What Is a Jellycat? Here’s Why People Are So Obsessed with These Silly Stuffed Animals
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 trend .
Katie Bandurski for Taste of Home
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, 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 is Jellycat 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
VIA MERCHANT
Egglantine Egg on Toast
If I had to choose an all-time favorite Jellycat in my collection, it may just be Egglantine . This "egg on toast" plush is delightfully whimsical, and I love the attention to detail. She's a textural delight, thanks to multiple different fabric types. And those fuzzy little slippers on her feet? Iconic.
VIA MERCHANT
Trixiwoo Raccoon
Whether you're looking for a sweet friend to cuddle or a partner in crime, look no further than Trixiwoo . Her sweet face belies her mischievous nature, but we're totally okay with that. She measures just over nine inches tall, and her various fur textures make her the perfect bedtime companion.
VIA MERCHANT
Zumblebi Alien
We can't help but smile at Zumblebi . From his grumpy face to his calming blue floof, he's simply out of this world.
VIA MERCHANT
Sun Pouch
Make back-to-school season a little brighter with this sweet sun pouch . It's perfect for holding pencils , toiletries and other odds 'n ends. Kids from kindergarten to college will enjoy seeing this accessory in their backpack.
VIA MERCHANT
Berry the Blossom Cream Bunny
Bunnies may be the most recognizable Jellycat, and Berry the Blossom Cream Bunny is one of our new favorites. This adorable, floppy-eared rabbit boasts beautiful floral pattern details in her ears that will wow the other guests at a tea party.
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR READER'S DIGEST
Peanut Penguin Bag Charm
Jellycats are also available in bag charm form! Say hello to Peanut the dancing penguin , guaranteed to put a smile on your face with his cute lil' flapping wings.
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR READER'S DIGEST
Amuseables Croissant
This little cutie is one of the many pastries available as part of Jellycat's Amuseables food & drink line . This cheerful croissant is perfect for any baker looking for a sweet pal to keep nearby.
VIA MERCHANT
Watering Can
This watering can is an adorable pick for gardeners. Whether you plop him down next to your collection of indoor houseplants or snuggle up on the couch with him, he'll undoubtedly be a picture-perfect addition to your space.
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 plushies.
"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."
Former 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. Ten-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 30-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 can you buy Jellycats?
Katie Bandurski for Taste of Home
editor's pick
Jellycats
These popular plush toys are known to sell out so if you see one you like, act quickly!
You can buy Jellycats online directly from the brand . Select styles are also available at Amazon , Nordstrom and The Paper Store , 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 significantly lower than the list price on Jellycat, it's likely too good to be true.
FAQ
Why are Jellycats 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. Now for the million-dollar question. In spite of their price tags, are Jellycats worth it? According to our team, you bet!
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.
Why you should trust us
This Jellycat guide was written and tested by Katie Bandurski, Deputy Shopping Editor at Reader's Digest . A founding member of the brand's shopping team, Katie has close to a decade of experience in the home, food, and lifestyle space and has personally reviewed hundreds of products—from gifts and holiday décor to everyday home essentials. For this article, she evaluated Jellycat plushies with the same hands-on, detail-driven approach she brings to every review, focusing on quality, softness, durability and gift-worthiness so you can shop with confidence.
