The Schildkröt brand for several generations has stood for the traditional craft of doll making unlike any other in Germany. From great-grandmothers to grandchildren – everyone loves and cherishes their Schildkröt dolls. A great deal of love and care goes into the manufacture of each and every one of our dolls, boasting exquisite craftsmanship you can see and feel.

From limited-edition, beautifully crafted artist dolls to charming classics such as the ‘Schlummerle’ doll (the soft baby doll for cuddling and playing with, perfect even for very young children) – all our products, including dolls clothes, are made in Germany using non-toxic raw materials as well as sustainably produced materials. In an age where the global toy industry relies more than ever on cheap, massproduced items, we have stood by our principle of traditional manufacturing (‘Made in Germany’) and will continue to do so. The result is high-quality, handcrafted toys that are highly collectible and offer exceptional play value, while also being durable and safe for children. Schildkröt has kept its promise for 124 years.

When our company began making toys in 1896, high-quality dolls were still a luxury item. Not only that, but lifelike dolls modelled after babies were usually made from porcelain and therefore very fragile and not suitable for children. The Schildkröt founders’ innovative idea of making dolls from celluloid – a material which at the time was brand new – enabled for the first time the large-scale production of realistic children’s dolls that were washable, colourfast, durable and hygienic. This new robust design was symbolised by the turtle trademark in the company logo – an exceptional statement back then and the beginning of a success story that continues to this day. As early as 1911, the time of Kaiser Wilhelm II, our dolls were international bestsellers and exported to countries around the globe. Models such as ‘Bärbel’ ,‘Inge’ or ‘Bebi Bub’ – one of the first-ever boy dolls – have accompanied entire generations of doll mums through their childhood adventures. Quite a number of these once cherished and well-cared-for historical baby dolls are now valuable collector’s items.

Schildkröt and Käthe Kruse are The Pioneers of dolls and owned by Hape

“The acquisition by the Hape Group enables Schildkröt to internationalize in a way that we would not have been able to do on our own. We are happy and look forward to working with the Hape-Team into the future.” 

Hape has the same roots and the same shared value: education makes the world a better place for children and give young people around the world the possibility to educate themselves through play-based learning this we like to implement in the doll’s world.

“Combing the two historical and change making German Doll Companies under one Hape roof is a great moment. Schildkröt as Kathe Kruse help to bring love and play to the world since 100 years ago, As Hape intends for love play, learn, I personal see this as a love play, care momentum. With Hape’s spirit we will bring Schildkröt back to full success and let more children discover the value of care giving.”