# Personalised Plush Gifts Squeeze-Away Plushes Add Recorded Messages for Valentine’s Day By Amy Duong | Published 2026-01-26 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squeezeaway References: [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@buildabear)  These new and adorable Squeeze-Away plushes introduce a [voice-recording feature](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cuddle-tonies) that allows Build-A-Bear customers to embed personal audio messages into soft toys for Valentine’s Day gifting. The seasonal Squeeze-Away function enables users to record messages of up to 20 seconds either online during checkout or in-store at [Build-A-Bear Workshop](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bearlieve-bear) locations. Once activated, the message plays when the plush is squeezed, creating an interactive keepsake centered on sound and touch. The feature is available across a range of Valentine’s Day plush characters, including classic teddy bears and themed seasonal designs. Customers can further customise each plush with clothing, accessories, and additional sound or scent inserts. The Squeeze-Away offering extends Build-A-Bear’s broader personalization platform, which focuses on emotional connection through customisable products. Image Credit: Build-A-Bear ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 46% | Freshness: 61% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Interactive Keepsake Merchandise:** The integration of audio messages in plush toys represents a shift towards interactive keepsakes that merge sentimentality with technology. - **Emotional Customization in Gifting:** Personalized audio features in gifts elevate emotional connections, enhancing the sentimental value of traditional plush toys. - **Sound-enhanced Product Experiences:** Incorporating audio elements into everyday items, like toys, redefines user interactions by adding a sensory dimension beyond sight and touch. ### Where This Applies - **Gifting Industry:** The gifting industry is increasingly focusing on personalization and technology-driven enhancements, reshaping consumer expectations for unique and meaningful presents. - **Toy Manufacturing Industry:** Toy manufacturers are exploring innovative ways to integrate technology into products, offering dynamic and personalized play experiences to consumers. - **Consumer Electronics Industry:** The rise of audio-enabled products within the consumer electronics industry opens opportunities for cross-industry collaboration, particularly in the realm of personalized, interactive technologies. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Milk Dunking Ritual Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreo-cows.md) - [Cute AI-Powered Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luka-robots.md) - [Neuroscience-Inspired Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mineral-state.md) - [Barefoot-Style Slip-On Mules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-gobi-wavey-mule.md) - [Cartoon-Themed Hotel Rooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-twin-stars-rooms.md) - [Enhanced Manufacturing-As-A-Service Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manufacturingasaservice-model.md) - [Design Resource Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/product-design-resources-library.md) - [Visual Habit Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/color-your-habit.md) - [Mobile App Templates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/theappmarket.md)