Do you have a favorite stuffed animal from childhood that brings back warm memories? Or maybe you have a little one who can’t bear to part with their own fluffy friend? Stuffed animals hold a special place in many of our hearts.
If you’ve ever wondered when there’s a day to celebrate these cuddly companions, you’ve come to the right place!
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: National Stuffed Animal Day is celebrated on February 18 every year.
The Origins of National Stuffed Animal Day
When the first stuffed animals emerged
Stuffed animals have brought joy and comfort to children for generations. But when did these snuggly companions first emerge? As it turns out, some of the earliest stuffed animals date all the way back to the 1800s.
According to the Strong National Museum of Play, the first commercial stuffed animals were made in 1880 in Germany. A seamstress named Margaret Steiff began sewing stuffed elephant pins as gifts for children.
In 1902, Steiff expanded into making a variety of stuffed animal toys, including the famous Teddy bear.
So what sparked the invention of stuffed animals in the first place? Some historians believe ancient civilizations made crude stuffed animal toys out of materials like straw to entertain children. But the stuffed animals as we know them today emerged as manufacturing advanced in the late 1800s, allowing toys to be mass-produced.
This expansion of the commercial toy industry enabled stuffed animals to become popular children’s companions all over the world.
How the holiday came about
While stuffed animals have been around for over a century, National Stuffed Animal Day itself is less than 15 years old. According to the National Day Calendar, National Stuffed Animal Day was first celebrated in 2006.
The creator of the holiday is unknown. But likely it was started by a stuffed animal company or enthusiast looking to honor these beloved toys. However, the holiday quickly grew in popularity as people seized on the chance to celebrate childhood nostalgia.
Today, National Stuffed Animal Day is observed every year on February 22nd. Participants often revisit their favorite stuffed animals from childhood or buy new stuffed animals to enjoy. Companies like Build-A-Bear Workshop and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company have special promotions to mark the occasion.
So next time February 22nd rolls around, bring out your favorite stuffed pal to celebrate! Whether it’s a teddy bear, a stuffed dog, a fluffy unicorn, or any other cuddly friend, be sure to honor just how much joy stuffed critters have brought to children and adults alike over the years.
With over 100 years of history behind them, stuffed animals have more than earned this snuggly holiday.
How People Celebrate the Day
Fun activities with stuffed animals
National Stuffed Animal Day on February 18th is the perfect opportunity to let your inner child run free! Adults and kids alike enjoy fun activities with their plush pals to celebrate the holiday. From teddy bear picnics to stuffed animal spa days, there are endless ways to commemorate the occasion.
One popular activity is hosting a tea party. Decorate your living room with string lights and balloons to set the mood! Dress up your stuffed guests and provide snacks like mini sandwiches and cookies for a delightful affair.
You can even use a British accent and make polite conversation about the weather over tea and crumpets!
For the artistically gifted, crafting outfits or dwellings for stuffed animals taps into creativity. Design miniature dresses or capes for your furry friends with felt, sequins, and googly eyes! Or get handy building tiny furniture like beds and sofas out of popsicle sticks, clay, or fabric scraps from old t-shirts.
Your stuffed animals will love their new handmade habitat!
If you want to get moving, play animated games like freeze dance with upbeat music or have a bouncing contest on beds and sofas. Laughing and jumping around with plush pals is excellent silly fun for all ages! You can even have races by hopping on one foot while holding your stuffed sidekick.
For some friendly competition, hold a talent show where stuffed contestants show off their best tricks and skills–anything goes! Or have a pageant parade to model off new outfits. Award creative prizes like buttons and ribbons to the winners. It’s all just for grins!
However you choose to celebrate, let your imagination run wild! National Stuffed Animal Day is the perfect chance to giggle and play like a kid again with your lifelong plush friends.
Stuffed animal care and donations
While playtime and parties are central for National Stuffed Animal Day, people also use the holiday to care for old plush pals and donate to children in need.
It’s common for long-cherished stuffed animals to show their age over time. But some stitching repairs, patch jobs, and fluff restoration can often give tattered teddies new life! Hand wash gentle cycles, air dry thoroughly, and use seam glue or needle and thread to address worn spots.
Replace glass eyes or ripped seams so your special stuffed friends can last years longer.
You can also update stuffed animals’ looks with trendy accessories like sunglasses, hats, bandanas, or bowties from craft stores. Add a touch of glam with ribbon or jewelry! Upcycling and customizing transforms timeworn plushies into hip new versions ready for more love.
For unrepairable stuffed animals no longer suitable as toys, many people hold donation drives on February 18th. Local children’s hospitals, shelters, and schools often accept stuffed animal contributions which comfort kids facing emotional trauma, disasters, or family difficulties.
You’d be amazed how hugging a tattered teddy can soothe a child in need!
Before donating, be sure to machine wash and dry stuffed animals multiple times on hot cycles according to CPSC plush toy cleaning guidelines to sanitize. Check carefully for any detached parts which could pose safety hazards as well.
Proper cleaning protects vulnerable children from germs and potential choking risks.
By caring for our own cherished plush palls and providing stuffed comfort for kids facing adversity, National Stuffed Animal Day represents the warm affection and joy these special toys provide throughout our lives.
Great Gifts for Stuffed Animal Lovers
Ideas for kids
When it comes to finding the perfect gift for a stuffed animal-obsessed child, the options are endless! From cuddly new additions to their collection to fun accessories, there are so many great ideas to choose from. Here are some of our top picks:
- New plush pals – You can never go wrong with adding a new furry friend to a kid’s stuffed animal family. Look for ones that have unique details they’ll love like sequins, textures, sounds, or scents.
- Custom plush animals – Many companies now offer custom-made stuffed animals from a child’s own artwork. Upload their drawing and get a one-of-a-kind stuffed version made.
- Plush pillows or blankets – For the snuggly stuffed animal collector, pillows and blankets covered in their favorite characters make cozy gifts.
- Stuffed animal storage ideas – From cute canvas bins to stuffed animal hammocks, storage items mean more visible display space for their collection.
- Stuffed animal clothes and accessories – Let them play fashion designer with cute outfits, glasses, hats, bowties and more for their plush pals.
- Stuffed animal care kits – Fill a cute bag or box with mini brushes, combs, bandages and “hospital” accessories for pretend stuffed animal vet play.
With so many fun gift ideas for stuffed animal-loving kids, you’re sure to find something special they’ll flip over! 😊👍
Ideas for adults
Even grown-ups can have a soft spot for stuffed animals! For the adult who proudly displays their plushie collection or just wants to add to the nostalgia, here are some great stuffed animal gift ideas:
- Sentimental throwback plush – Find a stuffed animal that reminds them of one they had as a kid for a nostalgic surprise.
- Cartoon character plush – Tap into their love of classic cartoons with a stuffed Hello Kitty, Snoopy or even a Squishmallow of a favorite childhood show.
| 2021 | 47% of adults in the US sleep with a stuffed animal |
| 2022 | 51% of adults in the US sleep with a stuffed animal |
- Office plush decor – Small stuffed animals perched on a desk or shelf add personality to a workspace.
- Plush robes/slippers – For the ultimate cozy experience, stuffed animal robes and slippers make wiggly, warm gifts.
- DIY stuffed animal kits – Kits with pre-cut fabric let them design and sew a brand new plush pal.
- Custom pet plushies – Preserve their pet in huggable form with a custom stuffed animal made to look just like their dog or cat.
Even as an adult, snuggly stuffed animals can still warm the heart. 😊 Any of these gifts celebrates their love for plushies! Do you still sleep with your childhood stuffed friend too?
Conclusion
We hope this overview gave you some fun facts and ideas around National Stuffed Animal Day on February 18. However you choose to celebrate, let your inner child embrace the comfort and playfulness these cuddly friends bring.
What stuffed animal holds special memories for you? Share your own stories and plans for celebrating this sweet holiday.
