Do you, like us, have that one stuffed toy from your childhood that you cherish and will never stop loving? Maybe you want your own kids to experience that feeling too. If you're at all into DIY, why not give a gift with meaning by creating an adorable stuffed animal yourself? These patterns are perfect for crafting something special for a little someone. And the best part is they cost from a few dollars to, well, free.
Sure, kids love getting the latest store-bought toy — but aren't homemade gifts the ones we remember forever?
More: 10 Incredible Forts to Build "for Your Kids" (*Wink, Wink*)
1. Humpback whale
This soft whale is hand-sewn using soft pieces of denim. Use any fabric of your choice to create a friendly undersea companion.
2. Crocheted moose
You can crochet this one or knit it — either way, the moose is super-cute. Tiny and filled with love, this little guy is sure to please.
3. Pointy kitty
Find this cute kitty's free tutorial on Wee Wonderfuls.
4. Tiny superheroes
Cherish the Cheer's tutorial is perfect for the tiny superhero-lover in your life.
5. T-shirt manatee pillow
We Lived Happily Ever After walks you through how to turn an old T-shirt into a friend for life.
6. Beautiful bunnies
Create adorable handmade rabbits that kids are sure to love. The pattern is available for download for $13.
7. Knit octopus
What's so great about a knit octopus? Eight embracing arms! Find the tutorial on the Purl Soho blog.
8. Chinese New Year sheep
Just look at the finished product of All About Ami's crocheted sheep tutorial. Are you saying, "Awww" yet?
9. Loch Ness Monster
How adorable is this teal Loch Ness Monster? Learn how to make this DIY Nessie on We Lived Happily Ever After.
10. Purl Soho penguins
We're loving the mix of patterns on this penguin stuffed animal from Purl Soho.
More: Upcycle Old Crayons Into Fun Shapes With This Easy DIY
11. Stick horse
A two-for-one, this happy horse is not only a stuffed animal, but also a very trendy mode of kiddo ride-on "transportation." Make someone tiny very happy using this tutorial.
Next: More adorable stuffed animals you can make
A version of this article was originally published in January 2014.
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12. Sock cat
Professor Pincushion walks you through how to make this buddy with a super-clever video tutorial.
More: This DIY Kaleidoscope Craft for Kids Makes Upcycling Fun
13. Fantastic Mr. Fox
This little bandit fox is much easier to make than he looks. Look What I Made breaks it down for you.
14. Kawaii stuffed animal
For just $12 on TeacupLion's Etsy, you can download a PDF of the sewing pattern for this über-cute stuffed animal.
15. Bumblebee gurumi
This turtle is totally a crochet craft worth gifting. Buy this pattern and download instantly on Etsy for just $4.
16. Little lion critter
Another amigurumi pattern, this little lion will speak to so many kids' hearts. This li'l lion loves to accompany kids on all their travels.
17. Shark bite
Ocean-obsessed kids will enjoy having a tiny shark to play with. Note, though, that this is a pretty advanced pattern. Only tackle it if you've got some experience.
18. Mini bears
While She Naps' pattern is easy to follow, and the outcome is totally precious.
19. Stuffed turtles
Plush and perfect for little hands, these teensy turtles are stuffed with love. Grab the tutorial and go wild with fun fabrics.
20. Sock monkey
It's one of the most popular crafts of the stuffed-animal realm: the sock monkey. Doesn't every kid need a sock monkey? Probably. Get your free tutorial at Craft Passion.
21. Flying squirrel
In just about an hour, you can create your very own soft, huggable flying squirrel. You can find the pattern on Wild Olive.
22. Classic teddy bear
The O.G. cuddle buddy. How Joyful has a tutorial as well as a pattern.
More: DIY Slime Recipes Kids Will Love Making a Mess With
23. Elephant softies
Create a tiny elephant for a newborn gift — or for your own kid. You can find the tutorial for these elephant softies on Craftiness is Not Optional.