Playing is a primeval instinct of mankind which gave rise to survival stategies and behaviour, as well as developing the capacity to learn. A toy is more than a tool though, it stimulates the mind, refines our motoric skills and lends wings to our fantasy: with our toys we can conceptualize the world, they make an impression on us, accompany our successes as well as our defeats and comfort us. When we see our old Teddy again, then our hearts are warmed instantly and the name of our favourite doll is remembered for decades.

(C.Wodarz (2001). Spielzeug im Wandel der Zeit 1900-2000. Isensee Verlag: Oldenburg).