I was roughly eight years old when I received my first Jellycat. Judy, or “giraffe in a coat” as I called her, was a gift from my grandparents. We went everywhere together, and my budding creative brain enjoyed making up songs and writing stories about our adventures.
Unsurprisingly, I was that kid who was obsessed with stuffed animals. And that trait has stuck around into adulthood. As a near-30-year-old, I still have Jellycats on the brain—and I’m not alone. This coveted toy brand has blown up in recent years on social media, fueled by plushie fans of all ages. Here’s everything you need to know about the Jellycat hype.
Editor's Pick
Jellycats
These whimsical plush toys are stealing the hearts of kids and adults alike.
What is a Jellycat?
Jellycats are super-soft, joyfully designed plush toys. You’ll find plenty of classic stuffed animal shapes—including the brand’s coveted Bashful Bunnies and Bartholomew Bears—as well as sports characters, food and drink icons or mythical creatures. Whether you’re looking for a cuddly teddy or something a little more out there (hello, Camembert cheese!), there’s a Jellycat for every interest. The brand also sells books, baby blankets and bag charms.
Each toy is thoughtfully and ethically made. The brand prioritizes quality materials, ethical sourcing, strict standards and sustainability. Many products are also “suitable from birth,” making them safe for all ages.
Why are Jellycats so popular?
While the brand has been around for over 25 years, Jellycats have recently surged in popularity on TikTok and Instagram. Fans of all ages are showing off their collections, sharing unboxing videos and hunting for coveted styles. (Looking at you, Sky Dragon!) Think of it as a cross between the ’90s Beanie Baby craze and social media hype for things like Stanley cups and Labubus.
Plus, Jellycats are just really darn cute! They make great gifts and are made of quality materials. Each toy is designed to last a lifetime.
My top picks
Horatio Pistachio
This new release is a tough nut to crack! I love how literally Jellycat takes its food styles, and Horatio pistachio is no exception. Fresh on the heels of the Dubai chocolate trend, this little guy is likely to be just as popular as the Jellycat peanut.
Bashful Unicorn
With five size options to choose from, this unicorn Jellycat is ready for adventures big and small. And if you’re worried about your little getting a white stuffed animal dirty, know that the smaller sizes are safe to wash in a machine.
Pickleball
Have a hobby? There’s likely a Jellycat to match. This silly pickleball plush is ready to hit the court. I mean, how cute are the sweatband details on her arms?
Baguette Bag Charm
Say hello to one of the most popular Jellycat food friends—now in bag charm form! This brand-new baguette Jellycat key chain is a darling way to show off your love for carbs.
Glenny Goat
I have a Glenny goat, and he keeps a permanent residence on my desk. I love his “I’m so over it” expression. Plus, he’s a great example of how textured Jellycats can be. Glenny has an array of different fabrics that bring the smallest details to life.
Bartholomew Bear with Personalized Jumper
Bartholomew Bear is, without a doubt, one of the most classic Jellycats you can buy. (In fact, he just celebrated his birthday!) For a more personal touch, we love this option that comes with a custom sweater embroidered with your name of choice.
Pammie Palm Tree
This Pammie palm tree pick from the new Jellycat summer line is ready to whisk you away on a tropical vacay. Plus, if you like more “out there” styles, I can all but guarantee this is the most lifelike palm tree plush on the market!
But don’t take my word for it!
I’m not the only staffer who can’t get enough Jellycats. Plenty of Reader’s Digest staffers (and their little ones!) have fallen in love with these pricey plush.
“When my husband ran the Berlin Marathon, I was eight months pregnant with our first child and unable to travel internationally,” shares Digital Product Manager Gina Burke. “He came home with a medal, sore legs and a small white bunny plushie with stars in its ears. We named him Ziggy (Stardust). I didn’t know then, but Ziggy was about to lead me down a Jellycat rabbit hole.”
“As a parent, it’s all too easy to find yourself surrounded by junky toys,” Gina admits. “While we still have our fair share of overstimulating plastic, I’ve been able to keep some aesthetics without sacrificing fun. My daughter’s play kitchen features Jellycats. French pastries, a rainbow of fruit and veggies, a cheeky mozzarella with a tomato beret and a large pear who looks like he’s just glad to be here.”
Deputy editor Anne Fritz is confident that her kids’ obsession with Jellycats is split between their cute and fluffy nature—and the fact that everyone on TikTok wants them. 10-year-old Nola notes that Jellycats are fluffier than Squishmallows (another popular plushie brand). While 12-year-old Leopold explains: “They’re trending and really rare. Everyone wants the ‘strawberry matcha’ dragon.”
And Content Director Nicole Doster confirms that there’s no age limit to Jellycats. “As a thirty-something adult, I think the true secret to happiness is tapping into your inner child,” Nicole says. “These stuffies are squeal-worthy cute and brighten my day.”
Where to buy Jellycats
You can buy Jellycats online directly from the brand. Select styles are also available at Crate & Barrel Kids, Nordstrom, The Paper Store and F.A.O. Schwarz, among other retailers.
One word of caution? Be careful of Jellycat knock-offs. Many third-party sellers list faux plush using images of the real deal. If you see a price that is significantly lower than the list price through Jellycat, it’s likely too good to be true.
FAQ
Why are Jellycats so expensive?
Jellycats are a splurge. But that price reflects the brand’s commitment to quality materials, ethical sourcing, strict safety standards and sustainability. When you buy one, you’re not just getting a plush—you’re supporting a responsible production process from start to finish.
How do you wash Jellycats?
Care instructions vary from product to product. Some Jellycats are machine-washable on cold only, while others need spot cleaning. Check the “safety + care” section on each product page for exact details, and avoid dryers, irons or dry-cleaning for all toys.
How long does Jellycat take to ship?
When you shop directly on the brand’s website, you’ll likely see a variety of shipping speeds for your destination—including standard, expedited and express. Standard shipping takes 3-9 business days within the continental U.S. I find that most of my orders arrive within a week.
The post What Is a Jellycat? Here’s Why People Are So Obsessed with These Silly Stuffed Animals appeared first on Reader's Digest.
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