Why Adults Are Rediscovering Stuffed Animals for Comfort
Why Adults Everywhere Are Embracing Stuffed Animals
Most of us slept with stuffed animals when we were young, and then one day we grew out of it…or did we?
According to a 2017 poll for Build-A-Bear, Atomik Research found that 40% of Americans still sleep with a stuffed animal! The biggest subsect of adult cuddlers is Generation Z, or Gen Z, which includes individuals born between 1997-2012. Warmies heatable, weighted, lavender-scented stuffed animals help promote rest and relaxation while decreasing stress and anxiety, making them the perfect cuddly mix of childhood joy and snuggly, self-care products. In this blog, we will uncover Why Adults Everywhere Are Embracing Stuffed Animals Again and why Gen Z may want to consider changing their name to Generation Teddy Bear. Let's get started!
The Surprising Rise of Stuffed Animals Among Adults
Shop Warmies Microwavable Stuffed Animals
The stuffed animal market for adults is booming! The market was estimated at USD 11.76 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2024 to 2030. Statistics show a significant increase in adult purchases of plush toys, with popular brands like Squishmallows and Warmies experiencing exponential growth. It’s no doubt the pandemic accelerated this trend, as people sought comfort and stress relief during uncertain times. Many have called it the age of anxiety with 36% of young adults reporting symptoms, symptoms, which may be why adults buy stuffed animals, at least in part. While this percentage of people reporting symptoms is far higher than in past generations, these individuals also show remarkable resilience in addressing challenges investing in their own mental and physical health, and creating self-care routines to stay well.
With many taking proactive steps to safeguard their mental health, the adult stuffed animal trend has emerged. This has led to healthcare consumerism, where individuals invest in self-soothing products such as fidget spinners, weighted blankets, squishable stuffies and heatable stuffed animals for self-care, prioritizing their comfort and well-being. This stuffed animal resurgence is clearly connected to a reframing of what it means to be an adult, and how adulthood can and does include childlike joy.
Celebrities like Margot Robbie and social media influencers have also contributed to the normalization of adult stuffed animal ownership, promoting self-care practices and embracing childlike joy. Ashlyn Mason, a 21-year-old toy enthusiast and influencer, has captivated a TikTok audience of over 489.8K followers. She shares her passion for collecting adorable toys, particularly Squishmallows, mini toys, and mystery unboxing hauls, documenting her journey to complete her collection. As a result, stuffed animals have become a symbol of self-compassion and a reminder to prioritize mental health in an increasingly demanding world.
Benefits of Stuffed Animals for Mental Health and Wellness
Self-soothing behaviors are positive habits we use to regulate our emotions, often starting in childhood. While pacifiers and blankies are ideal in childhood when little ones are learning to calm down, as adults, we must develop healthy ways to comfort ourselves. Instead of relying on less ideal habits like overeating or endless phone scrolling, adults can self-soothe by taking a warm bath, listening to calming music, or cuddling emotional support stuffed animals.
But what are the mental health benefits of stuffed animals? Stuffed animals offer a comforting touch that can significantly benefit mental health through self-soothing. The tactile sensation of holding a soft plush toy can help reduce negative feelings such as stress. The warmth, weight, and often gentle scent of certain stuffed animals for anxiety, like Warmies, can have a calming effect, promoting relaxation and better sleep.
Beyond physical comfort, calming stuffed animals can serve as emotional support objects. They can provide a sense of companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Some mental health experts even suggest that cuddling a stuffed animal can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked to stress reduction and bonding. By offering comfort and emotional support, stuffed animals can be a valuable tool in managing stress and anxiety while promoting overall mental well-being.
Warmies Reviews"Provides so much more than just physical warmth | I'm a 31 year old man who bought this gift for my wife but I absolutely fell in love with Martin (what we named him), and I consider him as a gift for both of us now. Not only does he provide physical warmth and comfort, but just his presence exudes those same qualities. Every time I walk into a room and see that calm smile and kind eyes looking back at me, I feel a kind of child-like joy that I never thought I would feel again. My only regret with this purchase is not buying more, but that won't be a problem for much longer." -Alex L. (Georgia, US)
Stuffed Animals as a Tool for Better Sleep and Relaxation
For many adults, bedtime is when anxiety and stress become most prevalent, as racing thoughts of the next day keep us awake. While there hasn’t been much research on the effects of sleeping with stuffed animals benefits, a 2013 article in Psychological Science stated that touching an inanimate object–like a teddy bear– “can soothe existential fears.” While Gen Z may be the most anxious generation, there’s enough existential fear to go around and the sleeplessness epidemic is not generation-specific. There is a clear correlation between being better able to self-soothe and getting better quality rest.
So what are “sleeping with stuffed animals benefits”? Stuffed animals, particularly those designed with warmth and scent, can significantly improve sleep quality and relaxation routines. Products like Warmies® offer a comforting solution by providing gentle heat and the calming aroma of lavender. This combination can mimic the sensation of a warm hug, triggering the body's relaxation response.
To integrate sleep aid stuffed animals into your nighttime routine, consider placing one on your bed before sleep. The warmth and scent can create a soothing environment, making it easier to drift off to sleep. Additionally, the weight of some stuffed animals can provide a sense of security and grounding, further enhancing relaxation.
Scientific studies have shown that warmth can improve sleep quality by regulating body temperature. By providing a consistent source of warmth, stuffed animals can help maintain optimal sleep conditions, leading to more restful and rejuvenating sleep. As Warmies are microwavable, these warm and cozy stuffed animals can help improve sleep and lead to longer more restful nights. Check out Warmies’ “The Importance of a Bedtime Routine” to learn more about sleep.
How Stuffed Animals Enhance Adult Self-Care Rituals
Incorporating stuffed animals in self-care routines has become increasingly popular among adults. The sensory experience of cuddling a soft, comforting object can provide a sense of calm and security. Many adults find solace in unwinding with self-care plush toys after a long day, using them as a companion during meditation or simply as a comforting presence while reading or watching TV. Aromatherapy-infused stuffed animals, like those scented with lavender, can enhance relaxation and promote better sleep. The gentle scent, combined with the soft texture, creates a soothing environment that can help reduce stress and anxiety. As a result, stuffed animals have emerged as a valuable tool for adults seeking to prioritize self-care and cultivate a more mindful lifestyle.
Hugging has been associated with stress relief, and a 2013 study found it doesn’t even have to be with another person! Cuddling inanimate objects like relaxation stuffed animals lowered adrenaline and cortisol levels (stress hormones), both in the blood and saliva. Warmies comforting stuffed animals for adults are designed to promote calm. Warmies plush are microwavable and scented with French lavender for a soothing warm hug when you need it most. Warmies can also be chilled in the freezer for relief from aches and pain or cool refreshing snuggles in summer. Warmies are designed to be perfectly weighted, and filled with flaxseed, to offer light pressure to help ease stress and improve sleep.
Choosing the Right Stuffed Animal for Your Comfort Needs
Choosing the best stuffed animals for adults means finding the right friend to accompany you on your journey to relaxation and comfort is an important decision. Consider these factors to find the ideal companion:
Weight: Weighted stuffed animals can provide a calming, grounding sensation, reducing anxiety and promoting better sleep. The gentle pressure can help soothe the nervous system and alleviate stress. Warmies comforting stuffed animals for adults are weighted to reduce stress and anxiety.
Warmth: Warm and cozy stuffed animals like Warmies, offer a uniquely comforting experience. Just one minute in the microwave can give your hours of soothing warm snuggles and the gentle heat can relax muscles, relieve pain, and improve circulation. The lavender-infused scent adds an extra layer of relaxation, for calmer bedtimes and better rest.
Scent: Aromatherapy-infused stuffed animals, such as those with lavender, can enhance relaxation and promote better sleep. Warmies stuffed animals with lavender scent can help promote rest and relaxation while creating a peaceful environment.
Aesthetic Appeal: Choose a stuffed animal that resonates with your personal style and brings you joy. Whether you prefer a cute and cuddly animal or a sleek and modern design, there's a stuffed animal out there for everyone.
Quality: When selecting a stuffed animal, prioritize quality materials and design. Look for plush toys that are soft, durable, and well-made. Avoid products with small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
Remember, the best stuffed animal is the one that brings you comfort and happiness. Whether you're seeking relaxation, stress relief, or simply a cuddly companion, a well-chosen stuffed animal can be a valuable addition to your self-care routine.
Conclusion: The Rise of Generation Teddy Bear
The Washington Examiner wrote an article on Gen Z, in which the first line reads “Has America become too soft?” This is a common critique in America, but it leads one to wonder, what is so wrong with holding on to a small piece of our childhood as we navigate the trials and tribulations of adulthood? Why not have a cuddly friend to help you sleep at night?
