Tag: stuffed animals

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New: AromaBearapy for your Stuffable Animals!

scent chips

During the holiday time you smell the cookies cooking and it brings back those memories of making them with your mom as a child. Or in the summer time the first time you cut the grass and it brings back memories of having a teddy bear picnic in your yard. These are all memories based around scents. Imagine the possibilities you have to create scent memories with your children.

AromaBearapy scent chips can be placed into your Zoo Factory animal to give off the scent of your choice. Currently there are 8 scents to choose from, including buttered popcorn and cupcake!

If you are unsure of what scent you would like to choose or if this is a surprise for your child, think about where this gift will be given to them. If you are planning on giving this a party of a birthday party package, you may want to think about getting cupcake flavored scent. They will remember all the fun times they have with finds create zoo factory animals every time they smell a cupcake scent.aromabearapy

Giving the bear as a gift? You may want to use Chocolate Mint or Strawberry. These two scents are very popular and can be used for any occasion. AromaBearapy scent chips are a great addition to any stuffed animal and can take a regular stuffed animal to the next level. It may even make your child choose a brand new favorite toy!

We only have 5 senses and with toys it is difficult to engage multiple senses. With AromaBearapy scent chips you are engaging the sense of smell, touch and sight. Other toys only engage touch and sight. These new scent chips can help your child grow more than you could imagine.

Have any questions about this new product? Give The Zoo Factory a call!
 
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Stuffed Animals: Gifts for Young Children

stuffed animals Stuffed animals have been around for ages. Years ago, almost every child had a teddy bear or favorite plush toy, and that stuffed animal became a cherished companion. Stuffed animals are very often a young child’s first friend, and many lessons can be learned from this special relationship.

Children frequently learn how to express their feelings non-verbally to their stuffed animal, and this is so important in the development of openness and an ability to share innermost thoughts and feelings. Children learn the concept of sharing with their stuffed friend, and the concept of caring through their relationship with these furry beings.

Giving a stuffed animal as a gift is a wonderful way to start a young child on the journey of life. But these gifts should be age appropriate and the right size for the child. Every child should be able to hold his stuffed animal to cuddle and communicate with. This can be a child’s first experience of “This is mine”, and communication can be very private.

Often even young children will indicate that they have a favorite animal, and if you are lucky enough to have that information, you should favor buying that animal. Boys will often prefer dogs to cats, and monkeys to teddies. But keep in mind that you also teach the child about that animal by giving it as a gift, so if the child is a bit older, more exotic stuffed animals like giraffes and parrots could be wonderful.

Of course there is nothing more beloved than the teddy bear and you ought not to shy away from buying one just because everyone thinks of him when thinking of a stuffed animal. They are cuddly and loyal companions, and every child responds to a teddy. When buying for a specific child, keep in mind the child’s size and age, colors she responds to, and gender. Some teddies look masculine and some feminine.

Whatever your decision, you can rest assured that a stuffed animal will be welcome by parents and treasured by the child.

 
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Buying the Best Stuffed Animals for Any Age

stuffed animalsStuffed animals become well loved and treasured family members to a child. Even many adults still have their favorite stuffed teddy or kitty from their youth, and often these animals are passed down from one generation to another as beloved heirlooms. But all stuffed animals are not appropriate for all ages and there are a few things to take into consideration before gifting one of these childhood joys.

 

Very young children between the ages of 0-2 years of age require stuffed toys that have nothing that can be accidently swallowed. This means no lights, noise makers, or clothing. The animal should be small enough to be comfortably held by the child, and brightly colored for attention and interest. The hair should be short so that it cannot be chewed and swallowed. The animal should also be washable.

 

For children ages 3 and up, look for some of the child’s favorite animals. Never get a stuffed toy that the child might be scared of. For younger kids, be sure nothing can be swallowed. Be aware whether or not the stuffed friend is washable. At the young end of ages, keeping the animals clean is very important.

 

Buy a stuffed animal that has some longevity. You may have to spend a bit more, but having a toy that will last and last as the child grows, gives that child to really bond with the animal. Also keep in mind what kind of storage is available in the home where the child lives. Very large stuffed animals are unique and fun, but most children like to be able to easily hold and often sleep with the animal.

 

And finally, even adult’s love stuffed animals. Buying a dear friend a replacement for a loved animal that has been lost or is in an irreparable state can be a very loving thing to do. Stuffed animals remind us of easier times gone by long ago, when there were no responsibilities and obligations, and when the comfort of a stuffed toy could obliterate fears and ease you into sleep.
 
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Why Do Kids Love Stuffed Animals?

teddy bearStuffed animals have been a classic children’s toy for decades, but why? What makes them so special? Even in this technological age, stuffed animals haven’t lost their appeal to children. Read on to discover some of the reasons why this is.

They come in all different sizes and colors, which make them extremely versatile. They can be in the style of different animals, including whichever is the person’s favorite.

One great reason is that they can encourage a nurturing attitude. Many times you see kids playing house, or school, or acting out their favorite scenes from movies. They do this because they are pretending to be adults! Having a stuffed animal allows them to take care of them. In their eyes, they make the best student, child, or playmate in their eyes. They can take care of them when they are sick and they get to try their hand at responsibilities. This stage of play is crucial to their social and mental development, so encourage them to put them down for a nap!

Stuffed animals are always smiling, which means they are always a source of positive interaction. From a young age, we are taught to associate smiling with positive feelings. Stuffed animals always have a smile on their face, which means they are always available for when they are having a bad day. Even if someone else is disappointed in them, teddy won’t be!

Ever noticed how great stuffed animals are at giving hugs? Squishy hugs are the best at making a day better. Stuffed animals don’t need to breathe either, so they can get a bear hug for a long time! The softness and warmth of a stuffed animal just can’t be beat.

In addition to all of this, they are very easy to clean. When a child has a messy room, stuffed animals are very easy to pick up and put in their designated spot. They quickly find that they can see the floor again, and when their favorite stuffed animals have messy fur, they are easy to clean as well. More often than not, they can have a spa day in the washing machine and come out looking better than ever.

Children will create a special bond with their toys, so it’s important to get one that lasts. Stuffed animals tend to outlive electronic toys, or anything that comes in one hundred pieces that tend to get lost over time. Stuffed animals can be sewn if they rip, whereas plastic toys are harder to put back together. Stuffed animals can last for years without much fuss.

The benefits don’t stop there! It’s been shown time and time again that having a stuffed animal can cause toddlers to start becoming more independent. When your toddler has a task or skill to perform, encourage them to show teddy how it should be done. Having someone to teach will strengthen their confidence and their ability to do tasks on their own.

 
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What You Want to Be When You Grow Up

Children are known for having their great imaginations and playing pretend. Adults would always ask, what do you want to be when you’re older? What do you want to do when you grow up?

Here are some of the most popular answers:

astronaut

 

Astronaut: many kids of going into space. There is nothing cooler to kids than rocket ships, aliens, and stars. Children are meant to explore and see what’s out there!

 

 
ballerina

 

Dancers: girls especially will dream of being dancers and showing their moves on stage- whether that’s through ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, or other styles.

 

 

athlete

 

Athletes: Who wouldn’t like to have a job doing something they already like to do? Playing sports is one dream of many children and is a goal to reach for that is actually fun!

 

 

vets

 

Vets: The best way to spend the day is with animals, right? Many children want to help animals that are hurt and make the world a better place for their furry friends.

 

 
pilot

 

Pilot: How cool would it be to be able to fly a plane?! Everyone would look like ants from up there! But seriously, kids love the idea of being able to fly and go somewhere new and exciting.

 

 

doctor

 

Doctor: Some kids have big hearts and want to make others feel better and possibly even give them surgery. We won’t tell them about the medical school they have to go through first.

 

 

military

 

Military: From a young age, children might get the urge to serve their country and fight for freedom.

 

 

 

No matter what they decide they want to be, as parents and family the best thing that we can do for them is encourage them to live their dreams and work toward their goal. Giving them a stuffable animal with a special outfit is a great way to do just that.

Check out the site to learn more!

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Make Your Animal Friends Talk!

sound chips

Although we all know that stuffed animals are the best things in the world anyway, there is one thing that could make them even better… don’t you remember being a kid and wishing more than anything that your stuffed animal would come to life? Wishing they could talk?

A great way to make your kids’ dreams come true is to give them the gift of a talking stuffed animal. Though that may sound far-fetched, we can make that happen. We sell sound chips that can be put inside an already existing toy or that can be purchased along with our darling stuffable animals.

Whether your son or daughter wants their buddy to be able to talk like them or like the animal they are, we know that our sound chips will give your child a whole new realm for play. What a great surprise a talking friend will make!

If the selection of sound chips that we have doesn’t suit the voice of your child’s toy, we have 10 and 20 second recordable sound chips that you can customize yourself so you can really make your child’s dream come true.

Another really sweet idea is to record your baby’s heartbeat so that they will have an extra special connection to their stuffed animal as they grow. We hope that you will tell us all about that adventures that your kid and his/her buddy goes on!

Need some inspiration? Check out this video of some talking animals- they are sure to make you laugh!

 

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Stuffed Animals as Healers

 stuffed animals

When you were sick as a kid your mom would keep you home from school and give you chicken noodle soup. She would also make sure you were tucked in tight with your favorite stuffed animal. Not because she wanted you to have him but because you wanted to have him. You felt safe and secure when your friend was around. Some kids feel more comfortable around their stuffed animals than they do around other people.

Why do stuffed animals make us feel so secure? They don’t judge us, and they provide comfort. They are there when we need them and they don’t tell us anything we did was wrong. They are the best of all worlds, especially when you have an imagination and can have a conversation with them while playing with your tea set. These reasons are why stuffed animals are great healers as well. They are not doctors or nurses and they do not actually provide medical healing but they do provide metal healing. If there is a sick child in the hospital, chances are they have a stuffed animal nearby. When they want to cry stuffed animals can wipe their tears dry. When they want to be alone, they don’t actually have to be alone.

Stuffed animals can provide more comfort than you could ever describe. This is why children become so attached to their stuffed animals. Being so young children cannot always convoy their emotions to an adult, but a stuffed animal can listen and they can say anything they want, they don’t have to censor their anger or their sadness.

 
 
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Don’t Hinder your Child’s Imagination

sleeping with stuffed animals

 

Do you remember the moment you realized you were grown and no longer could have the imagination and creativity you once did? For most of us, that was a defining moment and probably a little bit sad and depressing. Did you ever take a moment to understand how you got to that point? Well it probably started when your parents told you to start growing up.

 

One of the first things you think about when you think about small children and their creativity is when they don’t have friends around and they start playing with their toys. Those toys are what fuels their mind and creativity. Children cannot let their imagination grow if those things are taken away from them. There is no good reason to take away your children’s stuffed animals at any age. Let them decide when it is ok to stop sleeping without boo boo bunny. After all you were the one who let them sleep with it in the first place. Wouldn’t it be a little bit contradictory to take them away now?

 

Children need their stuffed animals not only for their imagination to grow but for their own sense of security. Yes, you as their guardian provide security and protection but the stuffed companions they have are something they can control in their life. If you were to take away something so precious to them they may no flourish in the social department, instead feel lonely and lost. When your child begins to go to school it may be a good idea to start leaving their stuffed friends at home and playing with living breathing friends at school. That does not mean they will forget about their stuffed friend and not look for it when they come home. They will always want that sense of security and some people may hold onto those things well into adulthood but that isn’t a bad thing. Emotions are high when it comes to their prized possession.

 

Don’t take away something so important to them; let them decide when it is time to stop sleeping with boo boo bunny. Let them decide when it is time to start growing up.

 

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Adults and Stuffed Animals: Why It’s Okay

 

stuffed animalsWe often post about how wonderful stuffed animals are for children, and how they benefit from them. Today, we’re going to blow your mind with tips and solid facts as to why it’s totally okay for adults to have, and sleep with, teddy bears or other stuffed animals.

For one thing, a stuffed toy (especially one you’ve had since childhood) is the thing you turn to when you’re upset. This is one friend who has always been there for you, judgment free. Whether you had an argument with a friend or you’ve done something you’re not proud of, you’ll seek comfort in this companion. This little guy will never tell you how to feel or that you’re wrong, he’ll just sit there and let you cuddle all your woes away.

Everybody does, it’s just that nobody talks about it.

Sleeping with teddy bears is common for adults. A recent study shows that 35% of adults admitted to sleeping with their stuffed animals. That’s only the people who admitted it. Surely, some percentage of the people who said “No” are liars.

Unconditional love and hugs, whenever you want them, are priceless. Even pets get in moods where they don’t want to cuddle or hug, and when you need a hug, you need a hug. Large sentimental teddy bears are the perfect comfort huggers.

If you’re pushing 30, 40, or 200, it doesn’t matter. If you love your stuffed animal, there’s no law or age limit for having a loving companion. A common myth is that there’s some psychological reason or issue causing an adult to sleep with and keep his or her stuffed animals. In reality, that’s not true. Your stuffed animal simply reduces stress. If the item is sentimental, it could be an attachment to a happy memory, and in that case, it’s still a positive comforting presence in your life. Any healthy, mentally stable person could benefit from this.

Click here to read about many adults who shamelessly love their stuffed animals and shout it with pride! You can also read statistics and celebrities who still keep their stuffed toys in the infographic below!

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