About Rainbow Designs
Rainbow Designs has been inspiring children's imaginations for over 50 years as "The Home of Classic Characters." Founded in 1971 by entrepreneur Mike Mutters, who chose the name because "it was bright, colourful and cheerful, like our products," this UK company has grown into one of Britain's leading character soft toy and nursery product manufacturers. The company's very first license was Disney, producing fashion jewellery including brooches and enamelled button badges in the early days. By the mid-1970s, high-profile brands including Noddy, The Wombles, Flower Fairies, Thomas the Tank Engine, and Classic Winnie the Pooh had joined the portfolio. Today, Rainbow Designs holds prestigious licenses for beloved characters including Paddington Bear (official licensee), Peter Rabbit from Beatrix Potter, Guess How Much I Love You, Elmer the Elephant, Peppa Pig for Baby, Snoopy, and numerous Disney properties. In 2005, Rainbow Designs was acquired by Managing Director Anthony Temple, who has continued the company's tradition of quality character merchandise. For 2025, an exciting addition to the portfolio is the Mr. Men Little Miss brand, created by Roger Hargreaves in 1971, featuring beloved characters like Mr Happy, Mr Tickle, and Little Miss Sunshine. Rainbow Designs products are characterised by their exceptional softness, safety compliance for young children, and faithful representation of classic literary and screen characters. The company prides itself on long-standing franchises and nurturing multigenerational connections through timeless characters that parents and grandparents fondly remember from their own childhoods.