If you have kids, odds are at some point your house has been (or is currently) overrun with toys. Toy organization and storage, especially stuffed animal storage, can be a real challenge.
Whenever we go to a store my 4-year-old asks if she can have a “sleep buddy”, aka- stuffed animal. If she is good and finds a cute one (and there are a lot of cute ones out there!), I often give in and we end up with yet another. The result: more stuffed animals in our home than I care to count! And, if I’m honest, more than we really have room for.
It can be tough to keep your kids toys contained, especially if you don’t have a dedicated playroom and your children’s bedrooms are small. Stuffed animals especially can take up a lot of valuable real estate in a small room/home.
Thankfully, there are a lot of great storage solutions out there for soft toys. Here are a few of our favorites!
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Best Stuffed Animal Storage Solutions
Stuffed Animal Bean Bag Chair
I tried several different storage approaches, but my favorite by far is this stuffed animal bean bag chair.
Yes, the full bean bag itself takes up some space, but the dual functionality makes up for it. And the sanity I save myself from having to constantly put her stuffed animals away for her is well worth it.
We have the 30-inch bean bag chair and it holds around 40 stuffed animals of varying sizes (some are quite big, others small Beanie Babies. Smaller and larger sizes are available, but this size is perfect for her collection.
When full, it is a little lumpy but I think it is more comfortable than a traditional bean bag chair. You don’t have the issue of sinking in so deep that you can’t get up! (Please tell me I am not the only one to experience this!)
Just be sure not to put any hard toys/objects or anything with electronics inside the bean bag chair to avoid injury and broken items.
Soft Toy Storage Hammock
Soft toy hammocks are an easy and affordable option but may be difficult for small kids to reach. Try hanging over the bed so your little one has easy access.
Laundry Hamper
A cute laundry hamper makes a convenient spot for soft toys. Use a corner hamper like this one behind a door or next to a dresser to take up minimal floor space.
This one would blend in nicely next to white walls or light furniture.
Even better, get your DIY on and personalize it with fun colored spray paint! Or, try weaving in some ribbons and securing with a little hot glue.
Stuffed Animal Chain
This MiniOwls Toy Chain is also a great option. It can be hung vertically from the ceiling, or horizontally.
My daughter has one in her room. We originally hung it from the ceiling. The only downside is she that a lot of the toys are too high for her to reach.
We tried hanging it horizontally just above her bed and she likes it much better. She has easy access to her stuffed animals and likes that they are nearby at night without actually taking up room in her bed.
By the way, these also make great accessory holders!
Folding Storage Ottoman
A folding storage ottoman at the end of the bed is a fun and functional place to store soft toys and other items. They come in different sizes and colors to fit most rooms and decors.
Still Too Many Stuffed Animals?
If you’ve tried several solutions to store your kids’ stuffed animals and you still feel like their collection is taking over your home, it’s probably time to consider donating some.
It can be hard for kids to let go of old toys, especially stuffed animals, even if they’ve outgrown them or don’t play with them anymore.
If your child has a hard time getting rid of old toys, try the following:
1. Choose an organization that takes stuffed animal donations. I recommend Stuffed Animals for Emergencies. It’s a great non-profit organization that works to provide comfort to kids in traumatic or emergency situations through gifts of stuffed animals, soft toys, books, and blankets.
2. Tell your child about the organization you are planning to donate to and the children in need you will be helping. Explain that there are other children that are going through hard times and how your child’s old stuffed animals will bring them joy and comfort.
3. Decide upon a number of stuffed animals to donate and ask your child to choose which ones will go to new homes to help other children.
4. Encourage your child to say good-bye to each toy and take a picture with all of them as a keepsake. You can even pray with your child that their old stuffed animals will help children feel safe and give them hope.
5. Pore on the praise! Kids love to help and feel important, so really take this opportunity to applaud them for their giving spirit. Remind them how happy they will be making other children that are in need.
Keeping up with all the “stuff” that comes along with having kids can be overwhelming, but with a little creativity and persistance, you can still maintain an organized space that everyone can enjoy. I sincerely hope that these stuffed animal storage solutions help your family create a tidy and peaceful home!
What are your favorite stuffed animal storage solutions? Leave a comment below!
