Stuffed animals and other toys we played with as children are often held onto well into adulthood, even after the rest of our collections are boxed up in attics and basements. Why do we cling to these items so tightly? Why do we find ourselves unable to get rid of them? Believe it or not, there are multiple psychological reasons why adults love their stuffed animals as much as they did when they were kids. Here are just five of them.

1) Comfort

When I was a kid, I had a My Heart Teddy stuffed animal. As someone who’s had it pretty rough at times, there was something comforting about having a small furry bear on my chest that reminded me there was someone looking out for me. Though getting your own teddy bear might seem childish (literally), having something soft and plush nearby can help you stay calm when things get tense. It’s not just children who benefit from kawaii (cute) products: for adults, stuffed animals can help you cope with feelings of loneliness and depression without feeling like you’re becoming a child again. So if you feel like something’s missing from your life, consider making one of these adorable kawaii (cute) purchases!

2) Security

One reason stuffed animals are so endearing is because they’re so unassuming. Since they have no electronic parts, they can provide a sense of security in times when we feel vulnerable or like there’s no one around. When your child falls down and scrapes his knee, a stuffed animal can provide comfort until he feels safe enough to move on and play again. The same concept applies when you’re at a kawaii store shopping for cute items – it brings you back in time to your childhood, that feeling where everything was simple and everyone loved you unconditionally. How many adults do you know who wish for that level of security? Not many!

3) Nostalgia

We all have a heart teddy – that stuffed animal we had growing up. These cuddly creatures have been around for centuries, and it’s no surprise why: humans are hardwired with an innate desire to nurture, so carrying around an adorable little plush toy makes us feel just a little more complete. Now that these part-time baby sitters aren’t essential to our survival, they hold a special place in our hearts – and not just because we can squeeze them when we’re mad or upset. As long as there are memories attached, stuffed animals will always be able to bring us back to childhood. That’s why many shoppers seek out kawaii stores – or stores that sell cute things.

4) Uniqueness

My Heart Teddy offers Kawaii plush, cute stuffed animals that are considered cute only because they are different and unique. These stuffed animals stand out from their competition; there is no other My Heart Teddy. Uniqueness doesn’t always mean complicated. When you’re designing your next product, think about how you can make it unique, but simple at the same time. It’s easy to overcomplicate things and create something new for its own sake, when all it needs to succeed is a fresh take on an old idea (more on that in a minute). The best products take common ideas or principles and apply them in a way no one else has done before.

5) Safety

Collectible toys might seem like just a fun way to pass an afternoon, but many contain small parts that can be a choking hazard for young children. Parents should be on guard against hazardous items, and if you’re shopping with kids in tow, always keep safety in mind. A kawaii store or kawaii plush is not only a great conversation starter; it’s also safe for kids of all ages.