Is your little one starting to sleep in their own bed? Or are you going on a long journey and want your child to feel comfortable? Now might be the best time to look for a companion for your little one, a faithful friend who’s always there.
Many of us still have our childhood teddy somewhere, but we’ve come a long way from the traditional teddies and ragdolls. Now, a huge variety of animals and characters have been recreated into stuffed toys, which can make choosing one overwhelming.
But there’s no need to fret over choosing the best stuffed animals for your kids. We’ve done the research and gathered a list that covers all the bases of a great stuffed toy, including color, size, material, and cleanability.
- Over 4 feet tall
- Graceful, sturdy, wire-framed legs
- Easy to clean
- Compliant with USA child safety
- Customizable birth certificate
- Incredibly soft
- Enhanced audio and volume controls
- Adorable animated plush
- Play and sing with real movement
- Life-like giant penguin
- Crafted with care
- Combination of plush and soft
- Bundle of 2 mythical unicorns
- Fun, bright colors
- Hand-washable
- Realistic paw pad accents
- Surface-washable construction
- Huggably soft plush
- 40+ learning songs
- Can sync with smartphone
- 15 learning activities
- Helps lower anxiety
- Remotely illuminate portable star light
- Reduce bedtime resistance
- 27.5 inches tall
- Eco-friendly fabric and filling
- Great for snuggling
How to Choose a Stuffed Animal
When on the hunt for the best stuffed animals for kids, there are some things to look out for. Remember that this toy will likely have to sit by the dinner table, receive countless hugs and kisses, and much more.
Children love playing pretend, and it’s even better when mom or dad joins in. Look for a simple stuffed toy that encourages their imagination, or maybe a toy to impress if you’re looking for a special gift. Here are some other things to think about:
Type of Animal
Unless it’s something that will eventually cause harm or encourage bad behavior, give your child the freedom to choose. Children are particular — if the stuffed animal seems to please your kid, then go for it. This could be a shimmery unicorn, or a fluffy bear, for example.
Color
Most children tend to gravitate toward colorful objects, which they associate with happy emotions (1). This also applies to stuffed animals, and your little one will likely be happier with a colorful turtle than a plain black dog.
Size
Consider what your child needs — do they want something to carry or an item for their bed? Maybe they’d like a larger-than-life option?
If you have small children, you would want to ensure that there are no small pieces that they could choke on if they came off, such as eyes or noses.
Material
As this animal will probably go everywhere with you, choose a long-lasting material, such as high-quality cotton, or a plush variety for softness.
Cleaning
In cleaning baby toys, do consider that not all stuffed animals are machine washable; this depends on the material and features. Some can only be wiped down by hand, so if machine washing is important to you, for hygiene or convenience, check the label.
Sensory Features
Some stuffed animals are weighted. The added weight may help soothe those with anxiety or sleep issues (2). Other sensory features could include a soft glowing light.
Product Reviews
Here are 25 great stuffed animals suited for different ages and genders.
Melissa & Doug Giant Giraffe
Best of the Biggest
Imagine you’re a three-year-old standing in front of a 4-foot-tall stuffed giraffe. Wouldn’t that excite you? This giant giraffe from Melissa & Doug is the perfect accessory for the kids’ bedroom.
Its long legs are wire-framed, and the neck is soft and bendable. Your little one will love to hug and snuggle with this one. The giraffe is handcrafted with polyester fabric, making it durable and easy to clean.
Llama Stuffed Animal
Stuffed Llama From Your Mama
This little stuffed llama from Infloatables is both cute and fluffy. The material is high quality and compliant with current child safety standards.
The llama looks adorable, with a small blanket covering its back. Additionally, it’s a great size — 12 inches high and lightweight. Infloatables even includes its own birth certificate, so your child can officially name it.
Flappy the Elephant Plush Toy
Sweetest Stuffed Elephant
This 12-inch baby elephant from Gund is cuter than cute. If your little one loves elephants, then this is surely a worthy candidate. It’s made from high-quality plush material and is suitable for children from birth.
Flappy the Elephant has big ears that move to play peek-a-boo by pressing his left foot. Press his right foot, and he sings a little song — perfect for nighttime. Batteries required.
Melissa & Doug Giant Penguin
A Super Stuffed Penguin
This penguin from Melissa & Doug is excellent for penguin-loving kids. Because of its texture — it’s quite stiff — it’s not suitable for children under three years old.
The penguin is nearly 2 feet tall, so it’s perfect for pretend play or as a huggable friend. Its features are extremely lifelike!
Blueberry Ripple & Jelly Roll
Stuffed Unicorns for Twins
Want matching stuffed animals for your twins? Unicorns are always magical, and in this set, you get two! Blueberry Ripple and Jelly Roll are two of the cutest unicorns ever. They’re bright and colorful and will capture the heart of any child.
They’re actually small bean bags with a hand-washable polyester exterior. Each measures seven inches long, perfect for little users from 12 months old.
Gund Ramon Teddy Bear
Great Classic Teddy Bear
Teddy bears are a classic option, and Gund’s version will not disappoint. This teddy, called Ramon, with a heart-shaped tummy patch and a lopsided smile, ticks the boxes of cute, super-soft, and huggable.
Ramon is 18 inches tall and safe in the hands of children as young as 12 months. The plush material is surface washable.
Aurora World Loppy Giraffe
Best Stuffed Animal With Rattle Toy
This plush giraffe from Aurora is super soft and snuggly. Inside its tummy is a rattle for grabbing a baby’s attention. Speaking of grabbing, the giraffe’s neck is just the right size for a baby’s grip!
It’s completely safe thanks to its embroidered features. We love the natural colors — it’s easy on the eyes and can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
LeapFrog My Pal Violet
Best Entertaining Pal
Toddlers are sometimes hard to entertain. Fortunately, Violet, a stuffed animal from LeapFrog, is here to save the day and provide some distraction.
Violet will provide hours of fun and can even learn your child’s name. The stuffed animal has over 15 activities and 40+ songs and lullabies, and you can sync it with your smartphone or tablet for personalization. Suitable for babies aged from six months.
Starshine Watchdogs Orion Light-Up
Best Night Light
Nighttime can sometimes be a little scary for children. Here we have Orion, a small plush toy dog that lights up whenever your child needs it.
It comes with two portable star lights that you can place in different areas of the room. If your child wakes up and feels scared in the night, pressing a button on the dog’s paw will make the stars light up.
Additionally, it plays soft-spoken phrases to soothe your child. You’ll also get a storybook filled with encouraging tales. Suitable for children from age 30 months.
Winsterch Giant Sloth Stuffed Animal
Most Huggable Sloth
Who doesn’t love a super soft stuffed animal that’s big enough to hug? This giant handmade sloth from Winsterch is almost too huggable. Its giant arms fit perfectly for any child over three years old in need of a cuddle.
On the outside, it’s made from fluffy plush material, and the inside is filled with cotton. It has big googly eyes and a cute button nose. The size varies as they’re handmade, but the average is 27.5 inches.
Intelex Cozy Therapy Plush Elephant
Hot or Cold Comfort Elephant
Sometimes the world gets a little crazy, and we all need some comfort. Intelex’s therapy plush elephant can do just that.
Perfect for all ages, this stuffed animal is pretty cool, or warm in this case. You see, this elephant can go in the microwave, where you can heat it when needed.
It’s stuffed with lavender seeds to calm aches and sinus problems, among other things. You can also place it in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer to use as a cold pack. Warm or cool, this soft plush toy is ready to provide a comforting cuddle to your little one.
Wild Republic Mom & Baby Panda Plush Stuffed Animals
Perfect Plush Pandas
Pandas are exceptional animals, and here your child gets a mom and her cub. This duo from Wild Republic is excellent for toddlers or even older children. The material is safety certified and is free from toxins, such as lead and phthalates.
The momma bear is 12 inches tall, and her little cub is half its mom’s size. Do take note that the baby is not detachable.
Wild Republic Baby Shark Stuffed Animal
Great Choice for Marine Enthusiasts
Who knew sharks could be cute? I guess different rules apply when it comes to stuffed animals. This baby shark from Wild Republic is adorable, plush, and suitable for even the tiniest baby. It’s surface washable, so you’re able to give it a wipe-down if the need arises.
The shark is perfect for marine enthusiasts and encourages curiosity about wildlife. If sharks are just a bit too scary, a penguin is also available.
My First Teddy Bear
Newborn-Friendly Teddy Bear
Whether you’re looking for nursery decor or something your bundle of joy can cuddle when he gets a little older, this teddy is amazing. Gund’s My First Teddy Bear is cute, soft, and available in three different colors.
The details are embroidered, and you can wash it in the machine, which is a definite plus. No more awkwardly wiping spit up from a fuzzy stuffed animal!
Wild Republic Jumbo Crocodile
Best for Older Boys
This stuffed crocodile from Wild Republic is excellent for any boy’s room. It’s made from soft fabric and is completely huggable, even for tough boys (when nobody’s looking).
Your kids will love its size. It’s approximately 30 inches long and is excellent for pretend play. With great attention to detail, this crocodile isn’t missing anything.
Bellzi Teal Whale
Sweet Dreams Stuffed Whale
This narwhal from Bellzi is suitable for kids of all ages, even newborns. The cute whale is bright blue, with large sweet eyes, and 100 percent hypoallergenic.
It’s perfect for car rides and vacations due to its compact size of only 6.5 inches in height. The details are all stitched, so there should be no loose fragments coming off.
Giant Elephant Stuffed Animal
Best Stuffed Animal for a Quick Gift
This giant elephant is the perfect size for any kid and is delivered gift-wrapped for a convenient present. It has big fluffy ears and a soft trunk. Made from plush material, there’ll be cuddles galore.
Your kids will love hugging this giant stuffed floppy animal. It’s almost 39 inches tall. The exterior is also easy to clean — a wipe with a damp cloth should do it. As the details are stitched, it’s probably even suitable for babies — if they like their toys to be huge, that is!
Sparkles the Unicorn Plush Toy
Sparkly & Sensory Focused
If your child is over five years of age and you’re looking for a sensory toy, then this unicorn from Creativity for Kids is cuteness overload. The animal is weighted, providing some tactile benefits that create a comforting feeling, much like a hug would.
This chubby unicorn has sequin material on its back, which is reversible. Along with the sequins, there’s a sheet of reusable stickers to decorate the unicorn. If unicorns don’t impress your child, there’s also an elephant available.
Crayola Travel Lap Desk
Cuddle and Scribble Fun
If you’re planning a vacation, take a look at this. This cuddly dog is the perfect travel companion for your kids. It’s actually a little lap desk that is suitable for children over four years old, making on-the-go creativity a possibility.
At the back of the puppy, there’s a pocket with space for drawing supplies. Then at the front, there’s a little drawing desk. Six colorful markers are included.
Let's Cuddle Cookie Monster
Great Stuffed Toy for Cookie Lovers
Sesame Street is a favorite among many, and I personally love the Cookie Monster. This stuffed character is bright and colorful, soft and plush. It’s recommended for children aged 12 months and over.
This version is rather small, just under 11 inches tall. But that means he’ll fit in even the smallest hands.
HollyHome Stuffed Animal Horse
Great Horse Lover’s Toy
This hand-crafted stuffed horse from HollyHome is excellent for little girls aged 3 to 8 years. It’s made from soft plush material and includes a leather saddle.
It’s not really for cuddling but has a lifelike mane that can be combed and braided using the included comb, with a pink bow to finish. There’s also a cloth to wipe the coat clean after a gallop on the trail!
Green Stuffed Dinosaur
The Sweetest Dinosaur
This sweet, 16-inch dinosaur from Marsjoy is excellent for both boys and girls. It’s made from high-quality plush material and stuffed with cotton.
With a funny face and cute polka dots on its back, this dinosaur is suitable for children over three years of age. Additionally, it’s surface washable. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Jellycat Rolbie Sheep Stuffed Animal
Best Nursery-Rhyme Inspired
The Jellycat stuffed sheep is so cute! It reminds us of the classic nursery rhyme featuring Baa, Baa, Black Sheep; this time with a twist! The sheep is completely opposite color – white. This 11-inch toy is fluffy and soft, making it the perfect cuddle partner for any age.
Other characters are available, including a bunny, puppy, calf, or even a gorgeous green turtle!
Play & Sing Harry the Bunny
Super for Educational Play
Harry the Bunny is a 13-inch stuffed animal toy, great for any age, although we recommend its features for toddlers. He’s interactive and will help your little one count, learn the alphabet, and more.
He’s super cute with a little carrot on his tummy. The toy also plays some popular nursery rhymes, including “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” Includes 3 AAA batteries.
Organic Sherpa Bear
Great for Charity
This adorable Sherpa bear from Bears for Humanity is not only super cute but also organic. It’s made from GOTS-certified cotton from co-op farmers and is suitable for kids over one.
Inside, the stuffing is made from recycled plastic bottles, inspired by Patagonia. Apart from the cuteness and eco-friendly production, when you buy this, Bears for Humanity donates a stuffed animal to a child in need.
FAQs
What is the Most Popular Type of Stuffed Animal?
The most popular type of stuffed animal varies, but teddy bears are iconic and widely loved. Other popular stuffed animals include dogs, cats, and unicorns, reflecting children’s favorite animals or characters from the media.
Look for our recommended products by brands like Melissa & Doug, LeapFrog, or anything Squishmallow.
Are Stuffed Animals Good For Children?
Stuffed animals are good for children as they can provide comfort, foster nurturing skills, and encourage imaginative play. They can also be a source of security and companionship, helping children manage emotions and explore relationships.
Should Kids Sleep With Stuffed Animals?
Kids can sleep with stuffed animals if they find it comforting. However, it’s recommended to keep the crib free of stuffed animals for infants under 12 months to bring down the risk of suffocation or SIDS. For older children, a favorite stuffed animal can be part of a healthy bedtime routine.
What is the Difference Between Plush Toys and Stuffed Toys?
The difference between plush toys and stuffed toys is subtle and often used interchangeably. Generally, plush toys refer to any soft toy with a plush, furry fabric, while stuffed toys might be made of various materials and include animals, characters, or shapes filled with a soft material.
What Age Do Kids Stop Wanting Stuffed Animals?
There’s no set age when kids stop wanting stuffed animals, as it varies greatly. Some children might lose interest in early elementary years, while others, including adults, continue to cherish them. It often depends on individual emotional attachment and personal interests.
Are Weighted Stuffed Animals Safe For Kids?
Weighted stuffed animals can be safe for kids, especially if they provide comfort or sensory benefits. However, ensure that the weight is appropriate for the child’s age and strength, and always supervise younger children to avoid any risks.
Why are Squishmallows So Popular?
Squishmallows are popular for their soft, marshmallow-like texture, cute designs, and collectability. They come in a wide range of characters and sizes, appealing to a broad audience for cuddling, comfort, and even as room decor.
