter doll has more to it than just fancy design.

As a tribute and salute to the current reigning British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, Steiff designed a toy to Her Majesty’s regal likeness for officially having exceeded the previous record set by the late Queen Victoria as the longest ruling monarch of the world whose reign lasted for a whopping 83 years, 7 months and 2 days. This feat she has achieved on the 9th of September 2015 at the age of 89.

The bear comes with the classic touch of black and white. Its dark eyes and snout provides a deep contrast with its luxurious white Schulte mohair. This is further accompanied by a regal coronation robe of deep blue color with a spotted plush edging. Of course, nothing says more queenly than a crown on top of the bear’s head. These already speak of so much royalty but this special toy’s beauty does not stop here.

It belongs to the brand’s category of musical teddies as the Steiff Queen Elizabeth bear plays the national anthem, “God Save the Queen”, on its chest. To display such feature, it comes with golden embroidery on its lower right paw with a design that showcases a musical staff complete with a treble clef, a time frame and notes.

Since the Steiff Queen Elizabeth bear is a limited edition with only 2,015 pieces manufactured to match the year in which Her Majesty has reached the aforementioned milestone, it comes with the red and white fabric tag and the brand’s trademark button in ear in gold plating. These two further stamps its exclusive appeal making them more delectable in the eyes of collectors all over the globe.

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Common Materials Used in Stuffed Toy Making

Stuffed toys have been present for as long as we all could remember. You could even flip open your old family albums and see infant you surrounded by a ton of these cuddly wonders. But have you ever wondered what they are made of? What materials comprise the very item you adore cuddling and playing with? Today with the help of Steiffteddybears.co.uk, we are going to find out.

Now, there are many types of stuffed toys, various manufacturers and an endless models and designs so it would pretty obvious that this list can go on forever but for the sake of brevity we shall limit and generalize them into four categories namely: covering, stuffing, features and accessories.

COVERING

Stuffed toys come in many outer linings with majority if not all leaning on the soft and velvety texture. Toys can come in one or a combination of these. Popular materials used are the following.

·         Plush – Pertains to a type of fabric having a cut nap or pile. It consists of silk, rayon, cotton or similar other material. It is described to be luxuriously soft, rich and full to the touch.

·         Mohair – Dubbed as the "Diamond Fiber", this renowned fabric has a silk-like texture and a velvety touch backed by its resiliency and durability making it a favorite material for toys. Made from the hair of the Angora goat, it is also characterized by its high luster and sheen.

·         Fake Fur – Made of synthetic fibers, this is made to resemble fur and was first introduced in 1929. Apart from toys, it is also popularly used in clothing.

·         Fabric – Some pieces are made out of fabric, either of solid colors or of intricate details, instead of having a fur-like texture and look to it.

STUFFING

The stuffing is what makes the toy plump and holds its shape. Popularly used stuffing variants include cotton, plastic pellets, polyfill, straw, synthetic fiber batting and wood wool among others.

FEATURES

Features pertain to the item’s eyes, nose, hair, snout, paws and similar other parts. They can be made using an assortment of materials like thread, felt, buttons and glass.

ACCESSORIES

Stuffed toys always come with some added pizzazz like clothing and embellishments. These can be made out of fabric, ribbons, thread, yarn, buttons, lace, plastic, beads and other synthetic materials. Sometimes, they even come with special materials due to distinct features such as a musical chip and batteries for musical bears.

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Shop for Steiff Teddy Bears Online Like a Pro

Buying things online has now become a part of everyone’s routine. With technology on a constant buzz and the preference and need for convenience, everyone has flocked to their favorite online shops for pretty much anything and everything under the sun from plane tickets, hotel bookings, clothes, shoes, food and groceries, school and office supplies, gadgets, furniture, electronics, appliances, jewelry and even collectible pieces like the Steiff Teddy bears!

But how does one shop online like a pro? We’ll teach you with the help of the tips and tricks you can find listed below.

1.    Know what you are buying. – Steiff bears vary from one design to the other and from one year to the next. Research on the features of the toy you wish to purchase so it would be easier for you to authenticate and avoid scams.

2.    Always read and understand. – It is important that you not only read but also understand everything. Scrutinize the details and descriptions and do not solely rely on the photographs provided. This way you are fully aware of the items you are about to buy. This shall also prevent nay miscommunication with the seller.

3.    Check for privacy policies. – You will provide confidential information like names, addresses, credit card numbers and contact details among others. You want to be sure that these data are secured and will not be used for any other purposes except to support the sale transaction.

4.    Understand terms and conditions. – Each company has their own set of standards and the only way to know what these are would be to read the terms and conditions provided in the site. These statements can take up various topics such as site use, returns and exchange, refunds and cookie policy among others.

5.    Know the payment methods. – Credit and debit card, PayPal and cash on delivery are the most common modes of payment but be reminded that not all stores offer it. Refer back to item number three.

6.    Check the shipping methods provided. – Likewise, shipping varies from one vendor to the other. The costs will differ too as well as the delivery timeline. It is a must for you to check on this so that you can schedule your purchases should you need it for something, like a birthday present, and for you to better anticipate the arrival of your package.

7.    Read reviews and feedback. – When shopping for Steiff teddy bears online, always read reviews, feedback and testimonials about the shop and seller to fully gauge their quality and authenticity.

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How to Shop for Second Hand Steiff Teddy Bears

In this day and age buying vintage Steiff teddy bears has become a massive thing for many collectors all over the world. There is something about this pre loved toy that makes it tick. We’re hinting at history, exclusivity and appeal. The thing is not everyone has the skill in making smart and effective purchases when it comes to these toys. To fix that, we’ve come up with a bag of tricks and reminders to help you out.

·         Check for the ’Knopf im Ohr’ or the so called ‘Button in Ear’.

This helps validate its originality. Keep in mind that the earlier bears had an elephant on the button while later releases had the word “Steiff”. Moreover, the material used for the Knopf im Ohr can vary depending on the year that the toy was released and manufactured. Since we’re talking about vintage pieces not all of them may still have it intact. In such cases, the price of the toy decreases and thus are considered of lesser value than when the button in ear is still present. To validate, you can check if the ears have any holes in it where the button could have been placed.

·         Check the condition of the Steiff teddy bear.

The quality and condition of the toy will hugely depend on the manner in which they have been handled, stored and maintained by their previous owners. Check if their fur is unharmed without any discoloration and bald patches. Also verify if any eyes or accessories are missing, if the stitches and hems are still intact and most especially if a bug infestation has already occurred. Don’t be afraid to ask or inquire the seller about this. The condition of the toy will have a massive bearing on its value.

·         Ensure the seller’s credibility.

Vintage and collectible Steiff teddy bears are no doubt a popular and hot item for many people both for professional and amateur collectors. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if some people would take advantage of this thus one has to keep their guard up. After all, these vintage Steiff teddy bears do not come cheap. Always research and get to know the seller may they be a collector themselves, a physical shop or an online store. Read customer feedbacks and reviews or ask your peers and relatives for any suggestions and opinions.

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Adding Value to Your Steiff Teddy Bears with Proper Care and Maintenance

Steiff teddy bears have a long history to them. As a matter of fact they are famous for being the first of its kind. The German company that manufactures it also released several limited edition pieces that are considered a hot item for most collectors such as the black mohair ones that were made in commemoration of the Titanic incident. There are numerous other releases like that and even collaborations with renowned brands like Louis Vuitton, Swarovski and the Baccarat Tumbler. Furthermore, the earlier products are also much sought after just like the newer releases. It just goes off to say that these toys are truly a classic.

Apart from any sentimental and emotional value that each piece holds, they also have financial value in them. They are after all collectibles. Keeping their values intact or better yet appraised would be a dream come true, would you agree? If that is your cup of tea then you might want to know how to do exactly that in which case you can find the following extremely useful.

·         Check them for any signs of bugs. If insects have found a home inside your Steiff teddy bears then you have to immediately bring them to an expert for re-stuffing and cleaning. You can also do it at home but if you are dealing with expensive collectibles, it is best to leave the task to the experts.

·         See to it that the button ears are intact. Did you know that a toy of the same kind and condition can be priced differently depending on the absence or presence of these button ears? The “knopf-im-ohr” or roughly translated as the “button in ear” is a trademark of the Steiff company. They are present in all of their products. They also vary in color and design depending on whether or not the item is a limited edition a replica or a regular.

·         Keep them stored properly. Doing so will keep the mohair, fur and other materials used to manufacture it intact all throughout. Improper storage can leave room for bug infestation, dirt collection and moisture. All of that can rot and largely damage the toy creating obvious signs of wear and tear.

If you think it over, the above advice on adding value to your Steiff teddy bears are pretty basic but simple they may be, they will keep your toy as grand as can be.

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What to Remember When Buying Teddy Bears for Kids

Teddy bears are a classic and all time favorite toy item for children and the kids at heart. They are huggable, timeless, endearing and all around adorable. Most if not all, have them and we don’t really see why not. How many do you have or had as a kid? In fact, these cuddly bears are one of the most popularly bought and highly preferred present for children. If you are buying one then you have to keep the following advices in mind. Read well so you’d end up getting the perfect Teddy! Remember, kids can be picky.

Know what they like. This is as basic and simple as it gets. Since children have a particular fondness for things and are pretty much straightforward as to what they like and don’t like, it would be best to know what these preferences are. Colors are one. Take note that these stuffed animals are not limited to browns as what bears mostly look like but imagination can run amok in toy-land.

Try to check in to what they already have. You might end up getting one that is similar or worse completely identical to one that they already own. That wouldn’t be nice and it wouldn’t make your present special either. Try to ask their parents, sibling or anyone who knows.

Keep it age appropriate. There are toys that are not fit for a certain age group. Avoid getting big, bulky and heavy ones for the smaller kids. They may look grand and regal at first but they can pose harm too. If they are too big to carry around then they might cause accidents along the way.

Do away with choking hazards. This pertains to accessories like ribbons, clothing, hats and other details that come with the toy. Avoid those that come with many detachable features. Children especially toddlers have the tendency to put everything inside their mouth and we don’t want any choking incidents.

Make sure that it is durable and easy to clean. Teddy bears are first and foremost toys hence they will be played with over and over again. That being said, they have to be extremely durable. Its hair should not easily come off nor should its eyes, nose and other accessories easily tear off when pulled. Furthermore, since playtime can cause some dirt, they have to be easy to wash, clean and maintain.

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Tips When Buying Steiff Teddy Bears, Clothing and Accessories

In the world of toys, the Steiff teddy bears wear the crown. It just happens to be the first one of its kind and has been manufactured by one of the oldest and most established companies in the world. It has manufactured not only millions of toys but has also released a significant number of limited edition items that up until know are hot ticket possessions for collectors and toy lovers all over the globe. So it would be of no wonder why you may want to buy one either for yourself or as a present for someone you care about. The good news is we are here to help you do just that.

When you are about to buy a Steiff bear or even a piece of clothing and accessories for it, one has to consider the following questions and ask oneself:

Is it age appropriate? – Who are you buying it for? Remember that if you are specifically buying for kids, you have to take extra precautionary measures. Make sure that the toy is not way bigger or heavier than the child and that none of its accessories are too small that the kid could swallow and choke on them.

How old is the toy exactly? – Are you buying something that is brand new or a collector’s item? If your answer is the latter then you have to be extra careful. These toys have been around for decades now and need extra care, storage and maintenance. You have to know how to handle them correctly or else all that history will be put to waste.

Is it priced accordingly? – Make sure that the toy you buy is not overpriced. If you go to your nearest department store or toy shop then the chances of wrong pricing are less. However, if you choose to go for the internet which is oftentimes the place to head to if you are looking for limited  edition releases then you first have to do canvassing, research and comparisons.

Is it legitimate and original? – The Steiff teddy bear and all the other toys manufactured by the Steiff Company are characterized by their button ears. This is often the mark of an original toy. It is also important to research on and know how each toy’s button mark have changed over the course of the past years. Likewise, the oldest toys too have a different structure to them such as their mohair, the presence of claws, glass eyes and button eyes to name a few.