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!

White Day: A Celebration of Love and Appreciation

White Day is a holiday celebrated in Japan and other parts of East Asia on March 14th, exactly one month after Valentine’s Day. In Japan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated a bit differently where women are the primary chocolate gifter to express their love or appreciation. And White Day is the day when men are expected to reciprocate the gesture to women.

The Origins of White Day

White Day originated in Japan in the late 1970s as a marketing campaign by the National Confectionery Industry Association. The campaign encouraged men to return the favor by giving gifts to women one month after Valentine’s Day. The idea was to create a “second Valentine’s Day” and to promote the sales of confectionery delights and other gifts.

The name “White Day” comes from the idea that the gifts should be white in color, symbolizing purity, honesty, and the beginning of a new relationship. White chocolate, cookies, flowers, and other small presents are popular gifts on White Day.

Celebrating White Day

White Day is seen as a way for men to express their appreciation for the women in their lives, whether it be their girlfriends, wives, mothers, or female coworkers. It is also a way for men to show their romantic interest in someone they may have received chocolates from on Valentine’s Day.

In Japan, the custom is for men to give gifts that are worth two to three times the value of the chocolates they received on Valentine’s Day. This is seen as a way to show their gratitude and to return the favor in a more significant way.

While White Day originated in Japan, it has spread to other parts of East Asia, like South Korea, Taiwan, and China, and continues to be celebrated today.

The Significance of White Day

White Day is more than gift-giving. It is a celebration of love and appreciation, a way to express gratitude and show affection to the important women in one’s life. It is also a reminder of the importance of reciprocity in relationships, and the idea that gestures of love and kindness should be returned in kind.

Additionally, in Japan, White Day is seen as a way to foster positive relationships between men and women in the workplace. It is customary for male coworkers to give small gifts to their female colleagues on White Day, as a way to show their appreciation and to maintain a positive and respectful work environment.

Types of Japanese Valentine’s Day Chocolate

On Valentine’s Day, there are a variety of types of chocolate to be gifted, each with its own meaning.

• Giri-choco – This customary gift is an expression of friendship, gratitude, or indebtedness and should be given to male friends, bosses, work colleagues, or family members.
• Honmei-choco – These chocolates are usually handmade and are given exclusively to a potential love interest or significant other, such as a boyfriend or husband.
• Jibun-choco – Chocolates one buys for themselves as an expression of self-love and compassion.
• Tomo-choco – Sweet treats that are given to close female friends.
• Gyaku-choco – Translates to ‘reverse chocolate’. Since men are the ones receiving chocolates on Valentine’s Day, it is the men’s turn to reciprocate on White Day by gifting these chocolates.

While we couldn’t find the exact chocolate gifts on Amazon, here are some alternatives:

1. Godiva Holiday Gift Box with Red Ribbon
2. Godiva Signature Truffles Assorted Chocolate Gift Box
3. Godiva Red Heart Valentine’s Gift Box
4. Pink Chocolate Sea Salt
5. Strawberries and Cream Truffles
6. Chocolate Strawberry KitKat

Final Thoughts

White Day is a holiday that celebrates love and appreciation, and the importance of reciprocity in relationships. We encourage you to express your love and gratitude for those in your life. 💗

Further Readings

If you’re interested in reading romance novels this year, check out our recommendations in this blog.

What is Galantine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day takes place on February 13th, one day before Valentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day is the friendship version of Valentine’s, so instead of celebrating love with a romantic partner, you’re celebrating love with your girlfriends. In our opinion, Galentine’s Day is equally, if not more, important than Valentine’s Day because your girlfriends have most likely known you longer than your partner. Not to mention, they have been with you through all the ups and downs that life brings! With this in mind, how can we not celebrate these special relationships? It is time that we re-adjust our mindset from thinking that February is solely about romance, and shift to celebrating love of all types.

One of the best ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day is to throw a Galentine’s Day party! At this party, you can spend quality time together, shower your friends with gifts, and have a chance to really show your admiration and appreciation for each other. To host a Galentine’s-Day party, here are 5 key components that you need to consider: Main activity, gift-giving, food and drinks, decorations, and dress code. Let’s dive in!

Main activity: Sip and Paint, Movie Night, or Spicy Card Games

For the main activity, there are several activities you can choose from. If you and your friends enjoy arts and crafts, then a Sip and Paint night will be the ideal choice as you will paint while sipping wine (or cocktails). If you and your girlfriends are looking for a rom-com night that is chill and cozy, movie night is a great activity. To spice up the night, you could also either play a Spicy Card Game or ask each other spicy questions.

Gift giving: Pink Elephant

Gift-giving is a special opportunity to shower your friends with items that you know they will love. Gifts could be skin-care products, make-up products, hair-care products, fashion accessories, cute gadgets or home decor, or anything that you know your girlfriends would love. Don’t forget to set a minimum and maximum budget so that everyone contributes equally.

Items to consider: Pink Heart Coffee Mug, White Bear Rug, and Wrist Towels.

Food, drinks, and dessert

For food, we recommend having a charcuterie board. It is easy to put together and the meal itself won’t feel too heavy! For drinks, we highly recommend each person to make a Galentine’s-Day themed cocktail. There are so many pink cocktail recipes out there that you won’t need to worry about running out of cocktail ideas. One of our favorites is this Valentine’s Day mimosa recipe. Delicious! Lastly, no party is complete without dessert – give this Galentine’s Day cake a try!

Decorations

Decorating a Galentine’s Day party doesn’t need to be expensive. Ask your girlfriends to also help out with the decor. You can make this request a little more fun by phrasing the ask as everyone bringing their favorite decoration. Some popular decorations that you can use are candles, flowers, heart-shaped kitchenware, and/or some cute balloons! Remember, it is more important to spend quality time together so don’t worry about transforming your home into an “IG worthy” place (unless you want to)!

Items to consider Heart Shaped Charcuterie Board, Pink Heart Shaped Bowl, and Pink Rose Heart Plate.

Pick a dress code

Finally, pick a cute dress code! Are you all wearing the same pajama sets for movie night, or are you all wearing cute dresses for a night filled with lots of picture-taking? It truly is up to how you and your girlfriends choose to celebrate this special day together.

Thank you for reading our blog! We hope this was helpful to you and that you have a memorable Galentine’s Day.🥰💖 We’d love to follow along in the fun you and your gal pals are having; tag us and we may feature you in our IG stories!

Further readings:

If you’re looking for more gift ideas, check out this blog.

Gifts for Her

Saint Valentine’s Day is an annual holiday celebrating love and romance. It is commonly celebrated among romantic couples as they use this special opportunity to show affection towards one another.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day offers more opportunities than people realize. It’s a chance for lovers to show appreciation for each other. It’s a great opportunity to show your partner that you’re committed to building upon the relationship, especially if it’s new. Not to mention, it’s also an amazing opportunity for you to show your thoughtfulness by surprising your partner with a meaningful and fun date. To sum it up, celebrating Valentine’s Day can greatly strengthen your relationship.

Aside from spending quality time together, lovers also celebrate Valentine’s Day with greetings and gifts. So if you’re Googling “gift ideas for girlfriend”, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of Valentine’s Day gifts that we think she will love.

If your partner is a coffee lover and enjoys collecting cute kitchenware, then you can’t go wrong with these kitchenware items:

Heart French Press Coffee Maker

Pink Heart Coffee Mug

Heart Shaped Charcuterie Board

Pink Rose Heart Plate

Pink Heart Shaped Bowl

Additionally, if your Valentine likes kawaii things, below are a few options we’re sure she’ll love:

Bear Shaped Area Rug

Pink Mug Warmer

LEGO Icons Flower Bouquet

Heart Shaped Water Bottle

If you’re looking for a memorable Valentine’s Day greeting card, consider making this DIY Valentine’s Explosion Box. We’re sure that your partner will “explode” with happiness and love when opening this gift. 😉

Finally, we can’t forget about stuffed animals! If you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day plushie, then this Valentine’s Dog Plushie is the one.

We hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day! If you don’t have a romantic partner to celebrate this day with, no biggie. Go celebrate Valentine’s with your friends, family, or yourself instead!💖

Further Readings:

Do you want to start collecting kawaii things? Check out this blog to see which kawaii things you should buy in 2023!

Kawaii Stuff That You Didn’t Know You Needed

Welcome back to another blog where we talk about all things kawaii! If you’re looking for ways to improve your life, especially through retail therapy, then you’re going to love these 7 things from our kawaii shop.

Kawaii Cat Paw Box Cutters

For those who love to shop online, you probably know all too well the amount of boxes that pile up. To open these boxes, make the task more enjoyable with these Cat Paw Box Cutters! The cat paw design is super adorable and this package comes with three cutters: white, pink, and black. The blades are sharp so they can cut through various types of packaging materials, including plastic, cardboard, paperboard, and more.

Kawaii Milk Bottle Correction Tapes

Aren’t these Milk Bottle style Correction Tapes kawaii? These correction tapes come in four adorable colors: brown, pink, yellow, and blue. Additionally, they have a smooth application and they fit nicely in your hands. The dainty size also fits perfectly in smaller pencil cases so you can take it while on the go. We now all of a sudden feel more motivated to study and work (and make mistakes)!

Cute Bear Paw Seat Cushion

For those who are looking for ways to add kawaii elements to your bedroom or needing to upgrade the comfort of your chairs, get these Cute Bear Paw Seat Cushions! These seat pillows have an adorable cat paw shape, they are soft on your skin, and can be used as a floor chair or as a pillow. Talk about multipurpose!

Kawaii AstroAI Mini Fridge

If you want to improve your life, then you definitely can’t miss this AstroAI Mini Fridge. It’s the perfect mini fridge to store your skincare products. Applying chilled skincare products like sheet masks will feel extra soothing on your skin and the cooler temperature can also help with de-puffing.

Kawaii Sports Plastic Portable Water Bottle

These customizable water bottles take kawaii to a whole new level. It comes with many cute stickers and charms so that your bottle will always be one of a kind. Let’s stay hydrated in kawaii style!

Gel Nail Polish Kit

Another way to show extra love and care to yourself is with an at-home manicure. This Gel Nail Polish Kit is simple to use so you no longer need a salon! It comes with many gel nail colors, nail tools, and even a UV light. Spending your night painting your nails, watching your favorite show, and sipping your favorite beverage sounds like the perfect self-care ritual to us, don’t you think?

Kawaii Furry Ear Muffs

Another area where you can add kawaii elements to your life is through fashion accessories. This White Furry Ear Muff adds a cozy aesthetic to your outfit while also keeping your ears warm through the winter months. For 2023, this pair of earmuffs is definitely a must have accessory.

Thank you for reading this far! Stay tuned for our upcoming Valentine-related blogs!💗

Further Reading

Check out this blog to learn more about how to start a plushie collection in 2023.

Let’s Start Collecting Cute Plushies Today

Collecting stuffed animals like plushies has been a serious trend for adults. One of the biggest reasons for the stuffed animal and plush toy industry’s success is that those cute plushies are able to touch people’s hearts by bringing them back to childhood.

When trying to start your plushie collection, it can feel overwhelming at first as there are so many plush toys out there. But don’t fret, this how-to guide will walk you through 3 important questions to ask yourself before you make your first purchase.

Three Styles: General, Classic, and Exclusive

Let’s begin by thinking about the kind of collection you want to create. Plushies can be separated into three categories: general, classic, and exclusive. For the general category, these stuffed toys are based on whatever animal, element, or creature the artist feels inspired by. General plushies are more accessible to purchase. An example is this Pink Boba Plushie.

For classics, these stuffed animals are usually associated with a pop culture element. An example is this Grogu Plush Toy, which came from the movie Star Wars.

Finally, we have exclusive plush toys that are only available for a limited time. You will find exclusive plushies associated with cultural anniversaries, business pop-ups, or seasonal campaigns. For example, Disney is currently celebrating their 100th anniversary. As part of this campaign, fans can purchase a number of cute plushies throughout 2023 only.

Three Sizes: Small, Medium, and Large

Next, we should think about the sizes of the stuffed toys that we wish to have. Plush toys come in a wide range of sizes. Are you hoping to hug giant plushies or are you looking for small decorative plushies? A giant plushy could look something like this Giant Cat Plush Pillow, and a small decorative plushie could look something like this Animal Wrist Rest.

Display Ideas: Full Display, Minimal Display, or Hidden

Finally, it is important to be strategic with how you’re going to display and/or store your plush toys without overcrowding your space. How much room can you dedicate to plushies? Are you placing them on your bed? On a display case? On your desk? Ideally, plushies should elevate the feel of your room. We don’t want a room that looks messy! For true collectors, putting their plushies on full display is a must. We like the idea of dedicating an entire bookshelf to your collection so that friends and guests can enjoy them whenever they visit. For a minimal display, try setting a few plushies throughout your home, depending on your space. Lastly, hidden simply means that you prefer to keep your plushie collection to yourself. Perhaps store them in your room, under the bed, or closet and only pull them out when you feel called to.

Thank you for reading all the way to the end.🫶🏼 What are some other considerations that you can think of? Feel free to share your plushie collection with us on Instagram and TikTok (@unitedstatesofkawaii)!🧸💖

Further Readings:

Are you looking to elevate your living space? Read our Must-Have Home Decor Items for 2023 blog here!

Room Decor Ideas to Level Up Your Interior Design Game

If you’re anything like us, then you’ve probably seen pictures of people’s dreamy apartments and thought to yourself, “Wow… That is my dream apartment! I wish I could live in such a space!”. Well, 2023 is the year to stop wishing and start turning it into a reality! We’ve picked 5 must-have home decor items to help transform your living space into one that is comfortable, inviting, and reflects your true personality.

Wood Floating Shelves

First, if you’re interested in Scandinavian interior design and want to start incorporating the hygge lifestyle into your life, then these Wood Floating Shelves are a simple, yet beautiful, piece to start with. The Scandinavian style is all about creating a simple, yet functional, home that blends minimalism with modern designs.

Cat Hammock Bed with Cushion

If you’re a cat lover, then this Cat Hammock Bed with a plush cushion is a great option for pet-friendly house decor. The design and color of this hammock are classic and versatile, making it timeless and easy to match! Not to mention, you’ll make your cats happy! Are you ready for a cat nap?

Shower Organizer Shelf

If your bathroom is in need of some updating, then this Pink Heart Shower Organizer Shelf is a cute option to incorporate into your design. You won’t have to worry about drilling or rust, as this shelf is rustproof. It’s adorable, feminine, and the pink hue makes it kawaii-cute!

Pink Heart Kitchen Scale

Another great home decor item to level up your kitchen is this Pink Heart Kitchen Scale. It’s in an adorable heart shape, featuring cute shades of pink, while also being functional. What more could you ask for? Start weighing your food in kawaii style!

White Succulent Pot

If you’re looking to add plants into your space then this White Succulent Pot is a cozy and environmentally conscious room decor item to start your plant collection. The adorable smiling design will help lift your mood. Tip: place this charming succulent pot on top of the Wood Floating Shelves to spice up your space even more😉

We hope you enjoyed this blog! We’re excited to see you transform your space into one of those Pinterest photos. 😉 Tag us on Instagram and TikTok (@unitedstatesofkawaii) so we can see your new space!

Further Reading

Are you hoping to read more books this year? Check out our 10 Must Read Books for Winter blog for book recommendations!

Ki and her friends love handmade things. They will find any excuse to craft things for one another. Their, and our, latest obsession has been washi tape. It offers so many fun crafting possibilities! 

Today we’re excited to share a couple of greeting card templates that you can download, print, and design from the comfort of your home. 

These cards are 5×7 in size and can be printed using your standard paper size of 8×10. 

Once printed, you can use our Gold Foil Washi Tape to fill in the outline of each card. 

The fun doesn’t have to stop at washi tape though! Let your creativity soar using stickers, markers, pens, or whatever else your mind may dream up. 

We’d love to see your creations. Please make sure to tag @UnitedStatesOfKawaii on Instagram for a chance to be featured. 

Happy crafting, friends! 

The most exciting part of kawaii culture is that anyone and everyone can enjoy kawaii things. There’s something for everyone, truly! That’s why we’re excited to welcome the Kawaii Klub, a group of friends with a variety of interests who have found common ground in the name of kawaii. 

Are you ready to meet them? Let’s hop to it!

Ki

Ki is a kind-hearted koala who spends a lot of her time making sure her friends are happy and cared for. She explores her creative side through coloring and painting. You’ll find many of her creations hanging around her home! When Ki isn’t creating, she is either practicing ballet or curating her sticker collection.

Shop Ki’s Favorite Things on Amazon

Ko

Ko is Ki’s brother, and he takes great pride in being the older sibling. Don’t let his tough exterior fool you! While quiet and reserved at first, he is sure to open up once he gets to know you. Whether he’s cycling through the park, enjoying a trip to the movie theater, or dining with friends, Ko always has a camera in his paw to capture every adventure.

Shop Ko’s Favorite Things on Amazon

Dax

Dax, an easy-going dog who is confident, friendly, and honest. Dax plays basketball every week and refuels afterward with a trip to the local cafe. Rotisserie chicken with a side of potato chips is his favorite food order. 

Shop Dax’s Favorite Things on Amazon

Cleo

Cleo is a fancy feline who sees fashion as an art form, often sketching her own designs. Her favorite way to pamper herself after a long and stressful day is with a mani or pedi. She’ll add the exfoliation and hot stone massage when she’s feeling particularly tense. Many of her friends come to her for tarot and oracle readings. These readings often serve as fun conversation starters during casual cafe shop meet-ups. Her go-to lunch order is sushi and lavender milk tea with boba. 

Shop Cleo’s Favorite Things on Amazon

Alice

Alice, the amazing Alpaca who writes songs and plays guitar, is inquisitive and shy. She loves experimenting with feng shui, and has been known to change the layout and design of her apartment at least once a season. If you give her a honey pop, you’re sure to be fast friends. Honey pops are a prized treat!

Shop Alice’s Favorite Things on Amazon

Danny

Danny, the determined dinosaur, keeps the others on track. He’s the studious one of the bunch and often has his nose in a book. His garden of succulents and herbs is a cherished feature of his dorm room and has grown immensely over the years. 

Shop Danny’s Favorite Things on Amazon

All of these product recommendations came from the hearts of our editors. FYI, United States of Kawaii may collect a share of sales from these links. All prices and items are in stock as of the time of publication.