The Best Stuffed Animals of 2024

Buying Guide: Stuffed Animals

For some people, stuffed toys are just another piece of decor. But for kids, they can be an essential addition to a toy collection. Multiple styles, sizes, and types of stuffed animals might leave you feeling confused and wondering which to choose. To clear up any confusion, we’ve created this buying guide with all the necessary information, enabling you to pick the one that best suits your child’s room or is made for their personality. We’ve covered everything from the main purchase factors to care and maintenance so you can enjoy your stuffed animals for a long time.

What To Remember When Buying Stuffed Animals

Many kids (and some adults) have stuffed animals around their room. But what should you know before buying one? Below, we talk about the most important factors you need to consider.

Size

Stuffed animals are available in sizes ranging from 5 inches up to 50 inches. The size you choose should fit well in your room or the space in which you plan to place it. For instance, putting a giant teddy bear on your office shelf just won’t work. The size also depends on the age of the user. Pick easy-to-hold, safe, and strain-free stuffed animals for little children.

Material

From wool to polyester to cotton, there are many material options. Polyester is gaining popularity because of its affordability and soft texture. Make sure the material feels good against your skin and is also easy to clean and maintain.

Color

You need to consider the color profile of your stuffed animals. Darker colors may not appeal to kids, but they do not show stains compared to lighter colors. Most children love stuffed animals in light and pastel shades.

Age

Choose a stuffed toy depending on the age of your child. Babies and infants who haven’t totally developed yet should only be exposed to stuffed toys at a distance. We recommend a stuffed animal between 5 to 8 inches long with no intricate add-ons. For toddlers, you can choose a stuffed toy with more style and accessories. Beware of choking hazards, though. As an adult, if you wish to buy stuffed animals for decor, choose the ones that speak to you the most.

Stuffing

The stuffing you choose depends on how thick and stable you want the plush toy to be. Make sure that the filling provides enough support to hold the toy in one place and makes the toy comfortable and stable to hold.

What Are Stuffed Toys Made Of?

Stuffed toys contain different fillings. The stuffing you choose determines its thickness and how plush the material is.

Foam

A foam filling delivers a spongy and non-elastic feel. Foam is a breathable material that ensures that toys maintain their shape for a long time. Sometimes, foam toys are submerged in water at bath time because they tend to be very quick-drying. Foam is a lightweight material that you can use to provide spinal support, if needed.

Polyester

Polyester is an artificial fabric used in almost every product. It’s quite soft and has a nice feeling against the skin. Polyester fibers are usually hypoallergenic and suitable for people of all ages. If you’re looking for a supportive toy, polyester is not the best choice. Polyester stuffed animals also dry quickly and can make a great bathtime buddy.

Cotton

A natural material, cotton is known for its soft and supportive body. It’s denser than other materials and maintains the shape of your toys for a long time. These toys take time to dry and should be handled with care to preserve the quality of their interior.

What Are the Perks of Stuffed Animals?

Below, we’ve put together a list of the perks and we discuss why it’s worthwhile to add stuffed animals to your setting:

Stress reliever

Some people may experience severe anxiety and stress due to different health conditions. You may find pleasure and comfort by pressing against something soft and plush as your body releases endorphins by doing so. Squishing stuffed toys is a great way to boost happy hormones and remove any signs of stress from your body.

Memory booster

Stuffed animals come in a lot of shapes, sizes, and styles. Some are completely random, while others represent cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse or the Pink Panther. Add a blast from the past in the shape of stuffed animals to bring back memories of your childhood.

Develop identification skills

Buying stuffed animals is an excellent source of learning and identification for kids. You can purchase different stuffed animals representing various jungle animals and help your child learn their names, colors, and personalities. Kids with well-developed learning skills tend to perform better in school and are more creative.

Toddler workout

Toddlers do not naturally have a lot of arm strength. You can increase their arm strength by letting them carry their favorite stuffed animal with both hands around the house. This little workout session might seem easy to you, but it does wonders to strengthen your little one.

How To Care For Your Stuffed Animals?

To ensure your stuffed animals live a long, happy life, you must take care of them. Here’s how to do it:

Washing and rinsing

To wash stuffed animals properly, you need to soak them in water and get them completely wet. Make a mixture of lukewarm water and mild detergent. If you don’t have any mild detergent on hand, baby shampoo is the closest and most convenient option.

Soak the stuffed animals in the mix for 30 minutes to an hour. Usually, the dust build-up will accumulate in the water on its own, but you may need to do a bit of scrubbing to remove dirt.

Once clean, squeeze the toys to remove the excess soap and rinse them under running tap water. Continue until the water runs clean of bubbles.

Drying

After washing your stuffed animals, dry them properly to restore their shape. Place them on a dry towel to absorb any excess moisture. You can also set a blow dryer on a low setting and use it for a couple of minutes on stuffed animals with long fur. Avoid machine washing or drying if the manufacturer’s label says so.