Anima Soft Toys — a French take on the animal kingdom
Groupe Anima was established in Alsace and has been creating plush animals since the early 1960s. The company designs its collections at its headquarters in Hipsheim, near Strasbourg, and works with Hansa Creation in the Philippines for hand-crafted production. This partnership combines European design standards with decades of artisan experience. The catalogue now includes animals from every major habitat — forests, savannahs, oceans, mountains and farmyards.
Designed to look real
Anima's design team starts with the real animal and works from there. Proportions, posture and the fall of the fur all follow nature rather than a stylised template. A deer stands slender on long legs, an owl sits compact with its head turned slightly to the side. The fur is selected to match each species in texture and tone, then brushed by hand after assembly so that it sits naturally. This attention to accurate form gives the toys a presence that sets them apart on a shelf or in a display.
The range
The core Anima collection features realistic depictions of wild and domestic species. Woodland animals, African wildlife, farm favourites and sea creatures all have a place. The Animadoo line caters to babies and toddlers with softer fabrics and gentler shapes. Têtabizous offers pocket-sized animals — small enough for a handbag or a child's coat pocket. Anima also produces bespoke mascots and limited editions for corporate clients, theme parks, zoos and museums.
For collectors and animal enthusiasts
Collectors appreciate Anima for the consistency of its design language. Every animal in the range follows the same principle — realistic proportions, natural expression, quality materials — which makes different species sit well together as a group. Some collectors focus on a habitat, building up a woodland scene or an African set. Others follow a favourite animal family across the range. Because each piece is hand-finished, subtle differences appear between individual toys of the same species, giving each one a slight character of its own.
Materials and standards
All Anima soft toys are filled with recycled fibres derived from plastic waste. The synthetic furs used for each collection are individually developed and tested for harmful substances. Every product meets the European EN 71 safety standard for toys and carries the CE mark. The partnership with Hansa Creation also means access to established sustainable practices in the production facility, including the use of collected rainwater since 1994.
Practical uses beyond play
Schools and nurseries use Anima animals to bring nature topics into the classroom. The realistic look helps children connect a plush figure with the real species — useful during biology lessons, reading sessions or themed project weeks. In therapeutic settings, the soft, natural-looking animals serve as conversation aids. Speech therapists, occupational therapists and care home staff report that a familiar-looking animal can open doors that direct conversation sometimes cannot. The soft texture provides a calming tactile element, particularly in dementia care.
Looking after your Anima soft toy
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and mild soap. Let the toy dry at room temperature, then brush the fur lightly to restore its natural fall. Do not machine wash — the sculpted shape and hand-brushed fur are best maintained through gentle surface care.