Gund Stuffed Animals

For more than a century, GUND has been creating unique teddy bears and other soft toys recognized the world over for their quality and innovation.

The leading soft toy manufacturer in the U.S., and also the oldest, GUND was founded by German immigrant Adolph Gund in Norwalk, Connecticut in 1898. GUND was one of the first companies to design and produce teddy bears in the early 1900's.

When Adolph Gund started America's original plush company, he had a simple formula for success. Use the best materials. Find the best craftsmen. And stuff everything with a lotta love. Four generations and over a hundred years later, Mr. Gund would be pleased to know that some things never change.

History

GUND: A Family Tradition since 1898

In 1907, a young Russian immigrant, Jacob Swedlin, took a modest job at GUND. When Adolph Gund retired in 1925 with no children of his own, he sold the business to Swedlin for a token sum with the understanding the name would always remain GUND. Jacob Swedlin passed down control of the company to his daughter Rita Raiffe and her husband Herbert Raiffe in 1969.

Herbert Raiffe continued Gund's tradition of producing high quality plush and the company prospered under his leadership. Also, under the direction of Herbert and Rita Raiffe, the company began using its now trademarked under-stuffing technique, the heart of the world's most huggable plush. Bruce Raiffe, the third generation to run the company, joined GUND in 1977, became President in 1993, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in July 2004. In July 2004, Jim Madonna was appointed President of GUND, marking the first time in the Company's 106 year history that a non-founding family member took the reins. Prior to his appointment to President of GUND, Jim Madonna enjoyed a long, professional affiliation with GUND, having spent the last 3 years as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and 5 years as senior advisor to Bruce Raiffe, GUND's former President.

Gunds on Amazon

Gund 18-Inch Brighton Bear

Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 07/19/2008)

Snuggle Bear by Gund

Amazon Price: $7.90 (as of 07/19/2008)

Gund My First Play set "Tackle Box"

Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/19/2008)

Gund 10-Inch Snuffles Bear

Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 07/19/2008)

Gund 11-Inch Goober Bear

Amazon Price: $21.95 (as of 07/19/2008)

History cont'd

GUND was responsible for pioneering many innovations, safety standards and manufacturing processes for the toy industry. Jacob Swedlin introduced the concept of industry licensing with well-known cartoon characters such as Felix the Cat, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Popeye and others. GUND was also the first company to produce a musical toy that was affordably-priced for the average American family. GUND has always been committed to product safety, and the company set an important industry standard by devising a way to attach eyes securely to plush animals, preventing them from being pulled out by small children.

The famous GOTTA GETTA GUND advertising campaign in the early 1980's led to the company's recognition as a leading consumer brand. Snuffles the bear and Muttsy the dog are two of the company's most famous characters. Beginning in late 2002, GUND launched a new consumer ad campaign with two adorable creations, Manni and Dreyfus. The world is once again saying, "Gotta Getta GUND".

Today, the company manufactures an extensive collection of unique characters and licensed plush under the GUND and babyGUND brands.

GUND is known worldwide for its top quality, soft and huggable plush designs. Award-winning GUND products appeal to all ages, from infants up, and are perfect for both play and collecting. The 106 year old company is based in Edison, New Jersey, and distributes throughout the United States and Canada as well as in Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. GUND products may be found in gift, specialty, toy, book, museum and department stores and many other retail outlets. To find your nearest retailer, visit www.gund.com.

Gunds on eBay

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Baron

Collector's Classic

This is Baron my favorite Gund. This one is special to me as there was a mis-print on his name tag.

His name tag says Barbon, and it took me years to figure out that his real name is Baron.

I can't recall when I bought him, sometime in the early 1980's and it is very difficult to even find information on Baron.

My Gund Collection

I have a few select Gunds that I have collected over the years and will be taking pictures and posting them here.

Cleaning Instructions

Please follow the instructions on your item's sewn-in label.

If your stuffed toy is missing its instruction label, we suggest only a surface wash with mild detergent.

Gund also offers Teddy Bear Bath® - Plush Toy Stain Remover for this purpose.

Plush Toy Stain Remover on eBay

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Surface Wash Instructions:

Do NOT immerse toy in water

Remove all accessories from stuffed toy

First test cleanser on small area of toy surface

With a clean cloth and tepid water, lightly blot affected area using mild detergent or Teddy Bear Bath

Repeat blotting using tepid water to rinse detergent from toy surface

In the folds of a clean towel, squeeze stuffed toy several times to remove excess moisture

Allow to air dry

Once dry, stuffed toy surface may be fluffed and brushed

Repeat as needed