What To Consider When Buying Stuffed Unicorns

By Freda Watts


When you want to choose a gift for a baby, or for child up to earliteen years, stuffed unicorns are a popular options. They can be a security toy for a toddler, or a decorative accent pillow for a girl's bed. Today, unicorns are growing in popularity due to the fact that they are more attractive than the current generation of monsters and prehistoric animals that marked children's stuffed toys in the past. Some children's fantasy books, movies and television shows include this type of animal.

The size of stuffed animals will be varied. It should be matched to the size and carrying capacity of any child who wants a plush animal to love and take care of. The construction of most of the toys made by manufacturers uses soft and lightweight materials.

When picking children's soft toys, think about how it can be cleaned. Check the care instructions that are usually on the tag. For sure, parents and caregivers want the items that go into a child's mouth to be free of dirt, stains and harmful bacteria. When little hands grasp the toy, dirt and germs can be easily transferred. Think about whether a spaghetti stain on a white coat will be something that you can live with.

You should consider the age of the the child before selecting a specific stuffed toy. The size of the animal for a toddler should be one which can be grasped easily by tiny hands. Weight is important, but the construction usually is of lightweight materials. An older child may want a more decorative toy for display, rather than as a comfort toy.

Historically, unicorns were considered to be a pure white animal. Today's manufacturers don't always stay true to the historical and literary images, but many of the commercial products are white or pastel. The horn may be a different white, may include sparkles, or may be a brighter contrasting color. The mane and the tail of the stuffed toy can also vary in hue.

Safety in children's toys is an important consideration. Most toys today are marked when they are unsuitable for children less than age three. Avoid toys that have parts that may become loose, such as plastic eyes or buttons. Many toddlers will attempt to swallow such items, or may insert them into ears or nostrils. Parents and caregivers don't want to take a child to the emergency room to remove improperly placed small parts.

Children's literature, television and movies has incorporated the idea of strong, yet pure unicorns as champions of princesses and fairy creatures. This idea appeals to the imagination of a youngster. Carrying around a toy that looks like the fantasy creatures the youngster see can feel very secure. Communication skills that benefit for the entire lifetime are enhanced when the child can see links between various objects and concepts.

Stuffed unicorns offer people looking for first toys or decor building gifts to older youngsters, with an attractive choice. The toys are available in various sizes and colors, although white is heavily represented. The links between mythology and plush toys are strong. Choosing the perfect toy should include consideration of safety and dirt-resistance. Solid construction and no loose parts are important to parents concerned with protection of the child.




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