The Coolest Fantasy Animals That Kids Love

Kids love animals. Average backyard animals? Sure. But fantasy ones? Even more.

We’re talking here about fire-breathing dragons, deep-sea mermaids and magical horses that soar through the skies. There’s just something about these cute figments of imagination that catches the fancy of little ones around the world. They are the star attraction of birthday parties, the centre of attention during playtime and the subject of interest when the creative sparks are flying while drawing and colouring.  They bring stories to life and make childhood the ultimate dreamland. And let’s be real, half the fun of childhood is in believing that somewhere out there, a unicorn might just be hiding. Whether your little ones love horses and unicorns or dragons and dinosaurs, organising a themed children’s hampers for their next birthday will be sure to impress. Just add some snacks, sparkles, a yummy cake and a sprinkle of magic.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane and enter the world of fantasy again to encounter some mythical creatures:

Unicorns

Unicorns are the undisputed royalty of the fantasy kingdom. And why not? They are simply majestic. With glowing rainbow manes, sparkling white coats and the iconic spiral horn, they’re a creature to behold. Going beyond looks, unicorns inspire something deep within us. They give us hope that something truly extraordinary could be hiding in an ordinary world. That pinch of optimism is what we sometimes tend to miss in the drudgery and practicalities of adult life. Unicorns have become the zeitgeist of the current era, plastering themselves everywhere from school bags and PJs to cupcakes and cartoons. And it seems that that immense popularity is here to stay for a while.

Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs may have been mean and vicious beasts in their prehistoric prime. But these days, they have undertaken a cute and cuddly avatar. This was not always the case, though. Till the 1950s, dinosaurs were confined to dusty old museum exhibits and textbooks. But the invention of plastic changed the game. By the 1950s and 60s, dinosaur figurines started popping up in cereal boxes and science kits. Toy manufacturers realised that they had hit the jackpot and suddenly, dinosaurs were everywhere. Movies like Jurassic Park helped boost their popularity and take them into the pop cultural mainstream. T-Rexes and Velociraptors became household names, and the toy market responded with everything from dinosaur puzzles and plushies to costumes and LEGO sets. Today, dinos are an integral (and slightly educational) part of children’s toy collections.

Mermaids

There’s something undeniably magical about mermaids. Half-human, half-fish and all wonder, they have ruled the hearts and minds of children for decades. They are not a recent phenomenon either. Stories of the mermaid can be traced back to ancient Syria around 1000 BC. Since then, they have appeared in the folklore and legends of countries all around the globe. However, it was Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, published in 1837, that brought the spotlight on them. After this book, mermaids started to be associated with children and fantasy. Disney put the icing on the cake after the resounding success of Ariel (The Little Mermaid) in 1989. The reason for this attraction is apparent. Mermaids personify beauty, adventure, freedom and mystery. These are things that kids naturally gravitate towards. 

Dragons

Dragons are majestic beasts that are a bit of an atypical choice for a kids’ fantasy animal. They’re not soft like unicorns or beautiful like mermaids. They are imposing, huge and fire-breathing. But therein lies the appeal. There’s just something about their defiant attitude and scaly appearance that appeals to the braver and more adventurous side of kids. They’re guarding mythical treasures one minute and flying the next. There is also a bit of a duality to their perception across cultures. While the Chinese view the dragon as a noble and wise protector, the Europeans envision a dragon as a fierce beast to be slayed by a brave knight. This contrasting image can allow children to imagine them as they like. Modern stories in animated movies and shows have taken a softer tone, portraying them as gentle giants who are loyal and funny. 

Fantasy animals brighten up a childhood. They bring immense joy and open the doors to a world of imagination. Whether it be sparkly unicorns, cute dinosaurs, mysterious mermaids or gentle dragons, they are here to stay and rule the hearts and minds of millions of children around the world. So, the next time you’re picking out a birthday present or planning a surprise, think beyond the usual.