Pokémon, a popular entertainment franchise from Japan, has become a cultural phenomenon since its appearance in 1996. Short for Pocket Monsters, it didn’t take long for it to grow out of the video game and animated series worlds, and one character in particular that has helped with this phenomenon is certainly Pikachu.
Having turned iconic, it’s one of the most recognisable and universally loved from the franchise. With its cheerful smile, rosy cheeks and energetic personality, adults and children alike find him to be adorable. Not surprisingly, over the years memorabilia such as the plush toys have taken off.
More than just a mascot, a cuddly Pikachu plush can be a comfort companion, one you love to collect or display. In an array of varieties, though, shopping for yourself or a loved one becomes more than a mere selection based on cuteness. Choosing the right one can be made easy by focusing on some basic factors like purpose, size, material and features.
Purpose
What is it you’re buying the plush for? There are various reasons why one would be shopping for a plush toy like this, from building a collection to displaying and playing, so you need to focus on the purpose first and foremost. This can help you narrow down the options and assist you with finding the perfect match.
The Pikachu plush range includes smaller soft and washable varieties that are ideal for a child to play with, especially when paired with other Pokémon creatures, turning the fun and games educational too as they learn about attributes and the creatures’ habitats. They can also be part of a collection that includes all sorts of Pikachu plushies, from the standard to the interactive ones with sounds and effects and those with accessories.
For display, however, there’s more attention on the authenticity factor with the accent being on high details as well as limited-edition options – just keep in mind the price can be premium, going over $60. These, along with special varieties like stuffed face Pikachu cushions, are also perfect when used as décor pieces to personalise a room, added on a bed or desk, depending on the size. One notable example can be the smaller clip model Pikachu you can use to hold notes between his hands.
Where you choose to buy from can be another decisive step – if you’re looking for a quality addition for a die-hard Pokémon fan or want to enlarge your collection with something of value, always opt for trusted sellers and retailers that offer the official branding.
Size
Again, size is related to the purpose, so determining what you need the plushies for can help you make the right choice size-wise too. For children who would play with them, look for smaller and more lightweight options so they can easily move them around or cuddle them. The mini Pikachu toys are also equally cute and versatile on their own to be used as travel companions and décor pieces.
If you’re concerned about safety for young children, trusted retailers that specialise in TCG and memorabilia can help you out with the selection and may include the age suitability among the info on the product pages. The medium-sized offer more variety, and make the perfect in-between choice that’s neither too big nor too small but just right for collecting. Large toys, over 40 cm, are great for those after a toy they can hug and snuggle up to as well as display or make a statement in a collection.
Material
The reason there are different materials is because it has to do with both feel and durability. For a hardwearing toy that can stand up a lot of hugging and also makes for easy cleaning when you need to refresh the collection for example, polyester is a machine washable go-to choice.
To avoid damages to the fabric, however, it’s best to avoid ironing and tumble drying, and check in with the instructions when it comes to maintenance and cleaning. The filling too has a say in durability and feel, with polyurethane foam and microbeads making for a squishier and mouldable result, whereas cotton is great for a firmer shape.
Features
Again, the features they come with is related to the purpose you’re buying the Pikachu plush toys for. For general play, a standard model would do, same as an interactive one with sounds and effects. But if you’re buying for a die-hard fan, or someone with a collection, a special edition Pikachu with costumes or various expressions would be more suitable.
Those models related to games and events of the Pokémon world are something fans would appreciate too. For décor and display, you can choose from the cute seasonal varieties available for Easter, Christmas and Halloween. A sleeping Pikachu is also a great addition in bedrooms as it adds a cosy touch.