Most of us have had a cherished stuffed toy during our childhood--and maybe still have it in our adulthood. It's a wonder they survive the pulling, tugging, crushing, and other loving abuse given them. If they haven't survived intact or a child or grandchild's stuffed toy is ready for repair, take it to the Fix-It Club.

How Does It Work?

A stuffed toy is a fabric caricature of a person, animal, or object. Modern stuffed toys are stuffed with polyfill or foam. Older toys may be stuffed with toxic foams or plastics. In addition, stuffed toys may have fabric or plastic limbs, eyes, ears, or other features that require repair. (Also see the Doll Fix-It Guide .)

What Can Go Wrong?

Ears, noses, eyes and other pieces get torn off. Seams open. Sound boxes fail. Old stuffed toys lose their plumpness.

Caution!

Some older toys may be stuffed with toxic plastic foam or polystyrene pellets. Remove and replace this stuffing with polyfill--or keep it somewhere away from children. You can buy bags of polyfill at craft and fabric stores.