9 Best Stuffed Animals And Cuddly Toys For Kids
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Stuffed animals and cuddle toys are universally loved by children for their soothing qualities.
From small cuddly creatures to life-size stuffed animals, they're a friendly presence for when children need it most. Stuffed animals are great for play, but they also help stimulate children's imaginations, ease separation anxiety and support their social skills.
It's been shown that cuddling simulates the attention we received way back as a baby, making us feel secure and lowering stress levels. Many toys will be made of extremely soft material to contribute to a soothing experience and make them perfect for play and bedtime.
No matter how much they care for them, being so close to kids whilst they play means it's inevitable that their stuffed animal friend gets a little mucky. Many soft toys are suitable for the washing machine, but before washing be sure to check the care instructions.
If you decide to wash them in the washing machine, use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent that you know won't upset your child's skin.
Many stuffed animals brands have high quality and cuddly materials perfect for young kids. If you're looking for the softest animal possible, keep an eye out for those made from synthetic fibres like plush, or cotton which is very cuddly and durable.
More high end toys will be made from luxurious materials and may make more of a statement in your home. Some even come with lights and sounds to help stimulate learning and development skills.
You may want to choose a toy that will be comforting, or your priority may be something more eco-conscious. Or perhaps you're looking for a toy for a unicorn fan or a dinosaur lover. Whatever your priorities, our guide has the top animal and cuddly toys currently available to make your search stress-free.
For more cute kids' products , take a look at our guides to the best gender neutral toys for kids and the best unicorn onesies for a magical bedtime.
Kidadl's Top Pick
Whilst all the soft toys on this list come highly recommended, if you're short for time this is our top pick. This high-quality stuffed dog toy is made by a renowned soft toys brand and is perfect for hugs.
1. Fuddlewuddle Puppy - Medium, Jellycat
Jellycat toys are one of the top stuffed animal brands thanks to their range of adorable animal soft toys. We love this classic puppy with its cute expression and cuddly body. Suitable for newborns upwards, this is an animal that they will hold on to for a lifetime.
Main Features
- Price: £24.49
- Age: Suitable from birth
- Size: H23cm
- Hand wash only
- Passes European Safety Standard for toys
Best For Families On A Budget
2. Elmer Soft Toy, Jojo Maman Bebe
The story of Elmer the elephant goes way back, inspiring children for over 25 years. Now kids can expand their imaginations as the lovely patchwork Elmer accompanies their own adventures. His colourful fabric will look great in any bedroom, too.
Main Features
- Price: £11
- Age: Suitable from birth
- Size: 10cm x 24cm x 17cm
- Plush
Best For Eco-Conscious Parents
3. Personalised Baby Lamb Soft Toy, Oh My Giddy Aunt!
For an eco-friendly toy that won't cost the Earth, this baby lamb is an adorable option. She is modelled on Barbara the Lamb, one of the Night Guardian characters who protect children whilst they sleep.
It's fair trade, hand-knitted material is soft and huggable, whilst she comes with a neck ribbon and recycled gift box. Looking for an eco-friendly gift? You can add your chosen name to the neck ribbon for a unique and personalised present.
Main Features
- Price: £24.95
- Age: Suitable from birth
- Eco-friendly
- Hand crocheted with fair-trade materials
- Can be personalised
- Machine washable
Best For Under 5s
4. Sitting Corduroy - Yellow, Miffy
Miffy has been specifically designed to accompany adventures in cars and prams without falling over, making her the ideal companion for busy under fives. Her corduroy material will encourage children to be tactile whilst her bright yellow colour will be visually stimulating for them.
Her contemporary design means she would also look lovely sitting up in any room of your home.
Main Features
- Price: £17.95
- Age: Suitable from birth
- Size: H24cm x W15cm x D11cm
- Sits up without falling over
- Plush corduroy
- Embroidered details
Best For Under 10s
5. Plush Pillow Bear, Tempur
For sleepy almost-teenagers that want something to help them relax at home, a Tempur pillow bear is the answer. Like their popular mattresses, the Tempur material is super-soft and huggable and can even be folded into a bear or laid flat like a pillow. Warning: they may not want to move when they get near this bear!
Main Features
- Price: £39
- Age: We think kids aged 7 and over will love this cuddly toy
- Flat: W61cm
- Sitting: H46cm
- Cuddly Temper material
- Interchangeable between bear and pillow
Best Giant Cuddly Toy
6. Giant Giraffe-Lifelike Stuffed Animal, Melissa & Doug
A bestselling favourite, this four-foot tall giraffe is a statement toy like no other. Its original features include life-like details, wire frame and a long neck for hugs on tip-toes. It will make a statement in any child's bedroom and we are sure that kids will love its huge size and realistic face.
Main Features
- Price: £84.95
- Age: 3 years and over
- Size: H4ft
- Realistic details and markings
- Wipe-clean surface material
Best For Cuddling
7. Fluffy Giant Toy Sloth, Winsterch
Know any humans that need a cuddle? Sloths are notoriously funny creatures, and this giant sloth is sure to cheer up any grumpy moods with a hug. It has three size options to suit a variety of heights and his extra fluffy material will have kids smiling in no time.
Main Features
- Price: £36.99
- Age: 3 years and over
- 3 sizes: 39.8cm, 50.8cm & 69.8cm
- Plush cotton
- Eco-friendly fibre and filling
Best For Unicorn Lovers
8. Stuffed Pink Plush Unicorn Teddy, GirlZone
This popular unicorn stuffed toy is large enough for big hugs and perfect for pink-lovers. It has soft fur, velvet hooves and a glittery horn to add some magic to any little girl's bedroom. We think it is one of the most magical soft toys around!
Main Features
- Price: £17.99
- Age: 2 years and over
- Size: H80cm x L70cm x W50cm
- Soft pink fur
- Velvet hooves
Best For Dinosaur Fans
9. Dinosaur Soft Toy, Chad Valley
For the dinosaur lover in your life, this giant toy is based on the real T-Rex shape with green fur and white teeth for all the 'roar!' with none of the bite. Your little one will have hours of fun imagining their own prehistoric adventure with this dinosaur.
Main Features
- Price: £20
- Age: 18 months and over
- Size: H62cm
- Soft plush
- Felt teeth
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for the best cuddly toys, then why not take a look at our guide to the top diverse baby diverse baby dolls for kids and toddlers, or our guide to the best slime kits for kids.
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art
Georgia StoneBachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art
Georgia is an experienced Content Manager with a degree in French and Film Studies from King's College London and Bachelors degree from Université Paris-Sorbonne. Her passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures was sparked during her childhood in Switzerland and her year abroad in Paris. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys using London's excellent travel connections to explore further afield.
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