If you’ve been in the embroidery business for a while, you know that most people work on custom apparel, hats, bags, and towels. But there’s one product you might not have thought of: personalized stuffed animals.
Many people are building businesses around these products. Once you see how they work, it’s easy to understand why.
What Is Embroider Buddy?
The idea is simple. You begin with a stuffed animal designed for embroidery, with low-pile fabric, a large flat belly, and removable stuffing pods for easy hooping. Then you add a name, message, or date—whatever the customer wants. The result is a unique gift, made for a specific child, not just a generic store toy.
Embroider Buddy has been making toys for over 80 years and helped create this product category. Our plush toys work with any embroidery machine, meet all safety standards, and are much easier to use than most people expect.
The Products People Are Buying
Here are five top sellers that appeal to a wide range of customers.
Big Ear Bunny is a customer favourite. She comes in four beautiful colours and is oh, so soft. Her long ears are perfect for adding a name and date, making her a timeless gift.
Our Big Ear Bunny was featured at a live embroidery station at the baby shower of Nadia Ferreira and Marc Anthony, Rush Embroidery let guests personalize plush toys with their names on the spot. Each bunny became a unique keepsake, making the event memorable and interactive for everyone.
We’re grateful to Rush Stitch for choosing Embroider Buddy as their supplier, and for showcasing our products in such a special event.
Try it out for yourself! Learn how easy it is to stitch directly on our Big Ear Bunny.
Bobby Buddy Bear is a classic. He comes in five different colours, has loving eyes, and is soft and huggable. He’s the kind of teddy bear that never goes out of style. His belly offers 16 inches of flat, embroidery-ready space. You can add a name, a birthdate, or even ‘Grandma’s favourite.’ People who choose Bobby want a timeless look, and that’s what they get.
Quincy Duck Buddy is a fun-loving option. He’s bright yellow, soft and cuddly, and is a real crowd-pleaser. Kids love ducks, and parents appreciate their cheerful look. Quincy is especially popular for Easter, baby showers, and nursery gifts.
Tory Tiger Buddy appeals to a different group: slightly older kids who want something with more personality. He’s burnt orange and white with bold black stripes. You can embroider his tummy with a name, a sports number, or a team name, making it the perfect gift for a kid who just scored their first goal.
Starla Unicorn Buddy is a cuddly, customizable, and charming new friend who will bring magic to your embroidery projects with white fur, pink accents, and a sparkly gold horn. Starla is perfect for birthday gifts, flower girl presents, and best friend gifts.
Watch how easy it is to Monogram a Starla Unicorn Buddy.
Why This Actually Works as a Business
The average order value is higher than most embroidery items. A custom hat might cost $25 to $35, but a personalized stuffed animal can easily sell for $50 to $80 or more, depending on how you market it and your embroidery fees. Customers are getting something really unique, so they’re less likely to compare prices elsewhere.
Repeat business is different with Embroider Buddy. Someone who buys a custom onesie might not return for a year, but embroiderers who offer these products often see customers coming back for every baby shower, birthday, and Christmas. When someone receives one as a gift and loves it, they quickly think of others they can buy one for.
Setting up to hoop might seem intimidating if you haven’t tried it before, but Embroider Buddy makes it easy. You just remove the stuffing pods using the hidden zipper, hoop the flat fabric, embroider, and then put the stuffing back in. It works with standard machines, so you don’t need any special equipment.
Where Embroiderers Are Selling These
Etsy is the obvious choice. Search “personalized stuffed animal” on Etsy right now, and you’ll see just how much volume there is in this space. A lot of those sellers are working with exactly this kind of product, but there is still room for you.
Instagram and Facebook are also great places to sell, especially during gift-giving seasons. If you post a photo of a finished Starla with a child’s name on her belly, you’ll see the response. These products look great in photos, which is important for selling on social media.
Local markets, craft fairs, hospital gift shops, and baby boutiques are also good options. Selling in person works well because people can hold the product and instantly see its value.
The Bottom Line
If you already have an embroidery machine and want to add a higher-margin, more emotionally resonant product, try Embroider Buddy. They are made to work with your current setup. The demand is steady, and there’s something special about creating a personalized toy that a child will carry for years.
Big Ear Bunny, Bobby, Quincy, Tory, and Starla are great starting points. Each character appeals to different customers, so supplying a few options in your shop will help you reach more people.