In traditional thinking, plush toys were considered exclusively for children. Today, however, this toy category has also captivated many adults, who find themselves utterly unable to part with them. In fact, some adults even develop a deeper affection for plush toys than children do.

　　Some people adopt abandoned plush toys and spend their spare time figuring out how to repair them, while others regularly share photos of their plushies. Then there are those who take their plush toys on trips. Even more individuals treat their plushies as if they were living beings, breathing life into them and turning these cuddly companions into cherished items that offer comfort and healing.

　　Behind the emotional attachment to and anthropomorphism of plush toys lies a growing manifestation of China's expanding "healing economy." As a new industry model, the "healing economy" stems from people's genuine need for stress relief and relaxation, which inherently shapes its core approach: helping consumers unwind by offering relaxing environments, products, and services.

　　Despite continuous socioeconomic development and rising living standards, some people still face immense pressure in their work and daily lives. This pressure, in turn, fuels growing feelings of loneliness and leaves individuals' sense of belonging unfulfilled. Prolonged exposure to stressful environments not only affects normal social interactions but also makes emotional relationships more fragile, making it increasingly difficult for people to confide in others. As the number of individuals seeking relief from stress and a place to anchor their emotions continues to rise, it has given rise to the "healing economy," where plush toys and other comforting objects serve as powerful therapeutic tools.

　　As a "healing companion," plush toys have gained popularity among people seeking emotional comfort, thanks to their diverse shapes, soft textures, and other appealing qualities.

　　Research shows that in the adult world, a soft and delicately textured plush toy can help ease the stress young people face in their work and daily lives.

　　Psychologist Donald Winnicott referred to plush toys as "transitional objects," which become cherished companions in the childhood of only children, fostering a stronger sense of belonging. As children grow older, their reliance on these comforting toys doesn't diminish with age—but instead tends to deepen over time. Research shows that this enduring bond between individuals and their comfort objects continues to help young adults cope with life's stresses well into adulthood.

　　In fact, whether it's plush toys or the "healing economy," their essence lies in the fact that people, after experiencing psychological stress and emotional burdens in work and daily life, seek a way—or even an object—to release these feelings.

　　People seek comfort from plush toys and form emotional bonds with them—beyond merely reconnecting with childhood memories, these cuddly companions have become a much-needed remedy in today’s world, where material abundance and diverse consumption patterns often leave individuals feeling isolated and disconnected on a deeper, spiritual level.