Sophie the Giraffe is back at Älva (and we were the first to bring her to Spain)
A few years ago, Sophie disappeared from our shelves. Not because we didn't want her—but because circumstances dictated it. But some things come back because they have to come back. And Sophie is one of them.
Today, the world's most famous giraffe is back at Älva. And if you've been looking for her in Madrid for a while, now you know where to find her.
A story that began in France in 1961
Sophie was born on May 25, 1961, in France, and her name pays homage to Saint Sophie, celebrated on that day in France. She was created by Monsieur Rampeau, who had the idea of applying natural rubber molding to the world of baby toys. Her manufacturing process remains one of her manufacturer's best-kept secrets, of which only 14 manual operations are known.
Since then, the success of this simple, elegant, and practical teething toy has been unstoppable thanks to the best marketing in the world: word of mouth. Millions of mothers, seeing that their babies simply adored little Sophie, began to buy and gift her.
And at Älva, we know this well. We were one of the first stores in Spain to sell her—almost twenty years ago. Thousands of children in Malasaña grew up biting her, squeezing her, losing her, and finding her under the sofa. Now we want new generations to enjoy her.
Why babies love her—and science explains it
Sophie is not just a good-looking teether. She is meticulously designed to stimulate all five of a baby's senses:
👁️ Sight—Her contrasting colors, yellow and brown, attract the baby's attention and help them focus and distinguish objects.
👂 Hearing—When squeezed anywhere, she emits a soft sound that surprises and amuses.
👅 Taste and touch—Made from 100% natural rubber from the Hevea tree and painted with food-grade inks. Phthalate-free, BPA-free. Safe for putting in the mouth—which is, basically, what they're going to do.
👃 Smell—That characteristic natural rubber smell is one of the baby's first olfactory stimuli. Rare but real.
Her long neck and flexible body make her easy for small hands to grasp, and her different parts for biting—ears, horns, legs—are perfect for soothing gums during teething.
About the famous controversy—let's clarify
Yes, Sophie had her moment in the headlines a few years ago. And it's worth clarifying without drama: the problem wasn't Sophie, but incorrect use. Sophie the Giraffe should not be submerged in water—being natural rubber with an internal squeaker, moisture can accumulate inside if she gets excessively wet. The solution is as simple as cleaning her with a damp cloth. And like any toy a baby puts in their mouth, it should be checked regularly and replaced when necessary. Nothing that doesn't apply to any teether on the market.
That said: Sophie has been on the market for over 60 years and is still the go-to teether worldwide. She must be doing something right.
Back in Älva, back in Malasaña
We have her back at Calle San Andrés, 17. If you know her, you know what she is. If it's your first time, stop by and touch her—because Sophie is one of those objects you have to hold in your hand to understand why she has been captivating babies for over six decades.
Find her here: Sophie the Giraffe — the original