What Is A Jellycat? | The Healthy Plushie

Posted on by Dr. Don Aivalotis

Plush toys have taken the world by storm, reviving a childhood love of soft, cuddly plush toys for our pre-teens and teens.

Whether you’re buying one for your teen or looking for a perfect gift for a loved one, Jellycats are the plush equivalent of a warm hug after a long day. Let’s talk about why these ultra-soft, plush wonders deserve a spot in your kids’ lives and why they may be good for their health.

What Are Jellycats, and Why Are They So Addictive?

Imagine a plush toy so soft, you’d swear it was woven from clouds. Now add a dash of personality—a bashful bunny, a grinning avocado, or even a slightly smug octopus—and voilà: you’ve got yourself a Jellycat. These UK-born toys have a cult following for good reason.

They’re not just cute; they’re cuddle therapy wrapped in polyester.

What Are Jellycats Made Of? (And Should You Be Concerned?)

Let’s talk materials because, as health-conscious product enthusiasts, we need to know what our kids are hugging.

Jellycats are made primarily from:

  • Polyester Fibers: The plush exterior that makes you want to cancel plans and stay in bed all day. Polyester is durable, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean—ideal for all ages, including your overly curious dog.
  • Plastic Beads: Often tucked away in the base for that satisfying “plop” effect when you set them down. These are securely enclosed, so no worries about surprise bead explosions.
  • Safety Standards: Jellycats comply with EN71 safety standards, making them free from harmful chemicals and perfectly safe for kids.

From a health standpoint, Jellycats are not just comforting but safe. Unlike some older stuffed toys that might have dubious fillings or chemicals, Jellycats are thoughtfully designed to prioritize safety and durability. Plus, they’re easy to spot-clean, meaning fewer allergens hanging around.

Why Is EN71 Important for Your Wellness?

The EN71 designation is a testament to Jellycat’s commitment to creating safe, high-quality toys that you can trust. For parents, this means peace of mind knowing their child’s favorite companion is free from hidden dangers. For adults, it’s reassurance that their child’s cuddle buddy meets the same rigorous safety and quality standards.

Ultimately, EN71 compliance ensures Jellycats are not just soft and adorable but also a safe and reliable choice for your home—proving that comfort and safety can go hand in hand. So, whether you’re child’s snuggling up with a Bashful Bunny or gifting an Amusable Avocado, you can rest easy knowing Jellycats are as safe as they are lovable.

What Does the EN71 Designation Mean for Jellycats?

When it comes to plush toys, safety is a top priority, especially for products like Jellycats that cater to children and teens. Jellycat plush toys comply with EN71 safety standards, a European regulation designed to ensure the safety of toys. Here’s what this means specifically for Jellycats:

  1. Chemical Safety (EN71-3):
    Jellycats are free from harmful chemicals such as lead, phthalates, and other toxic substances that can be found in poorly regulated toys. This ensures they are safe for kids to handle, snuggle, and, let’s be honest, occasionally chew on.
  2. Mechanical and Physical Properties (EN71-1):
    Jellycats are designed to withstand wear and tear from play. This includes secure stitching, strong fabric, and enclosed plastic beads to prevent choking hazards. Even the smallest Jellycat details, like embroidered eyes, are crafted with safety in mind.
  3. Flammability (EN71-2):
    Plush toys are tested to ensure they don’t easily catch fire, making Jellycats a safer choice for households. This is particularly important for toys that might accidentally come into contact with heat sources, such as bedside lamps or fireplaces.
  4. Age Appropriateness:
    Jellycats undergo rigorous testing to confirm they are suitable for specific age groups. Many Jellycat products are labeled for children from birth, meaning they are gentle enough for even the tiniest cuddler.
  5. Durability and Cleanability:
    Toys that meet EN71 standards are also evaluated for durability. Jellycats are spot-cleanable, making them easier to maintain without compromising safety or comfort.

The Wellness Benefits of Owning a Jellycat

You might be thinking, “How can a plush toy improve my kid’s health?” Oh, let us count the ways:

  1. Stress Relief: Hugging a Jellycat can lower your child’s cortisol levels (their stress hormone) faster than a 10-minute meditation. Great after a hard day at school.
  2. Improved Sleep: Their soft texture makes them perfect sleep companions. They make great, ultra-comfy pillows.
  3. Emotional Support: Feeling lonely? Grab your Jellycat. They’re great listeners, never interrupt, and always look adorably nonjudgmental. 🤭
  4. Family Bonding: Jellycats make excellent bedtime buddies for kids and can even bridge that awkward pre-teen phase when they “totally don’t need a stuffed toy anymore.”

Jellycats for Every Personality

The best thing about Jellycats? They come in every shape, size, and personality you can imagine. The Amusable Pineapple is adorable. Into aquatic adventures? The Bashful Seal is your child’s new BFF. And for the minimalist at heart, the classic Bashful Bunny in soft gray is a timeless choice.

Jellycat offers an extensive and ever-evolving collection of plush toys, each characterized by unique designs and exceptional softness. While providing an exhaustive list is challenging due to the sheer number and frequent updates, here are some popular categories and examples to give you an idea of their diverse range:

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. Also as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Bashfuls:

2. Amuseables:

3. Fuddlewuddle Collection:

  • Fuddlewuddle Puppy
  • Fuddlewuddle Lion
  • Fuddlewuddle Elephant
  • Fuddlewuddle Cat

4. Cordy Roy Series:

  • Cordy Roy Baby Fox
  • Cordy Roy Baby Elephant
  • Cordy Roy Baby Hare
  • Cordy Roy Baby Monkey

5. Woodland Creatures:

  • Sacha Snow Tiger
  • Wilf Wolf
  • Riverside Rambler Frog
  • Riverside Rambler Badger

6. Vivacious Vegetables:

  • Vivacious Vegetable Carrot
  • Vivacious Vegetable Eggplant
  • Vivacious Vegetable Pumpkin
  • Vivacious Vegetable Sweetcorn
  • Vivacious Vegetable Radish
  • Vivacious Vegetable Bok Choy
  • Vivacious Vegetable Tomato

7. Sea Life:

  • Odell Octopus
  • Odessy Octopus
  • Storm Octopus
  • Larry Lobster
  • Alice Axolotl

8. Mythical Creatures:

  • Fossilly T-Rex
  • Fossilly Brontosaurus
  • Snow Dragon
  • Bashful Unicorn

9. Seasonal Specials:

  • Jolly Gingerbread Fred
  • Amuseable Candy Cane
  • Eldo Elf
  • Amuseable Holly

10. Petites and Minis:

  • Little Rambler Bunny Rattle
  • Pet Tails Book
  • My First Bunny
  • Bashful Bunny Soother

11. Accessories:

  • Bashful Bunny Backpack
  • Bashful Beige Bunny Bag Charm
  • Bartholomew Bear Bag Charm
  • Timmy Turtle Bag Charm

For the most current and comprehensive selection, it’s best to visit Jellycat’s official website, where you can explore their latest offerings and find detailed information on each product.

Jellycats and Wellness Go Hand in Paw 🐾

In a world that feels increasingly stressful, Jellycats are the plush heroes we didn’t know our kids’ needed. They’re safe, hypoallergenic, and designed to bring joy into your children’s lives. So go ahead, grab a Jellycat (or three or four) for your loved ones, and let them feel the pure, unadulterated joy of hugging something so ridiculously soft.

For the official Jellycat website look here.