One of the hottest trends in stuffed toys is making them posable. Many stuffed toy inventors want their toys to have this feature because they feel it adds value to the toy. But is it really? The Elmo stuffed toy is one of the most popular toys out there and is usually not poseable. So why would any toy inventor want to have this feature added to his toy?
How can something as simple as being able to pose add value to an already valuable toy? It is easy. Many children like to play make believe. Even the children of the older generation play with their toys. So right now, it’s just a matter of making a stuffed animal that they can use for their fantasies. The girls like to use them for their tea parties, and the boys like to use them for their “cowboys and Indians” games. Even the “Tickle Me Elmo” is a product of fantasy because they believe that little Elmo really is ticklish.
Today kids are taking it to the next level with their next generation toys. With the myriad of games that can help them, it’s not hard for kids to play pretend. This will be your market. You are going to entertain the children by giving them a stuffed animal with which they can play using their imagination. Sure, you can do it with the normal stuffed animal. But it would be easier to do if you could bend the arms and limbs so that you can pose them according to your imagination requirements.
So what can you do to make your stuffed toy poseable? You actually have many options. You can run wires inside and be sure to pad the extremities underneath to give them leeway. You also have the option of wearing plastic armor that is most commonly worn on wrists. While more complicated, it will actually give your stuffed animal more freedom to pose and maintain that pose. There is also the option of making an articulated stuffed animal. You will have a toy with arms, legs, and head attached by plastic discs.
Are there disadvantages to jointed plush toys? Imagine a posable Elmo plush toy for a minute. Sure, you can add value to the toy. But you’ll be giving up one of its most important traits: a wonderful feeling. For most stuffed dolls, you can expect it to be soft, smooth, and silky. That is one of their selling points. You can pet it and even hug it and you will feel good instantly. If you put cables, plastic armor or plastic joints, you will lose these characteristics. So ask yourself if it’s worth it.
So think carefully if you plan to make your jointed stuffed toy. Obviously, the ability to pose has its advantages, but make sure that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. A good way to check is to study the market for your stuffed toy. It will give you a better idea if making it posable is worth it.