CEBU, Philippines - Toys are staple gifts during Christmas for kids and the kids at heart. And while there are toys that enhance brain functions, there are also toys that enhance a child’s Emotional Quotient or EQ and teach the child to be responsible.
“Children feel more responsible for their toys if they have a hand in making the toy. This is what Animaland is all about. A child will consider his or her Animaland stuffed toy special than his or her other toys because he or she made it himself and even gave the toy a name,” said Camille Tabanera of Animaland at the Parkmall, the first branch outside Metro Manila.
Animaland is a franchise from the United States that sells “animal skins” for stuffing. The buyer, a child or a child at heart, gets to choose an “animal skin.” And oh, boy! There are a lot of “animal skins” to choose from – Teddy Bears in different colors, dogs, giraffes, elephants, rabbits, cats, name it, Animaland has it! The child will then stuff the “animal skin,” then give it an airbath to take away excess stuffing and clean the animal. The child then has the option to put in a scent or a sound. The child and his or her pet will then go through some kind of a ritual that symbolically gives life to the animal by putting in a star inside the animal, before a store attendant closes the animal up.
“After creating his or her own pet, the child also has an option to dress up his or her pet. We also have clothes, shoes, accessories and even underwear for the pets,” shared Camille.
No need to worry if you or your child has allergies! Animaland products, from the animal skins, to the stuffing, to the scents and to the animal clothes, are hypoallergenic.
What’s unique about Animaland stuffed toys is that the owner will get to name his or her pet and will get a birth certificate, too. And the pet owner’s relationship with Animaland does not end there. Camille said whenever something happens to your toy – if it needs to be stuffed again, if it needs cleaning or if it ripped a body part - you can always come back to the kiosk cum pet hospital. “The child can come here and have his or her pet admitted in our ‘hospital’ where their pets will be cleaned or repaired. When the pet goes home, it will don a hospital gown and will also be given a certificate of good health,” Camille said.
Animaland in Parkmall only opened last May and already, there are many kids, and even adults, who have bought pets there. Camille said that Animaland will open more outlets in Metro Cebu before the year ends to cater to a growing clientele. The prices of “animal skins” range from P598 to P1298, depending on the size of the animal.
According to Camille, the Animaland kiosk also hosts parties for a group of 12. “They have to buy a minimum of 12 toys and we will provide the tables, games and other activities. The host will have to provide the food though,” she said, adding that they also have a party package that includes nail art and hair and make-up.
And don’t think that Animaland stuffed toys are only for kids. Camille said that their stuffed toys are also ideal gifts for a girlfriend or boyfriend, and there are even married couples who buy the stuffed toys and consider it their baby. “The stuffed toy really becomes extra special because both of you participate in making it and naming it,”
So if you want to give something different this Christmas, consider giving an Animaland stuffed toy! Animaland is located at the ground floor of the Parkmall.