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The Best Stuffed Animals

Last updated on October 12, 2023

We looked at the top 17 Stuffed Animals and dug through the reviews from 37 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Stuffed Animals.

Best Stuffed Animal

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Although you may think of small children when you hear the words “stuffed animals,” these toys are actually enjoyed by individuals of all ages as well as man’s best friend. If you’re searching for the best stuffed animal for your little one, friend or family pet, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.

Make sure the plush does not pose a choking hazard. For example, a toy that has lock washer eyes that stay fastened is a good choice. Other models have cotton eyes that are stitched into place, so they can’t be ripped off and swallowed by a curious toddler — or German shepherd.

MORE: The Best Stuffed Bunnies

Review the material used to make the stuffed animal. A child’s tendency is to snuggle the cute plush, so you want to make sure it is soft to the touch. A plush that is constructed from a quality polyester is ideal for little ones to hold during bed- or naptime.

Check to see if the stuffed animal moves or plays music. This provides an added level of entertainment for toddlers between the ages of 2 and 4, who are exploring the concept of cause and effect. One example is the GUND Animated Elephant Stuffed Animal, 12-Inch. When children press on the foot of this elephant, it flaps its ears and sings the song “Do Your Ears Hang Low.” The elephant’s ears are also oversized so that the animal can play peek-a-boo with your child.

Examine the size of the stuffed animal and make sure it is appropriate for the age of the individual you plan on gifting it to. A giant giraffe stuffed animal that is 4-feet tall is so big that it’s best for pre-school and kindergarten-aged children. There are models that are handcrafted and made with wire-framed legs that are soft and bendable. Parents can even use this type of plush to keep an eye on how big their children are getting by taking pictures of their kids every six months standing next to the 4-foot tall giraffe.

Consider any extras that the stuffed animal may offer. Some models can be purchased and customized with a newborn’s birth date, weight and height on the animal’s belly or ears, while others have accessories, like a pacifier or outfit for dressing.

Our Picks For The Top Stuffed Animals

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Homily Breathable Elephant Stuffed Animal, 24-Inch

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Homily

Breathable Elephant Stuffed Animal, 24-Inch

This stuffed animal is sure to bring joy to any little girl or boy. The adorable elephant measures a large 24 inches and can be squeezed and cuddled for hours. The outer material is silky and soft, while the inner cotton filler is firm, yet fluffy.

Overall Take

Soft and CuddlyThis stuffed animal makes for an excellent birthday, Christmas or Easter gift.

 Runner Up

Douglas Realistic Hedgehog Stuffed Animal, 5-Inch

Douglas

Realistic Hedgehog Stuffed Animal, 5-Inch

While this stuffed animal fits neatly in the palm of a child's hands, it features the most exquisite details. The cute hedgehog has loving eyes and the tiniest little feet and hands. Its fur is super soft and fun to run your hands through.

Overall Take

Stunning DetailsThis stuffed animal is 5 inches in size and fits neatly in any pocket, backpack or toy hammock.

 We Also Like

GUND Interactive Elephant Stuffed Animal, 12-Inch

GUND

Interactive Elephant Stuffed Animal, 12-Inch

If you're searching for an adorable stuffed animal that is safe for newborns, this stuffed animal is your best bet. Babies can cuddle this cute elephant from birth and then interact with it as they grow. The elephant not only sings when the button on its foot is pressed, but it also flaps its big ears to the music.

Overall Take

Grows With BabyThis stuffed animal is not only safe for newborns, but also provides musical entertainment for toddlers.

Pros
" Possibly the best part of this toy is that it is safe for any age. 0+ is clearly labeled on the tag for the Gund Baby Flappy Elephant and I think many children will get a kick out of him...."
Cons
"Only sings one tune"
 Also Great

Aurora Plush Unicorn Stuffed Animal, 7-Inch

Aurora

Plush Unicorn Stuffed Animal, 7-Inch

You'll find this stuffed animal is both cute and colorful. It's a 7-inch plush unicorn with a fuzzy mane and tail and a shiny horn. Kids will love snuggling the unicorn, while parents appreciate that the company uses recyclable materials to create the fiber fill.

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly OptionThe affordable price tag on this stuffed animal makes it perfect for gift giving.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
24

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the stuffed animals available to purchase.
17

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

37

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: The Z9, BestReviews, Hobby Help, Net Parents, The Spruce.

76,637

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 17 Stuffed Animals and also dug through the reviews from 37 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Stuffed Animals.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Aurora Plush Unicorn Stuffed Animal, 7-Inch

User Summarized Score

9.6
3,787 user reviews

Our Take

You'll find this stuffed animal is both cute and colorful. It's a 7-inch plush unicorn with a fuzzy mane and tail and a shiny horn. Kids will love snuggling the unicorn, while parents appreciate that the company uses recyclable materials to create the fiber fill.

What to Look For

  • Check the stuffed animal’s recommended age. Some are listed as not suitable for children under the age of 3, while others are approved for use with newborns.
  • Read the product care label to determine how the stuffed animal should be cleaned. Some teddy bears are not machine washable, while others can be machine washed using the gentle cycle and tumble dried using the low heat setting. It’s also a good idea to remove the plush as soon as the dryer beeps.
  • As your child grows, he or she may lose interest in their stuffed animals. You may wish to save a few of your child’s favorites to pass on to any future grandkids. To do this you’ll need a box that has a few moisture-absorbing gel packs placed in the corners. Place the toys in the box and seal it up to keep moths and other critters out. Label the box and then store it in a location that is cool and dry.
  • Unfortunately, lice is commonly passed among children. If this pest enters your home, it can live on your child’s stuffed animals. You’ll need to toss your plush creatures in a plastic bag and make sure the bag is sealed shut. Set the bag in an attic or garage for three weeks. Afterward, the toys will be safe for your child to play with.
  • Some parents opt to rotate their child’s toys. This keeps kids from getting bored or overwhelmed by a large number of available toys at once. Keep a large plastic tote in a closet or attic. Place a few stuffed animals and other toys in it that can be tucked away for a month or two. After your designated amount of time has passed, switch the toys in the tote with toys in your child’s playroom. Repeat every month or two.
  • As you compare prices for the stuffed animals you’re interested in buying, you’ll need to take into consideration any extra features the plush may have. For example, a basic stuffed animal will be low in price. The GUND Animated Elephant Stuffed Animal, 12-Inch, however, costs more because it also sings and flaps its ears.

Stuffed Animal Rankings

1. Homily Breathable Elephant Stuffed Animal, 24-Inch

Overall Score: 9.7
Reviews Included: 1

2. Douglas Realistic Hedgehog Stuffed Animal, 5-Inch

Overall Score: 9.6
Reviews Included: 1

3. GUND Interactive Elephant Stuffed Animal, 12-Inch

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 13

5. Aurora Plush Unicorn Stuffed Animal, 7-Inch

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 1

7. MorisMos Super Soft Teddy Bear Stuffed Animal, 51-Inch

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 1

8. Aurora Golden Retriever Dog Stuffed Animal, 12-Inch

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 3

9. Aurora Large Fluffy Llama Stuffed Animal, 27-Inch

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 4

11. Jellycat Cuddling Rabbit Stuffed Animal, 12-Inch

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 5

12. Aurora Plush Penguin Stuffed Animal, 9.5-Inch

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 3

15. Aurora Small Plush Coco Bear Stuffed Animal, 10.5-Inch

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 1

17. ebba Cute Plush Elephant Stuffed Animal, 9-Inch

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 9

More to Explore

Did you know that half of the American population actually keeps a stuffed animal from childhood into adulthood? Perhaps the teddy bear or plush elephant brings back fond memories or maybe it evokes a sense of calm. If you find yourself fitting into this statistic, you may be interested to learn a few more fun facts about stuffed animals.

  • According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest teddy bear collection is held by Arnóczki Istvánné in Hungary. She is listed as having 20,367 stuffed bears.
  • Japan has a travel agency specifically for stuffed animals. Owners can book a trip for their favorite plush to tour Toyko and other exciting destinations.
  • One of the world’s largest stuffed animals is a pink bunny. It’s so big that it can actually be seen from space! The rabbit is positioned on its back and rests on the Colletto Fava mountain in Italy. It’s approximately 200 feet long.
  • One of the first manufacturers to produce stuffed animals came from Germany. The company, Steiff, got started in 1880 and still makes and sells stuffed animals today. They even have a museum with guided audio tours that reveals the history of their first teddy bear.
  • Teddy bears were named after America’s 26th president, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt.

More to explore