The 30 best soft toy brands
Jellycat, Lamaze and Kaloo lead our ranking of 30 soft toy brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Soft Toy brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
Jellycat
Jellycat makes plush toys and soft companions, many with whimsical characters and tactile fabrics.
Website: jellycat.com |Brands like Jellycat
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Lamaze
Lamaze makes infant soft toys and sensory plush with crinkle, rattle, and textured elements.
Website: lamaze.org |Brands like Lamaze
Popularity 8.4/10
-
3
Kaloo
Kaloo makes soft plush toys and comforters designed for babies and toddlers.
Website: kaloo.com |Brands like Kaloo
Popularity 6.5/10
-
4
Fehn
Fehn makes German soft toys and cuddly plush for babies, often in gentle natural colours.
Website: fehn.de |Brands like Fehn
Popularity 5.3/10
-
5
Mary Meyer
Mary Meyer makes plush toys and baby blankets, including the Taggies tag-style soft toy line.
Website: marymeyer.com |Brands like Mary Meyer
Popularity 4.8/10
-
6
Moulin Roty
Moulin Roty makes French soft toys and plush animals, often sold as baby and nursery gifts.
Website: moulinroty.com |Brands like Moulin Roty
Popularity 4.6/10
-
7
Nattou
Nattou makes soft plush toys and activity toys for babies, many with crinkle and teether features.
Website: nattou.baby |Brands like Nattou
Popularity 3.7/10
-
8
GUND
GUND makes plush toys and stuffed animals, including licensed characters and classic teddy bears.
Website: gund.com |Brands like GUND
Popularity 3.7/10
-
9
Sterntaler
Sterntaler makes German soft toys, baby blankets, and plush animals for infants and toddlers.
Website: sterntaler.com |Brands like Sterntaler
Popularity 3.2/10
-
10
Bright Starts
Bright Starts makes baby activity toys, including plush and soft sensory toys for infants.
Website: kids2.com |Brands like Bright Starts
Popularity 3.0/10
-
11
Manhattan Toy
Manhattan Toy makes wooden toys and also soft plush toys for babies and young children.
Website: manhattantoy.com |Brands like Manhattan Toy
Popularity 2.9/10
-
12
Sigikid
Sigikid makes German plush toys and soft companions for babies and children.
Website: sigikid.de |Brands like Sigikid
Popularity 2.8/10
-
13
Steiff
Steiff makes traditional German teddy bears and premium plush animals, known for its button-in-ear mark.
Website: steiff.com |Brands like Steiff
Popularity 2.6/10
-
14
Keel Toys
Keel Toys makes plush and soft toys, including animals and licensed characters sold widely in the UK.
Website: keeltoys.com |Brands like Keel Toys
Popularity 2.4/10
-
15
Aurora
Aurora makes plush stuffed animals and soft toys, sold under several character and animal lines.
Website: auroraspringshoney.com |Brands like Aurora
Popularity 2.3/10
-
16
Chicco
Chicco makes baby products and includes plush comforters and soft toys among its infant lines.
Website: chiccousa.com |Brands like Chicco
Popularity 2.1/10
-
17
Skip Hop
Skip Hop makes baby gear and includes plush toys and soft activity companions in its nursery range.
Website: skiphop.com |Brands like Skip Hop
Popularity 2.0/10
-
18
Playgro
Playgro makes baby and toddler learning toys, including soft plush and sensory toys.
Website: playgro.com |Brands like Playgro
Popularity 2.0/10
-
19
Kids Preferred
Kids Preferred makes plush toys and stuffed animals, many based on popular children's characters.
Website: kidspreferred.com |Brands like Kids Preferred
Popularity 2.0/10
-
20
Tiny Love
Tiny Love makes baby activity toys and includes plush and soft sensory toys for infants.
Website: tinylove.com |Brands like Tiny Love
Popularity 1.9/10
-
21
NICI
NICI makes German plush toys and soft stuffed animals across many animal and character designs.
Website: nici.de |Brands like NICI
Popularity 1.9/10
-
22
Bunnies by the Bay
Bunnies by the Bay makes plush toys and soft animal companions, often sold as baby gifts.
Website: bunniesbythebay.com |Brands like Bunnies by the Bay
Popularity 1.4/10
-
23
Baby Starters
Baby Starters makes infant gift sets that often include plush toys and soft activity toys.
Website: babystartersets.com |Brands like Baby Starters
Popularity 1.3/10
-
24
HABA
HABA is a German toy maker best known for wooden toys and also sells soft toys and plush animals.
Website: habausa.com |Brands like HABA
Popularity 1.2/10
-
25
BabyGear
While parenting can be overwhelming, especially for new parents, some organizations aim to provide a helping hand by attempting to relieve their burden, either directly or indirectly. BabyGear is an initiative by a group of pediatricians who focus on making...
Website: babygearlab.com |Brands like BabyGear
Popularity 1.2/10
-
26
Animal Adventure
Animal Adventure makes plush stuffed animals, including realistic and character-style soft toys.
Website: animaladventure.com |Brands like Animal Adventure
Popularity 1.2/10
-
27
Infantino
Infantino makes baby products and includes plush and soft sensory toys for infants and toddlers.
Website: infantino.com |Brands like Infantino
Popularity 1.1/10
-
28
Taf Toys
Taf Toys makes infant soft toys and plush activity toys for babies.
Website: taftoys.com |Brands like Taf Toys
Popularity 1.1/10
-
29
Douglas
Douglas makes plush and soft toys, including teddy bears and stuffed animals sold in several markets.
Website: douglas.cylex-uk.co.uk |Brands like Douglas
Popularity 1.1/10
-
30
Eden
Eden makes plush and soft toys, including teddy bears and stuffed animals for children.
Website: edenfantasys.com |Brands like Eden
Popularity 1.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jellycat | jellycat.com | – | – | – | – |
| Lamaze | lamaze.org | /LamazeChildbirth | lamazechildbirth | @LamazeOnline | Lamaze1 |
| Kaloo | kaloo.com | /Kaloo.page | kaloo_france | Р| Kaloo - Cr̩ateur de douceur |
| Fehn | fehn.de | /babyfehn | babyfehn | – | – |
| Mary Meyer | marymeyer.com | /MaryMeyerToys | marymeyertoys | @marymeyertoys | MaryMeyerToys |
| Moulin Roty | moulinroty.com | /moulinroty | moulin_roty | – | – |
| Nattou | nattou.baby | /Nattou | NattouBaby | – | Nattou |
| GUND | gund.com | /gottagettagund | gottagettagund | @gottagettagund | – |
| Sterntaler | sterntaler.com | /sterntalergmbh | sterntalergmbh | – | – |
| Bright Starts | kids2.com | – | – | – | – |
Soft Toys Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about buying soft toys for your child
Why Buy Soft Toys?
Soft toys, also known as plush toys, are a favorite among children of all ages. They provide comfort, entertainment, and a sense of security. Here are some of the reasons why buying soft toys is beneficial:
- Soft toys are cuddly and comforting. They provide reassurance to children and help them feel secure.
- Soft toys can help children develop empathy and emotional intelligence. Children can use their soft toys to role-play and explore their emotions.
- Soft toys can be a source of entertainment for children. They can use their soft toys to act out stories and create their own adventures.
- Soft toys can help children develop fine motor skills. Children can practice their coordination and dexterity by manipulating their soft toys.
- Soft toys can be educational. Many soft toys are designed to teach children colors, shapes, numbers, and letters.
What to Look for When Buying Soft Toys?
When buying soft toys for your child, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important:
- Safety - Make sure the soft toy is age-appropriate and free from any small parts or potential choking hazards. Check the toy for loose threads, sharp edges or points, and any other dangerous elements.
- Quality - Choose a soft toy made of high-quality materials that will withstand frequent use and rough play. The stuffing of the toy should be firm and evenly distributed.
- Size - Consider the age of your child when selecting the size of the soft toy. A smaller child may have difficulty holding onto a larger toy, while an older child may prefer a larger toy.
- Texture - Choose a soft toy with a texture that appeals to your child. Some children prefer smooth, silky textures, while others prefer rougher textures that provide sensory stimulation.
- Cleanliness - Make sure the soft toy is washable or can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Soft toys can easily collect dirt, dust, and bacteria, so it's important to keep them clean to prevent illness.
- Brand - Choose a reputable brand with a good track record for safety and quality. Look for reviews and recommendations from other parents before making a purchase.
Types of Soft Toys
There are many different types of soft toys available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most popular types of soft toys:
- Teddy bears - Classic and timeless, teddy bears are a favorite among children of all ages. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and textures.
- Stuffed animals - These soft toys come in a wide range of animal designs, from cats and dogs to monkeys and giraffes. They can be used for imaginative play and learning about different types of animals.
- Dolls - Soft dolls are popular among young girls, encouraging imaginative play and nurturing skills. They come in a variety of sizes and designs, from baby dolls to fashion dolls.
- Puppet - Soft puppets are a fantastic tool for imaginative play and storytelling. They come in a variety of animal and character designs and can be used to teach children about emotions and social skills.
- Soft blocks - Soft blocks are a great option for younger children. They are made of soft materials that are safe for chewing and playing and can help with motor skills and cognitive development.
Top Soft Toy Brands
When it comes to choosing a soft toy brand, it's important to choose a reputable company with a proven track record for safety and quality. Here are some of the top soft toy brands on the market today:
- Gund - Gund has been producing soft toys since 1898 and is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
- Jellycat - Jellycat offers a wide range of soft toys in unique designs and textures. They are known for their soft, silky fabrics and cute, cuddly characters.
- Steiff - Steiff is a German company that has been producing soft toys since 1880. They are known for their classic teddy bear designs and high-quality materials.
- Build-A-Bear Workshop - Build-A-Bear Workshop allows children to build their own soft toys, personalizing them with different outfits and accessories. This is a great option for children who want a unique and personalized soft toy.
- Aurora - Aurora offers a wide range of soft toys in various designs and textures. They are known for their attention to detail and quality materials.
Where to Buy Soft Toys?
Soft toys can be purchased from a variety of retailers, both online and in-store. Here are some of the best places to buy soft toys:
- Toys R Us - Toys R Us offers a wide range of soft toys for children of all ages. They have both in-store and online options.
- Amazon - Amazon has one of the largest selections of soft toys available online. They offer competitive pricing and fast shipping.
- Walmart - Walmart offers a range of soft toys at affordable prices. They have both in-store and online options.
- Target - Target offers a range of soft toys in various designs and textures. They have both in-store and online options.
- Specialty toy stores - Specialty toy stores often have a more unique selection of soft toys that can't be found in larger retailers. These stores typically offer a more personalized shopping experience.
Conclusion
Soft toys are a wonderful addition to any child's toy collection. They provide comfort, entertainment, and educational opportunities. When buying soft toys, it's important to consider safety, quality, size, texture, cleanliness, and brand. There are many different types of soft toys available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Choose a reputable brand and a retailer that offers a wide selection of soft toys at affordable prices. With these tips, you'll be able to find the perfect soft toy for your child.
