Eagle Era

Why stuffed animal companions are the perfect gift and coping tool this year

By Jovina Zion Pradeep 

AHS students bond over many shared experiences, like Google Classroom alerts and overly ambitious New Year’s resolutions, to name a few. But one coping tool has become increasingly visible as stress mounts heading into the new semester—plushies. 

For many students, plushies are a source of constant reassurance in social and academic settings. Teenagers often experience anxiety around new milestones, and plushies can help.

“Having stuffed animals in class might encourage students to be more open,” said Lana Ko (12). “I have a friend who has stuffed animals in her backseat while she drives, and she told me that it helps her feel more at ease—as if she’s not alone.”

That’s exactly why plush companions make the perfect gift for high schoolers, offering emotional grounding that is both nostalgic and stress-relieving. “I’ve always liked them since I was a kid because they’re cute and soft,” Ko said. “When I’m trying to pull an all-nighter or cram for a tes,t and I’m very stressed, I’ll look at my stuffed animals on my bed, and it brings me comfort.” 

Plushies also offer an avenue of self-expression. “One of my favorite stuffed animals is a big Baby Yoda called Grogu because I really like Star Wars,” said Cherina Chui (12). 

Ko said, “My favorite one is a Squishmallow, and I like it because my grandpa got it for me.” 

“Looking at stuffed animals makes me feel calmer and decompress a little bit. I like playing with stuff when I think. Stuffed animals help with that because you can fidget with them,” said Lana Ko (12) (Photo Credit: Jovina Zion Pradeep (12)).

Still, many assume plushies belong strictly to childhood. But is there really a deadline for growing up? “I think people can view it as childish and immature because stuffed animals are usually something people think only little kids will have,” Chui said. 

Ko disagreed with that stigma, believing stuffed animals are important precisely because they preserve a sense of youth when teens feel pressured to grow up quickly. “I think little kids enjoy stuffed animals just as much as we do, and it’s important to have a young spirit,” Ko said. “Playing with stuffed animals can bring back that sense of childhood.” 

Nowadays, students aren’t the only ones utilizing stuffed animals. Teachers have taken notice of the growing acceptance of plushies on campus as well, and AP Physics teacher Mr. Shockley believes this shift is a positive one. 

“I can’t think of a single instance of a stuffed animal when I was in high school,” said Mr. Shockley. “But people are more understanding today: it’s common to see smaller stuffed animals or smaller ones hanging on backpacks.” 

Mr. Shockley even incorporates plushies into his classroom activities. “I have eight different Beanie Babies, and in AP Physics C, they’re used in two labs,” he said. “Students get oddly attached to the Beanie Babies, and I’ve had students want to keep them, promising to get me another one.” 

In the chaos of a new semester, plushies and stuffed animals can become a year-long source of comfort for AHS students.