23 Best Stuffed Animals Reviews of 2020
23 Best Stuffed Animals Reviews of 2020
When you’re a kid there are few things that give you that strong sense of comfort and security like your favorite stuffed animals.
Nothing beats the exuberant rush of holding your dearest plush toy as you run into your parents’ room in the morning and hop up onto their bed. That’s why choosing the right stuffed toy for your child or toddler is essential to providing them with the same feeling that you yourself had when you were their age. We at Net Parents know exactly how demanding raising kids can be, so with that in mind we’re thrilled to be able to provide you with this meticulously crafted review for the very best stuffed animals and plush toys currently available today.
All of these stuffed toys have been chosen to be in this review because they are made from the best materials, have received fantastic reviews, and meet all safety standards set by the JPMA and the ASTM.
So whether you’re looking for cat stuffed animals, an elephant stuffed animal, or just the best stuffed animals for babies, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in this review, made specifically for busy parents like you.
Best Stuffed Animals At A Glance
Let’s be honest, there are simply WAY too many products and features out there to possibly memorize. That’s why we’ve made this super handy chart. We’ve made it as easy as possible for you to cross reference the features that are most important to you!
Slumberkins Ivory Sleepy Peep Mini
The Good
- Designed without any plastic parts that could come off
- Made using polyester and hypoallergenic fiberfill
The Bad
- While the doll is great for your child to snuggle with while sleeping, its uses for playtime are limited
Expert Tip
The manufacturer doesn’t provide any specific cleaning instructions; hand-wash to be safe.
Final Thoughts
The Sleepy Peep Mini is less a toy and more a naptime snuggle-buddy. Still, it is quite quirky and has great reviews!
Jellycat Bashful Unicorn
The Good
- Bashful Unicorn feels very high-quality
- Product tested against ASTM requirements, which is not always the case with products made overseas
The Bad
- The material shows stains easily and must be hand-washed
Expert Tip
The manufacturer recommends that you hand-wash Bashful Unicorn and do not tumble dry it.
Final Thoughts
Jellycat Bashful Unicorn is one of the brand’s most popular stuffed animals. It could easily be your child’s only plush.
Jellycat Jolie Kitten
The Good
- Nice feminine and chic design that your daughter will love
- Made from lineny cotton, which is ideal if your child is allergic to normal cotton
The Bad
- The dress is a bit flimsy and seems like it might tear if your child handles it roughly
- The doll is very thin rather than being cuddly, which makes it seem more decorative than toy-like
Expert Tip
Jellycat Jolie Kitten is not meant to be machine-washed. Hand-wash and dry only.
Final Thoughts
Jellycat Jolie Kitten seems most ideal as a decorative piece (i.e. on your child’s nightstand) but the doll itself is constructed robustly enough for your child to play with it and not have any issues.
Dragon Plumpie
The Good
- Cute, lovable design
- Machine-washable
- Arguably more exciting than a standard stuffed bear
The Bad
- Some more color options would have been nice
Expert Tip
Dragon Plumpie is machine-washable; just air-dry it afterward.
Final Thoughts
Dragon Plumpie is a great stuffed animal for those seeking something less conventional than a bear or “real” animal.
Panda Plumpie
The Good
- Material is very cozy and fun to play with
- Construction is durable and confidence-inspiring
The Bad
- Eyes don’t have what you might think of the “traditional” panda look (see pictures)
Expert Tip
The manufacturer doesn’t specify washing instructions; wash it by hand to be safe.
Final Thoughts
Panda Plumpie is a great take on the classic teddy bear. Its size is just right for a toddler to carry around with them at all times.
Misty Unicorn
The Good
- Very reasonably-sized to appeal to children across a wide age range
- Features a fluffy, vibrantly-colored mane and hooves
The Bad
- The mane and hooves have some subtle sparkly elements, which may come off and get stuck in your carpet
Expert Tip
Be sure to hand-wash Misty Unicorn as the manufacturer doesn’t specify whether it is machine-friendly. It feels like it is – but better safe than sorry.
Final Thoughts
Misty Unicorn is ideal for a child enamoured by mystical creatures.
My Teddy Bear Pal
The Good
- My Teddy Bear Pal combines the feeling of a stuffed animal with the versatility of an inflatable toy
- Sits upright at over five feet tall!
The Bad
- More of a novelty than a toy your child will play with 24/7
- May not be fully suited towards smaller children
Expert Tip
Deflate and collapse the bear when not in use. That way, you can easily store it in a closet. Also, make sure you have an air pump as one is not included with this toy.
Final Thoughts
My Teddy Bear Pal will give your child the experience of hugging a stuffed animal – but in a much larger, inflatable form.
Flying Pig Plush
The Good
- Comes with cute aviation goggles, allowing your child to be creative in customizing the pig’s configuration
- Embroidery and materials are high quality
The Bad
- The plush is very small and may not be suitable for larger children
Expert Tip
Separate the pig from its goggles to get a good, thorough clean.
Final Thoughts
Flying Pig Plush is a quirky stuffed animal that will appeal to your sense of humor and your child’s love of all things cute.
Putty Bunny
The Good
- Classic design and dimensions
- Machine-washable
- Uses quality materials that don’t shed
The Bad
- Legs are not weighted, which can give the bunny a cheaper feeling
Expert Tip
After washing Putty Bunny in a machine, hang him on a clothesline to air dry. The drying machine will be too harsh.
Final Thoughts
Putty Bunny makes for an excellent first stuffed animal. Its neutral colors are perfect for boys and girls.
Marshmallow Junior Lamb
The Good
- Marshmallow Junior Lamb is appropriately sized for a small child to grab with one hand
- Material is durable and does not shed (unlike a real sheep’s wool!)
The Bad
- Bigger children may find it too small
Expert Tip
Wash Marshmallow Junior Lamb on a cold, gentle cycle and then air dry him.
Final Thoughts
Marshmallow Junior Lamb is a great fuzzy companion for your small child. He’s also very easy to care for and comes in at a very reasonable price.
Melody Snaily
The Good
- Plays many classic melodies, including Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and London Bridge
- Batteries come included
- Also features a creative mode for your child to make their own music
The Bad
- Not super conducive to snuggling like other stuffed animals
- Batteries can get expensive to replace over time
Expert Tip
Wash Melody Snaily with a damp cloth and touch of soap. Don’t put him in the washing machine as this will ruin the electronics inside.
Final Thoughts
Melody Snaily is an exciting toy that encourages musical creativity in small children. You can also set the toy to play classic children’s tunes.
Kellytoy Squishmallow Simon the Sloth Pillow Pet
The Good
- Plush outer layer of this cute stuffed animal is made of revolutionary super soft spandex
- Polyester stuffing is specially created to feel like memory foam
- Part of a collectable series of Squishmallows stuffed animals
- Perfect plush toy for at home, or travelling on-the-go
The Bad
- Larger sizes are only available in-store at select retailers
- Double functionality as a pillow means it has no arms or legs for imaginative play
Expert Tip
This stuffed sloth plush toy is fully machine washable, warm wash and tumble dry medium
Final Thoughts
This Squishmallow sloth stuffed animal is a definite win, and a great buy in our books. The materials it’s made of are top of the line, and your little one might actually look forward to bedtime with this cute plushie as a bedtime friend.
Surprizamals Series 4 Pack Mystery Ball
The Good
- Each new pack is a fun mystery for your toddler
- These cute stuffed animals, while small, are sure to make your little one exude delight
- Plush material wipes clean with ease
- A variety of different plush toys helps your little one invest in imaginative play
The Bad
- It is possible to receive two of the same stuffed animals in each pack
- While the kids may be happy to try and collect them all, the random nature of Surprizamals might deter some parents
Expert Tip
We chose this pack size of Surprizamals for the value, but larger pack sizes are available as well
Final Thoughts
While it may be a mystery as to exactly what you get when you open one of these packs, your little one is sure to love the build-up of anticipation they feel when you bring one of these baby stuffed animal packs home.
Funko Plush Cuphead Collectable Figure
The Good
- Made of ultra-soft materials, Funko has made a cute stuffed animal that is a joy to hug and hold
- This stuffed toy has moveable arms and legs, promoting imaginative play
- The retro and benign art style of Cuphead and his best pal Mughead means these are age appropriate for all children
- Wipes clean with a damp cloth, no muss no fuss
The Bad
- While the tone is lighthearted and fun, the main plot of the Cuphead game involves the main characters losing a bet with the devil, so certain aspects of the Cuphead-world may not appeal to all parents
- Contains some small parts, so these plush stuffed animals are only suitable for children ages 5 and up
Expert Tip
For true fans, there are three different Cuphead plush toys to collect
Final Thoughts
The whirlwind success of the Cuphead franchise is not to be ignored! These plush toys are flying off the virtual shelves like hotcakes. If your toddler is a fan of the 2D platformer, then they’ll surely love to snuggle with these super cute plushies.
Undertale Frisk and Chara Plush Stuffed Dolls
The Good
- An amazing 2 for 1 deal, you get both Chara and Frisk plush toys
- Features the two main characters of the instant cult classic
- Incredibly soft plush material makes these cute plushies extra huggable
- Two strong female characters that use pacifism as a way to complete the game and surpass their challenges promotes gender equality and non-violence
The Bad
- Boys might have less interest in these plush toys, as they may not identify with female characters as readily as male ones
- Not machine washable
Expert Tip
If your little one wants to collect them all, other popular Undertale plush toys are also available
Final Thoughts
In short, these cute plushies are a great buy for any fan of Undertale, or any parent who wants to show their kids that girls are just as tough as boys. Girl power!
Jellycat Bashful Beige Bunny
The Good
- Large and in charge, this particular plush animal is big enough, and safe enough, for even your newborn to snuggle up next to it
- Perhaps the most iconic style of stuffed animal, the bunny is an age old standard that shows no sign of aging with the times
- Ultra soft and fluffy exterior means the very highest level of comfort for your precious bundle of joy
- Large size and durable construction means this big stuffed animal will be your child’s best friend for years and years
The Bad
- While there are other sizes available, small children may have difficulty carrying this particular size of stuffed animal
- Not machine washable
Expert Tip
Really big and jumbo sizes are also available, as well as other colours of this stuffed bunny toy
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to go wrong with a trusted brand like Jellycat. For parents who yearn to give their kid the same feeling of having a stuffed best friend that they had growing up, this cute stuffed animal is sure to please.
Kawaii Plushies Dolphin Stuffed Animal
The Good
- Outer material is made of brand new, high quality polyester fibres mixed with nano-foam particles
- This dolphin stuffed animal is small enough for even an infant to hold onto
- Makes a wonderful gift for a toddler or a baby, but also perfect to give to your own son or daughter
- Begin teaching your little one about the impressive intelligence and wonder of dolphins with this adorable plush toy
The Bad
- For bigger kids, this small stuffed animal would be a bit too small to hug
- Not machine washable
Expert Tip
This line of Kawaii Plushies is available in several different colours as well as with different marine animals
Final Thoughts
For any parent who wants to impress upon their child the wonder and importance of marine wildlife, while also giving them a soft and cuddly best friend for their formative years, this super cute stuffed animal is definitely for you!
Aurora World Lil' Benny Phant Plush Toy
The Good
- Made of mixed materials for that super soft feel
- This cute elephant stuffed animal will always sit up straight in a perfect position
- A kind facial expression will have your little one hugging Benny plush toy all day long
- Aurora World has been making high quality plush toys for over 30 years, so you can rest easy knowing your child has the best
The Bad
- Not machine washable
- Material near the seam may be a little uncomfortable compared to the rest of the fabric
Expert Tip
This super cute, and reasonably cheap stuffed animal, comes in pink for all the little girls out there as well
Final Thoughts
Based on the plethora of glowing reviews alone, this is definitely a cute stuffed animal worth getting for your child. Out of almost 800 reviews, not one person has given it a 1 star. Little Benny Phant is sure to be a household favorite.
Aurora World Taddle Toes Roaree Rex Plush Toy
The Good
- Oversized feet make this cuddly Cretaceous stuffed animal a joy to snuggle with
- Mixed fabric and carefully embroidered features give little Roaree adorable expressions
- Lock washer eyes and nose ensure safe playtime
- Filled with the perfect proportional weight to allow constant sitting posture
The Bad
- This cute plushie is not machine washable
- Not suitable for children under 3
Expert Tip
Aurora World owns its own manufacturing and testing facilities so that they make sure only the highest quality plush stuffed animals make it out into your home
Final Thoughts
If your little one has a budding interest in all things prehistoric, then this cuddly thunder lizard is exactly the right friend to have.
Aurora World Sweet and Softer Perky Penguin
The Good
- Compared to other plush toys, aurora penguin is a cheap stuffed animal and highly rated
- Two toned and mixed fabrics bring this cuddly buddy to life
- This cute plushie’s lock washer eyes ensure safety
- Properly weighted filling allows it to stand up straight
The Bad
- Penguin stuffed animal is not machine washable
- Not suitable for children under 3
Expert Tip
Similar penguins plush toys with assorted winter clothing are also available
Final Thoughts
This line of penguin cute plushies is a fun and adorable addition to any stuffed animal collection. Your little one will be dragging them all around the house because they’ll never want to let them go.
Funko Five Night’s at Freddy’s Lolbit Exclusive Plush Doll
The Good
- Modeled after titular characters of the popular video game franchise
- This stuffed dog is the very same animatronic character come to life in plush form
- Can sit in an upright position
- A winner of an Amazon’s Choice award
The Bad
- This cute plush toy is only 6 inches in height
- Funko plush toy fits into the survival horror genre of video game titles, so it may not be for every household
Expert Tip
A full range of Five Night’s at Freddy’s plush toys are also available for purchase on Amazon
Final Thoughts
This super colourful and cool stuffed dog toy is a clear win for any fan of the video game series, and is sure to please the one holding it.
GUND Jumbo Philbin Chocolate Teddy Bear Stuffed Animal
The Good
- This ultra huggable friend was made by GUND, who have been leading the stuffed animals and plush toys industry for over 100 years
- Sports paw pad accents on this cute plushie’s feet
- Fully capable of remaining in a sitting pose and other cute positions
- This big stuffed animal sits at an impressive 29 inches
The Bad
- Only surface washable, not machine washable
- One of the few items on our list to occupy a higher price point than other stuffed animals and plush toys
Expert Tip
This fun loving bear also comes in a warm-feeling beige colour
Final Thoughts
This huge and super cuddly bear pal will make even you, the parent, want to rest your head against his supremely soft belly. It may be pricier than you expected, but that’s because it boasts the highest of qualities in both pedigree and construction.
Fiesta Toys Stuffed Octopus
The Good
- At 13 inches tall it’s at exactly the perfect height for a toddler to carry around
- Vibrant orange colours of this stuffed animal are representative of real life octopus
- Anatomically accurate, this aquatic wonder is proportional to the real thing, eight limbs and all
- Soft plush provides the perfect hugging surface
The Bad
- This plush toy is not machine washable
- Not suitable for children under 3
Expert Tip
This particular stuffed animal is actually quite the collector’s piece
Final Thoughts
If your little one has a keen interest in marine wildlife, than this octopus stuffed animal is absolutely the perfect choice for them!
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Sign Up for Free SamplesThe Bottom Line
As parents we all want the utmost amount of happiness for our kids. If it was up to us they would never feel an ounce of pain or sadness in their entire lives. But unfortunately, there are toothaches, tummy aches, bad dreams, and chocolate shortages. For all of those moments your child will have their favorite stuffed animals and plush toys to comfort them. That’s why choosing the right style and type of stuffed animal is so important. Even at young ages kids have very unique tastes and preferences already developing. A wolf stuffed animal might soothe a particular toddler wonderfully, but a different child might prefer stuffed puppies, a cat plush toy, or maybe even a dog stuffed animal. While we at Net Parents wish we could have covered every stuffed animal under the sun in this review, we carefully compiled our list of best stuffed animals for babies and toddlers based on the most popular trends and products that had the highest quality and value.
Our particular favorites this time around are the Aurora World Benny Phant plush toy, as well as the GUND Philbin Jumbo stuffed bear. Their sheer amount of fluffiness, quality materials, and amazing reviews simply can’t be matched.
Not every moment in a child’s young life can be attended to by his or her parent. Even at a young age kids will sometimes have to soothe themselves, especially when they’re cranky or tired. It’s a skill we’ve all learned, to be sure. For those moments the right stuffed animal will make all the difference in making them feel cozy and at peace. We are happy to have helped make your plush toy purchasing decision an easy one.
If you want to look at similar toys and find out how to keep them clean and tidy; check out these articles we prepared:
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FAQ
Add some baking soda into a plastic bag and place the stuffed animal inside the bag while ensuring adequate coverage. Remove excess air from the pack and leave enough space for the toy to move freely. Tie the plastic bag and shake it up and down and also from left to right in a circular motion for two minutes. Keep the stuffed animal enclosed for about 15 minutes to remove dirt from the fabric. Finally, remove the toy from the bag and shake it to remove the excess baking soda. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove residual baking soda plus dirt from the stuffed animal toy.
Choose a fabric with the right color for your stuffed animal. You can buy new fabric or repurpose one from your old clothes. Choose an animal you intend to make to help you create the right pattern, for instance, a bear. Draw a design for your stuffed animal and use it to cut the fabric. Pin the cut fabric pieces together and sew (you may also use glue here). Turn the stitched fabric inside out and fill it up using a stuffing material. Close the opening and decorate your stuffed animal, depending on how you want it to be.
No. You should not let your baby sleep with stuffed animals until when they are 12 months old. Stuffed animals and any other soft materials such as blankets, pillow-like toys, quilts, and crib bumpers may accidentally suffocate or strangle the child and result in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Plush made of high-quality polyester fillings can make the softest stuffing material for a stuffed animal. Its lightweight also makes it an ideal material for toddlers' toys. Other soft stuffing materials commonly used to make stuffed animals include cotton and wool.
How to fix matted stuffed animal fur?
The method of fixing matted stuffed animal fur depends on the nature of its material. But generally, one can use a pet-grooming brush to fluff up the matted hair. To achieve better results, you can use cornstarch to help in removing dirt from the stuffed animal. It works perfectly on most materials, such as synthetic plush and mohair (natural fibers).
