January 4, 2025

At Custom Plush Innovations, we are passionate about transforming your ideas into huggable realities. We understand that a unique and high-quality plush toy can be a powerful brand ambassador in the world of promotional products. But have you ever wondered how that cuddly creation comes to life?

The Start of an Idea

Every custom plush toy begins with a spark of imagination. Whether it’s a whimsical character for a children’s book, a mascot to embody your brand identity or a personalized gift for a cherished client, your vision is our starting point. We believe in close collaboration, actively listening to your needs, understanding your target audience, and dissecting the finer details of your vision. This ensures the final product not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

More Than Just a Sketch

Our team of skilled designers doesn’t just sketch; they breathe life into your ideas. Using advanced design software, we meticulously craft every aspect of the plush toy, from its overall proportions and posture to the subtle nuances of its facial expression. We consider seam placement, embroidery techniques, and fabric choices to ensure aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. This meticulous approach ensures that the final design is visually appealing and optimized for production.

Bridging the Gap Between Concept and Reality

The design phase culminates in a physical prototype. This crucial step allows us to evaluate the design in three dimensions, ensuring that it translates seamlessly from the digital realm to a tangible object. We meticulously examine the prototype, assessing its stability, the placement of features, and the overall “cuddle factor.” This hands-on approach allows us to make any necessary refinements, ensuring the final product is perfect.

 

A Universe of Textures and Durability

The quality of a plush toy is intrinsically linked to the materials used in its creation. We source high-quality fabrics, fillings, and accessories, carefully considering factors like texture, durability, and safety. We’re committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability, prioritizing environmentally friendly materials produced under fair labor conditions. This ensures that your custom plush toys are safe and durable and reflects your brand’s commitment to social responsibility.

 

 

Where Artistry Meets Precision

Our skilled artisans take center stage with the design finalized and materials selected. They meticulously cut, sew, and stuff each component, employing time-honored techniques and advanced sewing technology. We maintain strict quality control throughout production, ensuring that every stitch, seam, and detail adheres to our exacting standards.
It’s All About the Details

The final stage involves adding the special touches that bring your plush toy to life. These might include intricate embroidery to define facial features, accessories like clothing or hats. These small details make a big difference, transforming a simple plush toy into a memorable and engaging experience.

Custom Plush Toys That Exceed Your Expectations

Before your custom plush toys leave our facility, they undergo a comprehensive quality assurance check. We inspect every aspect of the toy, from its stitching and stuffing to its overall appearance, ensuring that it meets our stringent quality and safety standards. Once it passes our rigorous inspection, it’s carefully packaged and shipped to you, ready to make a lasting impression on your clients and customers.
Visit our website at Custom Plush to explore the endless possibilities of custom plush toys and discover how we can help you bring your vision to life. Let’s create something extraordinary together!

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November 15, 2024

Trade shows are a prime opportunity to make an impression for your business. And what better way to keep your business top of mind than with custom stuffed animal keychains. As we humans are prone to losing things, there’s no better way to remember ones keys (and your brand) than with a keychain! And at Custom Plush Innovations, we’re in the business of making sure no lanyards or keys go missing while also helping you promote your brand at your next tradesshow.

Whether you are a playful pet brand or a sleek corporate giant, investing in a batch of custom stuffed animal keychains featuring your logo and brand mascot could be your next marketing game changer. In this article, we explain why this underrated event marketing strategy deserves some love in your budget.

 

Custom Stuffed Animal Keychains Offer Practicality and Marketing in One Package

Using stuffed animal keychains for advertising at trade shows has risen in popularity due to their various qualities.

Firstly, let’s talk about the basics – they’re easy for attendees to carry around, easy to incorporate into their keychains, and help in finding keys everyday. But most importantly, they help keep your brand top of mind!

Attendees at trade shows and corporate events often collect a multitude of items, most of them are incredibly boring. Sad, cardstock business cards, pens, and maybe even a brochure. These products get tossed quickly and marketing dollars are burned.

However, custom stuffed animal keychains are compact and lightweight, making them easy for people to carry around without hassle. They attach effortlessly to keys, backpacks, or handbags, becoming a part of the user’s daily routine. This utility means that every time they grab their keys or bag, they’ll interact with your branded keychain, helping them locate their items more easily and adding a touch of charm to their everyday life.

Secondly, these keychains are powerful marketing tools. By incorporating your brand’s logo and mascot into the design, you ensure constant visibility. The keychain doesn’t just stay with the initial recipient; it catches the eye of others wherever it goes—be it in a coffee shop, at the office, or on public transportation giving you more exposure.

We like to say, it’s almost like a mini walking billboard. But much cuter.

They Can Spark Conversations and Generate Buzz

Custom stuffed animal keychains are more than just cute trinkets—they’re conversation starters.

At trade shows and corporate events, attendees are inundated with standard flyers and business cards that often end up forgotten. Handing out an adorable plush keychain sets your brand apart, drawing people in with its charm and uniqueness. This not only encourages attendees to engage with your booth but also creates memorable interactions that stick.

But the impact doesn’t stop at the event. When recipients attach these eye-catching keychains to their bags or keys, they carry your brand into the world. On trains, buses, or even in the office, others will notice the delightful accessory and ask about it effectively generating word-of-mouth marketing without additional effort on your part.

 

Stuffed Animal Keychains Stand Out in a Sea of Bland Corporate Swag

In the crowded landscape of trade shows and corporate events, attendees are often overwhelmed with typical giveaways like pens, notepads, and tote bags that quickly become forgettable. Custom stuffed animal keychains break through this monotony by offering something truly unique and memorable. Their charming and eye-catching design not only attracts immediate attention but also serves as a delightful conversation starter, helping your brand to stand out from the competition.

Speaking about giveaways, a recent client of ours from the Orlando Space Center in Florida upped their giveaway game with a custom plush toy cat named Neil. They gave it away to their afterschool attendees to make the experience extra wholesome when it came to an end.

By providing such a distinctive item, you create a lasting impression that extends beyond the event. Attendees are more likely to remember a company that gave them an adorable plush keychain than one that offered yet another generic item. As these keychains dangle from keys or bags, they continue to promote your brand, sparking curiosity and conversations wherever they go. This uniqueness enhances brand recall and fosters positive associations, setting your company apart in a competitive marketplace.

Ready to Elevate Your Brand’s Impact with Custom Stuffed Animal Keychains?

Custom stuffed animal keychains are more than just another tchotchkey, they’re a strategic way to make your brand fun, and unforgettable especially in a tradeshow environment. Don’t let your company fade into the background with ordinary giveaway items. Stand out, and start meaningful conversations, and keep your brand at the forefront of everyone’s minds long after the event is over.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward upgrading your trade show giveaway game,  Contact us today to get a personalized quote on creating your own custom stuffed animal keychains.

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November 15, 2024

If you’re looking for that special marketing play to take your business or brand recognition to the next level, it’s time you consider designing your own custom plush toys.

Take for example, the Energizer Bunny. A symbol of strength, endurance, and vitality, and above all, a cute mascot that has swayed many hands away from Duracell and towards putting Energizer batteries in their carts.

The power a custom plush toy has is clear, it can change minds, and influence buying decisions. And at Custom Plush Innovations, we have made it our goal to make the process of designing, building, and shipping your custom plush toys as simple as pie. That way, the power of branded plush toys such as the Energizer Bunny can be wielded by all.

However, custom plushie buyers must beware. Before you buy a large order of custom plush toys for your business or brand you must head these 4 pro tips on designing your plush toy before placing that order.

1. First Understand Your Brand’s Personality

You can’t create your brand or businesses custom plush toy without fully recognizing your brand’s personality. Your plushie is a direct representation of your brand, and to make sure it captures your brand’s essence, you must sit down and spend some time in the design room. 

To align the custom plush toy with your brand’s image you have to think outside the box. Not only should you focus on the colors, shapes, and clothing, but you should also identify which accessories it should have, what facial expressions you’d like it to have, and if there is anything you can add that would resonate with your audience. 

Luckily our team can help you with this. When you work with us, we go over your design with you to ensure it’s reflective of your brand and business’s ethos. We’ve worked out the details with numerous enterprises to create a fantastic custom plush toys that represents them deeply.

2. Always Focus on Quality Materials

When representing your brand via a custom plush toy, you’ll want to opt for the highest quality you can afford. This is due to the fact that people will be feeling your brand for possibly the first time ever, and as we all know-first impressions are important. 

The foundation of a great custom plush toy is the materials used. The look, feel, and durability of your mascot or toy are directly tied to these choices.

Take a look at the material used in for our client Running Aces, a horse racing track and casino in Minneapolis.
No details we’re spared as we made sure to add in the extras like a long haired mane & tail, custom shirt and cap. Here, take a look!

When choosing fabrics, opt for soft, high-quality materials like polyester or fleece for a luxurious feel that customers will love. For a more rugged look, consider cotton blends or corduroy. Choosing the right fabric sets the tone for your toy because it’s the first thing your client will see and feel. 

3. Choose the Right Stuffing and Stitching Options

The stuffing determines the toy’s huggability, squishability, and weight factors. High-density polyester fiberfill works well for a firm yet soft feel, while bean bag pellets can add weight for a unique tactile experience. But if you’re going to be throwing these plushies out and about at a company event, be sure to choose something lighter. Either way one must identify their brand’s voice and style and match it with the stuffing options. 

Furthermore, custom plush toys undergo a lot of handling, so strong stitching is essential. Depending on your plushie partner you can opt for reinforced seams and high-quality thread. While potentially adding to the cost, they can make all the difference in durability.

Using premium materials ensures your plush mascot not only looks good but also lasts, reflecting positively on your brand.

4. Make Sure to Tell your Brand’s Story in Your Custom Plush

Finally, creating a custom plush mascot or toy is more than just crafting a product—it’s about telling your brand’s story in a way that resonates emotionally with your audience. By carefully selecting high-quality materials, incorporating thoughtful design elements, and working with a trusted plushie partner, you can produce a plush toy that not only stands out but also tells your brand’s story.

Whether your goal is to delight customers, promote your brand at events, or create a memorable giveaway, a well-made custom plush can leave a lasting impression that turns casual customers into lifelong fans. Take the time to invest in quality and creativity, and watch your brand’s impact grow.

Ready to Bring Your Brand to Life with a Custom Plushie?

If you’re ready to bring your brand or business to life using a custom stuffed plushie, we can help. Reach out to our team here to get a free quote today!

When you’re ready, we’re here to help you take the next step and explore how custom plush toys can elevate your brand. Whether you’re looking to create a one-of-a-kind mascot or a line of unique toys, partnering with the right team will bring your vision to life.

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December 14, 2023

Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Brother Bear and Sister Bear. These simplistic names became synonymous with children’s literature back in the 1960’s when Stanley and Janice Berenstain wrote their first book featuring three bears. Bears were easy to draw and since they were both artists wanting to get into the children’s book market, they figured they’d start with a bear family and see where it took them. Dr. Seuss who at the time was working for a publishing company when their first book crossed his desk coined the name The Berenstain Bears and a new book series was born. Instead of being billed as Stanley and Janice, he changed that up too, giving them the shared moniker of Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s catchy, it’s cute and it’s something that everyone came to know. After their first book took off they wrote more and more until they had over 300 titles to their credit. All featured the bears and all have a moral or safety lesson attached.

The series of books have been criticized for being too formulaic, but kids love them and have done for generations. Each story starts with bumbling Papa Bear messing up in the advice department or giving more fear than necessary to his cubs. It is always Mama Bear who is the voice of reason, the one who makes everything alright and the one who saves the day. Likewise, it is always the cubs (and ultimately Papa Bear) that learn the lesson of the day.

The Berenstain Bears live in a tree house down a sunny dirt road. They are grizzly bears, and they wear clothes although they don’t own shoes and of course they can talk. The kids go to school, they have friends and Papa works while Mama stays home taking care of the house and cubs. The series has also been criticized for adhering to old gender roles and not keeping up with the times, but they are cartoon bears, and their target audience loves them. They became so popular that they have spawned not one but two television series so their stories can come to life in each episode.

It just goes to show that you don’t have to be popular with everyone, but as long as you are keeping your niche market happy you are doing a great job. Whether you need a custom plush for a book accompaniment, or for marketing, just a little bit of imagination can go a long way.

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November 16, 2023

When it comes to mascots, most of the ones that come to mind right off the bat are those associated with North American sports teams or North American products. Think McDonald’s, M&M’s, the Philly Phanatic, the Energizer Bunny, the Kool Aid Man; the list goes on and on. These are all easily recognizable characters that clue people in right away to what they are selling or promoting.

England’s premier soccer teams (and some not so premier) also have mascots, although they are not as widely known on this side of the Atlantic. The one that comes to mind most easily, and the one who has won Best Mascot for football clubs a few times since his reign began is Fred the Red, and he supports the popular Manchester United Football Club.

Manchester United, for those who don’t know wear red as a primary colour in their uniforms, or kit as they say in Britain. They also go by the nickname The Red Devils, so Fred the Red, obviously is a red devil of sorts, though he’s not as scary as you may presume given his name and colour, he’s actually quite appealing and somewhat fluffy to boot.

Fred the Red wears a red (what else?) Manchester United jersey with the number 55 on the back. He has a shiny red face with plush red hair, arms and legs and his main task is to dance for the rabid football fans before the games, or matches as they are called across the pond.

Like with North American mascots, Fred the Red has his likeness on everything from keychains to plush likenesses, lunch boxes, books, T shirts, posters and much, much more and he is a key marketing tool for the club.

It just takes a photo of a mascot or a drawing of what a mascot should look like for your team or club to get the ball rolling on some marketing opportunities of your own. Imagine going to your next event armed with boxes full of mascots ready to be handed out as giveaways or sold to make some money for your cause. Mascots can be anything your heart desires, any colour, any size and with any accessory you can think of, just start with a picture and let the friendly folks at Custom Plush Innovations do the rest!

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October 14, 2023

Why the Detroit Tigers are called the Tigers is open to a lot of speculation. It could have been that back in the day they wore orange striped socks with their uniforms, or it could be a tribute to a group of cavalrymen from the Detroit area who valiantly fought like tigers during the Civil War. Whatever the story behind the name, the Tigers have been playing baseball in Detroit for decades and what any great team needs is a friendly mascot to help rally the fans. Enter Paws, the cuddly and cute tiger that graces Comerica Park at each home game.

Paws is, of course a tiger complete with his orange fur and black stripes. He stands upright, doesn’t use his claws (!) and of course wears the famous Old English D on his hat and sports a Tiger’s jersey with his number 00 emblazoned on the back.

Paw’s stats, taken from the official Tigers website state that he stands 20 stripes tall, he lives at Comerica Park (where else?) and he both bats and throws using his right paw. He doesn’t have a favourite Tiger, as he loves them all equally and he was born back on May 5, 1995.

Today Paws can be seen at each Tigers home game greeting the fans signing autographs and leading the cheering section. He isn’t hard to spot, of course as he is a big fluffy tiger dressed in clothes, and he has a fan following all his own. He also does community events, visits schools and malls and can even be rented out should a fan want him to visit their wedding, birthday party or other special occasion.

Paws merchandise is also available, with his likeness on mugs, lunch boxes, T shirts and much more, there are also plenty of plush Paws’ available so his fans always have a little piece of him close to their hearts.

So if you have a mascot that you want to promote, why not have Custom Plush Innovations make a plush replica of him or her for merchandising purposes? They make great giveaways and prizes and of course are great items to generate some money for your club or team. All it takes is a photo or a sketch to get you started and then the creative team will guide you through the process until you are looking at a replica of your mascot, loveable, tactile and right there in your hand. What are you waiting for?

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September 16, 2023

Perhaps the best known mascot of all time is McDonald’s Ronald McDonald, that clown that is as synonymous with the fast food chain as the Big Mac is. He is an instant link to the restaurant that has served billions across the world and his likeness can be found in comics, in books and in animated series’ alike. He is someone that 98% of children know and can recognize with just a glance and is the brand ambassador, with the Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities and Ronald McDonald Houses around the world bearing his name.

Ronald McDonald is all yellow, white and red. He has red hair and a red and white striped shirt under a yellow jumpsuit and large red clown shoes. Typical clown makeup completes the look and although he’s been around since the 1960’s he has gone through a few changes over time. Many may not know this, but Willard Scott was the first person to play Ronald McDonald and he has even gone as far as to claim it was he who invented the character in the first place. Over the years, the Ronald we know today has evolved and there are many different people who play him in appearances, all trained so that the mannerisms are the same across the board.

In a world where so many people are afraid of clowns it is amazing that he is still such a successful brand ambassador, but that he is. When you are as popular among kids as Santa Claus it seems you can do anything!

Do you have a mascot to promote your restaurant or team? Maybe you need some custom plush likenesses to use as a handout or a promotional tool or maybe you just want to sell those plush mascots to patrons. Whatever the case, Custom Plush Innovations can help you with all aspects of creating a custom plush mascot. They will guide you through choosing the right materials and help you with accessories, colours and sizes. All you need is a photo or two of your mascot or, if he or she doesn’t exist yet, a sketch of what you want and then your journey can begin.

What are you waiting for? Your mascot may just become as big as Ronald McDonald one day  but you have to start somewhere!

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July 15, 2023

Who has a red hat, a blue duffle coat and a battered old suitcase that is full of his favourite breakfast food, marmalade? Why, it’s Paddington bear of course and he, like so many other famous bears got his start in children’s books. He hails from ‘deepest, darkest Peru’ and is found by the Brown family at Paddington Station in London England when they are there to pick up their children from a train.

Paddington was the brainchild of Michael Bond who saw a lone teddy bear in a shop near Paddington station on Christmas Eve. He bought the bear for his wife for Christmas and it prompted him to come up with all sorts of adventures which he later turned into the classic children’s books we have come to love. His first adventure was published in 1958 so Paddington is nearing sixty years old, but he is still a charming addition to many a children’s library.

Paddington Brown is very polite. He addresses people by Mr. and Mrs. and doesn’t like to use their first names. He is an orphan bear from Peru who seems to always get into trouble and scrapes, although unwittingly so. He gets along well with his family and their housekeeper, Mrs. Bird but his nemesis is the man next door. Things of course always work out in the end and the Paddington series of books have been translated into thirty languages and sold over thirty million copies.

Paddington has also appeared on television and feature films, always portrayed as the kind-hearted, marmalade loving spectacle bear that we have grown up with.

We don’t often see Paddington without his trademark coat and hat and he always seems to be with that suitcase, complete with a secret compartment, of course and always with a stash of marmalade. He was originally illustrated by Peggy Fortnum and has changed throughout the years especially in the 2007 motion picture. His likeness can be found on many items but especially stuffed bears wearing that coat and hat—and don’t forget the wellington boots!

Paddington was once just a figment of an imagination but he grew into something that is beloved the world over, that little orphan bear that can’t help but get into trouble but always makes it right in the end

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June 15, 2023

We all know Winnie the Pooh, that lovable yellow bear in the red shirt that has an affinity for ‘hunny’ and for getting into scrapes along with his band of friends. He, along with Tigger, Owl, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo and of course Christopher Robin have many adventures that were first documented in books and later in movies and television shows.

It all started back in 1926 when author A.A. Milne wrote a story about Winnie-the-Pooh, his son’s stuffed bear. The bear got the name Winnie after a Canadian black bear that he liked to visit at the London Zoo and a swan he named Pooh that he had spotted while on holiday. Winnie herself was named after Winnipeg for a truly Canadian piece to the story. Christopher Robin Milne also had other stuffed animals that ended up in the books, namely Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga and Roo. Owl came about from the senior Milne’s imagination and it wasn’t until Disney got the rights to Winnie the Pooh that other characters were added.

Several books later, all illustrated by E.H Shepard and today Winnie the Pooh or just Pooh as he is also known is still as popular as ever. Although he was always drawn with a shirt, the illustrations in the first set of books was in black and white. It wasn’t until 1932 that Pooh was drawn and coloured wearing his iconic red shirt.

Winnie the Pooh is a big ole bear that is friendly, thoughtful and not so bright. He has been called slow witted and naïve but he is also gentle and loving to his friends. He is a thinker and a poet and has come up with many sayings that people have taken to heart as the philosophy of Pooh. “Life’s a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved” and “As soon as I saw you I knew an adventure was going to happen” are just two of the many that swirl around the internet today.

Today’s marketing allow us all things Pooh. He appears on lunchboxes, crib sets, wall décor, clocks, books, puzzles and a multitude of other things and of course there are also the plush likenesses of him and his friends that come in all sizes imaginable. We not only have the Pooh we have come to regard in this generation, thanks to Disney, but we also have Classic Pooh which is a nod to how he first appeared all those years ago when he was simply a teddy bear owned by a boy who went on fine adventures…

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May 15, 2023

You know Yogi bear, that brown guy with the green tie and cute little hat that goes around with a little bear cub named Boo Boo and tries to steal any ‘pic-a-nic’ basket he can get his hands on. Yes, that Yogi Bear not to be confused with the famous baseball player, Yogi Berra with the very similar name.

Yogi has been with us since 1958 when he first debuted on The Huckleberry Hound Show which was a popular cartoon at the time. Turns out he was far more popular than Huckleberry Hound so by January of 1961 he had his very own show. Yogi was the first major breakout character that was created by the creative team of Hanna-Barbera, the folks who later brought us things like The Flintstones, The Jetsons and Tom and Jerry. He was based on actor Art Carney’s portrayal of Ed Norton in The Honeymooners with both his inflection and gestures incorporated into the character of Yogi.

Yogi was an interesting character because he always spoke in rhyme and had a deep voice with a slow delivery that may suggest he wasn’t the brightest light in the box. He did however have friends like Boo Boo, an orphaned bear that he took under his wing and a girlfriend named Cindy who would help him on his adventures and of course, misadventures alike.

Yogi Bear went on to star in many comic books strips, cartoons, animated television shows and also made it to the silver screen. There are Yogi Bear lunch boxes, pillows, stuffies, stickers—you name it, and of course he is also featured in many books for kids as well.

Now you may be wondering just why a bear who hangs out in Jellystone Park and steals picnic baskets for fun would need a tie and a collar when he’s not wearing anything else but a hat. Well, that’s to cut down on the number of drawings the animator would have to do to create each cartoon. If he had a collar his body could remain static and be used repeatedly, cutting down the amount of work needed to finish each episode of the show.

So Yogi is now stuck in the collective conscience of cartoon fans from coast to coast. Is your next custom plush going to get as lucky as Yogi who is, after all, ‘smarter than the average bear’? Only time will tell.

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