It really depends on the feel you want and who’ll use it.

• Polyester fiberfill/PP cotton: Soft, springy, and lightweight for huggable plush. Often washable, but always check the care label.
• Shredded memory foam: Denser and more supportive. Good for larger plush or decor pieces; it may be spot-clean only.
• Plastic pellets: Adds weight and a gentle drape. Best sealed in an inner pouch; avoid for very young children due to small parts.
• Foam beads/polystyrene pellets: Squishy, moldable bean-bag feel; they shift around, which some people like for sensory play.

You can also blend materials—fiberfill for loft with a small pouch of pellets for weight. Walmart offers these fillers online and in stores, so you can match the material to your project.

You’ve got plenty of options, each creating a different feel:

• Polyester fiberfill/PP cotton: Classic fluffy stuffing for soft, cuddly toys.
• Shredded foam: Gives structure and bounce; nice for pillows or bigger plush.
• Plastic pellets: Adds weight for a more grounded, floppy vibe; best contained in a fabric pouch.
• Foam beads: Light and squishy for bean-bag style plush.
• Paper shred: Useful for decorative pieces or displays where softness isn’t a priority.

Mixing materials can help you fine-tune shape and weight. A small funnel and an inner liner make adding pellets or beads easier and tidier. You’ll find all of these filler types at Walmart to match your project goals.

For a quick, temporary fill, you can improvise while you wait to pick up proper filler:

• Clean fabric or yarn scraps: Chop into small pieces for a softer feel; works best for decorative plush.
• Plastic pellets or foam beads: If you have craft supplies on hand, these add shape or weight. Keep them secured in an inner pouch.
• Paper shred: Helps with display pieces; it’s crinkly rather than cuddly.

These substitutions can work in a pinch, but they may not feel as smooth or long-lasting as fiberfill or shredded foam. When you’re ready to upgrade, Walmart carries polyester fiberfill, PP cotton, shredded foam, pellets, and beads for a more durable, comfy finish.

Even results come from small amounts and patience.

1. Tease the fill: Fluff fiberfill or foam into small tufts to avoid clumps.
2. Fill extremities first: Use a chopstick or blunt tool to reach arms, legs, and corners.
3. Build in layers: Add and distribute stuffing gradually, rotating and massaging the plush as you go.
4. Shape the silhouette: Focus on the edges and seams, then fill toward the center for a smooth outline.
5. Use liners for pellets: If adding weight, place pellets in a sewn pouch to keep them contained and balanced.

This approach can help create a smooth, huggable finish without hard spots. Results can vary based on fabric stretch and the filling you choose.

Soft items can be a hiding spot, so careful handling is important.

• Check the care label: If machine washable, use a gentle cycle and the warmest settings the toy can safely handle, then dry thoroughly.
• Use a mesh bag: It can help protect seams and keep small parts secure during laundry.
• If not washable: Place the toy in a sealed bag to isolate it and consult a licensed pest control professional for next steps.
• Avoid sprays: Household pesticides aren’t designed for toys.
• Restuff if needed: If a toy is opened for cleaning or repair, consider replacing the fill with fresh fiberfill, shredded foam, pellets, or beads available at Walmart.

Methods can vary by material and construction, so when in doubt, seek professional guidance.