A Hug to Remember: Plushies and Love

By Diana Campos

Throughout my life, from childhood to adulthood, plushies have represented more than mere collectibles; they hold deep emotional significance and evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, reminding me of special moments from every Valentine’s Day and any other special event in my life. When I look into the eyes of my white seal plushie from my childhood, and then at my beloved rainbow alpaca from a previous relationship, I feel as though they are my friends, and a wave of nostalgia bursts and washes over me. Each plushie carries a memory, throwing at me the feeling of what each one means to me and how they represent all the types of love I have had in my life. This emotional connection is something many can relate to, as objects that symbolize love and comfort can evoke empathy and appreciation in others.

Graphic by Nicole Nguyen

Most people would see receiving a plushie as an afterthought, a gift rushed and at no expense. Another cheap item to throw into the corner, just collecting dust like any other home item. I, however, like to ruminate on how plushies hold symbolic permanence and psychological impact. They’re more than something “childish” or “cheap”; they have meaning, they have depth.

At the end of the day, when the day has drained me of any remnant energy I have left, I find myself launching myself straight into bed. And who is there to greet with warm and gentle paws of fur and stuffing? My sweet plushies, of course. I would instantly gravitate towards them, pulling them into my embrace to release the day's tension. Their hug warmed me, almost as if they had spoken words of encouragement right into my ears. They remind me of their comforting presence and loveliness, helping me feel safe and at ease after the hardships of jobs, chores, and all things alike, no matter what. Just holding my beloved plushies gives me a burst of oxytocin, our “love hormone,” helping foster feelings of trust and bonds with these cuddly objects with eyes of warmth. 

I remember times when I felt utterly defeated, like I had lost my footing in my everyday life. Then I would stare into my adorable plushies, melting into a puddle, and I saw their sweet faces take hold of my gaze. They were there to show me how to stay sweet even when life became daunting and difficult. I also remember sitting down with my beloved plushies when I was a little girl, whispering my secrets to them, sharing my day, and never expecting them to judge me or be harsh about how I expressed myself. The loved ones in my life took notice, always gifting me plushies on birthdays and holidays like Valentine's Day, to show that they truly saw me. These stories reflect how plushies serve as universal symbols of comfort and understanding across different backgrounds and personal experiences.

And these family members, friends, and loves from the past and present have given me all kinds of sweet, cuddly plushies to symbolize their love for me. These plushies are a uniquely special way to express affection, embodying comforting warmth and security, much like the embrace we give and get from our true loved ones. The simple act of holding a plushie can serve as a proxy for a partner's embrace and kindness. To me, they’ve always been bear-y special around the season of love, reminding me of the bonds I cherish. Flowers wilt, but a plushie is honestly “forever”, and a keepsake of loving moments. Their cultural symbolism as tokens of love and comfort helps others see why plushies can be meaningful keepsakes beyond their physical form. 

They are lifelong mementos, physical milestones that I get to keep. I glance at them and instantly recall their origins and how much they meant to the people who gifted them to me at those moments. And how much them mean to me for as long as I beat with a plush. Plushies serve as permanent reminders of specific Valentine’s Days or relationship milestones. The memories attached to them are profoundly intense yet sweet, like biting into a piece of chocolate mousse that melts with each spoonful, leaving a lingering taste of joy, helping the receiver feel the deep sentimental value these cuddly objects hold in our arms.