Select your promotional plush animal

Companies often choose stuffed animals with logos based on the type of business they're in, their company name, their logo or the product/service they're promoting. No matter what you're looking for, there's a good chance you'll find it-or you can always have it custom made.

I recommend: Explore your options. Garrett Specialties lists its promotional stuffed animals by category such as terrycloth, long hair, plush, etc. Absorbent, Ink alphabetizes its selection by name. And if you're looking for something to call your very own, then I suggest checking into a company such as Kool Dawg Tees, which makes custom promotional stuffed toys.

Decide what type of custom stuffed animal you want

Options extend far beyond a simple personalized stuffed bear that sits on a shelf looking cute. These days, stuffed animals with logos are available as magnets, keychains, beanbags, clip-ons, even banks. They also can be bendable, stretchable and used as stress relievers.

I recommend: If you want your promotional stuffed animals to serve a purpose other than sitting on a shelf, check out your options for ordering them as functional items such keychains at Blueberry Ink or bookmarks at ePromos. Huggable and poseable animals from Branders are a fun option, as well—sure to bring a smile to anyone's face!

Identify where and how your custom stuffed animals will be used

Are your custom stuffed toys for a one-time event such as the launch of a new product or an upcoming trade show? Are you purchasing them for employees or customers? Do you plan to sell them or use them as giveaways or prizes? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you determine what to have imprinted on your plush toys and how many of them to purchase.

I recommend: If your promotional plush animals are one-time trade show or promotional giveaways, it would be wise to stay small in both quantities and features like the bean bag animals at Motivators. If, however, you plan to resell them or use them as prizes or product "icons," it's probably wise to get the larger quantity discount. Since logos and other imprints typically are printed on a T-shirt or pendant rather than the animal itself (see examples at Promopeddler), be sure your message fits, is recognizable and is readable—otherwise, your investment will be lost.