What Are Stuffed Animals With Big Eyes Called?

Stuffed animals with oversized eyes have become incredibly popular in recent years. If you’ve ever wandered down the toy aisle or scrolled through cute online shops, you’ve likely spotted these adorable plush companions with their large, expressive eyes.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: These cuties are most commonly referred to as big-eyed stuffed animals or big-eyed plushies.

The History of Big-Eyed Stuffed Toys

Origins in Japanese Culture and Anime Styles

Big-eyed stuffed toys, sometimes called big-eyed plushies, emerged out of Japanese popular culture and anime/manga styles in the 1960s and 1970s. Early pioneers like Sanrio created characters like Hello Kitty that took inspiration from early manga/anime trends of drawing female characters with huge, expressive eyes.

These exaggerated styles were meant to convey youthfulness, innocence, and emotion – characteristics that struck a chord with fans and made the characters easily relatable and lovable. Fictional characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars started as cartoon images on school supplies and merchandise but soon expanded to stuffed toys and other plushie product lines.

The cute asthetic, known as “kawaii” style in Japan, was a sharp contrast to post-war austerity. The simple, bright designs and huggable plush toys provided joy and stress relief. As they grew in popularity across Asia, Japanese toymakers refined plushie production methods to incorporate high-quality materials and durable stitching into mass production.

Growth in Popularity and Mass Production

Over the next few decades, iconic big-eyed characters like Hello Kitty, Pikachu, Doraemon, and Monokuma became international phenomenon – their stuffed toys were sought after by kids and adult collectors globally. By the late 1990s, production expanded outside Asia to keep up with demand.

For example, American toy giants like Ty, Inc. (famous for Beanie Babies) acquired the rights to produce Sonic the Hedgehog plushes for Western markets in 1991. Throughout the 2000s-2010s, many other anime-style plush toys like Squishmallows and Jellycats also achieved mainstream success using a similar formula of cute round shapes and oversized expressive eyes.

On sites like Etsy, fan artists also customize and hand-make unique big-eyed plushies for niche fandoms. Over 50+ years since early beginnings, the essential recipe of cuteness + quality continues winning over kids, who bond and infuse personality into their beloved stuffed companions.

What Makes Their Eyes So Appealing

Exaggerated Features and Kawaii Aesthetic

The oversized eyes of plush toys with big peepers are a key aspect of the “kawaii” or “cute” aesthetic that originated in Japanese culture. Kawaii emphasises childlike traits like large eyes along with rounded shapes and pastel colors to trigger positive emotions and affection (1).

According to a 2022 survey, the majority of stuffed animal enthusiasts preferred plushies with large, round anime-style eyes over small, beady eyes (2). The exaggerated, doe-like eyes exemplify innocence and approachability.

In addition, the disproportionately large eyes allow for more visible and varied expressions. This helps give each stuffed animal its own recognisable personality to bond with their human owners.

Relatable Expressions and Personality

The vibrant iris and pupil details on big-eyed plush toys enable relatable expressions that humans intuitively understand. An international study found that people strongly anthropomorphise stuffed animals, attributing complex emotions based solely on subtle eye cues (3).

For example, widened eyes can convey surprise, upwards-gazing eyes excitement, and sideways glancing eyes curiosity. Half-closed eyes make a stuffed animal appear sleepy or content. These identifiable expressions establish an emotional connection.

In addition, the large, forward-facing eyes with rich coloration give stuffed animals a sense of awareness and intelligence. This draws out our innate tendency for emotional attachment to life-like beings with personality, even when we know they are not real.

Ultimately, the depth and liveliness afforded by oversized anime-style eyes allows people to project personalities, emotions, and rich internal lives onto their beloved plushie friends. The psychological bond formed through those big shining eyes is a huge part of what makes them so endearing.

Common Types of Big-Eyed Plush Toys

Cute Animal Characters

Some of the most popular big-eyed stuffed animals are cute versions of real animals. These often feature animals like bears, dogs, cats, rabbits, and more with oversized anime-style eyes to make them extra adorable.

A few favorite examples include Squishmallows, Ty Beanie Boos, Aurora World plush, and Jellycat.

These cuddly animal plushes frequently appear as baby or child versions for maximum cuteness. Their giant eyes give them an innocent look and personality. Popularspecific characters include soft lions, pandas, otters, axolotls, and more. These make cute gifts for all ages!

Food and Dessert Plushies

Another category of big-eyed stuffed toys features different foods and sweet treats. From fruits to desserts, these colorful plushes basically let you hug your favorite snacks! Well-known brands here are Jellycat and Aurora World, with fun characters like Pancake the stack of pancakes, Berry the little berry, cupcakes, doughnuts, and many more.

The huge eyes make even the non-animal foods seem alive and endearing. And hugging a smiling stuffed donut or pineapple makes anyone smile. These food-themed stuffies are delightful gifts for kids and adults alike!

Fantasy Creatures and Folklore Figures

Stuffed creatures from myths and legends are also popular big-eyed plushes. These range from unicorns and dragons to fairies, gnomes, mermaids, and more. The hypnotic eyes give an otherworldly charm. Some bestsellers here include Squishables, Aurora World Mythicals, and Ty mythical beanies.

Specific mystical creatures turned cute and cuddly with oversized eyes include unicorns, mermicorns (mermaid unicorns), dragons, jackalopes, and even characters like gnomes. The blend of folklore and endearing plush style makes these perfect for collectors and fantasy fans.

Where to Find Them

Online Shops and Marketplaces

The internet opens up a world of options when searching for adorable plush toys with oversized peepers. Popular online retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart offer an extensive selection of criminally cute stuffed animals at affordable prices.

Their broad inventory spans beloved brands like Squishmallows, Pusheen, Jellycat, and more. Can’t decide between the snuggly teddy bear or smiling unicorn? Online listings often include detailed descriptions and customer reviews to help seal the deal.

Dedicated specialty websites provide curated stuffed animals galore. Parents can delight their kids with Precious Moments’ adorable line of rag dolls and plush toys sporting large, expressive eyes. Anime fans will find a haven hunting the shelves of stores like Tokyo Otaku Mode for ultra-kawaii characters with eyes rivaling manga proportions.

Those seeking one-of-a-kind handmade pieces can browse independent artists on Etsy and find charming stuffed buddies bursting with personality.

Large Toy Stores

No need to rely solely on online ordering – neighborhood toy stores often stock crowd-pleasing plush pals. Major chains like Toys “R” Us and Learning Express offer in-person magical shopping experiences for all ages. Wandering bright aisles filled with toys allows kids’ imaginations to run wild.

After testing out toys firsthand, they can select new fluffy friends to take home. Large selections of timeless classics like Beanie Babies satisfy nostalgic collectors and spark joy through their trademark outsized eyes.

Specialty Gift Shops

Looking for a unique stuffed animal to gift a loved one? Specialty present purveyors offer delightful surprises that light up recipients’ eyes. At boutiques like Paper Source, customers can curate quality care packages with tender stuffed animals tucked inside.

Museum gift shops let patrons take home cuddly, artistic souvenirs, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exquisitely detailed plush dogs wearing hats copied from real paintings. At resort stores, vacationers select sweet stuffed mementos bursting with local charm, from Florida seagulls to Disney characters.

So whether shopping online, in-store, or someplace special, one thing’s for certain – there’s a bounty of snuggly stuffed darlings with loveable large eyes waiting to be discovered and taken home!

Collecting and Caring for Your Big-Eyed Friends

Displaying Your Collection

Showcasing your adorable big-eyed stuffed animal collection is half the fun! Here are some creative ways to put those captivating plush pals on display:

• Organize them on shelves or bookcases to highlight each one’s unique charm.
• Cluster small groups together as tabletop accents around your home.
• Line them up along a windowsill so they can peer outside.
• Place select favorites in unexpected spots like peeking out of a basket or balancing on a banister.

You can also rotate pieces in and out to keep things fresh. Let different plushes take turns in the spotlight! Some collectors enjoy styling charming vignettes by pairing stuffed critters with related items like books, flowers, or toys. Have fun and get creative!

Cleaning and Storage Tips

To keep your prized big-eyed stuffies looking their best:

• Gently brush them with a clean, soft-bristle brush to lift dust and surface dirt.
• Spot clean stains on furry friends using a small amount of mild detergent and a damp cloth.
• Allow wet plush pals to air dry completely before storage to prevent mold.
• Store in breathable containers like clear plastic totes or fabric bins.

You’ll also want to avoid direct sun exposure that could fade colors over time. Handle with care — after all, countless cuddles can make seams fragile! When these sweet-faced plush toys eventually show some wear, don’t panic.

Many collectors say a well-loved companion with endearing imperfections only adds more charm!

So embrace your inner child, have fun building your menagerie of doe-eyed snuggle buddies! Check out sites like www.plusheaven.com to explore new additions.

Conclusion

With their oversized eyes conveying everything from joy to comfort to surprise, it’s no wonder big-eyed plushies have captured so many hearts. Whether given as gifts or collected just for you, these cute companions are sure to spread smiles for years to come.

We hope this overview gave you a deeper appreciation for these charming stuffed animals.