Why I Still Love Stuffed Animals as an Adult
- peaceloveplushies
- Sep 7
- 2 min read
Yes, I’m an adult. Thirty-one, to be exact. And yes—there is always a stuffed animal hanging off my purse like a charm. My Christmas tree is filled with plushies. My shelves are lined with them. My life has been plushified for well over 15 years.
So… why?
The short answer: they bring me comfort. There’s something about having a soft, fluffy friend with me that quiets my anxiety in a way nothing else can.
When I was younger (before plush keychains became trendy), I would sneak a little plush into my purse. At first, I worried people would think I was childish. But eventually I realized—who cares? Plushies make me happy. And in the last few years, as more toy brands have put out plush keychains, I’ve collected… well, more than a few. I switch them out depending on my mood, outfit, purse, or even the occasion.
Stuffed animals aren’t just “cute.” They’re whimsical. They’re joyful. They make a home feel warmer, a purse more fun, and an anxious day easier to bear (pun intended).
For me, carrying a plush friend became a quiet act of self-care. At times when my anxiety and insecurities were at their worst, knowing I had a little soft buddy by my side made all the difference. It’s hard to explain why—it just helped. And now? I’ve stopped hiding it. Sometimes I even bring multiples, especially in a clear bag for sporting events (where they inevitably steal the show).
The more I’ve embraced my love for stuffed animals, the more I’ve learned about their world—the history, the makers, the magic. Did you know that during the war years, the German toy company Steiff had to make plush toys out of paper because materials were scarce? Little details like that remind me: plushies aren’t just toys. They’re part of history. They’re little carriers of memory, creativity, and joy.
So yes—I’m 31, and I still love stuffed animals. I love them for what they are: a reminder that softness, whimsy, and comfort never go out of style.
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