How to Buy Dakin Plush Toys

As anyone who's ever been in a child's bedroom knows, you can't have too many stuffed animals. Here's how to maximize your menagerie.

Things You'll Need

• Precious Moments Gift Set By Applause
• Cookie Monster By Applause
• Donald Duck By Applause
• Finger Puppets By Applause
• Nick 'n Nora Cloud Bear By Applause
• Simon Siberian Tiger By Applause
• Woodstock Body Puppet By Applause

Instructions

1. Decide which Dakin lines you're interested in. Dakin has been making highly respected plush toys for 40 years. Dakin merged with Applause (a company that focuses on youth pop culture with lines such as its Lucasfilm's Star Wars Classic Collectors Series) in 1995. The Dakin line still focuses on animals, and for variety, they're still pretty unbeatable. With special holiday collections and seasonal introductions, there's a lot to choose from.

2. Do a little investigating - Dakin aims not only to entertain, but also to encourage children's interest in nature and natural history. Do you have a budding paleontologist or entomologist? A zoologist or a Future Farmer of America? Ask your child's teacher if you're not sure.

3. Decide whether you want to shop in person or online.

4. Decide on a budget and a game plan. Are you planning to acquire a menagerie in one fell swoop or add selectively to an existing collection? Are you buying for future value (collectibles) or present enjoyment?

5. Shop.

6. Wrap.

7. Relax.

Tips & Warnings

• Dakin products are often found in gift and novelty shops. New stuffed animals generally sell for $10 to $20.