The world’s largest rodent is taking the shopping world by storm. Capybaras are everywhere. Who knew this guinea pig relative would be such a hit? 

Pick any product. The blunt-nosed creature may be on it. Look for slippers, purses, pencil pouches, and bath bombs. Want plush capybaras? They come in all sizes. 

Trendy animal products aren’t new. Beanie Babies were a fad in the 1990s. Now people buzz online about the latest cute creature.

The axolotl was the popular animal last year. Owls, hedgehogs, foxes, and sloths also had time in the spotlight.

Google searches for axolotls shot up in June 2021. That happened after a video game added them to its list of characters.

“Nobody knew what an axolotl was in 2020,” toy store owner Richard Derr says. “Now everybody knows.” 

A global coronavirus pandemic that kept many people at home in 2020 and 2021 also boosted toy sales. Shoppers wanted cuddly plushie comfort.

Stores hustle to stay ahead of trends. Favored animals may last only a season. Then something new grabs people’s attention.

One Build-A-Bear holiday capybara has red and green sprinkles on its fur. It is the “cookiebara.” The toy has already sold out.

Sharon Price John is the CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop. She thinks people are drawn to capybaras because watching videos of them is relaxing. 

Real capybaras are shy and move slowly. They spend most of the day resting along the banks of lakes and rivers in South America. The largest ones can be more than four feet long. They can weigh up to 170 pounds. 

Shoppers snatch up smaller, plush versions. But how long will the rodent’s popularity last?  Trends come and go. God’s everlasting mercy is our solid hope in all seasons. 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  — Hebrews 13:8