As far back as the frosty Ice Age children's hearts have been warmed by little toy animals carved from bone. Many centuries later, toy animals were made from wood, paper, tin, cardboard and papier maché. Sadly, they were not made to be cuddled. Then in 1880 Margarethe Steiff introduced onto the market the first felt toy animal, which was an elephant. From then on, soft and cuddly creatures were a huge success in children's rooms around the world. The selection of animals quickly grew in all shapes and forms. The charm of the figures was enhanced and refined by the use of different materials, like fabric, felt, plush, mohair and velvet. Above all, the animals' eyes were the most fascinating aspect. The lively expression in the glass eyes of a cuddly toy animal could even soften an adult's heart. The figures displayed in the Doll's House Museum represent a historical overview of the happy world of cuddly toys.