How to make a stuffed animal "talk"?

March 15, 2007 6:56 PM

How can I add a add a "talking" chip/device to an existing, or home-made stuffed animal?

I'd like to record my voice into a small device that I can implant in a stuffed animal so that it will speak a given phrase, or one of a selection of phrases, when squeezed. I've looked around and can't find anyplace selling such a thing, but it seems like the kind of thing you should be able to buy from a hobby or craft retailer. Is my only option to slaughter an existing "talking" plush? Can anyone point me in the direction of either?

posted by raygan to sports, hobbies, & recreation (7 comments total)

You can find kids toys that will record and play back around 10 seconds of sound. A quick google search for "kids voice recorder flash playback" returned this device. This is probably more than you're looking to spend, but with some diligence and a bulk order you can probably get something similar for $5 or less per unit. If you have way too much time and energy you can look into programming EPROMs.
posted by lekvar at 7:30 PM on March 15, 2007

It's been a long time since I've been in a craft store, but I know these were pretty common in the mid 90's. There were a variety of pre-recorded sounds, and usually ones with the option to record your own. They took the form of a roughly 1" white plastic disc with a convex metal button on one side.

If you can't find them in a craft store, I'm almost positive that Build-A-Bear Workshop has 'em.
posted by CrayDrygu at 7:31 PM on March 15, 2007

You can definitely find the voiceboxes in craft supply catalogs.

Here's a small inexpensive one from a vendor I've been shopping with for years.

Here's a larger one with replaceable batteries. (Can't vouch for the catalog directly, however.)

If there's a Build-A-Bear Workshop store near you, they carry the voice recorders...you could always ask if they'll sell you just the voice module if you aren't looking for a whole new stuffed toy.
posted by Smilla's Sense of Snark at 7:32 PM on March 15, 2007

I've seen greeting cards that are voice recordable. Google turned up a few. I remember seeing them at drugstores. Maybe this can help!
posted by JujuB at 7:34 PM on March 15, 2007

This post has totally inspired me. This would make an INCREDIBLE April Fool gag, especially if the toy in quesiton is oft used. I can only imagine the look of surprise/terror when the toy actually responds the next time it is hugged or grabbed. Terrifying, but brilliant! And in time for this year's April 1st!
posted by numinous at 8:22 PM on March 15, 2007

Radio shack used to sell something that would let you do that. I'm not sure if they still do, since their website doesn't seem to have it, but a quick trip to your local Radio Shack might prove useful, especially if they keep older stock.
posted by fvox13 at 9:18 PM on March 15, 2007

I *so* want to steal a friend's "easy button" and make it programmable.
posted by Wild_Eep at 9:09 AM on March 16, 2007