Guide to Stuffed Animals

Purchase seasonal stuffed animals for special gifts

Which holidays are the hottest for selling plush stuffed toys? Top holidays include Christmas and Easter (Santas, snowmen, bunnies, ducks, rabbits or baby chicks). Order a good supply of small plush animals for stocking stuffers or Easter baskets to help add to your seasonal sales. But be wary of printing the year on the stuffed toy, because they may be difficult to sell when the holidays are over.

I recommend: Plush in a Rush makes an adorable stuffed rabbit holding a basket, available in pink or blue. This would make a great stuffed animal for a hospital gift shop or small gift shop. Burton and Burton sells stuffed animals wholesale and has a large selection of Easter plush toys. Stock your shelves with adorable musical Santas for stocking stuffers from Light in the Box.

Let your customers play dress-up with their plush dolls

Children love to stuff their own bears and dress them up in different outfits at a store such as Build-A-Bear Workshop. It's a hands-on activity that allows kids and their families to do a craft and spend meaningful time together. Having plush toys with accessories gives you an opportunity to encourage browsing and repeat customers as they return to buy a fireman's outfit or a ballerina costume for their teddy bears. Other stuffed animals such as Ganz Webkinz have an Internet tie-in to give the plush toys a virtual life.

I recommend: Toy Outlet USA sells clothes to fit Webkinz, one of the hottest sellers among stuffed toys. Teddy Bear Stuffers offers stuffing machines, as well as stuffed animal "skins," clothing and accessories. Check out wholesale plush dolls, including Glinda the Good Witch from "Wizard of Oz" at Dorothy Bells Gift Shop. Build-a-Bear Workshop can make personalized bears for your business, allowing you to customize a tiny tee with your logo or slogan.

Stock your shelves with huggable stuffed toys

Sometimes the best toys are the simplest ones. A classic teddy bear is bound to bring a smile to a child of any age. Having several sizes of plush animals available for your customers allows you to cater to their different economic needs. A giant teddy bear surrounded by furry friends makes a great window display to draw customers inside. Look for friendly faces, soft plush material and high "cuddle factor."

I recommend: You can become a Gund retailer of plush animals such as My First Teddy. The Kangaroo from Itsee Bitsees will hop right into the shoppers' hearts. Check out the 27 inch Polar Bear from popular stuffed animal manufacturer Melissa & Doug. Fill out their online wholesale inquiry form to receive a quantity discount especially for retailers.