Polka Dot Club

Handmade with patience and care, the Polka Dot Club is a collection of heritage toys created by second-generation teddy bear maker Jen Murphy. Each piece is made using natural materials and techniques employed by the finest toy makers over 100 years ago, all the while adding contemporary elements bringing heritage toy making into the 21^st century. These are bears that pay homage to the past but are wholly modern playthings for today. They are heirlooms for now & forever.

Mohair toys are handmade in Minneapolis USA and the cotton toys are handmade in Peru. 

Small group of sewers in Lima, Peru. This collaboration has been a powerful one. It’s not fast, inexpensive, nor easy to work in Peru, but it is meaningful. This sewing group was started to support hearing impaired women and now employs a handful of very talented sewers. The history of craft is threaded throughout the Peruvian culture, learning and working with Pilar, Cecilia, Yesenia, Carmen, Kristine.

Life can be messy, especially where kids are involved. It’s important to us that we’re able to clean it up now and again. Please see below for laundering recommendations for all PDC toys below.

PDC Bears: Spot clean and set in the sun to dry. For a deeper clean, place inside a small laundry bag and machine wash (only PDC Bears stuffed with polyfill should go into the wash stuffed- if you're handy, you can un-stuff the cotton stuffing from these to launder) in cold water with a mild soap. Air dry or tumble dry on low. 

PDC Big Bears: Spot clean and set in the sun to dry.

PDC Classic Bears: Spot clean and set in the sun to dry.

PDC Floppy Bears:  Spot clean and set in the sun to dry. For a deeper clean, place inside a small laundry bag and machine wash in cold water with a mild soap. Air dry or tumble dry on low.

PDC Medium & Large Rabbits: Remove all clothing. Spot clean and set in the sun to dry.

PDC Clothes: All clothes may be gently hand washed and laid flat to dry.

*A NOTE ABOUT WATER WASHING* Spot washing and air-drying are always the most gentle method of wet laundering. While there is no harm in getting your bear or rabbit wet, the trick is getting him dry. The hot sun is the best option but in a pinch, some bears may be tucked in a laundry bag to dry on low. This will certainly add wear and personality to your bear, but we openly admit we like any wear that comes from a well-loved plaything. Be sure that all the moisture is out of the stuffing before you return the freshly washed friend to your beloved. 

Notes for the Handy: with Larger Rabbits or Bears, feel free to unstuff the bodies of these pieces and wash them that way. Once dry, stuff them again.

The POLKA DOT CLUB is committed to creating safe and beautiful toys that will last for generations. We are registered with the CPSC and are in compliance with US toy safety laws. That said, all common sense rules apply: Be sure that your bear is free from any rips, tears, or other “injures” from rough and tumble play. Remove any and all tags and fasteners before giving to your child. 

Please note all AGE RECOMMENDATIONS. Mohair is a beautiful fiber, but it’s not appropriate for children still mouthing toys.