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Why Adults Are Now Buying Plush Toys as Much as Children

The pandemic sparked a quiet revolution in who buys stuffed animals. Today, adults cling to them for solace—and the trend is here to stay.

In this image I see a box in which there are toys.
In this image I see a box in which there are toys.

Why Adults Are Now Buying Plush Toys as Much as Children

Plush toys are no longer just for children. A growing number of adults are now buying them for comfort in uncertain times. The trend has become so noticeable that experts predict it will last well beyond the current economic challenges.

The shift in who buys stuffed animals became clearer after the pandemic. In 2024, a study by Persistence Market Research found that 20% of all plush toy purchases were made by adults for themselves. This change has balanced the customer base, with children and adults now buying them in roughly equal numbers.

The rise in adult plush toy purchases marks a clear change in consumer habits. With demand holding steady, stores like Build-A-Bear continue to attract a mixed crowd. The trend shows no signs of fading, even as economic conditions shift.

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