The first PLAYMOBIL figures saw the light of day in 1974. Hardly anyone predicted such a steep and international career for PLAYMOBIL. Almost 2,1 billion of the beloved and frisky playfellows, men, women, girls, boys and babies in different outfits, have been produced since then. They are part of children's rooms in all five continents.

The neutral shaped figures, which measure 7.5 cm have constantly been developed and improved in durability, quality and looks. The typical friendly expression on its face has remained.

At the beginning the eyes and the mouth were printed on the round head, but after a little while the heads were being injected in two different colors. Arms and hands, capable of gripping and holding objects, have always been inserted in one process. Since 1982, all figures have rotating hands. This enlarged its range of application. New colors, printing, different hairstyles, shoes and clothes changed their look and charisma. Not only sportive slim men are found, but also men with big bellies. Women do not wear mini-skirts anymore, but long skirts and trousers as well. The figures increasingly gained liveliness and play fascination. Interesting characters have been created. Figures taken from the past and present show a clear visual improvement.

In 1981, the grown-up PLAYMOBIL figures finally got their long awaited for children. Boys and girls, that measure 5.5 cm and move in the same ways as the adult figures. In addition to this, babies who measure 3.5 cm and are able to sit and bend their head and arms were also created. Since 1990 PLAYMOBIL 1.2.3 figures, designed especially for infants, are also available. These men, women, boys, girls and babies are able to turn their heads and bend their legs.

About 500 different figures are available in the PLAYMOBIL range. There is hardly any chance to sum up all the possibilities of combining different colors and parts (e.g. by using different hairstyles, beards and shoes).

The latest production methods combined with optimized technologies make such a variety possible. At the beginning, besides the know how, the manufacturer, geobra Brandstaetter, based in the Franconian town of Zirndorf (near Nuremberg) had to invest million of marks.

The PLAYMOBIL figures produced of high quality plastic material are almost indestructible. Children are still playing with figures from the first generation and those who are too old to play with them have kept them or sold them. Most of the fans from the first PLAYMOBIL years have now become parents themselves and pass on their enthusiasm and PLAYMOBIL toys to their children. Others became passionate collectors and are proud owners of quite a collection. They try to complete their collection and spend lots of money on their hobby. Items made in the 70's are traded for high sums of money.

The PLAYMOBIL developers make sure that new ideas and interesting themes are created. As shown in the current assortment, the cheerful figures are allrounders and also very successful in historical (e.g. Knights and Pirates) and current (e.g. Construction Workers and Sportsmen) themes. There is absolutely no place for aggressive and horror scenes and short-lived fashion trends.