Benjamin Bunny Stuffed Toys - Collectible Plush Rabbits

The Beloved Benjamin Bunny Storybook Character Brought to Life

The charming children's book character Benjamin Bunny has delighted young readers since his debut appearance alongside Peter Rabbit in Beatrix Potter's "The Tale of Benjamin Bunny" in 1904. Known for his little blue jacket and impish spirit, Benjamin has become one of Potter's most iconic anthropomorphic rabbit characters. It's no wonder that stuffed animal versions of Benjamin are sought after by collectors and children alike over a century later.

Benjamin Bunny's Place in Beatrix Potter's Books

As Beatrix Potter's books gained popularity in the early 1900s, readers became enamored with the adventures of Peter Rabbit and his friends. In Benjamin's first outing with Peter, the two rabbits get into mischief sneaking into Mr. McGregor's garden to retrieve Peter's lost clothes. The artful rabbits have to evade the gardener and his cat, all while dressed up in a little suit jacket and hat borrowed from a scarecrow.

This appealing story cemented Benjamin as a fan favorite character. He appeared again alongside Peter in "The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies" and was given his own solo story in "The Tale of Benjamin Bunny and the Return of Peter Rabbit." Cheeky, resourceful Benjamin proved the perfect companion to explore more rabbit-centered tales of the English countryside through Potter's beautiful illustrations and whimsical writing style.

Translating a Beloved Storybook Bunny Into Plush Form

It's only natural that a character as iconic as Benjamin Bunny would be immortalized in the form of a stuffed animal. Toy companies were quick to pick up on the popularity of Potter's works and the marketability of her storybook bunnies as plush playthings for children.

The classic illustrations of Benjamin in his little blue jacket with brass buttons by Potter herself helped establish the recognizable Benjamin Bunny design translated into many stuffed animals over the years. Finding the perfect fabric in a suitable Benjamin blue along with little brass-toned buttons and a miniature blue hat help capture his endearing look. An expression that captures Benjamin's personalities as a sometimes cautious yet nevertheless adventuresome bunny completes the Benjamin Bunny stuffed animal appeal.

Why Benjamin Bunny Stuffed Animals Endure

There are several reasons why Benjamin Bunny stuffed toys remain popular collectible items even today:

• Nostalgic appeal - Many adults first encountered the Beatrix Potter tales, including Benjamin's adventures, as young children. Owning a plush Benjamin Bunny brings back those happy childhood memories.
• Gifting for young readers - Parents want to share the Beatrix Potter books they loved with their own kids. A Benjamin Bunny stuffed animal is a perfect accompanying gift to introduce a new young reader to the classic bunny stories.
• Quality and craftsmanship - The enduring popularity of brands like Steiff, Gund, and Mary Meyer when it comes to Beatrix Potter stuffed animals keeps collectors coming back. Attention to fabric choices and faithful design is appreciated.
• rabbits remain "in" - As cute animals, rabbits continue to have appeal for young children. And the charm of Benjamin Bunny extends that draw for Beatrix Potter fans.

Where to Find Benjamin Bunny Stuffed Toys Old and New

For over 100 years, toy companies and speciality shops have offered Benjamin Bunny stuffed animals intermittently. Those who received Benjamin as children may now be looking for replacement items to share. Meanwhile, new generations discover the appeal of the little blue rabbit each year when introduced to Potter's stories.

Online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy offer collectors opportunities to find vintage Benjamin toys as well as some out-of-production versions more recently manufactured. The secondary market has kept hard-to-find Benjamin Bunnies from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s available for dedicated fans.

For shoppers looking for new Benjamin plush options, several toy makers still produce Benjamin items or make them available on a limited run basis. Melissa & Doug periodically offers a 16 inch Benjamin Bunny plush that faithfully replicates Potter's original watercolor illustrations. Charlie Bears created a Mohair Benjamin Bunny with a handmade feel in the 2010s that pops up now and then. And specialty gift company Vandor recently released a mini plush key clip version of Benjamin for Potter devotees. Sites like Amazon also get regular inventory of Benjamin Bunny stuffed animals produced under license.

Part of the continuing delight for collectors is the variety of high quality Benjamin Bunny stuffed representations available if one keeps hunting. For over a century, the beloved little rabbit in the blue jacket continues bringing joy to Beatrix Potter fans old and new when they find the perfect cuddly version to add to their collections.

FAQs

What was Benjamin Bunny's first appearance?

Benjamin Bunny made his first appearance in Beatrix Potter's 1904 book "The Tale of Benjamin Bunny" alongside Peter Rabbit. In the story, the two rabbits sneak into Mr. McGregor's garden to retrieve Peter's lost clothes.

What makes Benjamin Bunny stuffed toys so popular?

Reasons for Benjamin Bunny stuffed animal popularity include nostalgic appeal for Beatrix Potter book fans, their gifting appeal for young readers, quality craftsmanship, and the enduring cuteness of rabbits.

What companies make Benjamin Bunny plush toys?

Some popular current and past Benjamin Bunny stuffed animal manufacturers include Melissa & Doug, Charlie Bears, Steiff, Gund, Mary Meyer, and Vandor under license.

Where can I buy Benjamin Bunny stuffed animals?

New and vintage Benjamin Bunny plush toys can be purchased online at sites like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy as well as specialty toy and gift shops.