
Best Stuffed Toy
- Gary B.
- UPDATED August 5, 2019
- in Toddler & baby toys
Best Overall
Gund
Slumbers Teddy Bear
Are you on the market for the perfect new stuffed animal for your child? There are so many options, it can be difficult to decide what to purchase. You want to find the perfect stuffed animal that will be your child’s new sidekick and snuggle partner! Below we have reviewed 11 of the best stuffed animals, so you’re sure to find the perfect new pal for your child.
Our Top Picks

Best Overall
Gund Slumbers Teddy Bear

Upgrade Choice
Melissa & Doug Giant Giraffe

Best Budget Buy
Bedtime Originals Plush Monkey Ollie
How to Pick the Best Stuffed Animals
When you are purchasing a new stuffed animal for your child, there are a few features you’ll want to consider before making your purchase. Decide which of these features are the most important to you or your child and compare them for the different stuffed animals you’re considering.
1. Recommended Age
Before purchasing any toys, stuffed animals or otherwise, for your child, you should check the recommended age. You want to make sure you select a stuffed animal that is age-appropriate. You will want to find a toy that your child will be able to play with for years to come.
2. Animal Type
Next, you’ll want to consider the different types of animals. Is there a particular animal that your child loves and would love to have a stuffed animal version of their very own? Does your child already own many stuffed animals and you are looking for something new and unique that will stand out from the other animals in their collection?
3. Size
You will definitely want to pay attention to and consider the size of the stuffed animal. Think about how and when your child is likely to be playing with their new stuffed animal when you consider this feature. If they are likely to be sleeping with their toy, you may want to consider finding a smaller animal. Also, consider the amount of storage space you have so you don’t buy an animal that is too large to fit in your space.
4. Colors
Next, you’ll want to consider the colors of the stuffed animals you’re thinking about purchasing. Are there certain colors our child is more drawn too? Are you trying to find a stuffed animal that resembles a real animal your child loves?
5. Potential Choking Hazards
Depending on the age of your child, you may also have to look out for potential choking hazards. Some stuffed animals have sewn-on eyes, noses or other parts which could be a potential hazard for a younger child who still puts things in their mouth. If you have a younger child, look for animals with eyes and other details that are created through stitches, not sewn-on items. This article, from What to Expect, can provide you with more details about how some stuffed animals and other toys could be potential choking hazards for young children.
6. Cleaning and Care
Finally, you’ll want to look for the cleaning and care instructions. Will you be able to toss the stuffed animal in the washing machine for easy cleaning? Will you need to wipe down the surface with a rag? Consider how “loved” the animal will be by your child as you review the care instructions for the different stuffed animals. This article from Mama’s Laundry Talk, provides useful tips for cleaning different types of stuffed animals.

The Winners
#1
Gund Slumbers Teddy Bear
Best Overall
This adorable Slumbers Teddy Bear features a super fuzzy appearance. He looks as if he is asking for a big hug from his owner.
- You'll love: At 17 inches tall, this teddy bear is a good size for your child to snuggle and play with, without being so big that storage becomes an issue.
- GUND's high-quality construction means this bear should provide years of joy to your child.
- Watch for: The teddy bear's eyes are sewn on and could be a potential choking hazard for a younger child.
Recommended Age: 1 year and up
Animal Type: Bear
Size: 17 inches
Colors: Light and dark brown
Potential Choking Hazards: Yes (sewn-on eyes)
Cleaning and Care: Surface wash
#2
Melissa & Doug Giant Giraffe
Upgrade Choice
The Melissa & Doug Giant Giraffe stands at over four-feet tall and is sure to amaze your child.
- You'll love: Your child can enjoy playing dressing up with their new giraffe.
- The giraffe can double as décor in your child's bedroom since it can stand on its own.
- Watch for: The giraffe is very large, so you'll want to make sure that you have adequate space to store it.
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Animal Type: Giraffe
Size: 53 inches tall
Colors: Brown and tan
Potential Choking Hazards: Yes (sewn-on eyes)
Cleaning and Care: Surface wash
#3
Bedtime Originals Plush Monkey Ollie
Best Budget Buy
This cute eight-inch brown Plush Monkey Ollie with adorable yellow dimples alongside its bright smile, is sure to put a big smile on your child’s face too.
- You'll love: The super soft plush fabric makes this monkey very huggable.
- The eyes and other accents are sewn on, so there are no choking hazards.
- Watch for: If you are looking for a larger stuffed animal, at just eight inches, this one is relatively small.
Recommended Age: 1 year and up
Animal Type: Monkey
Size: 8 inches
Colors: Light and dark brown
Potential Choking Hazards: No (stitched eyes)
Cleaning and Care: Machine washable
#4
Disney Winnie Friends Piglet Stuffed
Best Disney Stuffed Animal Award
Winnie the Pooh’s best friend can become your child’s new friend when you buy this adorable Piglet Stuffed Animal.
- You'll love: Piglet's tummy makes a jingle sounds and his ears crinkle to help entertain your young child.
- Piglet is nine inches tall, a good size for younger children to easily carry around.
- Watch for: If you have an older child, they may not enjoy this toy. With the crinkle sounds and jingles, it is designed more for younger children.
Recommended Age: 1 year and up
Animal Type: Pig (Piglet)
Size: 9 inches
Colors: Light and dark pink
Potential Choking Hazards: No (the eyes are stitched on)
Cleaning and Care: Surface wash
#5
Melissa & Doug Giant Sea Turtle
Best Melissa & Doug Stuffed Animal Award
This realistic-looking Giant Sea Turtle stuffed animal, is large enough for your child to hitch a ride on the turtle’s shell.
- You'll love: Since it is hand-crafted using high-quality materials, you can be confident that the sea turtle will be used and loved for many years.
- The sea turtle looks realistic and has beautiful markings on its shell.
- Watch for: Since the eyes could be a potential choking hazard, this sea turtle is best for children over three years old.
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Animal Type: Sea turtle
Size: 28 inches x 28 inches
Colors: Green, brown, and white
Potential Choking Hazards: Yes (sewn-on eyes)
Cleaning and Care: Surface wash
#6
Bernese Mountain Dog Stuffed Animal
Your dog lover is sure to enjoy playing with this adorable Bernese Mountain Dog Stuffed Animal.
- You'll love: The coloring and markings on this stuffed animal match the colors of a real Bernese Mountain Dog.
- The dog has super soft fur, making it perfect to cuddle with.
- Watch for: Some customers have complained that the stitching and fur on the dog do not stay together very well.
Recommended Age: 1 year and up
Animal Type: Bernese Mountain Dog
Size: 13 inches
Colors: Black, brown, and white
Potential Choking Hazards: Yes (sewn-on eyes)
Cleaning and Care: Surface wash
#7
Humphrey The Elephant
Humphrey The Elephant has a friendly and welcoming appearance.
- You'll love: The trunk and legs make Humphrey easy for a young child to hold and carry around.
- This elephant would be great for a younger child since it does not present any choking hazards.
- Watch for: If you are looking for a larger stuffed animal for your child, you might want to consider something else since Humphrey is rather small.
Recommended Age: 1 year and up
Animal Type: Elephant
Size: 9 inches
Colors: Gray
Potential Choking Hazards: No (stitched eyes)
Cleaning and Care: Machine washable
#8
Jellycat Beige Bunny Stuffed Animal
Best Jellycat Stuffed Animal Award
This Jellycat Stuffed Animal is a cute bunny rabbit that children of all ages will love.
- You'll love: The bunny has soft, plush fur that your child will love to snuggle for comfort.
- This bunny is the perfect size for a younger child to carry around and snuggle.
- Watch for: The bunny is not machine washable, so you will need to be very careful not to ruin it when it needs to be cleaned.
Recommended Age: 3 months – 12 years
Animal Type: Bunny
Size: 12 inches
Colors: Beige
Potential Choking Hazards: Yes (sewn-on eyes)
Cleaning and Care: Spot clean only
#9
Pokémon Plush-Pikachu
Best Pokémon Stuffed Animal Award
This officially licensed Pikachu stuffed animal is sure to delight your Pokémon lover!
- You'll love: Your child will love having this Pikachu by their side when they watch Pokémon shows or movies or play with their Pokémon cards.
- Pikachu is very soft with high-quality construction.
- Watch for: If you are looking for a larger stuffed animal, Pikachu is only eight inches tall.
Recommended Age: 2 years and up
Animal Type: Pikachu
Size: 8 inches
Colors: Yellow, red, and black
Potential Choking Hazards: No (stitched eyes)
Cleaning and Care: Surface wash
#10
Aurora World Tubbie Wubbie Plush Pig
Tubbie Wubbie is an adorable, soft pink pig made by Aurora World.
- You'll love: Tubbie Wubbie can sit up on her own because of her bean filling.
- Aurora stuffed animals feature a high-quality materials and craftsmanship and are designed to last for many years.
- Watch for: The bean filling and sewn-on eyes make Tubbie Wubbie and choking hazard for younger children.
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Animal Type: Pig
Size: 12 inches
Colors: Pink
Potential Choking Hazards: Yes (sewn-on eyes)
Cleaning and Care: Surface wash
#11
Aurora Blueberryripple-Unicorn Plush
Best Aurora Stuffed Animal Award
The Blueberryripple-Unicorn Plush has beautiful pink, yellow, and silver accents, which make her look magical.
- You'll love: This small, seven-inch unicorn is the perfect size for travel or tight spaces.
- Your child will love the unicorn's bright colors and sparkly silver horn.
- Watch for: Since the unicorn has sewn-on eyes and has bean filling, it shouldn't be given to children who are under three years old.
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Animal Type: Unicorn
Size: 7 inches
Colors: Blue, yellow, pink, and silver
Potential Choking Hazards: Yes (sewn-on eyes)
Cleaning and Care: Surface wash
DIY, Craft and Décor: Ideas for stuffed animal lovers
DIY Stuffed Animal Zoo
Using just some wood, elastic cord, and a few tools, you can make a fun ‘zoo’ to store your child’s stuffed animals in. You could paint this to match their room and make it both a decorative and functional piece. The page Down Redbud Drive, shows you how you can easily make this piece that your stuffed animal lover will enjoy.

DIY Stuffed Dog
If you have some basic sewing skills, Sewenir has a simple pattern for a stuffed dog. You can customize the fabric you choose to make you pup fun and attractive. Your child will treasure this stuffed animal since it was made specially for them by you.

DIY Crocheted Safari Animals
If you prefer crocheting over sewing, then these adorable safari animals are for you! Jess Huff created patterns for six safari animals (monkey, giraffe, lion, hippo, elephant, and zebra) that are simply delightful. Whether you make one animal or all six, your child will love her new friend or friends!

Quick Decision
Gund Slumbers Teddy Bear – Best Overall
If you prefer crocheting over sewing, then these adorable safari animals are for you! Jess Huff created patterns for six safari animals (monkey, giraffe, lion, hippo, elephant, and zebra) that are simply delightful. Whether you make one animal or all six, your child will love her new friend or friends!
Melissa & Doug Giant Giraffe – Upgrade Choice
The Melissa and Doug Giant Giraffe earn this award. Because of its large size, this stuffed animal can double as décor in your child’s bedroom, be a dress-up partner, or just a fun companion.
Bedtime Originals Plush Monkey Ollie – Best Budget Buy
The Bedtime Originals Plush Monkey Ollie earned this award due to his super soft and cute appearance for a very reasonable price.

BEST POKEMON TOYS
For your Pokemon fanatic kiddo. We give you the complete guide to Pokemon toys which they will love.

Gary B.
Gary is a father of two, self-identified RC fanboy, and part-time guitar plucker. When he's not racing his collection of remote-controlled vehicles or strumming away, we bend his arm and get him to write with precision and expertise on a range of mechanical and electrical toys.
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