As an energetic young girl, Margarete Steiff fought for her place in life, against much resistance. With a pin cushion in the shape of a small stuffed elephant, Margarete laid the foundations for the first Steiff bears, designed in 1902 by her nephew Richard Steiff, who is credited with creating the world’s first, jointed, Steiff teddy bear. This unprecedented success story still continues 135 years later!