Stuffed animals are beloved childhood companions that come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re wondering what exactly stuffed animals are called, you’ve come to the right place.
In short, stuffed animals are soft, stuffed sculptures of animals. But they go by many names—including plush animals, plush toys, stuffed toys, soft toys and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these snuggly friends—their history, different names, types of stuffed animals, and more.
Brief History: Where Do Stuffed Animals Come From?
Early Teddy Bears and Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals have a long and storied history. Some of the earliest recorded stuffed animals date back to the 1800s in Germany, where seamstresses began stitching fabric together and stuffing it with wood wool or sawdust to make playthings for children.
These early stuffed animals were often made to look like bears, dogs, cats and other animals.
The most famous early stuffed animal was the teddy bear, which got its name from Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. As the story goes, in 1902 Roosevelt went on a hunting trip but refused to kill a defenseless bear cub that had been tied to a tree.
A newspaper cartoon commemorating the event inspired couple Rose and Morris Michtom to make toy bears and name them “Teddy’s bears”. Their Teddy bears were an instant success in 1903 and launched the stuffed animal craze.
Rise of Plush Toys in the 1900s
In the early 20th century, stuffed animals really took off as mass production made plush toys more affordable for American households. Companies like Gund, Steiff and Ideal Toys ramped up stuffed animal production, churning out all sorts of cuddly plush creatures like Mickey Mouse, sock monkeys and Winnie the Pooh.
Technological advancements enabled manufacturers to experiment with materials like cotton floss, wool, felt and synthetic fabrics. Stuffed animal stuffing also evolved, shifting from wood shavings to kapok, beans and plastic pellets.
These high quality materials made stuffed animals softer, more durable and lifelike.
By the 1950s, nearly half of all American households had a teddy bear or stuffed animal. And iconic plush toys like the Winnie the Pooh still delight children today with their sweet faces and ultra-cozy fabrics.
What Are Stuffed Animals Called? Common Names
Plush Toys or Plushies
One of the most common names for stuffed animals is “plush toys” or “plushies“. These names refer to the soft, plush fabric that the toys are typically made from. Plush allows the toys to be soft, cuddly, and perfect for hugging.
Plushies come in all shapes and sizes from tiny beanbag animals to giant teddy bears.
Stuffed Toys or Stuffies
Another popular term is “stuffed toys” or “stuffies“. These names focus more on how the plush fabric shells are stuffed with soft filling to give them their unique squishy texture. Stuffies can be stuffed with a range of hypoallergenic materials like polyester fibers, wool, or cotton.
Some stuffies even contain scented materials or sound effects!
Soft Toys
Stuffed animals are sometimes broadly referred to as just “soft toys“. This refers not only to their physical texture but also to their appeal as safe, comforting playthings perfect for kids. In fact, more than 70% of US households with kids under the age of 12 have soft toys in their toy chests!
Cuddly Toys
Finally, stuffed animals are often called “cuddly toys” or
“cuddlies“. These affectionate nicknames highlight one of the core reasons that plushies have endured for decades as beloved toys. With their soft, beanbag-like feel and cute appearance, they seem to call out to be picked up and cuddled!
It’s not uncommon for children and even some adults to sleep with their favorite cuddly close by for comfort and security.
So whether you call them plushies, stuffies, soft toys or cuddlies, it’s clear that stuffed animals hold a special place in many people’s hearts! Their squishy charm has captivated generations of children and collectors alike. 🧸
Types of Stuffed Animals and Plush Toys
Teddy Bears
Teddy bears are one of the most iconic and beloved types of stuffed animals. The story of the first teddy bear began in 1902 when U.S. President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt refused to shoot a captive bear while on a hunting trip.
Soon after, toymakers started producing stuffed bears named after Roosevelt and their popularity took off (National Park Service). Today, teddy bears remain cherished by children and adults alike.
Dogs and Cats
It’s no surprise that man’s best friend makes for a perfect plush companion. Stuffed dogs and cats are snuggly and soft, realistic or stylized. Popular options include Beanie Babies cats and dogs as well as brands like Gund and Aurora (Good Housekeeping).
These faux pets are sure to become fast friends!
Fantasy Creatures
Not limited to the real world, stuffed animals let kids’ imaginations run wild with fantasy creatures. Popular options include unicorns, dragons, mermaids, and more mystical beasts. Some of the earliest manufactured stuffed animals were imaginary creatures like the Teddy bear.
Brands like Squishmallows and Jellycat offer fantastical plush pals kids adore.
Animals
In addition to cuddly cats and dogs, a wide range of realistic stuffed animals bring other animals to life. Plush lions, tigers, bears (oh my! ), giraffes, farm animals, and more fuzzy replicas of wildlife inhabitants are mainstays.
These exotic stuffed companions allow kids to learn about animals and take them on adventures.
Dolls and Characters
From baby dolls to beloved storybook characters, stuffed dolls and plush characters delight and entertain. Soft doll companions like Raggedy Ann inspire imagination. Licensed characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Pokémon, and more in plush form are hot ticket playthings.
Who wouldn’t want to cuddle Spider-Man or Elsa from Frozen? With endless character options, there is a perfect plush doll for every kid!
Stuffed Animal Features and Materials
Stuffed animals come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Some key features that characterize stuffed animals include their soft, huggable texture and cute, endearing designs. Most stuffed animals are made to be kid-friendly companions, but many adults enjoy collecting them too!
Common Materials
Many stuffed animals are made using plush fabrics like faux fur, velour, fleece, and minky. These soft, cozy fabrics make stuffed animals perfect for snuggling. Premium plush fabrics tend to use thicker, plusher textures and finer stitching for enhanced quality and durability.
Some budget-friendly stuffed animals use fabrics like felt or cotton. These tend to be less soft and may use plastic pellets instead of stuffing. While still cute, these budget options usually don’t have quite the same huggability as a premium plush toy.
Common stuffing materials for high-quality plushies include:
- Polyester fiberfill – fluffy and soft
- Wool – natural temperature regulation
- Beans – soft and squishy
- Woodwool – eco-friendly stuffing made from pine cones
The most beloved stuffed animals often combine extra-plush fabrics with a stuffing material that makes them satisfyingly squishy to hug!
Creative Designs
Stuffed animals showcase all kinds of creative, cute designs including:
| Realistic animals | Whimsical fantasy creatures like unicorns or dragons |
| Anthromorphic characters | Cute food items like pineapples or ice cream cones |
| Baby versions of animals | Holiday and seasonal designs |
Some stuffed animals aim for a very realistic look, while others emphasize playful cuteness. Either way, careful attention to little finishing details like noses, eyes, tails and textures give each design unique personality and appeal.
Interactive Features
Many modern stuffed animals include special interactive features too!
These can include things like:
- Squeakers and hidden crinkle paper to keep pets entertained
- Soothing heat packs for snuggly warmth
- Comforting heartbeat simulators
- Cute little accessories like bandanas, glasses, or miniature toys
Some even have high-tech capabilities like voice messaging, storytelling, songs and more thanks to embeddable chips and sensors. These make the stuffed animals seem almost lifelike by responding to hugs, motion, and other inputs with charming sound effects.
All these special touches enhance the stuffed animal experience whether for play, display, or collecting. The right combination of quality materials, squeezable stuffing, and adorable designs backed by clever interactivity gives favorite stuffed pals lasting appeal.
Reasons People Love Stuffed Animals
Comfort Objects
Stuffed animals often become beloved comfort objects. Their soft, cuddly nature provides a sense of warmth and security. Studies show that up to 40% of children develop strong emotional attachments to stuffed animals or blankies.
These special toys can help kids deal with stressful situations, cope when a parent is away, or simply relax into sleep at bedtime. They can also mitigate anxiety disorders in some children.
Even many adults hold onto cherished stuffed animals from childhood for their nostalgia and comfort. One survey found that 35% of adults still sleep with stuffed animals. The soothing presence of a plush companion clearly continues from childhood into adulthood.
Decorative Purposes
From adorable stuffed pandas and plush puppies to massive 4-foot teddy bears, stuffed animals make fun decorative accessories. An eye-catching stuffed animal can become the whimsical focal point of a child’s bedroom. Giant teddy bears and stuffed animals lend a playful modern touch to living rooms.
People even decorate nurseries with sweet stuffed animals as accents.
During holidays, homeowners place stuffed Santa dolls, tiny stuffed elves, and plush Rudolph reindeers as Christmas décor. There’s no limit to using stuffed cuties to perk up one’s home.
Collectibles
Certain high-quality plush brands like Steiff, JellyCat, and Aurora have turned stuffed animals into popular collectible items. Rare vintage teddy bears also auction for astounding prices. The most expensive teddy bear ever sold was a near-mint-condition 1904 Steiff teddy purchased at auction for nearly $2.1 million!
Even new unmarked plush animals can become valuable for collectors if issued in small quantities or retired shortly after production. People also collect specific stuffed characters like Pokemon plushies or iconic animals like Beanie Baby bears and Ty Teenie Beanies.
| Stuffed Animal Prices at Auction | Sold For |
|---|---|
| Rare Steiff Teddy, 1904 | $2.1 million |
| Rare Steiff Panda, 1920 | $182,000 |
As you can see, stuffed critters aren’t just for kids anymore. With their unmatched comfort and style, it’s no wonder stuffed animals have an enduring universal appeal!
Conclusion
So if you were wondering “what are stuffed animals called,” now you know they have many names—plush toys, plushies, soft toys, stuffies and more.
But no matter what you call them, these beloved companions hold a special place in many people’s hearts. With many types to choose from and uses that span from childhood to adulthood, their popularity continues today.
