Plushies Vs Stuffed Animals: How do they differ?
- What Are the Differences Between Plushies And Stuffed Animals?
- The Difference in the Scope of Reference for Word Meanings
- Why Are Stuffed Animals Called Plushies?
- Why Do People Like Stuffed Animals？
- Where to buy plushies?
- History of Stuffed Animals
- Summary
Have you wondered what the differences are between stuffed animals and plushies? Well, you're not alone. Many people need clarification and help to distinguish the differences between these two genres, while others mix them. But what are the facts? Let's take a look at it.
What Are the Differences Between Plushies And Stuffed Animals?
Stuffed animals and plushies are similar, but down to detail, some key factors determine the differences.
Material
The most explicit and notable difference between stuffed animals and plushies is the crafting materials. The stuffed animal is considered an older name for this kind of toy, so it refers to a more traditional crafting procedure in which the old dolls are made of natural materials like cotton and wool. Stuffed animals are usually firmer, and the stuffings are generally more supportive. Plushies, on the other hand, are typically made of synthetic materials like polyester, PV Fleece, etc., considered the best fabric for stuffed animals from a modern point of view. Different materials and crafting lead to other use intentions and different target users, thus leading to different lines of toy products.
Target users
Stuffed animals are often given to children as gifts for companionship, education, and a tool for increasing imagination. Many children have their stuffed animals as transitional objects that provide comfort and companionship when feeling depressed or anxious.
Plushies are often designed for all ages and can be used as fidget toys for squishing and pinching to release pressure. Some people also collect them for their appearances. Plushies cover a more comprehensive scope than stuffed animals but generally cost more.
Size
There are also differences between stuffed animals and plushies. Stuffed animals are usually larger, so they are better decorations in rooms or playmates for children. Plushies are smaller and more compact, making it easy for you to carry them around.
The Difference in the Scope of Reference for Word Meanings
Stuffed animals usually refer to more specific animal toys, such as dragons, unicorns, and other images. Conversely, Plushies, in addition to animal-shaped plush toys, can sometimes include other types of toys, such as pumpkins, ghosts, dolls, etc. For example, this glow-in-the-dark cute ghost belongs to the plush type rather than the stuffed animal type.
Why Are Stuffed Animals Called Plushies?
The word "plushies" originated from its etyma, "plush", which means soft and smooth fabric or fur or long fur. What the term refers to resembles materials like PV Fleece and faux fur, so the word plushies got the possibility to get used to representing soft, cuddly, and smooth stuffed animals.
The actual use of the word "plushies" by people probably dates back to the 1990s, when people in specific communities and forums that like stuffed animals began to call stuffed animals plushies. Some of them also call stuffed animals enthusiasts plushies. The result is that it quickly got popular among collectors and enthusiasts of soft toys.
Nowadays, the term "plushie" is a broad word, including many subgenres, as mainstream popularity develops. It has become a similar popular term like "kawaii."
Why Do People Like Stuffed Animals？
Appearance
Stuffed animals are adorable. Colorful colorways and cute figures stimulate human brains to release dopamine to make them soothed, calm, and ease their breath. Cute stuffed animals can certainly be incredible decorations at home.
Softness
Hugging a stuffed animal is like getting a warm and fuzzy hug from a friend. Stuffed animals are made of soft and smooth synthetic materials that feel good to touch and squeeze. They can help people relax and cope with stress by providing comfort and companionship. You can find the softest stuffed animals online, with different shapes, colors and sizes to suit your preferences. They are affordable and adorable, so it’s no wonder that many people love them.
Emotional Connection
Stuffed animals remind people of their childhood. Some adults even have strong attachments to their stuffed animals since they developed the so-called "transitional objects" when they were children.
Psychological function
Stuffed animals can also ease stress, anxiety, and depression. Combining the physical functions, visual effects, and mental connections above, stuffed animals are very strong tools for curing certain mental diseases or just simply helping people reduce stress.
Where to buy plushies?
There are many ways to purchase stuffed animals nowadays. For example, you can buy stuffed animals from online platforms like Amazon. You can also purchase stuffed animals on a dedicated website of a specific brand. You can also go offline to buy stuffed animals at retailers or shopping malls like Target and Walmart. Among those methods, purchasing on a dedicated brand website is most suggested. Those brands specialize in soft toys and sell the best-stuffed animals of the most excellent quality. PlushThis is one of the stuffed animal brands that stand out from the crowd. It offers the softest stuffed animals with lovely designs and fair prices. Come check it out!
History of Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals were invented long ago, almost 2000 years B.C. But traced back in modern history, the first stuffed animal was made in the 1880s by a German woman in her home. The mass production of stuffed animals started with sophisticated industrial infrastructures and equipment. If you want to know more, you can click the link to learn more about the detailed history of stuffed animal development.
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Summary
Reference
https://kinrex.com/blogs/news/why-do-people-get-emotionally-attached-to-stuffed-animals
https://lushplushies.com/blogs/news/why-are-plush-toys-called-plushies
https://bellzi.com/blogs/news/plushies-v-stuffed-animals-what-is-the-difference