A Lovey is a talisman that comforts a child for sleep, for navigating their young days among strangers and situations of stress or anxiety such as doctor visits. The "hugability," the texture, and the smell of the Loveys are more important than the appearance or elaborateness. Indeed a Lovey may eventually wear down to a fragment of silky blanket binding. The story of The Velveteen Rabbit and the attachment of the "Peanut's" character Linus to his blanket are good examples of Lovey power. Human touch is essential for a child's normal emotional development and attachment. As a surrogate, Lovey can be a helpful part of touch.

Eventually, the Lovey is relegated to an attic trunk, hopefully, to be replaced by attachments to friends and perhaps to a special person who will help us navigate the joyful and sometimes scary adult world.