Bunnies by the Bay — Give Glad Dreams

Bunnies by the Bay holds a special place in our collection at Little Stars — not just because their products are beautiful, but because their story is one of the most moving in the toy industry.

The Story Behind Bunnies by the Bay

Bunnies by the Bay is an American lifestyle brand specializing in plush toys, stuffed animals, baby loveys, books, and personalized gifts — founded in 1986 by sisters Suzanne Knutson and Krystal Kirkpatrick in Anacortes, Washington. 

The company originated from a family tragedy in 1983, when 14 local fishermen — including the sisters' father, uncle, and cousin — were lost at sea in the Bering Sea aboard the crab boats The Altair and The Americus. Their grandmother Elsa Atterberry shared comforting stories of garden bunnies that inspired the brand's whimsical narratives — and eventually the sisters began sewing cloth bunnies and writing stories about them. 

The bunnies became so beloved that what started as comfort in grief became a gift brand cherished worldwide.

A PNW Brand with a Mission

At Bunnies by the Bay, they believe that everything can be mended, even broken hearts. Their motto — Give Glad Dreams — encapsulates everything they make: gifts designed for the giver, to bring comfort and joy to the ones they love. 

Bunnies by the Bay remains an independent, family-owned brand headquartered in Anacortes, Washington — making it one of the most authentically PNW brands in our entire collection.

Why Little Stars Carries Bunnies by the Bay

A Washington State brand with a story rooted in the same coastal PNW landscape our families call home — carried by a Little Stars team also rooted in the Pacific Northwest. It couldn't be a more natural fit. Every Bunnies by the Bay product is made with premium, child-safe materials and heirloom-quality construction designed to be treasured for generations.

Age range: 0+ years (all ages)
Origin: Founded in Anacortes, Washington, 1986
Materials: Super-soft fabrics, embroidered features (no plastic pieces), machine washable
Best for: Baby shower gifts, first companions, keepsake gifts