Of the forest, that's what Sylvan actually means. The name Sylvanian Families for a toy collection of all types of woods and country animals is appropriate. In 1984 the Epoch Company developed and introduced the animal figures of the forest and called them the Sylvanian Family Toys. Hedgehogs, beavers, rabbits and bears came with clothes and accessories. Whole families became available with houses, furniture, boats and cars. The toy line started growing and people started collecting.

In 1987 Tomy Company launched the Sylvanian Family Toys in the United Kingdom with Flair Leisure Products as the distributor. The Sylvanian Families now live in homes in the UK, Japan, France, Australia, and other countries. In 1993 the name of the forest collection changed in Canada and the United States. The plush stuffed furry little families, their homes and accessories became Calico Critters, both in Canada and the US, offered by Intern Playthings, yet remains the Sylvanian Families in other countries.

Hedgehogs and beavers have welcomed many types of animal critters to the Sylvanian Family line of toys over the years. There are now persian cats, dalmation dogs, golden labs, skunks, penguins, otters, babies, twins and grandparents. Of course there's a big variety of homes for these families to live in, - there's Willow Hall, the Grand Hotel, the Old Oak Tree House, a manor house and several cottages and other homes available.

Homes need furnishings and accessories. Our little animal friends have many options available for their homes.

The furniture and accessories for living rooms, various bedrooms, nurseries, kitchens, etc., are all offered in this toy line. Complete with a street market, stores, toy shop, pancake shop, general hospital, pony and trap, caravan, boats and cars. The furniture and accessory choices for all are remarkable and there are many to please each animal's personal preference of style.

For entertainment and family fun, the Sylvanian Families have a baby fairground - complete with ferris wheel, tea cup rides and baby train playhouse. Older members of the families may prefer excursions upon Captain Sea Dog's River Boat, Canal Boat or the new Sylvanian Families Pleasure Boat.

The 'Marita May' Sylvanian Families Pleasure Boat, one of the newer additions to the Sylvanian Family Toys line, is designed to be of the old fashioned 'wooden style' house/pleasure boat. Tan with white, the boat has sides which open up and unfold to create various decks and play areas. Other areas on the boat are designed to be special areas for cooking, sleeping, sitting, etc. Maritime accessories are included; however, figures and furnishings are not included and are sold separate. The Sylvanian Families Pleasure Boat is for all the Sylvanian Family Toys to have an enjoyable adventure at sea or upon the lake. Whether skunk, bear, dog, cat, mouse or which ever type of furry friend, the pleasure boat is sure to please them.

Whether a child playing with the Sylvanian Family Toys or an adult collecting them, the Sylvanian Families are enjoyable, whimsical, and a favorite. Collectors Clubs now exist in various countries. These furry, plush, little forest figurines steal a spot in people's hearts and stay there.