Some of us may think that stuffed animals are a thing of the past, as they no longer seem like the “it” toy. You can often decide not to give a stuffed animal and instead get something more practical, because after all, what’s the point of a stuffed toy? What reason is there to get a stuffed animal?

The answer to that is: a lot. Stuffed animals can be very significant and symbolize important events or people. This is truly a timeless gift, and one we should all remember! Let’s look at why stuffed toys are important in the lives of three particular age groups: children, teens, and adults.

symbols for children

There is no such thing as too many toys for children. Children love collecting stuffed animals of all kinds, and they could always use more. What could symbolize the innocence of childhood better than a soft and adorable toy animal? In our own childhood, we probably spent many nights snuggled up with our favorite bunny or teddy bear. Children enjoy the comfort of a stuffed animal, and that comfort is a great nightmare repellent! In fact, those who say that plush toys are no longer in “it” toy have not been paying attention to what is happening in the world of little girls. Stuffed animals are very “in” for girls. Many girls will get a natural-looking stuffed cat or stuffed dog, just so they can carry it in their purses while emulating fashionable women carrying their little pets. Stuffed animals certainly haven’t gone out of style!

teenager symbols

Teens may not play with toys anymore, but stuffed animals aren’t just a toy. They are confident and comfortable. In fact, many teens have more stuffed animals now than they did when they were young. This is because stuffed animals often symbolize love or infatuation. they are memories. For example, a teenager will appreciate that little stuffed dolphin that her boyfriend gave her because she knows that dolphins are her favorite animals. Or maybe her dad gives her a teddy bear when she’s on her way to college, so she’s never alone.

But it’s not just girls who can appreciate stuffed toys. Teenagers can also enjoy them a lot. Children often keep them as a reminder of something they did that was brave or impressive. For example, maybe they love having that stuffed tiger around that they got after winning a sports game. Or maybe they have a huge stuffed lion that they won on a boardwalk after proving their skills at a game of darts or at a baseball stand. For them, stuffed animals are a symbol of achievement and pride.

adult symbols

Finally, stuffed animals can also be enjoyed by adults, although for different reasons than those enjoyed by children and adolescents. Most adults use stuffed animals as a decorative item. They will look for stuffed figurines or stuffed animals that look natural and elegant and can add little touches to their home or vacation rental. For example, a stuffed dolphin in your ocean vacation home, or a tiger to make your home more exotic and fit in with the jungle theme. Hallways and entryways can be adorned with stuffed lions, black bears, or even stuffed dogs as decorations for a unique touch. Part of this is also that adult stuffed animals are more of a collectible than a toy. Many adults are true collectors, who have large collections to capture that nostalgic feeling of childhood. In fact, it’s not uncommon to realize that someone you know has kept an old teddy bear for 20 years because of the meanings it holds.

So as you can see, stuffed animals will never go out of style for any age group. They continue to symbolize and carry meanings of all kinds. Never discount the importance of stuffed animals!