If you've ever hugged an impossibly soft, whimsically designed plush toy from Jellycat, you know why the brand has such a devoted following. They've perfected the blend of quirky charm and supreme cuddliness, creating adorable companions for both kids and adults.
But if you're looking to expand your collection or find a similar vibe for a gift, there are plenty of other brands delivering a special kind of softness and cuteness. From squishy, marshmallow-like friends to ethically made heirlooms, here are 19 brands like Jellycat that make adorable, must-have plush toys.
Known for their unique marshmallow-like texture, Squishmallows are designed for maximum squish and comfort. They come in a massive variety of characters, from pandas to avocados, appealing to collectors of all ages. While Jellycat toys have a more structured, boutique feel, Squishmallows are all about that super-soft, squeezable satisfaction.
They are generally more affordable than Jellycat, with prices often ranging from $8 to $30, making it easier to build a whole cuddly squad. If what you love most about plushies is the stress-relieving squish factor, Squishmallows are an essential addition to your collection.
Shop now at shop.squishmallows.com
A classic in the world of plush toys, GUND has been making high-quality, huggable friends since 1898. They are renowned for their timeless designs and incredibly soft materials, making them a go-to for baby shower gifts and first teddy bears. Like Jellycat, GUND prioritizes quality and softness, with most toys priced accessibly between $20 and $50.
Where Jellycat leans into quirky and unique creature designs, GUND excels at perfecting the classics. Their style is more traditional and comforting, focusing on durability and plushies that are meant to be loved for a lifetime.
Shop now at gund.com
Aurora World offers a massive collection of plush toys, covering everything from realistic wildlife to sparky fantasy creatures. Their key strength is variety - whether you're looking for a lifelike kitten or a glittery dragon, you can probably find an Aurora plushy that fits the bill at an affordable price point, usually between $10 and $40.
Similar to Jellycat in their plush textures and expressive character faces, Aurora provides more options, ranging from ultra-playful designs to more toned-down, realistic styles, ensuring there's something for every taste.
Shop now at auroragroup.com
As the name suggests, Huggy Friends are made for one purpose: hugging. Specializing in ultra-soft, oversized, and pillow-like companions, this brand focuses on pure comfort. Their designs are often simple and minimalist, letting the velvety-soft fabric take center stage.
Priced around $15 to $35, they are a great budget-friendly option when you just want something incredibly soft to cuddle. While Jellycat charms with quirky details, Huggy Friends offers pure, uncomplicated coziness.
Shop now at huggyfriends.com
Cuddle + Kind creates beautiful, heirloom-quality knit dolls that do good with every purchase. Each one is ethically handcrafted from natural, sustainable materials by artisans in Peru, and every doll sold helps provide meals to children in need. This makes them a meaningful gift for someone special.
With a higher price point of around $70 to $150, these are truly special investment pieces. While Jellycat is known for its plush feel, Cuddle + Kind offers a distinct knit texture and a heartwarming mission behind its charming, minimalist animal designs.
Shop now at cuddleandkind.com
Manhattan Toy focuses on creating plush toys that are as engaging as they are comforting. Their designs often incorporate fun textures, crinkly materials, and other sensory details that spark a child's imagination and development. They share Jellycat's commitment to high quality and lovable designs, with most items priced between $20 and $50.
The main difference is the interactive element - Manhattan Toy plushies invite more play and exploration. If you're shopping for a little one, these toys are perfect for providing both cuddles and sensory fun.
Shop now at manhattantoy.com
While known for educational toys, Melissa & Doug's line of plush animals deserves just as much a place in your cart for their softness and durability. Their collection often features more realistic representations of animals, perfect for imaginative play scenarios from safaris to farm adventures. Priced affordably from $15 to $40, these plushies are excellent for gifting.
These are a little less whimsical than a typical Jellycat friend, but they're incredibly well-made and sturdy, making them a fantastic and dependable choice for active kids who want a soft but durable play companion.
Shop now at melissaanddoug.com
For those who love a modern, clean aesthetic, Peach & Lily's plush toy collection is a perfect match. Their designs combine cuteness with a contemporary, minimalist vibe, using simple shapes, soft textures, and chic color palettes to create toys that feel both stylish and cozy.
Expect to find their adorable animals priced between $25 and $45. They share Jellycat's focus on aesthetic appeal and are perfect for decorating a nursery or for anyone whose style leans more modern than quirky.
Shop now at peachandlily.com
Have you ever wanted a plush that's completely unique? Budsies brings custom characters to life by turning drawings and photos into high-quality, super-soft plush toys. It's the ultimate personalized gift for a child artist or for immortalizing a beloved pet in plush toy form.
Customization means a price tag, with most commonly costing around $100 per toy, but for that, you get something truly unique. Budsies offers your custom one-of-a-kind creation in a format that is perfect for anyone wanting a personal touch.
Shop now at budsies.com
Combining the best of both worlds, My Pillow Pets are cute, cuddly animals that easily transform into a comfortable pillow. This clever, multifunctional design makes them the perfect companion for road trips, sleepovers, and naptime. They are soft and cuddly like a traditional stuffed animal but offer the practical bonus of being functional as a pillow.
Costing around $20 to $40 each, they offer an affordable and convenient solution without sacrificing the cuddly comfort Jellycat lovers look for.
Shop now at mypillowpets.com
If you are a connoisseur of plush toys and want to give a prestigious gift to a friend or loved one, Steiff is the brand to turn to. As a heritage brand from Germany, Steiff is revered for crafting some of the best plush toys in the world.
Prices start around $50 but can be much higher, depending on the level of craftsmanship and materials. Steiff plush toys are an investment, considered luxurious collectibles rather than simple toys.
Shop now at steiff.com
Hansa Toys is notable for creating realistic plush animal replicas. They are beloved by fans for their attention to detail in depicting lifelike features and proportions of animals.
Prices range from $20 to $70, depending on the size and complexity of the toy. Hansa Toys are perfect for those who admire realism in plush toys and want their collection to reflect that.
Shop now at hansatoys.com
Wild Republic is known for its educational focus, offering plush toys that double as learning tools. These toys bring the wonder of the animal kingdom into homes with an emphasis on inclusivity and environmental consciousness.
Their products are affordable and make great gifts for young animal lovers and educators alike, providing an interactive experience that educates and entertains.
Shop now at wildrepublic.com
Konges Sløjd is ideal for those who appreciate Scandinavian design aesthetics. This Copenhagen-based brand crafts plush toys with a focus on organic fabrics and clean, minimalist designs.
Their toys typically range from $30 to $60, offering soft hues and simplicity that appeal to modern tastes while ensuring safety and quality.
Shop now at kongesloejd.com
Cloud Island, available at Target, provides charming and budget-friendly plush toys perfect for nurseries and young children. They focus on cute designs and soft materials, often priced between $10 and $20.
This line is excellent for new parents looking for affordable, high-quality toys that can withstand lots of play and laundry cycles.
Shop now at target.com
Bunnies by the Bay specializes in endearing and whimsical bunny-themed plush toys and accessories. Their adorable designs and attention to detail make them a favorite for gifts and nursery decor.
They offer a wide range of products that can easily capture the hearts of both children and adults, creating sweet memories that last a lifetime.
Shop now at bunniesbythebay.com
Folkmanis is renowned for its extensive array of puppets and interactive plush toys. These are great for imaginative play and storytelling, sparking creativity in kids and adults alike.
With prices typically ranging from $20 to $60, Folkmanis puppets are well-loved for their quality craftsmanship and the joy they bring to interactive activities and theatrical play.
Shop now at folkmanis.com
The Jellycat Bashful Collection offers timeless and cute plush toys known for their softness and inviting appearance. These are perfect for adding a touch of charm to any room or gifting to loved ones.
For those who appreciate Jellycat's hallmark cuddly texture, the Bashful Collection provides a variety of delightful characters sure to please enthusiasts of all ages.
Shop now at jellycat.com/collections/bashful
Hatchimals brings an element of surprise and magic to playtime. These toys "hatch" out of their shells, bringing excitement to children who enjoy interactive and evolving play.
With a focus on mystery and collectability, Hatchimals are perfect for kids eager to experience the joy of discovery and the care of nurturing a new friend.
Shop now at hatchimals.com
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