Stuffed toys/plushies/softies/stuffed animals have been around for centuries, and can be traced back to ancient civilisations such as the Romans, who invented the rag doll (back then it was filled with straw or wood scraps) as early as 300 BC.
BUT, the modern version of stuffed animals or soft toys goes back to the late 19th century, when Margarete Steiff (Germany) created a PIN CUSHION in the shape of a stuffed elephant!
Following this, the Steiff company emerged, devoted to producing stuffed animal products and the company became popular AFTER the teddy bear was created in the USA in 1903.
I love the story of the invention of the teddy bear; Theodore Roosevelt, America's 26th President, was the inspiration behind the teddy bear, because in 1902, when Roosevelt was on a hunting trip in Mississippi, he refused to shoot a bear that had been tied to a tree.
Some great history right there, and now we have soft toys in every size, shape, and animal we could ever dream of.
From Disney-inspired softies, to plush Marvel superheroes, and big cuddly toys, stuffed animals (the classics!) and the trending Squishmallows and Jellycats.
Everyone, from little kids to grown-ups, keeps soft toys around—in our rooms, on our beds, or even on the back dash in our cars 😉—even our pets have their own collections of soft toys.
So why are these soft toys so popular, and why do we collect them, never tire of them, and why do they never go out of style?
(1) Comfort and cuddles
They’re more than just fabric and stuffing; they offer us comfort and security. Do you still have a soft toy from when you were a child? Worn, old, possibly missing an arm or an eye? I do!
For many of us, as children, soft toys are a wonderful source of support during tough times—and when we feel alone, scared, happy or sad and just need a cry or a hug!
(2) Educational benefits
Soft toys do more than just entertain—they also play an important role in developing sensory skills and play an important role in imaginary play, both for our kids and for us when we were younger.
By touching and feeling these toys, we learn about different colours, shapes, and textures. Plus, when we role play (chat) with our stuffed toys, we become conversationalists!
(3) Creativity and imagination
It’s a joy to see our kids (and the times when we were) creating stories—all sorts of imaginative tales—with our squishy friends.
Soft toys can help us build confidence, help with problem-solving skills, dexterity, and strength.
Soft toys are more than just cuddly play things for kids and adults.
They bridge the gap between childhood memories and adult sentiments, offering comfort, nostalgia, and a touch of whimsy to people of all ages.
They also offer us multisensory experiences that develop and improve our visual and tactile skills in the early years.
These soft toys stand as timeless tokens, proving that no matter our age, there's a special place in our hearts for the simple joy and warmth they bring.
Soft toys are a BRILLIANT gift idea for people of all ages, they can bring humour or comfort or joy to any situation or occasion.
Our range is wide and diverse, so please either visit us in-store in Ballina, Lismore or Byron Bay OR shop online—we ship Australia wide!