The Story of Sophie the Giraffe: From Paris to Playrooms Around the World

If you have ever wandered through the aisles of a baby store, peeked into a nappy bag, or been handed a chewed-up giraffe at a playdate, chances are you have already met her: Sophie the Giraffe. With her gentle smile, soft squeak, and oh-so-chewable ears, she is more than just a teething toy, she is a rite of passage. But did you know Sophie has been charming little ones for over 60 years? Let’s take a little stroll through her history.

Born in Paris, 1961

Sophie’s story begins on May 25, 1961, in Paris. A man named Monsieur Rampeau had the clever idea to create a toy giraffe made entirely from natural rubber. At the time, baby toys were mostly shaped like farm animals. But Rampeau wanted something different, something exotic that would spark a baby’s curiosity. And so, Sophie was born.

Why a giraffe? At 18cm tall with spots that stand out to a baby’s developing eyesight, Sophie was just the right size and shape for little hands. She was produced in France using a traditional method called rotomoulding, a handcrafting technique that is still used today

The Name “Sophie”

Here is a fun fact. Sophie the Giraffe was named after Saint Sophie’s Day, which fell on the very day she was first launched in 1961. And just like that, she went from an idea in a workshop to a beloved French baby essential

A Toy That Became a Tradition

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Sophie the Giraffe gained iconic status in France. She was gifted at baby showers, brought along in prams, and passed down between siblings. Parents loved her because she was safe, natural, and endlessly soothing for teething gums. Babies loved her because, well, have you seen those legs? Perfect for chewing

By the 1990s, Sophie was no longer just a French secret. She started appearing in nurseries across Europe, and soon enough, she made her way into homes all around the world

Still Handmade After All These Years

Despite her global fame, Sophie the Giraffe is still made in France today, each one crafted from 100% natural Hevea tree rubber and painted with food-grade paint. Every Sophie goes through a meticulous 14-step process before ending up in the hands (and mouths) of babies. Your Sophie is basically a piece of French artisanal history. Très chic

From Parisian Icon to Global Baby Essential

Fast forward to now: Sophie is loved in more than 80 countries, with over 70 million Sophies sold. She is often spotted with celebrity parents (yes, even royal babies) but remains just as beloved by everyday families who appreciate her simple charm.

Sophie the Giraffe has not changed much since 1961, and that is the beauty of it. She proves that sometimes the simplest designs are the most timeless. A giraffe with a squeak, a smile, and a knack for soothing sore gums has been all it takes to win hearts for over half a century

Why We Love Sophie

At Jade and May, we love Sophie not just for her cuteness factor (though it is off the charts), but because she is a beautiful example of thoughtful, ethical craftsmanship. Handmade, natural, safe, and timeless, she ticks all the boxes of what we value most.

So next time you see a little one clutching Sophie with wide-eyed devotion, know that you are witnessing a tiny piece of history in action. After all, trends may come and go, but Sophie the Giraffe is here to stay