Introducing the ultimate guide to keeping your beloved stuffed animals clean and cuddly! Whether they’re cherished companions or decorative pieces, proper cleaning is key to maintaining their freshness and hygiene. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of cleaning stuffed animals, from spot cleaning to machine washing, and ensure they come out looking as good as new. So, get ready to give your fuzzy friends the spa treatment they deserve. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to effective stuffed animal cleaning, but first!

Step 1: Read the Label

Check the care instructions on the stuffed animal’s label. Some may be machine washable, while others require hand washing or spot cleaning.

• Washing
• Bleaching
• Ironing
• Drying
• Additional Symbols

Step 2: Spot Cleaning

If the stuffed animal is not machine washable or has delicate parts, start by spot cleaning. Take a clean cloth or sponge, dampen it with mild detergent or a mixture of water and vinegar, and gently scrub the surface of the toy. Pay attention to any stains or soiled areas.

After spot cleaning, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any residue.

Step 3: Machine Washing

For machine-washable stuffed animals, follow these steps:
a. Place the stuffed animal in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag to protect it during the washing process.
b. Set the washing machine to a gentle cycle with cold water.
c. Use a mild detergent that is free of bleach and harsh chemicals. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they may leave a residue on the toy.
d. Start the wash cycle, and once it is finished, remove the stuffed animal from the pillowcase or laundry bag.

Step 4: Drying

Proper drying is crucial to prevent mold or mildew growth. Squeeze out any excess water gently without wringing or twisting the stuffed animal. Use a towel to pat dry the toy and remove as much moisture as possible. Air-drying is the safest method. Place the stuffed animal in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. You can also hang it on a clothesline or lay it flat on a clean towel.

Make sure the stuffed animal is completely dry before returning it to regular use.

Step 5: Brushing and Grooming

After the stuffed animal is dry, you can fluff it up and restore its appearance by gently brushing its fur with a soft brush or comb.

Now you have all the tools to give your adorable stuffed animals a refreshing makeover! By following these simple steps, you can keep them huggable, clean, and ready for countless snuggles and playtime adventures. Remember, a little love and care go a long way in preserving the charm and longevity of these fluffy companions.

Purchase the perfect stuffed plushie!

Women’s History Month is here and what better way to celebrate than to talk about women-owned businesses?! You may be surprised to learn that Amazon has a lot of brands that are owned by women. Today we are going to highlight 7 of our favorites. The brands range from self-care, home decor, accessories, and more.

Birdy Boutique

Birdy Boutique was created in 2014 by two sisters: Joanna Serra and Barbara Kent. The duo were inspired to create their business after being involved in the military. They created Birdy Boutique to provide educational toys, tapestry blankets, and weighted blankets for children and adults alike. Part of the proceeds from each purchase goes towards helping veterans with recovery.

Our favorite items from this brand, include their bright and colorful tapestries with motivational themes. The blankets are super light weight for easy hanging.

Mother’s Shea

Mother’s Shea is a family-run business from the makers of Eu’Genia Shea that specializes in making high-quality shea butter-based skincare products. Intense demand for Eu’Genia led to a push towards affordable luxury and the launch of Mother’s Shea. The company’s main mission is to empower women by providing them with educational resources to thrive on their own. Each purchase donates 15% of the profits to female workers in Ghana. With a max of five all clean moisture-packed ingredients, everything included in their products is made to delight.

It’s tough to narrow down our favorite products to just three! Below are items we’re loving right now.

HereAfter

HereAfter specializes in handmade crafts created using wood cutouts. The original idea began when Yvonne, the founder, wanted to keep a greeting card she received from a loved one. She thought there must be a way to preserve cards and make them something even more special to display. That’s when she got the idea to create cards using wood. After receiving positive feedback from her town, she decided to branch out into even more product offerings, including journals, keepsake boxes, and pins.

A few of our favorite items from Yvonne’s collection, can be found below.

Kasensen

Kasensen is the perfect shop for those who enjoy sticker collecting! They have a variety of stickers that range from different colors, objects, themes, and materials. All stickers are available in packs of at least 50 stickers and go up to as many as 200 stickers. Whether you’re looking for cute designs to decorate your laptop, water bottle, skateboard, or sticker book, Kasensen has the perfect sticker pack for you.

For Spring, we’re loving these stickers:

One Fire Store

One Fire Store specializes in portable night lights and star projectors. This women-owned business has a mission of making your home and workout space more enjoyable and inviting. Their portable night lights have 12 soothing sounds, 7 color changes, and 5 brightness levels. Their Galaxy Light Projector is often used in Yoga Studios to help set the mood for a zen session. What would you use a light projector for?

Ozaoz

Ozaoz is an Amazon shop that features accessories and books focused on cute characters. Their most popular offering is their Kawaii Pencil Case that comes with pins. It’s the perfect size to keep your journaling supplies! They also carry backpacks, ornaments, wall decor, and jewelry.

Angela Nguyen

Angela Nguyen is an independent illustrator residing in the Bay Area. She is best known for her cute illustrations that are inspired by pop culture. She lives for the art world and believes that anyone can become an artist if they want to. This inspired her to release a series of instructional books focused on drawing, illustrating, and painting. Additionally, for those who do not wish to learn how to draw, and instead simply want to color in the characters that Nguyen has developed, they can do so with her line of kawaii coloring books.

By supporting women-owned businesses, we can help empower female entrepreneurs to continue creating and innovating. We hope you opt to support women in business, not just in March, but all year long.

Do you know other brands that should be included on this list? Please share them below!

10 Must Read Books for Winter – A blend of fiction and non-fiction

The weather is getting colder, the days are getting shorter, and you want to curl up in a cozy corner with a good book. We’ve rounded up 10 must-read books for winter that are sure to keep you warm and entertained no matter what the temperature is outside.

“The Villa” by Rachel Hawkins

Firstly, “The Villa,” is a story about friendship. Emily and Chess, two childhood friends, take a trip to Italy to reconnect. They stay in a villa with a mysterious history, and Emily is determined to investigate it. Tension builds between the two as Emily discovers secrets and betrayal, leading to a story of murder.

“The Things We Do to Our Friends” by Heather Darwent

Clare moves to Edinburgh, Scotland to start a new life and meets a group of wealthy friends. Drawn into their libertine lifestyle, Clare is asked to help with a project that goes against her better judgement. As she starts to realize the depths of her friends’ ambitions, it’s too late to turn back.

“Really Good Actually” by Monica Heisey

Maggie is a Surprisingly Young Divorcée™ determined to make the most of her newfound freedom. With the help of her friends and advisor, she explores who she is meant to be. This includes the world of dating, hobbies, and career ambitions.

“Make a Wish” by Helena Hunting

Harley Spark and Gavin Rhodes reunite after seven years when they both attend a princess-themed birthday party hosted by Harley’s family. Despite her inner turmoil, Gavin suggests they get together for lunch, which could either heal old wounds or reopen them.

“Georgie, All Along” by Kate Clayborn

Georgie Mulcahy, a personal assistant from L.A., returns to her hometown and discovers a forgotten diary she wrote as a teenager. With the help of Levi Fanning, an unexpected roommate and former town troublemaker, Georgie embarks on a journey to fulfill the wishes she wrote in her diary. Along the way, she discovers that the things she truly wants may not be in the pages of her diary, but right by her side.

“The Bandit Queens” by Parini Shroff

Five years ago, Geeta loses her husband and rumors spread that she killed him. This has given her freedom and respect in her remote village, and other women have sought her advice on how to get rid of their husbands. Geeta must find a way to protect herself and the life she has built as her reputation becomes a double-edged sword, and her actions will have a lasting impact on all the women in her village.

“Venco” by Cherie Dimaline

Lucky St. James, a Métis millennial, discovers a mysterious silver spoon that leads her and her grandmother Stella on a journey to New Orleans. Along the way, they face a powerful witch-hunter and the dark money-fueled company VenCo, who are determined to restore women to their rightful power. The final showdown will determine the fate of VenCo and the future of witchcraft.

“The London Séance Society” by Sarah Penner

Additionally, “The London Seance Society” features a girl named Vaudeline D’Allaire, a renowned spiritualist. Vaudeline visits England to help solve a high-profile murder. Lenna Wickes, a skeptic of the occult, accompanies her as an understudy. Teaming up with powerful men of the Séance Society, they soon realize that they may be involved in a crime themselves.

“The Wrong Kind of Weird” by James Ramos

Cameron Carson, a member of GANU, is in a secret relationship with Karla Ortega since the summer. However, when he starts to bond with Mackenzie Briggs, he begins to question his relationship with Karla and wonders if Mackenzie could be more than a friend.

“Weather Girl” by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Ari Abrams, a TV meteorologist, and Russell Barringer, a sports reporter, have been coworkers for awhile. They team up to try to mend the relationship between Ari’s boss and her ex-husband. While working together, they start to develop feelings for each other, but Ari is hesitant to open up to Russell about her true self.

From historical fiction to romance, there’s something for everyone. So grab your favorite blanket, pour yourself a hot drink, and settle in for a long winter’s read.

Cozy Products for Reading Indoors

Find warmth at home with cozy essentials for Winter

This list of cozy essentials for winter, will get you started on a path towards a true Hygge lifestyle. Enjoy!

Pink Weighted Blanket

Find warmth while easing anxiety with a weighted blanket, like this blush pink one. Weighing 20lbs., this blanket helps you fall asleep faster. Enjoy a sound and comfortable night’s sleep.

Squishy Cat Night Lamp

Set the mood of your day or evening, with ethereal and dreamy lighting. We’re obsessed with the cat design of this night lamp.

Colorful Cookie Jigsaw Puzzle

An activity we really enjoy during winter is completing a jigsaw puzzle. Slowing things down helps to clear and challenge the mind. With a variety of different puzzle types, you’re sure to find one that fits your mood and style.

Woven Throw Pillow

To soften the ambiance of your living space, try a modest sized throw pillow (or two, or three, or…). The more pillows the better!

Further Reading

Aside from planning out a more inviting home space for the chillier months, we’d like to encourage you to browse some of our gift guides. It’s not too late to find the perfect gift!

If you’re looking for a gift guide for dog owners, read our blog here!🐶🐾 There’s a pup-icino squeaky toy that we’re particularly excited about. Gone are the days where we must sip our praline lattes by ourselves. Which gift do you like best?