Stuffed Animals

Not only is Ikea a one-stop panacea of shopping, but it's also doing its part to make a difference this holiday season. A global initiative founded in 2003, the Ikea Soft Toys For Education Campaign helps customers realize every child's right to a quality education. For each soft toy sold at an Ikea store from Nov. 4 through Dec. 29, 2012, one Euro (or approximately $1.31 US) is split between Save the Children and UNICEF for use in education projects in almost 40 countries. The program has already raised over $61.75 million in donations, helping 8 million children.

This year Ikea has added a new collection of adorable soft toys that are fun and educational for little ones. The Klappar Cirkus line features cuddly creatures and fun soft play hats that are perfect for encouraging imaginary play and finger-puppet productions for hours of pretend play. Ranging in price from $1 to $20, the IKEA soft toys will make budget-friendly holiday gifts.

They're huggable, lovable, extremely cozy and soft, and kids love 'em. The irresistible playful pals I'm referring to are buddy blankets. Unlike regular baby blankets, buddy blankets are a bit smaller, usually come trimmed in satin, and have an adorable plush animal attached to them.

Because of their two-in-one appeal — featuring a blanket and cuddly stuffed animal in one — it's no wonder kids go gaga over them. Most are machine washable and dryable, so they are low maintenance for mama, and because they are smaller than traditional blankets, you don't have to worry about your little one dragging it on the floor or the ground outside.

For the perfect gift, or an addition to your baby's crib, here are some different animals and colors to choose from!

I had a blanket when I was little. I hijacked it from my older sister, named it, so imaginatively, "nice blankie," and made it my own. I took it everywhere until I didn't, and kept it hidden in my closet for years until someone — my mom is the number-one suspect — threw it away.

Plenty of adults are still attached to the plush objects of their youths. After 33 percent of Brits, at least those who stay at Travelodges, admitted to sleeping with stuffed animals in a study, I put the question to you. And probably because we're a young, female bunch, 72 percent still hold their favorite stuffed animal near and dear. Now psychologists are explaining it.

An object a little kid has attachment to is called a "transitional object" or, more colloquially, a "security blanket." It temporarily replaces the mother-child bond. As the child becomes aware she's a separate entity from parents and goes out on her own, even if only to another room, it provides comfort. But the idea that objects are more than just things carries over to adulthood.

It's called essentialism. Consider anything valuable to you. A photo album, a letter, a drawing from your niece, or a wedding ring. They are sentimental, and it would probably take a lot of cajoling and a ton of money for you to accept a duplicate. Objects are emotional to everyone, even if the emotion is one-sided.

What about R-rated object relationships, though? You know, the people in love with inanimate or animate objects. Might that be essentialism, a normal human emotion, morphed into an unhealthy, one-sided relationship?

It's a pillow. It's a pet. And if you have a child under the age of 10, the plush toy is likely on his or her wish list. My Pillow Pets ($16-$25) are foldable stuffed animals that double as pillows and are moving from infomercials, mall kiosks, and craft fairs into many a tot's arms. With 33 plush characters, kids have plenty of options. Does your tot have this toy?