Privacy Policy

Privacy

The The Zoo Factory, LLC will not disclose information about you to any third party. We do not sell or rent user information to anyone. The Zoo Factory, LLC does not have access to any other site information and neither do other sites have access to ours. We do not contact customers unless requested by those individuals inquiring about our products or services.

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A Teddy Bear Commercial Has Taken the World By Storm

If you have recently watched television, you have likely seen a commercial with two adorable teddy bears dressed as an elderly couple that are strolling hand in hand through a bustling airport. The teddy bear commercial was recently released and has already taken the world by storm.

Whether you are the one traveling or you are waiting for someone to travel to you, traveling is a huge part of the holiday season.

We all look forward to seeing our loved ones during the holiday season and this commercial uses that feeling to their advantage.

The commercial is titled “Coming Home for Christmas” and was distributed by London’s Heathrow Airport. It was the first Christmas commercial that airport has ever put out and it was certainly successful. The ad was filmed at the airport over the course of three days while the airport was operating.

The commercial, regardless of it being just a minute long, has received over three million views.

It is sweet, warm, and fuzzy, similar to the adorable bears that we follow throughout it.

We watch the bears get off of their airplane, get their passports checked, conquer an escalator together, and struggle reaching their baggage. They are portrayed as a well-dressed older couple, supporting one another in the attempt to travel without issues. The ending is guaranteed to pull on your heart strings.

Check out the commercial below:

Jonathon Coen, the commercial’s director spoke on the commercial saying, “We love the film and hope the bears’ journey through the airport captures that excitement you feel when walking through Heathrow arrivals into the arms of your loved ones at Christmas.”

We think the commercial is adorable and we can see why it has gotten international attention, cute teddy bears usually do.

If you are looking to give a teddy bear as a gift this holiday season, visit The Zoo Factory.

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The Role of Comfort Objects in Child Development and Well-Being

From the earliest stages of childhood, many children form strong attachments to certain objects, often soft toys or blankets. These comfort objects, also known as transitional objects, play a crucial role in a child’s emotional development and overall well-being.

Emotional Security and Self-Soothing

Comfort objects provide a sense of security and stability during times of stress or change. They can be especially important during periods of separation from primary caregivers, such as bedtime or the first day of school. By holding onto something familiar and comforting, children can better manage their emotions and self-soothe.

Transition to Independence

These objects serve as a bridge between dependence on caregivers and self-reliance. By providing emotional support, they help children navigate the challenges of growing up and adapting to new situations. As children mature, their reliance on these objects typically diminishes, signaling a natural progression toward independence.

Cognitive Development

Comfort objects can also play a role in cognitive development. Engaging in imaginative play with a stuffed animal or blanket can stimulate creativity and problem-solving skills. Children often project their own feelings and experiences onto these objects, which can help them process emotions and make sense of the world around them.

Social Skills and Empathy

Interacting with comfort objects can also foster social skills and empathy. By caring for a stuffed animal, for example, children practice nurturing behaviors and learn to consider the needs and feelings of others. This can lay the foundation for healthy relationships and social interactions in the future.

At The Zoo Factory, we understand the importance of comfort objects in a child’s life. Our wide range of stuffed animals offers the perfect opportunity for your child to find a special friend that provides comfort, security, and endless imaginative play. Visit our website to find your child’s new best friend today!

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The Role of Stuffed Animals in Teaching Kindness and Sharing

Little blonde child girl playing at home in her room with teddy bears.

In a world where empathy and understanding are more important than ever, teaching children the values of kindness and sharing is crucial. One of the most effective and heartwarming tools in imparting these lessons is through something most kids adore – stuffed animals. These plush companions are more than just toys; they are vehicles for emotional development and social learning.

Building Empathy Through Role-Playing

Stuffed animals provide a unique opportunity for children to engage in role-playing activities, which are instrumental in developing empathy. When children pretend play with their plush friends, they often project emotions onto them, imagining feelings of happiness, sadness, or even fear. This act of attributing feelings to a toy helps children understand and express their own emotions, and more importantly, recognize and react to the feelings of others.

Sharing Made Fun

Introducing multiple stuffed animals into playtime is a great way to teach sharing. Children naturally create narratives and scenarios involving their stuffed companions. This can lead to situations where sharing and taking turns become integral to the story. It’s a subtle and enjoyable way for kids to learn the importance of cooperation and generosity.

Compassion Through Care

Stuffed animals need to be cared for – they need to be ‘fed’, ‘bathed’, and ‘put to sleep’. Engaging in these nurturing activities allows children to develop a sense of responsibility and compassion. It’s an early lesson in understanding that other beings, whether real or imaginary, have needs that they can empathize with and attend to.

Stuffed Animals as Comfort Providers

Lastly, stuffed animals can be powerful comfort providers. They offer solace and a sense of security, teaching children about the calming power of kindness. When a child comforts their stuffed animal, they learn to soothe themselves and, in turn, understand how they can comfort others.

Stuffed animals are far more than just playthings. They are silent teachers of some of life’s most valuable lessons – kindness, empathy, sharing, and compassion. As children grow and navigate their emotions and relationships, these plush companions serve as gentle guides along the journey.

At The Zoo Factory, we believe in the power of play to teach and heal. Our range of stuffed animals is perfect for helping your child learn these essential life skills. Visit our website to find that special plush friend who will not only be a source of endless fun but also a companion in learning and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Zoo Factory

Why should I order from The Zoo Factory instead of other websites?

We know you have many options when shopping for DIY Stuffed Animal Kits and separates and are grateful to have been serving the Stuffed Animal community since 2007. Shopping with The Zoo Factory will allow you to shop with a company that is going into our 18th year of business and stands 100% behind its products that are crafted in the USA – with love, by us, for you and your recipients. We offer both retail and wholesale products and have worked with countless organizations including schools, hospitals and more for all of their fundraising needs.

How do I contact The Zoo Factory if I have questions or issues?

For questions or concerns, feel free to call us toll free at 866-993-3325 or use our quick and easy contact form located here.

Do you only offer your animals to Wholesale clients, or can I place a retail order?

We cater to both retail and wholesale customers who wish to enjoy the quality animals we have to offer!

Do you offer any discounts on retail orders?

For discounts and promotions, check our home page and sign up for our monthly newsletters!

Do you offer eco-friendly products?

The Zoo Factory is proud to carry eco-friendly stuffing, as well as offer our customers Plush for the Planet animals in both 8” and 16” sizes, all available here.

What is The Zoo Factory?

The Zoo Factory is your destination for creating personalized stuffed animals. We offer a wide selection of furry friends that you can customize with outfits and accessories to make them uniquely yours.

How does it work?

It’s simple! Select your favorite stuffed animal, customize it with clothing and accessories, and add any special features you like. We’ll bring your creation to life and ship it to your doorstep.

Where are your stuffed animals made?

Our stuffed animals are lovingly crafted in the USA with a focus on quality and attention to detail.

The Zoo Factory Products

What size stuffed animals do you offer?

At The Zoo Factory, we offer 8” and 16” stuffed or unstuffed animals for your convenience.

Does anything come with my stuffed animal?

Each of our 8” and 16” animals comes with a Wishing Star, Birth Certificate and Stuffing Instructions.

How do your unstuffed animals close?

Since our stuffed animals require no sewing, unstuffed animals are made with an easy to use, child safe Velcro closure!

How do I know my children won’t be able to easily pull the stuffing out?

Each animal utilizes an internal closure that houses the stuffing, so even if your child opens the Velcro closure, there is another layer of protection where the actual stuffing is held.

Are your stuffed animals safe for children?

Yes, we prioritize safety. All our stuffed animals are made with child-safe materials and meet or exceed industry safety standards, making them suitable for children of all ages.

What is the recommended age range for your products?

Our stuffed animals are suitable for children of all ages, but please consider potential choking hazards for very young children. Always use your best judgment.

Can I order additional outfits or accessories separately?

Yes, you can purchase additional outfits and accessories from our store to change your stuffed animal’s appearance as often as you’d like.

Stuffing

Does my animal come stuffed?

You have two options when it comes to stuffing for your animals. First, you can choose to purchase stuffing with your order, and stuff it at home which allows you to add as much or as little stuffing that you would like. For your convenience, we also offer the option to order your animals pre-stuffed. You can choose this option for each individual animal.

Do I need to buy stuffing from The Zoo Factory?

You absolutely do not need to purchase your animal stuffing through The Zoo Factory, however we do offer stuffing for your convenience. You can order the stuffing as an add on to stuff it yourself, or pre-stuffed for your convenience!

How much stuffing does it take to fill an animal?

Each 8″ animal will need 2-3 ounces of stuffing, and each 16″ animal will need 7-8 ounces of stuffing depending on how soft or firm you want your stuffable animal to be.

What is your stuffing made from?

Our premium stuffing is made of 100% high quality polyester fiber, guaranteed to give it long-lasting resilience and loft. Our stuffing is non-allergenic and hand washable!

Customization

Do you offer any custom apparel for my organization?

We absolutely offer customized t-shirts for your organization! Our pricing can be viewed here (link “here” to https://www.thezoofactory.com/custom-printing/) while we work on our Custom T-Shirt Online Ordering. When you are ready to order, please call us toll free at 866-993-3325.

How do I order custom t-shirts?

We are currently working on implementing Online Ordering for our Custom T-Shirts. In the meantime, our pricing can be viewed here (link “here” to https://www.thezoofactory.com/custom-printing/). When you are ready to order, please call us toll free at 866-993-3325.

Can I personalize my stuffed animal?

Absolutely! Choose from a variety of outfits, accessories, and even voice recording options to create a one-of-a-kind stuffed animal.

How do I record a voice message for my stuffed animal?

During the customization process, you can select the voice recording option and follow the provided instructions to record a special message. We’ll include it in your stuffed animal.

Wholesale

Do you offer any discounts on wholesale orders?

Once you register and are approved for a wholesale account, you will have a login to use on our website. Any time you are logged in under your wholesale account, your discount will appear on each individual product. You can also find special discounts here.

Ordering & Shipping

How do I get started with an account?

Get started by Registering for an Account!

How do I place an order on The Zoo Factory website?

To place an order on The Zoo Factory website, simply add items to your cart, choose whether or not you would like to have your animal stuffed for you, come with stuffing to stuff it yourself or come without stuffing, then choose your accessories. Once you have added all items to your cart, go through our simple checkout process and if you need assistance, please contact us toll free at 866-993-3325. Use the menu to browse our categories or start shopping here.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping cost varies, depending on order size and shipping method/speed. You can review the shipping cost during checkout.

How long does it take to receive my order?

Orders are typically processed and shipped within 1-2 business days. Shipping times may vary based on your location and the shipping method selected during checkout.

Can I track my order?

Yes, once your order is shipped, you’ll receive a tracking number via email, allowing you to monitor the status of your package.

Returns

What do I do if my order is wrong, or a product is defective?

Please use our simple Item Return Form, found here.

What is your return policy?

We have a 30-day return policy. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, please contact our customer support team for assistance with returns and exchanges.

Payment & Security

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. PayPal is also available for your convenience.

Is my payment information secure?

Rest assured that your online security is a priority. Our website is secured with SSL encryption to protect your personal and payment information.

For any questions or assistance, you can contact our customer support team via email at zookeeper@thezoofactory.com or by phone at 866-993-3325. We’re here to help with all your inquiries.

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How to Serve Your Community with Stuffable Animals

Donation box with Stuffed toys

Our stuffable friends are always there to help us, and that includes helping out in the community. Many of the same benefits that a stuffable animal can have for our children can apply to families in need. Here are a few ways you and your child can help the community with stuffable animals.

Take stuffable animals to your local police or fire station

When police officers or firefighters respond to a situation, they often give stuffed animals to any children involved. After a traumatic event, a child is often in a lot of fear and pain, and a stuffable animal can help ease those emotions. To help, you can donate stuffable animals to your local police or fire station. You can also send them to Project Smile, a non-profit organization which donates stuffed animals, coloring books, and children’s books to police officers, fire fighters, and paramedics around the country.

Donate them to your local animal shelter

As much as kids can benefit from stuffable animals, so can pets. Dogs in particular love stuffable animals; they’re fun to play with and can ease anxiety. Just be sure to remove any buttons or zippers before you donate them.

Get involved with a stuffed animal drive

With the power of numbers, people can really make a difference. Local charities or schools often have charity drives, and they’ll donate what they’ve collected to children in need. That could range from local children living in poverty, to children in another country who have just survived a natural disaster.

Would you like to give a stuffable animal to a child in need? The Zoo Factory can help. Check out our inventory to see how you can start making a difference.

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The Value of Transitional Objects During the Coronavirus Outbreak

We all grew up with that favorite blanket or teddy bear. We’d sleep with it, eat with it, and drive around in the car with it. These transitional objects were a great source of joy and comfort to us in our early years, but in the time of coronavirus, they have become increasingly important both to our children. 

What are transitional objects? 

Transitional objects, also known as comfort objects, are a doll, stuffed animal, blanket, or other type of object that provides psychological comfort to a child. They’re typically that security blanket or teddy bear that your child will not let go of, no matter how hard you try. They’re called transitional objects because they help children transition from being completely dependent on their parents (typically their mother) to becoming more independent.  

Transitional objects and coronavirus 

So why, exactly, are transitional objects useful during the coronavirus outbreak? Simply put, they help to ease anxiety, both during normal times and during times of crisis. Explains Dr. Daniel Lewin: “Children have less capacity in some cases to express their fears than adults. Transitional objects are wonderful ways for children to express them.” 

The coronavirus outbreak has caused a lot of uncertainty, and as a result, a lot of anxiety. Even if our children don’t completely understand what is happening, they can pick up on the anxiety and stress of their parents. Transitional objects, however, can provide comfort to children while also helping them work through their own emotions about this crisis.  

Here at The Zoo Factory, our selection of stuffable animals can be a great source of comfort to children during these stressful times. Take a look through our inventory or contact us with any questions or concerns. 

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Why Seniors Love Stuffed Animals

stuffed animals

The very idea of a stuffed animal connotes something that is soft, cuddly and comforting. For the very young, these animals provide a level of security that can only be matched by a loving human counterpart. But what about senior citizens? Can stuffed animals provide the same comfort as they do for kids? Turns out, they can. Read on to learn more:

Stuffed animals provide companionship

More and more senior citizens are entering senior living facilities and nursing homes throughout the country. Many of them have lost spouses or loved ones. Some of them have no family to speak of, while others do not have routine family and friend visitors. Life can be lonely and challenging.

However, stuffed animals can provide a sense of companionship that many senior citizens lack. For those who live in skilled nursing facilities or require personal assistance, often times a stuffed animal becomes a source of entertainment or serve as something familiar within the room or at bedside. A stuffed animal or doll with a cuddly face and body can truly give people a feeling of comfort. Just one squeeze of a stuffy and all your troubles seem to melt away.

Stuffed animals remind seniors of their youth

These plush creatures are fully capable of putting smiles back on seniors’ faces, providing comfort, and allowing for endless hugging and nurturing. Stuffed animals remind the elderly of their own youth, or their children and grandchildren. Both elderly men and women can remember a time when they were younger and had a few stuffed animals or dolls that provided hours of entertainment. They remember buying or making them for their own children and watching them learn and grow with their own stuffies and dolls.

For those who may have a hoard of gently used stuffed animals that they would like to unload, consider donating them to a senior living facility or nursing home. There are surely plenty of senior residents who would love to snuggle with them, talk to them, comfort and be comforted by them. Giving a second life to a stuffed animal while brightening the day of an elderly person is truly a remarkable gift.

For more information, read through our blog or contact The Zoo Factory today!

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Unique Take on Stuffed Animals Coming to Life

Lots of Toys

Between their huge imaginations and their charming ability to turn everything into a game, children love the idea of their stuffed animals coming to life. Classic kid’s movies and cartoons present tales of animated toys, talking teddy bears, and children that can communicate with their toys.

Children see stuffed animals as their first and most loyal friends, and the ability to witness “life” in these treasured toys keeps children’s creativity alive. Pretending they can talk back allows children to play with their stuffed animals in the most inventive ways.

In today’s technological age, science found a way to bring stuffed animals to life through motion.

By using soft robotics, researchers at Yale University developed robotic skins that animate inanimate objects. Made with elastic sheets and full of sensors and actuators, the robotic skins can animate objects and make them perform different tasks. The skins help objects walk, move, or grasp and move another object.

The leader of the research and an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and materials science, Rebecca Kramer-Bottiglio and her team developed the skins to use as soft robots with large implications. The idea is that researchers can use the robotic skins to wrap around deformable materials to create improvised robots for situations where they might prove helpful. For example, astronauts could use the skins in space to attach to objects and deploy for exploration.

Dubbed OmniSkin, the researchers wrapped the robotic skin around a stuffed horse’s legs to make it walk across a table, animating the stuffed animal in a new and exciting way.

These researchers, just like our children, are inventing unique ways to bring stuffed animals to life. Find your children a new stuffed friend from The Zoo Factory, your source for buildable, stuffable animals and dolls.

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The Best Games for Kids with ADHD

The Best Games for Kids with ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common conditions in children across the nation. It can be a difficult condition to live with for both the child and the parent, but thanks to advances in modern medicine and psychiatry, many children grow up to live full and happy lives. However, it does mean making some lifestyle and parenting changes, including what kinds of games your child plays.

Movement-based games

Kids with ADHD often have a problem sitting still. Games that rely on movement, such as Twister, can help burn off that excess energy. Even something as simple as an indoor trampoline or a game of catch can help your child deal with their hyperactivity.

Computer or video games

Inattentiveness is a common symptom of ADHD, but on the flip side there is also hyperfocus. In other words, kids with ADHD can develop a laser-like focus on an activity they find particularly enjoyable. Many kids apply this hyperfocus to computer or video games.

Turn-based games

Turn-based board games such as Uno, Sorry!, or even turn-based strategy games like Civilization, can teach valuable lessons to children with ADHD. Oftentimes people with ADHD struggle with patience and waiting their turn, so a turn-based game can help instill those skills.

Mobile games

Just as computer or video games are great for kids with ADHD, so too are mobile games. There are a wide variety of games on the App Store and Google Play that would be great for your child. Puzzles, strategy games, and even movement-based games (think Pokemon Go) can all be found on your smartphone or tablet.

Solo games

One of the advantages of ADHD is that your child with have a rich, inner world. While they may struggle with inattentiveness, these same children will have a wonderful creative streak. This creative side can come out in solo activities, such as playing with dolls or stuffed animals where they can play out stories and characters. A doll or stuffed animal companion can also help deal with anxious emotions that many children with ADHD struggle with.

Here at The Zoo Factory, our stuffable animals can be a great toy for children with ADHD. Look through our website to find the perfect stuffed animal friend for your child!