What toy was before the teddy bear?

Before the teddy bear became popular in the early 20th century, the most iconic stuffed toys were generally cloth dolls and animals. Notably, the "Steiff" company in Germany created a line of stuffed animals in the late 19th century, including the first known plush toy elephant. Additionally, various other soft toys and dolls existed, often handmade, reflecting the cultural and artistic styles of their time.