Cuddly toys, soft toys, plushies (in America), rag dolls are all beloved of generations of children and adults alike.

The earliest recorded history of the cuddly toy dates back to the 17th century, although children throughout the ages will probably have had their own version of Linus' ( from Charles Schulz' Peanuts comic strip ) security blanket - and even stone-age parents may well have stuffed discarded animal skins with soft materials to provide their babies with comfort objects.

In the late 19th century, Margaret Steiff started a small family business in Germany making stuffed toys, mostly animals and, notably, bears. Since then the commercial production of all manner of cuddly toys has burgeoned. Materials and patterns for home-made toys are easily obtainable from craft and hobby stores, and many a mum and grandma has lovingly knitted or sewn completely original toys using scraps of spare wool and cloth.

Today no nursery or child's bedroom is without its collection of stuffed animals and favourite characters from books, nursery rhymes, films and cartoons. And many a much-loved teddy bear or other favourite stays with its owner throughout their adult life - to be passed on eventually down the generations.