Here’s something to consider: plush toy design is almost a lost art.
Design quality of plush toys is on the decline, as super large retailers dictate the overall direction, and the direction is to squeeze every penny of extra profit margin. Designs get primitive or plain ugly as a result.
On the other end of the spectrum are exclusive, super-expensive plush toys. Where does it leave an average consumer? Not in a very good spot.
My company, Cardona Toys http://www.cardonatoys.com, is swimming against the current. What saves the day is the influx of new materials, safe and more green. They allow the design of natural-looking animals, which was previously impossible. Certain things, like non-cartoonish look for humans, are still impossible, nevertheless, the advances in materials last couple of years have been phenomenal.