Stuffed and Plush Toys are one of the best toys available to give to your children. Why should you give them your child? Because stuffed toys have many qualities such as they are huggable, they comfort you, they look cute and people nowadays have collections of stuffed and plush toys. Some people might even say it's a fashion trend, e.g. stuffed toys from the latest video games, the latest anime (Japanese cartoons), TV shows and movies. Children can also express creativity and imagination through playing with stuffed and plush toys. Now this is all good and all but what benefits can be gained by allowing our children to play with stuffed toys?

Studies have shown that by playing with plush and stuffed toys, it may support children in several ways. The toy is like a friend to them which they can share their thoughts, emotions, dreams or troubles. By playing with many different stuffed toys, the child can give each toy a different personality thus improving their creativity and imagination skills. As a result the child will improve their social skills and be more confident; which does not mean that toys will replace real people but in fact will help the child build confidence in meeting with other children.

Toys can act as real people for children and involve them in all their daily activities from eating, talking and sleeping etc. In families where there are no siblings and parents who do not have much time to spend with their kids, the child will keep themselves company with the stuffed and plush toys.

According to studies, children who play with stuffed and plush toys and those who play with general toys behave differently. As a result of playing with stuffed toys, the children are seen to be more empathetic, less agitated and show good behaviour towards their parents and siblings. They also develop a very positive and confident attitude towards life.

Playing with stuffed and plush toys can also have a calm and soothing effect on kids.

What stuffed toys are suitable for your child?

Animals stuffed toys are most popular and given to many children around the world. Babies and young children love playing with animal stuffed toys; the toys can vary in different shapes and animals. Some of the commonly known plush animals are teddy bears, cats, dogs etc.

Another popular form of stuffed toys is those from video games, movies and anime (Japanese cartoons). Stuffed toys which are from video games that are popular with children are Super Mario, Donkey Kong and Pokmon. Recent movies such as Disney's BOLT and PIXAR's Wall-E are also popular with kids and their stuffed and plush toys even more so. Naruto and Bleach are Japanese anime shows which have stuffed toys that are also popular and trendy at the moment.

Different sizes are available for plush toys ranging from tiny cute ones to huge jumbo size. When selecting the size of the plush toy it should be selected depending upon the child's choice, their likes and dislikes. A plush toy should always be purchased with the child's input so, it is important to involve the child in the decision making process.

When purchasing toys for toddlers and babies, extra caution must be taken to select the right kind of toy where there are no hazards or dangers to your child.

A thoughtful and well suited plush toy will always bring a smile to your child's face.