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Stuffed Animals
The most common type of plush toys in Canada is stuffed animals. They are made from soft materials and a synthetic filling. Their filling makes them soft and adds comfort. Normally, these toys take the shape of different animals. This can be anything from a bear to a dog or a whale. They are used when bringing comfort and companionship. Children, however, are the main target when selling these toys.
Character Plush Toys
Plush toys representing characters from movies, cartoons, or books are loved by children the most. The appeal of these toys is how much the characters look like the original. Kids, therefore, develop attachments to these toys since they embody their favorite personalities. This makes them more fun. Kids use these toys to role-play activities that their favorite characters performed.
Plush Dolls
Plush dolls are similar to stuffed toys. This is because they are made from soft fabric. Usually, they represent humans or fictional characters more than animals. Plush toys are a great substitute for ceramic dolls for children below 5 years. Plush toys are soft and enable children to play without the risk of hurting themselves. In addition, plush dolls are more huggable and softer than other toys.
Interactive Plush Toys
Kids like toys that interact with them the most. These toys can respond to touch, sound, or voice commands. Some might sing, while others might talk or even move. These toys help one learn. Some help with language development, while others help build emotional connection skills. Their purpose is to keep kids active and entertained.
Plush Toy Sets
Kids enjoy toy sets that come with several plush toys. They serve playtime quite well, especially when the kids engage in imaginative play. This play may involve developing stories and scenarios around the toys. Series-based plush toy sets are common. They help children build collections based on the characters within a story.
Materials
Quality, soft materials such as cotton, polyester, and acrylic are used to make plush toys. Stronger materials like cotton or polyester are used on the outside. The reason behind this is to enable the toys to withstand daily wear. The inside is filled with synthetic fibers, foam, or cotton. These provide the needed softness and firmness for the toy.
Sewn Joints and Features
Plastic pellets and fiberfill are used to ensure the toys' heads, arms, and legs hold the stuffing together. This keeps every part comingling while enabling it to move. The eyes of many plush toys are made of durable plastic or embroidered fabric. This ensures the eyes stay intact even after the toy has been used for a long time. The noses and mouths are carefully stitched so the facial features remain clear and neat. This also ensures that even after many uses, the toy will look new.
Safety Standards and Regulations
There are very strict safety regulations on plush toys in Canada. Toys must meet the safety and health standards set by the Canadian government. This is to ensure that the products are safe for customers. These regulations are related to small parts, choking hazards, and non-toxic materials. Hence, all plush toys sold in Canada must meet the mandatory safety tests.
Aesthetics and Color
Bright, attractive colors make plush toys appealing to kids. The colors used depend on the animals or characters the toys resemble. Colorfast dyes are used to ensure the colors don't fade or wash out when cleaning the toys. Patterns and designs are, therefore, printed on the fabric using techniques like screen printing. This ensures the design stays clear and vibrant for a long time.
Comfort and Companionship
At night, kids use stuffed animals to cuddle and go to sleep. The toys offer a warm and safe feeling that helps children overcome their fears. Moreover, the toys become companions to infants and toddlers who have not developed the ability to speak. These toys support children's emotional growth. They help kids deal with different feelings and develop empathy.
Learning and Development
Interactive toys enable kids to learn new things. The toys help develop skills, including problem-solving, language, and motor skills. For instance, plush toys that sing or talk help develop listening and speech skills in children. Moreover, toys that have parts kids can zip, button, or snap help improve their motor skills. Kids' plush toys also introduce them to sharing and caring. This helps them develop social skills early on.
Imaginative Play
Push toys encourage imaginative and creative play. Kids develop stories and adventures for their plush toys. This helps foster their imaginations. Kids form connections with their toys and usually create elaborate games. This enables them to explore their feelings and experiences through play. For instance, children may pretend their toys are taking them on adventures or teaching them lessons.
Gifts and Collectibles
Plush toys are often given to kids for birthdays, Christmas, and other important celebrations. Kids love the toys as gifts because they are bright, soft, and friendly. They often become cherished keepsakes that children hold on to for years. Moreover, many kids develop a passion for collecting plush toys based on specific themes, series, or characters they prefer. This creates a bond between the kids and their collection, fueling their love for certain franchises even more.
Comfort During Medical Procedures
In addition to the above, plush toys are given to children to comfort them when they are in hospitals for treatments or procedures. The toys offer a distraction from the pain in addition to making the environment feel safer. This helps lessen anxiety and makes the recovery process quicker for kids.
Maintenance
It is integral to do regular maintenance for plush toys so they last longer. Washing the toys frequently helps get rid of dirt, sweat, and allergens. Most plush toys can be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle. But it is vital to check the manufacturer's instructions first. Some toys may need to be washed by hand or be washed in a machine with a protective cover over them.
Drying and Sun Exposure
Air drying is the best way to dry plush toys after cleaning them. High heat can damage the fabric and the stuffing. This is why plush toys should never be dried in a dryer. Moreover, toys left in the sun for long periods also deteriorate. This is because the sun fades the fabric colors and weakens the material. To avoid all this, assure the toys are well shaded when drying.
Storage
Clean and dry plush toys should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. This will prevent the toys from fading and weakening. Rubbermaid bins are perfect for storing plush toys to keep them safe from dust, insects, and other elements. Moreover, avoid placing toys in damp areas. This may cause mold and mildew to develop on them, ruining the toys.
Repair
Sewing needle and thread, fabric patches, fabric glue, and hot glue gun are the most common things required for the repair of plush toys. The needles used for sewing are sharp and have a round end. This makes them easier to insert into fabric. A standard cotton-polyester sewing thread should be used because it is strong. Fabrics like cotton or fleece are best to use as patches. They are also closely resembling the area that needs to be patched. A standard pair of scissors should be used to cut the patch. A hot glue gun should be used to glue patches. But the glue should be fabric glue and not hot glue. This is because hot glue will make the toy hard. Hot glue will also cause burns to those with sensitive skin.
Hygiene Considerations
When plush toys are used by several children, hygiene becomes a big concern. Regular washing, as discussed above, is vital. Moreover, kids should be encouraged to wash their hands before and after playing with their toys. This helps prevent the transfer of germs and bacteria. To prevent the spread of germs, kids should be taught not to share toys when they are sick.
Plush toys provide comfort, serve educational uses, and promote imaginative play. They are also used during therapy or medical procedures. All these help children cope with different situations.
Yes, infants can safely play with plush toys. However, caregivers must pick toys without small parts that could cause choking. Soft, huggable toys are the best for newborns. They give them a sense of security and comfort.
Kids who have allergies can use hypoallergenic plush toys. These toys do not irritate the skin or respiratory tract. Kids should also be encouraged to wash their hands after touching the toys to prevent them from touching their faces.
Yes, eco-friendly plush toys are available in Canada. Toys made from organic cotton, recycled materials, and biodegradable stuffing are the most common.
Plush toys should be washed frequently. The recommended frequency is to wash them at least once every couple of weeks. This helps to ensure they stay fresh and clean.