Stuffed Animal, Plushie, or Soft Toy: What’s the Difference?

So what's the difference?

When we talk about soft companions, terms like "stuffed animals," "plushies," "soft toys," "stuffies," and "cuddly toys" are often used interchangeably. However, there are some notable differences among them, mostly relating to the materials used, the preferred shape of the toy, and geographical preferences.

For instance, "stuffed animals" typically feature a variety of fabrics and stuffing materials like cotton or polyester, often including added elements like plastic eyes. They tend to be more sturdy and have defined shapes. On the other hand, plushies are designed for maximum softness, using only soft materials and usually omitting hard elements like eyes, making them more flexible and cuddly. The term "soft toys" encompasses a broader category that includes both plushies and traditional stuffed animals.

While "stuffed animals" has been the most common term used in the U.S., in recent years, terms like "plushies" and "stuffies" have become more popular. Understanding these differences can help avoid any confusion. Additionally, it's worth noting that although "stuffed animals" is more popular, it can sometimes lead to confusion because the same term is also used in taxidermy. In taxidermy, actual animal bodies are preserved and mounted, which is very different from the stuffed toys intended for play and cuddling.

Similarities

At their core, stuffed animals, plushies, and soft toys share many similarities. They are all soft, stuffed toys designed to provide comfort and companionship!

Differences

Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals are made from a variety of materials. The outer fabric can be anything from super soft plush to firmer fabrics. To make them look more lifelike, they often have features like plastic eyes and noses, though these can make them a bit less cuddly than those that are all plush. The classic teddy bear is a perfect example of stuffed animal.

Plushies

Plushies are usually made from softer fabrics and materials, and they don’t have hard plastic parts like eyes and noses. The main idea of a plushie is to be as soft as possible, which makes them perfect for sleeping with and safer for kids. Here are some images of plushies: the giant bear from IKEA called Djungelskog, and Squishmallows, which became really popular in 2017.

Soft Toys

Term Usage by Country and Region

The term used to describe our soft friends, like plushies and stuffed animals, often varies by culture. Here are the most common terms used in different countries:

• United States: "Stuffed animals" is the common term.
• United Kingdom: "Soft toys" is the preferred term, though "cuddly toys" is also used.
• Canada: "Stuffed animals," similar to the United States.
• Australia and New Zealand: "Soft toys" is commonly used, aligning with British English.
• Japan: "Plushies" (from the English "plush") is popular, with the Japanese term "ぬいぐるみ" (nuigurumi) widely used.

Even though there are slight differences between these terms, they often vary due to cultural preferences.

Thank you so much for reading!

We hope this little guide helped clear things up and answered your questions. If you have any more questions or thoughts, feel free to reach out. Have a great day!