In honour of International Stitch Day (yep, that's totally a thing), we dig a little deeper as to why this Disney character is seeing a popularity surge right now.
Disney's Lilo & Stitch was released in 2002, and tells the story of an orphaned Hawaiian girl named Lilo, who adopts a 'dog' that turns out to be an alien creature. The story centres around the Hawaiian concept of ohana, which means family (its translation includes more than just blood relatives too - it also includes adopted and chosen family). It's one of the hundreds of kids films you can watch on Disney+, that can actually be beneficial for your kids, but if you don't already have a subscription to this streaming service - make sure you check out our guide to how you can get Disney+ for free.
Initially known as Experiment 626 (hence why International Stitch Day falls on June 26), Stitch was genetically engineered to cause chaos and destruction, but his bond with Lilo and her older sister Nani, causes him to reconsider his destructive nature to keep his new family together.
But despite the film being released more than two decades ago, Stitch is more popular than ever - he even made it onto the list of the best kids toys 2024. We spoke to an expert to find out why that is and have a look at the best Stitch toys you can buy right now.
Why is Stitch still so popular more than 20 years later?
There's multiple reasons why Stitch has skyrocketed in popularity recently, from the impact of nostalgia and social media, spin-off merchandise and even theme park attractions that keep the adorable little alien in the public consciousness.
Stitch first appeared in the Lilo & Stitch feature film in 2002, and has since appeared in three straight-to-video sequels as well as a TV series and a live action version if the film is also in the works. Kids love his cute koala like appearance, semi-intelligible speech and his mischievous antics are all too fun for kids to follow along with.
Richard North, President at WOW! Stuff, who have recently released their Real FX Disney Stitch Puppet, available at Smyths, adds: “Stitch has a distinct design and expressive nature that makes him enduringly appealing to children and teens of all ages, and we are currently seeing a huge resurgence in popularity."
Stitch is also hugely popular on TikTok right now, with more than 500,000 posts featuring the hashtag #liloandstitch. Richard explains how this is boosting Stitch's popularity further, saying: "Thanks to the digital age and social media, Stitch’s image and personality has become hugely popular online as fans share memes, fan art and their stitch merch! This has helped sustain and possibly even grow his popularity to where Stitch is today.
"As well as this, Disney has continued to support and promote Lilo & Stitch through various channels, including a fashion resurgence which appeals to all age groups, theme park attractions, and appearances, keeping the cute, mischievous character front of mind."
But beyond the promotion of Stitch, there is something deeper at play, as Richard explains: "There is also a cycle of nostalgic interest and affection for Stitch, once children grow up, they want to introduce Stitch to their own children and so on!"
If you want embrace Stitch's newfound icon status, then take a look at these brilliant Stitch toys, available to buy right now.
Age suitability: 6+ | Batteries required: 3 x AAA (not included)
My Goddaughters, aged six and nine, love this animatronic Stitch puppet. The sound effects are really realistic, and it's so fun to be able to move his head, mouth and blink and squint his eyes. You can also hand on to the base and back from the packaging if you want to have him on display when not being played with.
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: None
There's a reason Squishmallows were the best selling toy of 2023 - they're so, well, squishy! There are loads of characters to collect, including numerous variations of Stitch. This one of Stitch in his 'superhero garb' (or washing from the basket if you remember the scene from the movie) is my favourite.
Age suitability: 9+ | Batteries required: None
If you have a little LEGO fan in your midst, then they'll love this Stitch-themed set. With 730 pieces, it'll be a fun challenge for builders to create their every own display-worthy Stitch. Once built, you can move his head, ears and arms, to change up his pose whenever you want.
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: None
For Stitch fans of all ages, this Funko Pop! would be a great addition to any Stitch collection. The collection can be broadened out to include figures from other Disney films too - including the likes of Anxiety from Inside Out 2, Ariel from The Little Mermaid and Beast from Beauty and the Beast.
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: None
For some Stitch-themed imaginary play, this 13-piece figure set fits the bill. Figures include Lilo, her homemade doll Scrump, and five different Stitches in various guises, as well as a surfboard, sunnies and music box. These little two-inch figures could also look great on display when not in use too.
Age suitability: 5+ | Batteries required: None
Give problem-solving skills a work out with this three puzzle set, featuring Stitch in all his iconic glory. Each puzzle has 49 pieces, and is perfect for some calm play either independently or with others. They'll love seeing their favourite character coming together and feel a real sense of achievement when they complete it.
For more Disney-related news, we look at why Donald Duck has stood the test of time for 90 years, and reveal everything we know about when Inside Out 2 will be available on Disney+.
