New MON AMI Hazel Hen Plush Crossbody Purse by

This kids crossbody bag is a hen, and it behaves like a bag rather than a toy that happens to be bag-shaped. Hazel goes over one shoulder and across the body, which is the entire point at this age: nothing to set down, nothing to leave behind at the park.

The plush exterior is the part children respond to and also the part that survives being clutched, dropped, and dragged along a sidewalk. Next to a stiff toddler purse in vinyl, a chicken purse absorbs that treatment and still looks like something, rather than like a scuffed rectangle. It is a dependable pick for preschool, for a farm or barnyard birthday, for travel days, and for the child who has started copying whoever in the house carries a bag. A fair number of adults quietly buy one for themselves, which we consider a point in its favor. Farm and barnyard themes have real staying power with this age group, too.

How do you care for plush toys?
Plush accessories follow plush-toy care: surface clean the fabric with mild soap and cool water and air dry rather than machine washing. Zippers and adjustable straps last longer if the bag is emptied and hung rather than stored compressed.