How to Buy Vintage Collectible Stuffed Toys

Vintage collectible stuffed toys include Steiff and Gund teddy bears and other bears and a variety of other stuffed animals, like monkeys and lions. Toys used to promote movies or fast food restaurants, such as Bambi and the Little Mermaid, also fit this category. Now more than ever, collectors set their sights on stuffed toys from the 1960s and earlier. Here's where to find vintage stuffed toys.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Explore toy and stuffed animal sites online for useful links. Grasshoppertoys provides links to sites selling all types of soft toys and vintage stuffed animals (see Resources below).

2. Look in antique shops and browse flea markets. You'll find many unusual items from these sources, especially in small towns and rural areas. Browse estate sales and yard sales. You'll find many one-of-a-kind items there.

3. Check eBay if you want hard-to-find toys or vintage toys produced in foreign countries. The German and British eBay sites feature many unusual stuffed toys up for auction.

4. Browse the price guides put out by "Beckett's Collectibles" or lists in magazines like "Teddy Bear and Friends." They offer well-researched details on vintage stuffed toys and their current market value.

5. Visit a toy or teddy bear expo or show when it comes to your town. You'll need to check your favorite toy or teddy bear publication or website for the latest information. Although big shows like the Doll and Teddy Bear Expo concentrate on new toys and dolls, you might get a lead on where to find vintage stuffed toys there.

Resources

• Buy vintage stuffed toys at Icollectorbazaar.com.
• Look for vintage stuffed toys by using these links at Grasshoppertoys.com.