Steiff bears are not only a beautiful example of a vintage teddybear but a highly collectible item. Having been gifted my first one many years ago, I was bitten by the bug and have since bought quite a few more - most I've kept, some that I've given as gifts and several that I've bought for my daughter.

The company now produce a varying range of animals, as well as seasonal pieces and the occasional 'rare' collection. Having been around for some 100 years or more, they've more or less cornered the market in vintage teddybears - and if you're a lover of stuffed toys, it's time to add a Steiff to your collection.

Steiff Bears

These two particular models are based upon a 1920's mohair model. The first of the two is among the cheaper Steiff bears and the second one is the luxury version - and is made from mohair. I have the second of the two - bought as a gift sometime around my second 21st birthday!

They are:

• fully jointed - arms, legs, neck
• almost 12" and 10" respectively in height

• the first one is fully washable

• the second one - wipe clean only

My First Steiff Bear

My First Steiff Bear is from the Juvenile collection and is aimed at babies and young children. A perfect first christmas gift, for a christening or even a first birthday, they're safe for young ones to play with and made from a very soft touch plush fabric.

Each one is:

• 10" tall
• Safe for babies as young as one month old
• Machine washabl
• Available in three colors - beige, pink and blue
• Has 'my first steiff' stitched onto its paw

Steiff 3" Mohair Mini Teddy Bear

The Steiff teddymini bear is one that I've bought for my daughter. In fact there's a smaller key-chain version, which she also has. The mini bear comes in several colors, green, beige and rose and white.

Each one is:

• 3 to 3.5" tall
• Made from a mohair fabric

• Non-machine washable - wipe clean only

Mini Steiff Collectible Panda

This one is another Steiff mini bear, though he's a lot more expensive due to the fact that he's manfactured out of the finest alpaca hair. This gives a much softer feel than the plush or mohair and the material justifies the price.

This little panda is:

• 4" tall
• Fully jointed - arms, neck, legs

2007 Steiff Bear Swarovski Crystal Poinsettia Ornament

This Steiff is less to play with and more an ornament - and would make a great Christmas or celebration gift. Manufactured in mohair with a beautiful Swarovski crystal, set into a poinsettia arrangement. This design was limited to 2007 - therefore they're a very desirable Steiff.

Hansel Mohair Baby Faced Bear

Another handsome Steiff bear, this one is Hansel, and he's based upon a collection of vintage bears by Marcia Haluga. He's a limited adition piece and one of only 1500. A potential family heirloom and a wonderful gift ... or treat for those that simply love the Steiff range. He come's with:

• A wooden yo-yo with the Steiff logo

• A black, embroidered drawstring bag

Steiff Christmas Teddy Bear 

This little fella would make a wonderful Christmas gift, dressed as Santa Claus and standing at 10" tall. His costume can be removed though he'd be a bare bear without it! Another Steiff bear created from Alpaca wool and a limited edition piece. He is:

• One of only 2008 pieces

• Fully jointed - neck, arms and legs

Steiff Bears

Steiff Bears were created over 100 years ago, by Margarete Steiff, who was a German seamstress. Originally, she fashioned a series of elephants, which she gave away to friends with the intention that they be used as pincushions.

On discovering that her elephant pincushions were being played with by children, she developed her original efforts, going on to design and create a range of other stuffed animals - such as cats and dogs.

In 1897, having enjoyed some success with her animals, Margarete was joined by her nephew, Richard and it was he that originally hit upon the teddy bear designs. This was 1902. Within 5 years, the Steiff name had manufactured and distributed over 970,000 bears.

The sign of excellence, the button in the ear, is purely a Steiff trademark. Again, this was an idea created and implemented by another of Margarete's nephews, Franz. He came up with the idea simply because he wanted to prevent counterfeit merchandise - even back then, there was always someone looking to copy ideas and steal revenue!

From the inception of the company, until the present day, the various bears and animals are still subjected to the same painstaking standards. Each piece is:

• All but hand-made
• Fire retardant
•  Made from either a high quality, lavishly woven fabric, felt, mohair or alpaca
• Stuffed with either polyester fibre or wood shavings
• The eyes are made from either glass or wood, depending on the design
• Tested to withstand a high amount of handling – the company motto is “only the best is good enough for children” and so the tests were tailored accordingly
• Given the button in the ear trademark on its completed manufacture and testing

Although Margarete Steiff died of pneumonia in 1907, the company has gone from strength to strength. The name is now synonymous with excellence and many of the Steiff products can and do exchange hands between collectors for larger sums of money.

I own quite a few - some of which have increased in value either since I bought them or had them bought for me. The rarer pieces, those that stem from limited edition collections, are a worthy investment and more than just a toy.

For me, they remind me of childhood teddy bears and the memories that go with them. You don't have to buy an expensive one - there are many that are more than reasonably priced. Start with a cheaper one, get a feel for the quality and general appeal. I thoroughly recommend Steiff bears and if ever you're feeling generous, I'd like a limited edition Steiff 1912 Black Teddy Bear Replica please.

And no, at around $300 he's not the most expensive I could wish for. But he's just delicious and the one that I'd love to own ... next.