When we think about plush stuffed animals, our minds will often associate them with young children. However, there are a surprising number of adults who also have at least one treasured fluffy companion! As many as 40% of those are plush stuffed animals that have been with them since childhood, and many say they still sleep with the toy even in adulthood. With this information in mind, let's talk about some of the reasons why plush stuffed animals are not just for children!

Is It Normal For An Adult to Have a Stuffed Animal?

One of the big questions about adults and their plushie companions is - 'is that normal?' The short answer is YES! It is completely normal for adults to own plush stuffed animals or to keep one they had in their childhood. According to a study conducted by Build-a-Bea, around 40% of adults sleep with a stuffed animal, and even more own one or more, even if they aren't actively cuddling them at night! Adults and children alike often feel a sense of calm when they have a stuffed animal close.

How Can Adults Benefit From Plush Stuffed Animals?

We are often at our most vulnerable when we sleep. This is because we are lying down in darkness and in a semi-conscious state. Humans are social mammals, so we rely on relationships with others to help keep us safe. In the absence of another human, cuddling a stuffed animal can offer a sense of warmth and comfort instead. It's easy to anthropomorphize our stuffed animals, which can ease feelings of loneliness and even promote a sense of community. It's not unusual to talk to our toys and other inanimate objects. Have you ever given your car a name? You may have found yourself conversing with Siri or Alexa when you are alone. These are just substitutes for human connection and no different from hugging your childhood teddy bear!

Let's summarize a few of the reasons why adults should be proud to own plush stuffed animals:

1. Provide a Sense of Security: As we become an adult, we have to go through various changes and transitions, some of which can be scary. Having one item that can follow you through these shifts and be a constant in your life can be comforting and promote a sense of security. Plush stuffed animals are among the most common items adults use to fill that role.
2. Reduce Loneliness: It's easy to feel alone in the world. Despite being more connected than ever thanks to technology, we are becoming more isolated in terms of human interaction. Humans are social animals and are not meant to be alone, so a loved stuffed animal can help to replace some of the social contact we are missing, although it will never replace it entirely.
3. Helps With Anxiety: One of the fantastic things about animals is that they have a gift for reducing anxiety in humans! Didn't you know that plush stuffed animals can have a similar effect?
4. Helps With Grief: Stuffed animals are a common gift to give friends and family. Often, part of the reason we fall in love with a specific plushie is that it provides us with a connection to the person who gifted it. This also means that when that person passes on, the stuffed animal can help you connect with them and keep the happy memories alive. This can be very helpful in the grieving process. In fact, it has now become a popular trend to have a memory pair made using the clothing of a deceased loved one for this very reason.
5. Remembering Childhood: Do you look back on your childhood with fond memories? Studies show that nostalgia can boost our self-esteem, so you should definitely indulge once in a while. That's one of the reasons why so many adults have kept hold of a childhood stuffed animal, as it can trigger all of those happy memories.
6. Helps You Relax: It has been heavily documented by a number of scientific studies that spending time around animals, especially stroking them, reduces Cortisol levels and helps us to relax. Stroking and petting plush stuffed animals can also have this relaxing effect, although to a lesser extent.

Get Yourself a New Stuffed Animal!

Now that you know the benefits of owning plush stuffed animals as an adult, you may be thinking it is time to buy one for yourself! With that in mind, let us share one more benefit of owning a plushie that is unique to American Pet Rescues. Every single one of our plush stuffed animals is modeled on a real-life rescued animal! It even comes with a book telling their unique story. When you purchase one of our stuffed animals, all of the profits go directly back towards building our animal rescue center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Not only do you get yourself a new cuddly companion, but you are also supporting real-life animals in need. It's a win-win situation!

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Adopt a New Friend Today!

American Pet Rescues is working towards the goal of educating adults and children about the value of animal rescue. Through the sale of our quality plush stuffed animals, each based on a real animal rescue story, we hope to promote awareness of pet adoption while also funding the opening of an animal adoption center in the Knoxville area where we can continue educating others and also provide access to affordable veterinary care.

Visit www.americanpetrescues.org or call 865-800-3697 for more information.