THEY PEER DOWN AT YOU FROM ON TOP OF THE WARDROBE, THEY PEEK OUT AT YOU FROM UNDER THE DUVET, AND THEY ARE REGULARLY SQUASHED INTO A TOY BOX WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO CLEAN THE HOUSE.

Some children have a favourite that goes absolutely everywhere with them, and others collect them – stacking them high and covering every available space with cute ones, fluffy ones, big one and small ones. We’re talking about stuffed toys of course, and the soft cuddly toys by Gund UK are the most huggable, snuggly soft toys you will come across.

Children adore soft toys, they are a fundamental element of the bedroom – almost part of the furniture! Teddy bears are forever popular but for some children their favourite is a stuffed animal, rather than a traditional bear. Be it a cat, a bunny or even a pink flamingo, your child will soon let you know about their toy of choice! So why do children have such an affinity with the humble soft toy?

1 Soft Toys Never Let You Down

If a child leaves a soft toy on the bed for later it’s still going to be there (unless you have chucked it in the toy box in a cleaning frenzy)! Soft toys don’t mind being jumped on or squashed, they will put up bad moods or being left to their own devices while your child is at school. To your little one, their favourite soft toy is a constant presence in their life (someone they can always depend on). Their beloved friend will always greet them and be ready for a hug (even if he or she has been up to no good or has just received a telling off!)

2 Soft Toys Always Listen

Make your bed, eat your peas, clean your teeth, reed your book – children are bombarded with a long list of things they need to do at home every single day. School isn’t much better, with teachers reminding children to sit still on the carpet, eat their snack, finish their work and line up quietly.

When your child plays with a cuddly toy they get the opportunity to be in charge. Your child can play at being a parent or a teacher, they can issue the instructions and take control.

3 Soft Toys Give the Best Cuddles

When your child is tired after a long day of learning and playing, they may get a little grumpy. There’s nothing like a big, squashy hug from their cuddly friend to lift their spirits and make them feel brighter. The same can’t be said for a games console, a football or a box of Lego! Family members give good hugs, but cuddly toys don’t get caught up in what’s on TV, they don’t have to answer the phone, go off to work or go and cook dinner. The child can cuddle his or her soft toy for as long as they want to.

4 Soft Toys Are Easy to Look After (and Tidy Away)

Board games are good fun, Jigsaws can get your little one thinking and painting gets their creative juices flowing, but for a simple and easy game you can’t beat soft toys.

Add to this the fact that tidy-up-time is easy-peasy! Your child can help you to collect the soft toys and return them to their home on the shelf, bed or in the toy box.  You can even help your child give their soft toy a bath or a wash, let’s face it children’s hands can get a little icky, so their soft toy might need a little clean-up occasionally.

5 Soft Toys Are Robust and Reliable.

Soft toys don’t need a charger, they don’t fall off the shelf and get broken, and they don’t get bashed up if they fall down the stairs (not that we are advocating throwing anything down the stairs, especially not poor teddy)! The worst-case scenario when it comes to a soft toy? It gets left on a plane, on a train or at the bus stop! Luckily, it’s a responsible adult’s job to keep an eye on the favourite cuddly toy (to avoid the inevitable trouble, tears and tantrums should he get lost).

6 Soft Toys Will be Your Best Friends (Forever)

A beloved soft and cuddly toy will last a lifetime, providing your child with endless joy and tons of memories. Your child will have a confidant for life, a friend to share games with and a pal to hug in times of woe.

We’re very proud to bring you this feature in association with Gund UK. For more inspiration for you and your family, please pay a visit to our lifestyle page.