Differing from the previous story, in which students relived the tastes of childhood, this one focuses on the sense of touch. For many children, a favorite toy was more than something to play with — it was a trusted sidekick, a source of comfort, or a gateway to imagination. Whether it was a stuffed animal or an action figure, these childhood treasures often carry memories that last longer than the toy itself.
Calen George
Calen George, 12, has had their favorite childhood toy for as long as they can remember. Though they can’t recall the exact
moment they got it, the memories it holds are crystal clear. George’s favorite toy was a stuffed dog named Charli — the very first stuffed animal they received.
Charli has been a source of comfort over the years, and George still travels with it from time to time.
“[I] sometimes bring it on trips.”
George made a point that having this stuffed animal helped him feel comforted and safe when they were younger.
As a kid, George often played with Charli. George recalls a core memory regarding their childhood with Charli.
“I used to make zip lines for Charli.”
A favorite childhood toy is an item most individuals can remember. In George’s opinion, having one was important.
“I think [having a favorite toy] makes you not be sad.”
For many, a cherished childhood toy is more than just an item they played with — it’s a lasting source of comfort and joy.
Esmae Niehues
Esmae Niehues, 9, describes their favorite childhood toy as a Dora-themed doctor set.
“I liked how it had multiple pieces. It had a little purse, and it was pink. I think I just liked the colors and how it had so many pieces in it. It was very interactive.”
Niehues remembers getting the toy on Christmas when they were about five years old.
“I was really surprised because I was into Barbies more, but when I started getting older, I think I used it more than my Barbies.”
Niehues shared that they used to carry this toy around everywhere, often pretending it was a purse—something Niehues thinks hinted at their love for shopping early on.
“I thought it made me look fancier. It just made me feel older.”
After reflecting on their favorite childhood toy, Niehues said, “I feel like it brings back emotions. If you find it somewhere, it’s like a happy feeling…it’s nostalgic.”
Isabella Andree
Isabella Andree, 11, also chose a stuffed animal as their favorite childhood toy; however, this one was unique. Andree explained that it was a pink unicorn named Stuffy, and what made it stand out was a velcro pocket where items could be tucked inside.
“I used to take it traveling with me. On planes or in the car it would be my pillow, but it could also hold my stuff in it. I think that’s [one of the] reasons why I liked it so much. On the airplane, I could put my little bag of pretzels in it and my passport and stuff. It was my carry on, but it didn’t count as my carry on because it was a stuffed animal which was even better.”
Andree speaks on how they think having a favorite childhood toy goes further than having something to play with. They believe that toys offer more than just fun — they can help shape habits and values that last a lifetime.
“I think that it teaches you how to look after and value something because once you bond with a stuffed animal, you don’t want to lose it or get it dirty or break it, so you learn how to take care of it. That helps going forward, like when you get a computer or a laptop and you’re like ‘this means something to me, and I want to keep it from breaking,’ then you know how to take care of it and keep it close to you. You [learn to] keep track of things and keep organized.”
While each toy was different — a stuffed dog, a doctor set, a pink unicorn — they all held memories that the individuals cherished. In the end, a favorite childhood toy isn’t just remembered for what it was or what it looked like but for how it made you feel.
