I came across Cuddle + Kind while looking for a gift for a friend who had recently had a baby boy. I love to give stuffies as a gift — mainly because when I was a baby, I received a stuffed pink dog that I still have today, although he is not quite pink anymore, pretty thread-bare with a busted plastic nose, but 100% still my lovey.
Cuddle + Kind makes an assortment of stuffed animals and dolls that are, dare I say, absolutely adorable. While most stuffed animals these days can be described as fluffy or furry, these ones are hand-knit with yarn. I was drawn to them because they look vintage and a bit old-fashioned in a good way — almost like they’re from a different time and era.
I ordered Noah the Dog for my friend’s new baby and I was completely floored at how soft and cuddly he was. Not only is he super cute, but he’s made with natural cotton that is non-toxic and safe for kids and babies. The little details, such as as suspenders, cuffed shorts, sewn-on paw pads, and knit bow tie, are so charming. And each character has its own catchphrase printed right on the tag — in Noah the Dog’s case, it’s “Don’t ever lose your sense of wonder.” Seriously, how cute is that?
Super Cute. High Quality. Handmade. That being said, the price starts at $50, which seems high for a stuffed animal. HOWEVER, their social mission is what really sets Cuddle + Kind apart and, in my opinion, makes the price point totally worth it.
First, for every doll purchased, 10 meals are donated to various established nonprofits that fight childhood hunger, including World Food Program USA, Children’s Hunger Fund, and WE Charity School Nutrition Program. Plus, that mission is sewed right into each toy. Find out more on Cuddle + Kind’s 1 Doll = 10 Meals page. To date, they have donated more than 4.7 million meals to hungry children around the world.
Second, they are a fair trade organization that employs 750 artisans in Peru. They are providing jobs and a fair wage to hundreds of women allowing them to provide for their families and allowing them to capitalize on their amazing skills. Find out more on Cuddle + Kind’s Fair Trade page. Per UN Women, when you employ and empower women, it can lift up an entire community and economy — which is why this is so powerful.
Cuddle + Kind is a company that, not only creates a delightful, high-quality product, but also is doing social good on multiple fronts – specifically combatting childhood hunger and empowering women by providing a fair wage. I may just have to get a Cuddle + Kind doll for myself!
Company Name: Cuddle + Kind
Product Type(s): Toys
Who Do They Help: Childhood Hunger; Fair Trade Employment for Women in Peru
How Do They Help: Donate 10 meals for every doll purchased; employ women in Peru with fair wages