In this guide we’ll look at the best stuffed animals.
We’ve compared softness, design, material quality and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Are The Best Stuffed Animals?
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More Detailed Stuffed Animal Reviews
Aurora World Lil Benny Phant - Grey Plush
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Aurora World Lil Benny Phant - Grey Plush Review
The Aurora World Lil Benny Phant is about as adorable as they get. He is available in 3 cute colors; grey, mint and pink, and will become a much-loved member of the family in no time at all.
Benny Phant measures a cute 9” tall making him perfect for carrying around the house. He is extremely huggable and very soft, with a cuddly plush body. His facial expressions and body position make him extra adorable, and he’s made using top quality materials for durability. He has extra soft stuffing for even more huggability!
Specifications:
Height: 9”
Age Range: Best for kids aged 36 months and above
Material: Plush
Machine Washable?: Yes
Wild Republic Cuddlekin Three Toed Sloth 12” Plush
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Wild Republic Cuddlekin Three Toed Sloth 12” Plush Review
The Wild Republic Cuddlekin Sloth is made with the finest of fabrics and has a beautifully detailed face and body. He is perfect for cuddling and a great size for kids, measuring just 12” tall.
This sloth has an adorable facial expression and is very fluffy. He is just like the real deal, with his back claws pointing inwards as a real sloths would. His long arms are perfect for wrapping round your neck as he cuddles you, and he’s perfect for both boys and girls. He has beads in his hands, feet and bottom to allow him to sit up straight.
Specifications:
Height: 12”
Age Range: Best for kids aged 6 months and above
Material: Plush
Machine Washable?: No
Douglas Spunky Hedgehog
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Douglas Spunky Hedgehog Review
Hedgehogs aren’t exactly renowned for their huggability, but this little toy is here to change that. Douglas’ Spunky has unrivaled cuteness and, unlike real life hedgehogs, there’s no danger of him spiking you!
Spunky is the perfect size for kids, fitting perfectly into their hands. He’s ultra-soft, with his silky fur resembling the hedgehog’s spines – minus the prickliness!
This little hedgehog is machine washable, and doesn’t lose his softness. He’s very light so easy to carry, and just 11 inches tall. He comes in 2 versions, basic and limited edition, with the limited edition a lot bigger. The perfect gift for kids aged 2 and above.
Specifications:
Height: 11”
Age Range: Best for kids aged 2 and above
Material: Plush
Machine Washable?: Yes
Melissa & Doug Burrow Bunny Rabbit Stuffed Animal
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Melissa & Doug Burrow Bunny Rabbit Stuffed Animal Review
Perfect for younger kids, this Melissa & Doug bunny rabbit has long floppy ears, extra soft plush fur and realistic features. His enormous feet are his most endearing feature!
This bunny has been crafted with quality materials. It’s made from soft polyester which makes him both huggable and durable. Kids can snuggle with him at night, invite him to their tea parties or read him stories. He’s easy to carry around, and long-lasting – which he’ll need judging by the amount of hugs he’ll be getting! He can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Specifications:
Height: 9”
Age Range: Best for kids aged 3 months and above
Material: Plush
Machine Washable?: No
GUND Philbin Teddy Bear Stuffed Animal Plush - Chocolate
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GUND Philbin Teddy Bear Stuffed Animal Plush - Chocolate Review
The GUND Philbin teddy bear is one of the best stuffed animals for kids. He’s available in 3 sizes; 12”, 18” or a much larger 29”, and he has the most adorable facial expression.
GUND are renowned for their fabulous quality products, and the Philbin bear is no different. He’s soft, extremely huggable and lightweight, making it easy to take him on the go. This teddy is surface washable, durable and best for kids aged 1 and above.
Specifications:
Height: Choose from 12”, 18” or 29”
Age Range: Best for kids aged 1 and above
Material: Plush
Machine Washable?: No
GUND Philbin Teddy Bear Stuffed Animal Plush - Beige
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GUND Philbin Teddy Bear Stuffed Animal Plush - Beige Review
The GUND Philbin teddy bear in beige is another adorable stuffed animal that the kids all love. He comes in a choice of 2 sizes; 12” or 18” and has cute paw pad accents on his feet as well as a curious expression.
This bear is built to GUND’s high standards, made from premium materials to ensure he’s both soft and durable. He’ll be your child’s best friend for years to come, and he’s surface washable – simply clean him with a damp cloth and leave to dry in the sun!
Specifications:
Height: 12”
Age Range: Best for kids aged 1 and above
Material: Plush
Machine Washable?: No
Aurora World Sweet & Softer Ping Panda
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Aurora World Sweet & Softer Ping Panda Review
The Aurora Ping Panda is 12” high and sits in an adorable position. He’s made of silky soft two-tone plush making him extremely huggable. He also has lock washer eyes for safety, durability and long-term enjoyment.
This little panda is easy to wash, best washed in a pillowcase on a gentle cycle. He’s lightweight, easy to carry and guaranteed to go everywhere with your child. Pair with Aurora’s other soft toys for a collection of cuddlies!
Specifications:
Height: 12”
Age Range: Best for kids aged 36 months and above
Material: Plush
Machine Washable?: Yes
Melissa & Doug Sea Turtle Giant Stuffed Animal
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Melissa & Doug Sea Turtle Giant Stuffed Animal Review
Every child needs a giant sea turtle in their life. This Melissa & Doug giant sea turtle is almost 2 feet long, and designed with beautiful markings and lifelike details. He is crafted with extreme care, from superior soft polyester.
This sea turtle is seriously fun to play with. Kids can snuggle up to him during story time, and he can keep their bed safe during the day. He’s a fantastic color and simply a more cuddly version of the real deal! While he may not last the 150 years sea turtles live for, he’s certainly durable.
Specifications:
Height: 24”
Age Range: Best for kids aged 3 and above
Material: Polyester
Machine Washable?: No
Aurora World Miyoni Sea Otter
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Aurora World Miyoni Sea Otter Review
The Aurora Sea Otter is another adorable stuffed animal that your child will love. He measures 10 inches tall, with a cute and playful pose as though he’s ready to float on his back (although I wouldn’t test this!).
This sea otter is made from high quality materials and is very soft to touch. Each Miyoni animal by Aurora features a special hang tag with unique species information, meaning your child can learn something about their new best friends! They are easy to clean and very durable, and suitable for both boys and girls.
Specifications:
Height: 10”
Age Range: Best for kids aged 36 months and above
Material: Plush
Machine Washable?: No
GUND Jirra Kangaroo Stuffed Animal
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GUND Jirra Kangaroo Stuffed Animal Review
The GUND Jirra kangaroo is as cute as they come. This kangaroo mom has a removable 4.5” joey tucked into her pouch, giving your child not one but two adorable stuffed animals to play with. Jirra is made from soft, huggable material and built to the usual GUND quality standards.
This kangaroo has adorable floppy ears and an endearing expression. The baby kangaroo is even more cuddly, and both are surface-washable. It’s 10” tall so perfect for kids to carry round and cuddle
Specifications:
Height: 10”
Age Range: Best for kids aged 1 and above
Material: Plush
Machine Washable?: No
Stuffed Animal Buyer’s Guide
A quality stuffed animal will be your child’s new best friend. The best stuffed animals will never leave their side, and will provide them with years of happiness – from their cot to their bed all the way to college! But the best stuffed animal for one child will look very different to another, and while some kids might be content with a old piece of cloth, others might demand something slightly more luxurious!
What Features Makes One Product Better Than Another?
Size
While the general consensus is that ‘bigger is better’, when it comes to stuffed animals this might not be the case. Although 6 foot tall giraffes look great in your child’s bedroom , they’re not exactly portable.
If your child is having a tricky time at school or you want their stuffed animal to be their new best friend, opt for something they can carry around, which can also sleep in their bed alongside them.
Quality of Material
Children aren’t quite as careful with their stuffed animals as adults. They hug them, throw them, chew them, and drag them around across the floor as they go about their day. Your child’s stuffed animal should be made from quality material, and durable.
There’s not much more heartbreaking than having to tell your child you have thrown their new best friend in the trash because it’s broken! If your child is especially messy, select a stuffed toy that is easy to wash.
Features
Some stuffed animals can talk, but these have built-in speakers which aren’t great for cuddling! The best stuffed animals for cuddling are soft, cute and cuddly, without a extra features that make them too bulky.
Brand
A stuffed animal from a reputable brand will be more expensive, but they are generally very good quality. Choosing an animal from a brand like the ones mentioned on this list is the best option, as these are all made from non-toxic materials and very, very cute!
What can you Expect at Different Price Points?
Top of the range stuffed animals will be extremely soft and very durable. They’ll be able to withstand a whole range of childhood activities, and will last a long time. Very large stuffed animals can be expensive, but they make a great addition to any kid’s room.
Cheaper versions can be more tempting initially but these won’t last so long, and if there’s one thing you want from a stuffed animal, it’s longevity! Ensure that if you do go for a cheaper toy, it’s still made from non-toxic materials and any small parts are firmly attached to prevent choking.
FAQs
How do you clean and wash stuffed animals?
While the best stuffed animals may join your family in tip top condition, it’s unlikely they will stay that way for long. Various food spillages, drinks and a whole range of bodily fluid can have you wanting to throw your child’s stuffed animal in the trash long before they are ready.
But cleaning a stuffed animal is actually very easy, and you can soon bring them back to good as new. Read the label to ensure you can wash it in your machine. If it’s very old, you won’t be able to wash it, likewise if there are glued on eyes, limbs or sequins. If there are any loose strings that need to be removed, do so before putting it in the washing machine.
Stuffed animals are best washed in a mesh bag which will protect it in the machine. Use a gentle cycle, using warm or cool water as opposed to hot. Dry your stuffed animal by hanging it on a clothesline.
If you need to wash your stuffed animal by hand, fill a sink with cool water and some delicate soap. Fully immerse the animal and gently rub away any stains, rinsing off all the soap when you are finished. Reshape your animal and leave it to dry on a clothesline.