As the weather becomes cooler and the days become shorter, winter is right around the corner — and so are the holidays. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or simply looking to treat yourself, Jellycats — a high-quality brand of soft plush toys — are worth a look. Last year, Jellycats’ profits doubled by over $140 million, marking one of the highest growth surges the plush industry has ever seen. But don’t let their quirky, stitched smiles deceive you: with mere keychains reaching almost $30, Jellycats are over 100% more expensive than the unbranded stuffed animals at your local store. As a stuffed animal connoisseur, I’m no stranger to overpaying for fluff and stitches; however, if you’re tight on money, I’m here to help figure out which Jellycats are worth the splurge.
Amusables Peanut Reindeer:
A silly cuddle buddy for late nights. Returning from last holiday season, the Amusables Peanut Reindeer is a rendition of the classic Amusables Peanut, which is available year-round. Its corduroy fur has the same firm-but-soft feel as the original, and there’s no significant difference in squish. For the sake of saving money, purchase this Jellycat only if you do not already own any other versions of it. However, don’t wait too long to decide — the Peanut Reindeer’s bright red nose and brown antlers are so popular among buyers that they will sell out within the first few days in store.
Galumphous Seal:
What is there to hate about a clumsy, fat seal? Seals are my favorite animal, so I may be biased when I say that the Galumphous Seal is hands down the best Jellycat in the winter collection.
It’s also a new addition this holiday season and slightly larger than the average Jellycat that sells for the same price, $60. If its appearance isn’t enough to convince you to empty your wallet, its fur is ultra-soft and doesn’t shed. With such an innocent, whimsical expression, I can safely say that the Galumphous Seal won’t survive long in the Arctic alone. Adopt one for your (or someone else’s) home before it’s too late!
Eldo Elf:
With poky ears and rosy cheeks, Eldo Elf looks similar to the Christmas “Elf on the Shelf.” While it’s cute, its harmless smile is hardly enough to make up for the price tag and floppy fabric. I can understand why someone would pay an excessive amount of money for the other Jellycats, but Eldo Elf looks plain cheap; give me 15 minutes and I can find a duplicate at a nearby Walgreens.
Amuseables Gingerbread House (and Cookies)
The smell of gingerbread embodies the spirit of holiday cheer. I originally only planned to review the Amuseables Gingerbread House, but I didn’t realize that Jellycat also offered an array of gingerbread plushes, including the Amuseables Gingerbread House, Amuseables Star Cookie, Amuseables Tree Cookie, Jolly Gingerbread Fred and Jolly Gingerbread Ruby. The House is the centerpiece, with embroidered gumdrops and a soft, structured shape, while the cookies are flatter and easier to display on shelves.
However, while each of these holiday Jellycats have their own unique perks and personalities, all of them are made of the same polyester material, and none of them are cheap. It’s also important to note that Jellycats’ winter collection will retire when spring arrives, and the Amuseables Gingerbreads will be permanently out of stock. Although the gingerbread plushes are adorable, the Galumphous Seal and the Amuseable Peanut Reindeer are more worthy purchases.
