Some common questions concerning realistic plush animals
It depends on the reason you are getting your plush animals:
- Are you a collector of plush toys
- You are not permitted a dog in your condo/apt so you want a plush toy
- To decorate a nursery or kids rooms in a jungle or safari theme
- As a educational tool for teachers and even adult trainers as some are life size and very realistic looking
- Elderly person looking for emotional support
- As a toddler or kid just to play with and cuddle at night
- To use as a pillow
Melissa and Doug make large very realistic toys; Hansa are even more realistic; Webkinz supplies a website with kids games, Aurora World makes many smaller types and Wild Republic also has a wide variety.
Then you have to consider whether you want something small or large? These days there are so many to choose from, check them out here.
For the price of most stuffed animals most people just them already made. However there are some kits available such as Build a Bear Workstation Surfing Kit and Make Your Own Fluffy Panda Kit
Basically most plush animals can be machine washed, but always check labels for instructions and warnings. If you don’t want to risk it, you can hand wash it. Further instructions.
Elderly family members, especially those with dementia and Alzheimer’s, may not be able to care for a real pet anymore. And if they live in a nursing home owning a real pet may not be possible. Seniors with dementia have been known to respond extremely well to realistic stuffed animals by providing emotional comfort.
Stuffing materials in plush animals may include synthetic fiber, batting, cotton, straw, wood wool, plastic pellets, and beans. Depending on where made they might also contain pesticides, harsh dyes, or ingredients that will irritate asthma. Some companies use organic cotton for their stuffed animals for this reason.
Check out a selection of organic cotton plush animals.