Remember when you were little and some special someone bought you your first very large or giant stuffed animal? I do! Mine was a huge orange and yellow lion and a zebra for his friend. I know it sounds silly, but of all the plush toys given to me, and believe me, it was a lot, I seem to remember those two.

Let's just say I'm a bit older now, but the memory of those two critters in my room still lingers in my head. Every time I see one, whether it is in toy store or mall, if I can, I just stop and look, secretly wishing to get my hands on it to give it a hug. They can be expensive nowadays, but they are just plain fun. I wonder if anyone else thinks like I do?

I know I'm a mom, and I'm suppose to be serious, but I sure wouldn't turn it down, if my husband gave me a giant stuffed bear for Christmas, or maybe a super size teddy bear like the one shown here. Don't you just wish hecould be your friend?

When I saw this cute lamb, I amost melted. Over 30" tall, wouldn't this giant stuffed animal be wonderful to decorate a baby's nursery? Cuddly and cream colored, this gentle giant just says "take me home." He or she would also make a great baby gift at a lamb themed baby shower. How special that would be.

As children get older, most may seem to lose interest in their stuffed animals. Our very special secret is that is that these furry creatures were and still may be very important to us, I don't think we are ever too old to receive stuffed animals as gifts, if we love them. Of course most guys might not want one, but given the chance, I know a couple, who if a giant teddy bear were placed in their hands, might give it a quick hug (if no one is looking).

Even into the teenage years and adulthood, not very many people are willing to completely part with the stuffed animals that we've had for so long. So the story goes on...

I guess we just have to admit it plain and simple. Young or old, they can bring a smile to our faces, and somehow, just somehow for a moment comfort us.

Perhaps one thing that makes stuffed animals so special is that they come without homes or identities, and we are just compelled to name them and give them a special character.