If you have little ones that love stuffed animals, DIY these adorable personalized stuffed animals from Dollar Tree for any holiday or occasion! You can turn cute cheap stuffed animals into adorable gifts for just over $1 and a few supplies!
My girls are stuffed animals obsessed. We have to limit the amount that they take into their beds at night. It’s a whole ceremony type thing when they determine which ones they’ll choose for the night.
I can’t say that I dislike it. I am kind of a stuffed animal fan myself. Not really for myself, but if I’m somewhere and the girls aren’t with me, I gravitate towards a stuffed animal gift. Those huge stuffed toy displays at The Disney Store? Yep, they get me every time.
One place you might not often think about stuffed animal shopping at, though, is The Dollar Tree. My girls, however, can tell you that Dollar Tree has a variety of stuffed animals, and at that super cheap stuffed animals, at all times and especially around holidays. On my recent visit I found lots of Valentine’s themed puppies, bears, monkeys, and a few that were a little discernible animals.
Don’t have a local Dollar Tree? You can buy in bulk at DollarTree.com OR you can find stuffed animals in bulk on Amazon that would be perfect for this DIY project.
While the two that I chose for the girls are cute enough on their own as a little gift, I knew I wanted to make them super special.
BEST DEAL: Cricut Explore Air and Rainbow Vinyl Bundle
Make a DIY Personalized Stuffed Animal
That’s when I pulled out my HTV and Cricut Explore Air. If you have a Cricut, or similar machine, you’ve probably used Heat Transfer Vinyl before. It’s simple to use and once your machine cuts out your design, you simply iron on your shirt. That’s how I made this adorably Harry Potter T Shirt for Moreaya.
Since using an iron on a small stuffed animal would be a little difficult, I have the best tip for you… use your hair straightener!
Genius, right?! My straightener gets as hot as any iron I’ve ever had and it’s the perfect size to clamp right around the stuffed animal’s little body to attach the HTV.
Have a Cricut? Check out this amazing deal on a variety of HTV colors!!
In a matter of minutes, and a few cents over $1, you’ll have the cutest personalized stuffed animals around!
Of course, these two are going to make adorable unique valentines gifts for kids, but you could also make them for birthdays, Easter basket fillers, birthday party favors, and even Christmas gifts. The Dollar Tree always has holiday themed stuffed animals so it’s easy to find ones to match every holiday.
Plus, at only $1 [plus your HTV material – which it only uses a tiny bit], you could even make your child’s classmates personalized stuffed animals too!
Lisa says
What font did you use for stuffed animals?
Lindsey says
I used Sweet Pea. I believe it’s free with a Cricut subscription.
Calvin says
Buildabear.. but at home, neat!
jessica hirschinger says
I recently ironed on HTV to an elephant’s ear and the are where the stitching is turned pinkish. I think it might have burnt. I also want to do these dollar tree plush but am now scared of HTV. Any suggestions?
Lindsey says
There’s definitely a learning curve to HTV. It may just have gotten too hot. If you can adjust the heat setting on what you’re using, try to turn it down just a bit. Or lift for a few seconds and reapply. I practiced a lot on an old shirt before I started getting comfortable making projects. Good luck!
Shelley says
These are adorable can you share which font you used?
Lindsey says
I don’t remember the name! Cricut Design Space has changed so much in the last year – I know it was included in the monthly fee though. Sorry I couldn’t be more help!
Kim says
What font did you use?
Lindsey says
I don’t remember the name! Cricut Design Space has changed so much in the last year – I know it was included in the monthly fee though. Sorry I couldn’t be more help!
Julie Wood says
We love stuffed animals at our house, and I got my kids each a marked down Valentine Stuffed bear at Walmart. These personalized stuffed animals would be so good to get my kids!
Amber Ludwig says
So super cute!! The Cricut is going on my birthday list this year!! Need one!!