3413. Wish Bear 2002

100th Anniversary of Teddy Bear

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.

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 and gift products.

Award-winning GUND products appeal to all ages, from infants up, and are perfect for both play and collecting.

Based in Edison, New Jersey, GUND distributes throughout the United States and Canada as well as in Europe, Japan, Australia and South America.

GUND products may be found in gift, specialty, toy, book, museum and department stores and many other retail outlets.

GUND was founded by German immigrant Adolf Gund in Norwalk Connecticut in 1898. Using the best fabrics available he built a reputation that distinguished the company from its competition. When he retired in 1925, he sold the business to Jacob Swedlin with the understanding that the name and principles of GUND would always remain.

Mr. Swedlin passed control of the company to his daughter Rita and her husband Herbert Raiffe in 1969. It was during their tenure that GUND developed the trademarked manufacturing techniques that make GUND plush truly “The World’s Most Huggable”.

Bruce Raiffe became the third generation to run the company in 1993. Over the next decade, GUND expanded into international markets, and acquired in-demand licensed properties.

In 2008, Enesco, a leader in the gift and home décor industry, acquired GUND. Operating as a division of the Enesco family of brands, GUND continues to build and expand upon a century of tradition.

Today, GUND is a worldwide operation headquartered in Edison, New Jersey.

The American Brand Council, comprised of some the nation’s most eminent media and communication executives, has named GUND as one of the most trusted and influential brands in the United States.

GUND’s pioneering innovations in safety and manufacturing have continually set the standard for the plush industry. Gund was one of the first to introduce licensed plush through a partnership with Walt Disney properties, and became the first plush manufacturer to launch a national advertising campaign. Gotta Getta GUND, first introduced in the early 1980’s, remains one of the most recognized slogans in consumer marketing.

GUND has been nominated for and has won numerous Golden Teddy and TOBY Industry awards for plush design. Perhaps the greatest testament to GUND quality is the fact that several characters such as Snuffles™ and Tinkle Crinkle™ have appeared in stores for nearly 30 years. The extensive product line includes items for infants and children of all ages, as well as for adults and collectors.

By delivering quality, originality, and unparalleled huggability, GUND creates the most loved plush worldwide. For more than a century, GUND products have embodied the very spirit of a hug, making GUND the premier destination for premium plush.