When people talk about plush toys, they immediately think of their adorably cute expressions and soft, gentle textures—words like "lovely," "warm," and "kind" naturally come to mind. Humans are inherently drawn to big eyes, cuddly, gentle, and non-threatening creatures. Recognizing this innate preference, plush toy manufacturers cleverly cater to it by crafting a wide variety of charming designs that captivate hearts and make these toys impossible to put down.

　　Plush toys through the eyes of children:

　　In daily life, it’s common to see children hugging their plush toys while sleeping, playing, or even talking to them—these toys often become their companions, friends, and trusted listeners. Children imbue these soft, cuddly creatures with deep meaning, using them as a source of comfort to soothe their wounded hearts when facing difficulties or setbacks. In an early 1960s paper, Donald Winnicott described the case of a six-year-old boy who had endured severe abuse at the hands of his parents. As a result, the boy became inseparable from the plush toy his grandmother had given him every night. Each evening, he would engage in heartfelt conversations with the toy, holding it close to his chest and embracing it tightly, burying his tears in its soft, gray fur. He insisted that this little rabbit was his most precious possession—and that he’d be willing to give up everything just to keep it safe. The boy once confided: “No one else can truly understand me except my little bunny.” To Winnicott’s surprise, the boy seemed to communicate with the rabbit not just as an object, but as a living being, speaking to it in a tone filled with both compassion and self-pity. While this might sound unusual at first, self-talk is actually quite common in our everyday lives. For instance, when we fail at something, we often find ourselves harshly criticizing or even scolding ourselves, adopting a tone that can feel sharp and unforgiving. Yet, mentally healthy individuals tend to yearn for a gentler, more compassionate, and hopeful inner voice—one that encourages them to keep pushing forward. Sometimes, within our own minds, we even hear one voice gently reminding another: “Enough with the criticism—let’s move on!”

　　During childhood, we can use plush toys to substitute for this soothing sound. Thus, plush toys can help ease anxiety, comfort the heart, and even serve as an important tool for psychological healing.

　　A plush toy through an adult's eyes:

　　Many women—and even adult men—own more than one plush toy. In the adult world, plush toys are not just home decorations or gifts exchanged in social settings; they also serve as a source of emotional comfort.

　　Humans are social creatures—though nowadays, the convenience of the internet allows us to connect and work without ever leaving home. Still, it’s undeniable that in the real world, adults often feel lonelier, face greater stress, and experience more anxiety. Even healthy adults need validation, a listening ear, understanding, and comfort—but unlike children, we don’t simply burst into tears or throw tantrums on a whim.

　　Psychological studies have shown that as adults age, their reliance on comfort toys doesn’t diminish—it actually tends to grow stronger over time. Research indicates that children who relied on plush toys during their early years continue to find these companions helpful in managing life’s stresses well into adulthood. As a result, plush toys are often referred to as "healing carriers."

　　Therefore, we should especially recognize that a healthy adult needs to: genuinely embrace maturity by learning to manage their emotions wisely—sometimes allowing themselves to act childlike, and occasionally even embracing moments of vulnerability. That’s why plush toys often become the perfect outlet for us to process and express our feelings.