WATCH: Contractor finds 115 stuffed animals hidden in walls during renovation
The internet can be a chaotic, drama-filled rabbit hole. But every now and then, it tosses us a little gem — a piece of content so delightfully weird and heart-warming that it’s impossible not to smile.
TikTok is another rabbit hole through which you can either find something useful or begin to question your entire existence.
A viral sensation from contractor and content creator Connor Nijsee, stumbled upon a home renovation surprise that no one saw coming: walls stuffed with old stuffed animals instead of fiberglass insulation.
Yes, you read that right. The same cuddly plushies that once adorned childhood beds— or got dragged through mud puddles during toddler adventures — were uncovered hiding behind drywall.
Nijsee's discovery has since captivated the internet, sparking debates, jokes and even conversations about sustainability.
It began as a regular day on the job for Nijsee, a contractor with no expectation of becoming TikTok-famous.
But when he started tearing down drywall in a routine renovation project, he discovered something no one could have predicted: 115 stuffed animals crammed into the walls.
@c.c.woodwork Things you find… Part 1 #stuffedanimals #beaniebabies #reducereuserecycle ♬ original sound - Connor Nijsse
@c.c.woodwork Things you find… Part 1 #stuffedanimals #beaniebabies #reducereuserecycle ♬ original sound - Connor Nijsse
Nijsee showed how layers of plush toys, once loved (and potentially drooled on) by children, were used as unconventional insulation. His reaction?
Equal parts amused and baffled. And, of course, the internet reacted just as you’d expect — with a mix of humour, curiosity and a healthy dose of scepticism.
One TikToker joked: "It’s either a genius way to get rid of your kids’ stuffed animals or the perfect setup for a true crime documentary — no in-between."
Another chimed in, “Check the stuffing! Maybe there’s money in there!”
But many others saw a silver lining: the potential to recycle and repurpose old toys.
The idea of using stuffed animals for insulation is... unconventional, to say the least. While they certainly don’t have the thermal efficiency of fibreglass or spray foam, they carry a quirky, almost endearing charm. But let’s take a closer look at the implications:
A creative twist on recycling
One of the most common reactions to Nijsee’s discovery was admiration for the concept of repurposing old toys.
"I think this is an awesome way to recycle. Imagine how many stuffed animals are in landfills," one commenter noted. And they’re not wrong — stuffed animals are notoriously hard to recycle.
According to Recycle Nation, most plush toys are made of synthetic materials like polyester, which makes them non-biodegradable.
Millions of them end up in landfills every year. While tucking them into walls isn’t exactly a standard recycling practice, it’s certainly better than letting them pile up in a dump.
For some, the idea of their childhood stuffed animals living on a wall feels oddly poetic— a literal preservation of memories. Instead of gathering dust in an attic or being tossed away, these plushies are given a weird but functional second life.
But let’s not forget the practicalities. Stuffed animals aren’t designed to withstand the elements, and they’re definitely not a substitute for proper insulation.
Over time, the materials inside them can degrade, attract pests or harbour mould. So, while it’s a cute idea, it’s not exactly the most practical or safe option.
What makes this story even sweeter is what Nijsee did next.
After realising that 115 stuffed animals didn’t belong in a wall —or a landfill — he decided to give them a new chapter. Nijsee sent 40 of the plushies to children in need, spreading joy and nostalgia in the process.
And the story doesn’t end there. His TikToks are now flooded with comments from people asking if they can adopt one of the rescued toys.
"It’s like a stuffed animal adoption agency," one commenter joked. Nijsee’s actions highlight how even the quirkiest finds can lead to moments of kindness and connection.
In a world where waste is a growing issue, Nijsee’s discovery is a reminder that almost anything can have a second life. While using stuffed animals as insulation isn’t exactly recommended, the underlying idea of creative recycling is worth exploring.
Nostalgia meets sustainability
Stuffed animals are more than just toys; they’re carriers of memories. Instead of letting them gather dust or toss them in the trash, consider donating them to organizations that distribute toys to children in need.
Nijsee’s viral discovery of stuffed animals hiding in a wall is one of those rare internet moments that’s equal parts bizarre, heart-warming and thought-provoking.
While it’s not recommended trading fibreglass for teddy bears, the story highlights the importance of creative recycling and the enduring charm of childhood toys.
And who knows? The next time you’re tearing down a wall, you might just stumble upon a hidden treasure — or, in this case, a hidden zoo.
Either way, it’s a reminder that even the quirkiest finds can inspire smiles, conversations and a little bit of good in the world.