By simple word of mouth, the little giraffe's fame spread.

From then on in Europe, generation upon generation of children were to love hearing Sophie squeak whenever they pressed her tummy or head.

Vulli, a company based in Rumilly in the Haute-Savoie region of France has continued to keep the jealously guarded secret of how this wonder toy is made. Sophie the Giraffe is still "traditionally" produced to this day, a process that involves more than 14 manual operations.

This includes individually hand painting each giraffe meaning that no two Sophies are exactly the same.

If purchased in a gift box there is a blue card inside which may sometimes rub off onto sophies head, you can remove this by simply wiping the head of Sophie

Made from 100 per cent natural rubber derived from the sap of the Hevea tree, Sophie’s flexible, renewable, natural materials and non-toxic food grade paint mean she is a safe and natural teething toy for your little one. Over time the paint may wear off Sophie as baby plays - especially if she is chewed lots or harsh chemical wipes are used on her.

Since her creation in 1961 Sophie the Giraffe has wowed over 50 million babies (and parents) worldwide with her natural beauty and charm and her retro style has ensured that she has remained fashionable for over 50 years.

In France nine out of 10 new-born babies are given their own Sophie la giraffe.

Still the same, even after more than 50 years, she hasn’t dated in the slightest.

For the last 2+ years Sophie has been manufactured with a batch number on the leg. Prior to this it was possible to buy a Sophie with no batch number, so if she is missing one this does not mean it is a fake.

The batch numbering method has changed across time as manufacturing methods improve - originally batch numbers were part of the mold so would feel raised on the leg of the toy. Currently they are laser etched and so are very easy to miss - it's very, very faint but is there if you have a close look. This is done, so it does not spoil the aesthetics of the toy, but is there for identification.

Box Contains

1 x Sophie la girafe natural rubber teething toy