Looking for an emotional support pet? Why not try a plushie instead

Gen Z’s motto is out—it is time you embraced kidulthood with stuffed toys. What were earlier relegated to conventions of childhood now make it well past adolescence without embarrassment, thanks to Gen Zs who are banking on these for emotional support as much as for the aesthetic. The numbers confirm the claim—the “kidult” market is said to account for approximately $9 billion (₹757cr approx.) in toy sales every year now. And Squishmallows—a leading brand in the plushies space, which claims that 65 per cent of its buyers are between 18 and 24—did $1 billion (₹84cr approx.) in annual sales in 2023. From the regular teddies, bunnies, dogs, penguins to sheeps, dragons, frogs, crabs, mantis, scorpions, worms, even peanuts, salt & pepper shakers, eggs, cookies, pizza slice, burger, eggplant, pickle, bok choy...you get the gist. There is everything you might want in your kindred spirit toy, and we’ve got you our 10 favourites to pick.

Okhai Samoolam Handmade Happy Giraffe Cuddle Toy, ₹2,800 

 

Baby Forest Cuddly Buddies Little Kitty Soft Toy, ₹1,215 

 

Mary Meyer Marshmallow Junior Gator, ₹1,513 approx.

 

Jellycat Amuseables Sandwich, ₹3,483 approx.

Warmies  Dumpling Warmies, ₹2,198 approx. 

 

Zoey Jerry Mouse, ₹950 

 

Meri Meri Knitted Duck Toy, ₹4,623 approx.

 

Fly Little Bird Cow Stuffie, ₹6,053 approx.

 

Squishmallows Harry Potter Ravenclaw Raven, ₹1,430 approx.

 

Pomme Knitted Soft Toy Blue Dinosaur, ₹1,799

 

 

 

Image: Instagram/Jellycat and respective brands

This article first appeared in Cosmopolitan India, November-December 2024, print edition.

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