WHY DO ADULTS STILL HAVE A TEDDY BEAR? IS THIS NORMAL?

Often, when we think of cuddly toys, we immediately think of a child. After all, one of the main characteristics of childhood is the presence of a stuffed friend  ? who accompanies you wherever you go.

About 60 to 70 percent of children have an attachment object that soothes and comforts them . If you were one of those children who had a blanket or teddy bear permanently attached to you during your childhood, you may remember the traumatic experience of giving it up.

Of course, since comforters and stuffed animals unfortunately don't last forever, they eventually disappear from our lives when we grow up ?♀️ and replace them with other things in our lives. But you may not have parted ways with your comforter yet, so can an adult still snuggle up to their childhood friend?

What Makes Cuddly Toys So Special in Our Childhood?

A tattered piece of blanket or an old stuffed animal may not look so appealing as an adult. But comfort objects, as their name suggests, provide a sense of security and calm to children. They remind children of home and often have a certain scent that settles them in times of distress.

A study from the University of Bristol suggests that children's emotional attachment to these objects may be due to their belief that their object has a unique property. When offered the chance to copy their object for a new, identical version, almost all children with an "attachment toy" chose to keep the original.

An article in Psychology Today highlights the importance of “transitional objects” for young children. According to them, “dependence on these objects is rooted in sensory cues that alleviate separation stress while soothing and comforting the child.” They go on to explain that these objects allow children to explore emotional relationships and that their denial can lead to attachment difficulties later in life.

So, cuddly toys are unconsciously associated with childhood, but we have five good reasons to bring these cuddly toys back into your life. Discover now our TOP 5 reasons why cuddly toys are still for adults ?:

1) To Comfort Adults

While soft toys bring comfort to adults , it 's not just children who can benefit from the positive effects of comfort objects. According to a study from the UV University of Amsterdam, which the Daily Mail reported, touching a comforting object, even an inanimate one like a teddy bear, can help people with low self-esteem resolve their existential or life problems.

They ran a series of tests, such as briefly tapping a participant on the shoulder or allowing them to touch a teddy bear — all while answering a series of questions. Participants reported being less anxious and more socially connected after receiving a light pat. Those who touched the teddy bear had fewer reactions to reminders of death. In short, teddy bears comfort and protect adults from life’s difficulties!

Lead researcher Sander Koole said: "Our findings show that even touching an inanimate object (like a teddy bear) can alleviate existential fears." So there's a lot to be gained from having a teddy bear on your bed if it makes you feel less stressed. If you're a worrier and you know you have trouble sleeping without one, there's no real reason to get rid of it.

2) For Decoration

The sight of a cute stuffed animal can often make you smile without even thinking about it. It’s one of the main reasons we do what we do. Whether it’s a teddy bear to go with your Valentine’s Day roses, adorable stuffed gnomes to beautify your indoor garden, or even just a stuffed penguin for your office, a stuffed animal can serve as a decoration and addition to almost any decor.

It not only allows you to express yourself and what you love, but also brings more creativity and friendliness to whatever you decide to "fluff".

3) For Comfort

In addition to serving as decoration and an expression of personality, a stuffed animal can also serve a more practical purpose: comfort?! Many stuffed animals make great pillows and/or cushions , and having a few in your living room or den can be a great way to get cozy.

When given the choice, most people would rather lie on the 80-centimeter large plush penguin  than on the same old boring cushion or armchair. Any plush toy can serve as a cushion, but there are also  even cuter cushion plush toys that are suitable for beautifying your sofa!

4) To Offer as Gifts

In addition to being soft and comfortable, stuffed animals can also serve as gifts ? , especially for special occasions. Many special stuffed animals are made especially for birthdays, graduations, parties, and many other celebratory events, which means they are always a great option.

They can serve as a cute and cuddly keepsake of a special day for years to come, or simply as a new plush companion. Either way, most people will appreciate a thoughtful plush gift based on their tastes or favorite animal.

5) For Nostalgia and Remembering Good Memories

Finally, soft toys can serve as a reminder of fond memories with your favorite stuffed animals and/or childhood characters. Whether it's your favorite pet, a cartoon character, or your own stuffed animal, these days you can find almost any kind of stuffed animal to remind you of the good old days.

A good stuffed animal can not only help you remember good memories , but also share those memories and stories with other people around you, or even pass them on to children.

Stuffed Animals Are For Adults Too: Hug Your Teddy Bear

Whether it's a blanket, a cushion or a stuffed animal, you don't have to be embarrassed to have your comfort object nearby when you fall asleep.

More than a third of French adults (both men and women) sleep with a teddy bear , with 25% of men surveyed saying they take them on business trips. As with children, adult comfort objects remind them of home and give them a sense of security. They can also serve as a substitute for a partner they have left behind.

Despite all the good reasons for an adult to have and sleep with a stuffed animal, most would not dare to admit it in front of people. Since these objects are still considered toys or childhood comforters, it is understandable that people feel embarrassed. A certain shame can also come from the state of the object, most are probably old and in poor condition. However, we all need comfort from time to time, no matter our age.

As long as you feel comforted by your plush bed companion, you should keep snuggling with him! 

Now you might consider taking a plush friend on your next shopping or online shopping trip. If you are confused about which plush toy to choose, check out and get inspired by our blog post to easily choose a plush toy for kids  and help you make an informed decision. And if you already know all about it, you can discover our plush toys ? on our online store Plush Kingdom ® .

Still not convinced to get a stuffed animal? Let us know why in the comments below!