FAQs

Steiff has been making teddy bears for a little over 120 years. It all started in 1902 when Richard Steiff designed the world’s first teddy bear.

Steiff teddy bears combine heritage dating to 1880 with distinctive design, carefully selected materials and detailed construction. Every genuine Steiff product carries the famous Button in Ear.

Only the finest materials are used for every Steiff Toy. The famous Steiff Schulte weaving mill in Duisburg produces mohair and alpaca using natural fibres, alongside high-quality woven synthetic plush. Steiff’s plush items are made using exceptionally soft yet durable outer materials to ensure both comfort and longevity. All fillings are brand new, hygienic, meeting the highest safety standards, posing no health risk.

A genuine Steiff bear carries the Button in Ear and an attached ear tag. Tag colours and button styles vary by collection, so buying from an authorised retailer provides additional reassurance.

Steiff is known for having unmatched quality standards. Every product is made with precision, durability, and attention to detail, so each piece isn’t just beautiful but truly made to last a lifetime.

Buy genuine Steiff bears from an authorised retailer. Bel Air stocks classic bears, limited editions, personalised bears and soft toys, with tracked delivery from a UK-based warehouse.

Durability for Steiff products is ensured by their own standardised Steiff seam width and a high stitch density, which makes the teddy bear stay in shape and strong even after years. The durability and long-lasting element is the reason why many Steiff toys are passed down from one generation to the next.

Some are. Steiff makes children’s soft toys and adult collectors’ pieces. Always check the product page because age and safety guidance varies by item.

Steiff maintains high hygiene standards during production through a combination of safe material sourcing, strict regulations, and independent audits, aligning with their motto "Only the best is good enough for children"

Some are individually numbered. Every current Steiff limited edition sold by Bel Air includes a Certificate of Authenticity, while the product page confirms its edition size and numbering.

Yes. Steiff products are checked and certified by respected independent organisations such as DEKRA and TÜV SÜD. Along with the independent testing, Steiff’s own quality management system is certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001 standards.

Steiff Mohair Bears are either Limited Editions or Classics, made from high-quality mohair with careful stitching, craftsmanship, hand-embroidered details, and traditional joints. 

To ensure you are buying a genuine Steiff Bear, always choose a trusted dealer such as Bel Air, which has over 25 years of experience with fast, tracked UK delivery. The tag in the ear confirms authenticity, while Limited Editions also include a Certificate of Authenticity for added reassurance.

No, a Steiff “Button in Ear” cannot be replaced. It makes a punched hole, and a replacement wouldn’t meet the required strength and safety standards.

No. Only Steiff Limited Editions include a Certificate of Authenticity. For all other Steiff bears, the Button/Tag in Ear is the official mark of authenticity.

Steiff Bears’ shoulder hump reflects the anatomy of real bears, especially grizzly types, where strong shoulder muscles create a noticeable hump used for digging and power.

Only Steiff Bears and Animals from the Baby & Child category are machine washable, usually at 30°C. Collector’s pieces, especially those made from mohair or alpaca, should not be machine-washed and are surface washable. Always check the care label attached to your item before cleaning.

Steiff adheres to a strict Code of Conduct and prioritizes environmental, social, and economic responsibility. The company conserves resources, supports recycling, and develops alternative materials such as hemp, linen, bamboo, and paper to reduce its environmental impact.

Most premium Steiff Bears, especially collector’s items and limited editions, are still made in Giengen, Germany, where the company has operated since 1880. Steiff also produces some of its plush ranges in facilities in Tunisia and Cambodia, working under the same quality standards.

Steiff soft toys meet strict safety and hygiene standards according to DIN EN ISO 9001. They also carry the CE mark for toys, indicating they have been tested and are safe for children when used as intended.

Choose based on use: Collectors and Limited Editions are handcrafted Mohair bears for display, while Plush and Baby ranges are soft, durable, machine-washable, and safe for children 0+. And personalised bears are designed to be cherished keepsakes.

No, we do not buy old bears; we only stock Steiff’s current range.

Bel Air does not provide valuations. Steiff bear values vary widely by age, rarity, condition, and original tags. Checking the ear tag code online, consulting specialist collectors, or visiting auction sites can help estimate the value.

Yes, we can ship internationally. Please email us to ask for further details.

Yes, at Bel Air we stock Steiff Bears in the UK, which means delivery is fast, and all orders are dispatched via Royal Mail Tracked post.