One of the hottest trends in plush toys is making them posable. Many inventors of plush toys want their toys to have this feature because they feel it adds value to the toy. But is it really? The Elmo plush toy is one of the most popular toys out there and is usually non-poseable. So why would any toy inventor want to have this feature added to his toy?
How can something as simple as posing 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. Girls like to use them for their tea parties, and 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 is really ticklish.
Today kids are taking it to the next level with their new generation toys. With the plethora 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 that they can play with 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 the requirements of your imagination.
So what can you do to make your stuffed toy poseable? You actually have many options. You can run wires inside and make sure to stuff the limbs underneath to give them wiggle room. You also have the option of wearing plastic armor which 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 plush. You will have a toy with arms, legs and head joined by plastic disks.
Are there downsides to jointed plush toys? Imagine a posable Elmo plush toy for a minute. Sure, you can add value to the toy. But you will be giving up one of its most important features: a wonderful feeling. For most plush dolls, you can expect it to be soft, smooth, and silky. That’s one of their selling points. You can pet it and even hug it and you will instantly feel good. If you put cables, plastic armor or plastic joints, you will lose these features. So ask yourself if it’s worth it.
So think carefully if you plan to make your stuffed toy jointed. Posing skill obviously has its advantages, but make sure 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 it’s worth making it posable.
