Fashion Blogs

Everybody, from children to adults, loves plush toys. They are soft, cute, and cuddly. Hugging them releases stress and brings back childhood memories. There are various purposes like gifts, giveaways, mascots, fundraisers, etc. You can get them from strip malls or online shops. But those are mass-produced. They do not give you the freedom to create per your needs. That is where custom plush toys come in; you can make custom plushies using your artwork. But, customizing stuffed toys takes a bit of knowledge about the materials. Often, people research the outer fabric and ignore the filling. Even manufacturers provide little guidance and choose the general ones to make the most profit. But, the stuffing is as much vital to the plushies as the outer covering. Let us begin.

Factors to consider when choosing fillings for custom plush toys:

Filling for custom stuffed toys is one of the most vital elements that dictate how they will feel.

1. Safety: Most people consider the outer materials but forget about the stuffing. They are as much vital as the outside fabric. Remember, people hug and touch them; if a material is allergic, it could cause damage. Often the inner material can cause some reactions, and people might not know the source. It can be more damaging to toddlers; some lick and chew. So, choose a hypoallergenic material if you are making them in bulk, like a seller or customizing a mascot. If you are gifting to someone, ask if they are allergic to a particular material.
2. Consider quality and durability when customizing plush toys. People bond with them, and there are several examples that they pass on to the next generation. In addition, children can be rough with them while playing. You do not want them to tear up within a month or two. It is even more vital if you are making them for promotions or mascots. People associate their quality with your business. They will not make a positive impression if they do not last.
3. Availability: Some materials are widely available, while others might be challenging. It also depends upon the manufacturer. If someone is a massive name in the industry, they might have every filling. A small supplier might not have the stuffing that you want. In addition, a few manufacturers, like EverLighten, go the distance to find the materials per your need.
4. Usage: The stuffing impacts the softness of custom plush toys. Consider their use and the age of receivers like if you are customizing a mascot for promotions, it might be in the showcase for a long time. If you are creating them as gifts, they will touch them. For the first, you might not need a super-soft filling, but it makes sense to go with an ultra-soft for the second scenario.
5. Filling affects the weight of custom stuffed toys. Here the size also plays a part, like a big one will have more weight. You do not want to use heavy stuffing; it will make them difficult to carry. But, if you are creating it for something like a team mascot or keeping it in a place, a heavier one will be suitable. Also, consider the age of users; you do not want to customize a weighted one for children.
6. The cost of the plush toy customization can be one of the determining factors and depends upon every mentioned point. For example, if you want to make a stuffed animal for kids, consider hypoallergenic material, softness, weight, and the availability of the filling. Some materials are rare, and they can drive the price upwards. You must keep options and ask the manufacturer about their pros and cons.

Stuffings for custom plush toys:

We can categorize them into three per their properties and origin.

1. Natural soft: They are one of the most popular choices for stuffing plush toys because they occur naturally and are safe for most people.

• Cotton is the most popular stuffing for custom plushies because it is soft, durable, and hypoallergenic. They are widely available and budget-friendly. It is your choice if you do not have a particular material in mind.
• Cotton fabric scraps are an option if you want an environmentally friendly material. They make it soft through the machine-washing process.
• Corn fiber combines natural fibers like corn starch-sugar and other ingredients. It is environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic.
• Kapok comes from the seed pods of the tree. It is natural, soft, lightweight, and widely used for filling plush toys and pillows.
• Eucalyptus is soft, hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and mold-resistant, making it a fantastic choice for durable plushies. Another anti-microbial option is dried lavender, but it can be costly compared to it.
• Mohair is a soft and durable wool. They are famous for filling custom stuffed toys but may attract bugs and require extra care.
• Bamboo is a natural and sustainable option that has a fine texture. It is soft, antibacterial, and does not require much care.
• Wool is another popular option because of its softness and durability. But watch out for dust mites which can be more expensive than other options.
• Feathers are durable, fluffy, and easy to maintain. It might not be an option if you dislike animal products.

2. Synthetic soft: They make them from polyester and provide a durable and budget-friendly option.

• Recycled PET is a lovely choice of synthetic fillers for custom plushies. It combines various materials like plastic bottles, making them eco-friendly.
• Polyester fiber fill is one of the most prevalent fillers for plush toys. They are available easily and pocket-friendly.
• Polyester is soft and durable; it is one of the most popular.
• Polystyrene bean bag filling is also helpful for plush toys. The texture is like other more brittle metals but can be an option because they are durable and inexpensive.

3. Hard stuffings help customize durable plush toys. They use them for plushies that require some rigidity and stand up on their own.

• Pellets are durable, easy to find, and inexpensive. You can use a variety of materials, like ground walnut shells.
• Plastic pellets are lightweight and soft. They are ultra-durable because they do not degrade for a long-time.
• Glass pellets are stiff but are water-resistant and eco-friendly. They do not compress, unlike others.

What is the best material for stuffing plush toys?

There is no cookie-cutter answer to the question. It depends upon many factors like whether you prefer organic or synthetic, whether you can compromise softness for the cost, etc. You can use the points to make the best choice. Making custom plush toys is a work of art and takes years of experience and expertise. When you are ready with the design, connect with a reliable manufacturer. EverLighten has been customizing plush toys for nineteen years for startups, corporations, sports teams, nonprofits, hospitals, celebrities, individuals, etc.

Sarah Hall wanted to gift their son a custom plush toy on his birthday. They had specific designs, sizes, and material requirements that they could not find in malls and online. They contacted several manufacturers; they refused to accept the order because they wanted only one unit. Fortunately, they found EverLighten after researching and reading testimonials on various sites. They agreed on the order because they recognized the value of the gift. The manufacturer loves to help customers regardless of the order size. The team guided her to choose the best materials and delivered on time with 100% satisfaction. It was the best gift ever, according to their son.

Read the complete story at https://everlighten.com/blogs/success-stories/sarah-hall-custom-plush-toys.

Customize plush toys with EverLighten:

Best value: We manufacture custom plush toys in our factory, which helps you to get the best cost in the industry.

Top quality: Customers get plushies with the best materials, fillings, and packaging.

Fast turnaround time: EverLighten delivers every order in the least time.

Comprehensive support: You can contact the customer help team anytime.

Customer-first: We love helping people and accept every order.

100% customization: Customers can customize every aspect - materials, colors, artwork, accessories, etc.

Low minimum order quantity: We offer the lowest MOQ in the industry.

Worldwide delivery: EverLighten delivers to every part of the globe, and customers can track their orders with an online tool.

For more advice, inspiration, and ordering, visit https://everlighten.com/collections/custom-plush-toys