Best Stuffed Animals
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Whether crushed by hugs, carried by the neck or made to sit for endless tea parties, plush toys will never stop being your child’s very best friend.
With their infinitely lovable faces and squeezable bodies, these toys make great loveys for little ones to cuddle for comfort. (Note: don’t put stuffed animals—or anything else—in the crib with babies.)
From traditional picks (hello, teddy bear!) to stuffies that give back to the world, find your child’s favorite snuggle buddy here:
Classic Snuggles
From Steiff, makers of the original teddy bear since 1902, come stuffed animals made from cotton velvet and cuddly soft plush. Start your wee one off with a classic: a fleecy bear in natural beige, pink or blue with embroidered eyes that can’t be bitten off. Because Steiff animals are hand-sewn and made with higher-end materials, they last a long time (think: from generation to generation).
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ |
| Dimensions | 10” x 4” x 7” |
The Stuffy that Gives Back
You can feel good about buying these sweet, huggable animals. Not only are they cute, hypoallergenic and made with nontoxic, 100% cotton materials, they’re handmade in Peru using sustainable, fair-trade practices. And with every purchase, cuddle + kind gives 10 meals to children in need. There’s a range of animals, and they come in little and regular sizes (13 and 20 inches, respectively).
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 0+ |
| Dimensions | little: 13”; regular: 20” |
Naptime Hero
All stuffed animals are great for cuddling, but when it comes to getting your little one settled down for sleep, loveys have always been a naptime go-to. Part stuffed animal, part security blanket, these sleepy little animals come with a super soft miniature blankie attached for ultimate comforting snuggles. The loveys from Lucy Darling come with an extra wide satin trim for added softness and to ensure the edges won’t fray over time, so your little one can keep snuggling it for years to come.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ (not for use in crib or bassinet until at least 12 months) |
| Dimensions | 14” x 14” |
Peekaboo!
Just like with any elephant, big ears are this playful pachyderm’s best feature. Your baby will love playing peekaboo as the elephant hides behind its ears, or you can help baby sing along to “Do Your Ears Hang Low.”
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 12” x 7.5” |
Expert Cuddler
We’re suckers for this cephalopod. Its eight soft tentacles are perfect for toddler hugs (or wrestling). Jellycat stuffies are well known for their plush materials and adorable designs, and this cuddly octopus is sure to get a ten out of ten-tacles in your household.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 12 months+ |
| Dimensions | 11.8” x 7.9” x 21.6” |
The Soothing Companion
Designed by two moms—a child therapist and an educator—Slumberkins are here to help you create loving routines and promote positive life skills. Their ultra-silky, plush fur and soft faces are sure to delight your baby’s sense of touch while providing a comforting source of security. Each animal is paired with a book to match the life skills they teach, like relaxation, gratitude, mindfulness and more.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ |
| Dimensions | 14” x 9” |
The Warmest Hugs
Little ones aren’t super fond of being cold. If you live in an area that’s due for cooler weather or if your toddler has come down with a cold, this soothing stuffed friend can help get any chilly kiddo warm again in a pinch. Filled with gel and weighted for extra comfort, it’s completely safe to microwave, and the French lavender scent is light and calming. We’re sure your little one will love cuddling their warm new friend all winter long. And there are tons of different animals available; your kiddo’s favorite is sure to be there! Keep in mind: Warmies stuffed animals can also be placed in the freezer for cooling relief on hot days!
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ |
| Dimensions | 13” x 8” x 6” |
Once Upon a Time...
Who knew dragons could be so charming? This sweet little storyteller is sure to get your kiddo settled down for sleep in no time as it reads famous fairytales with a soothing voice and gentle animatronic motions. There’s also Octavius the Storytelling Owl (a wise owl dressed as a wizard!).
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 18 months+ |
| Dimensions | 8” x 10” x 12” |
Save the Whales
You and kiddo may not be wildlife conservation experts, but you can do your part to help protect the nation’s wildlife by symbolically adopting a threatened animal (i.e. donating to efforts for that animal’s protection). The $35 donation package gives you a stuffy of your new adoption, just like this adorable beluga whale, to remind you of the help you’ve given. Also available for symbolic adoption are red foxes, barn owls, moose and so much more.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3 years+ (manufacturer recommended; use your own discretion) |
| Dimensions | Whale: 10” long (size varies by animal) |
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