A plushy is a fluffy companion that’s always ready to cuddle—it’s a stuffed animal, doll, or otherworldly creature that’s been sent to Earth to warm your heart. Originally designed to be a pincushion, the first stuffed animal was sold in Germany in 1880 and took the shape of an elephant. In the early 19th century, the popularity of animal plushies quickly spread, and bears, bunnies, and kitty cats were widely produced. During the Great Depression, parents turned old socks into stuffed monkeys as an affordable toy for kids.
But stuffed animals and plush toys aren’t just for children. Teens and adults can cozy up with a plush toy for a movie marathon, or expand their collection of vintage plushies. Weighted stuffed animals soothe as you snuggle, and range from light to heavyweight. Find a replica stuffy of the one you had as a child for a daily dose of nostalgia, or choose a new favorite to hold onto on slow Sunday mornings.