One of the more popular trends in plush toys is making them poseable. A lot of plush toy inventors want their toys to have this feature because they feel that this is an added value to the toy. But is it really? The Elmo plush toy is one of the most popular toys out there and it’s usually not poseable. So why would any toy inventor want to have this feature added to their toy?
How can a simple thing like the ability to be posed add value to the already valuable toy? It’s easy. A lot of kids like to play make believe. Even kids from the older generation play make believe with their toys. So right now, it’s just a matter of making a plush toy that they can use for their fantasies. Girls like using them to have their tea parties with, and boys like using them for their “cowboy and Indian” games. Even the “Tickle Me Elmo” is a product of make believe because they believe that little Elmo really is ticklish.
Nowadays, kids are taking it to the next level with their new generation toys. With the vast number of games out there that can help them, it’s not hard for kids to play make believe. This will be your market. You’re going to entertain kids by giving them a stuffed toy that they can play with using their imagination. Sure, you can do it with the normal plush toy. But it would be easier to do it if you can bend the arms and limbs so you can pose them according to your imagination’s requirement.
So what can you do to make your stuffed toy poseable? You actually have a lot of options. You can put wires inside it and make sure to under-stuff the limbs to give the wires leeway. You also have the option of using plastic armature that is more commonly used in dolls. While it is more complicated, it will actually give your plush toy more freedom to pose and stick to that pose. There’s also the option of making a jointed stuffed toy. You’ll have a toy with arms, legs and head that are joined together by plastic discs.
Are there disadvantages to poseable plush toys? Imagine a poseable Elmo plush toy for a minute. Sure, it can add value to the toy. But you’ll be giving up one of its most important traits – wonderful feel. For most plush dolls, you can expect it to be soft, smooth and silky. That’s one of its selling points. You can stroke it and even hug it and you’ll instantly feel good. If you put wires, a plastic armature or plastic joints, it will lose these traits. So ask yourself if it’s worth it.
So think carefully if you plan on making your plush toy poseable. Obviously, pose ability has its advantages, but make sure the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. A good way to check is to study the market for your plush toy. It will give you a better idea if it’s worth it to make it poseable.