Contempo News & Blog

The Contempo Jellycat Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Jellycat

Few soft toys have a following quite like Jellycat. What started as a London design studio has become the plush brand people queue for, collect, and gift for every milestone from newborn to retirement. But with new characters landing constantly and prices ranging from a few pounds to three figures, “which Jellycat should I buy?” is a genuinely tricky question. This is our honest, straightforward guide to choosing the right one, whether you’re buying for a newborn, a toddler, an adult collector, or yourself (no judgement). What makes Jellycat different? Three things set Jellycat apart from ordinary soft toys, and they’re worth knowing before you buy. The softness. Jellycat’s signature fur is genuinely different to handle. It is dense, silky and floppy in a way that photos never quite capture, and it is the single biggest reason people become repeat buyers. The characters. Jellycat doesn’t just make bears and bunnies. It makes smiling avocados, cuddly curling stones, plush sushi rolls and grinning slices of raclette. Every character has a face and a personality, which is exactly why they make such memorable gifts. The retirement cycle. Jellycat regularly “retires” designs, and retired characters can become genuinely collectable. That scarcity is a big part of why adults collect them, as we explain below. Browse our full Jellycat collection to see what’s currently in stock. Choosing a Jellycat by who it’s for The best way to narrow things down is to start with the recipient. For a newborn or baby (0 to 12 months) For the very youngest, prioritise soft, lightweight and simple. The classic Bashful range (bunnies, bears and puppies) is the first Jellycat most parents choose. It is cuddly, the right size for small arms, and endlessly reassuring. Soothers and comforters (the small “blankie” style with a head) are also ideal for cots and prams. A quick word on safety: as with any soft toy, a Jellycat is a companion for supervised cuddles rather than something to leave in the cot with a sleeping newborn. Always follow the age guidance on the label. Shop our Gifts for Babies edit for options suitable for babies. For toddlers and children This is where the fun really opens up. Toddlers love character and colour, so the Amuseables range, those smiling everyday objects and foods, tends to be a huge hit. Think the Amuseables Broccoli, a plush birthday cake, or something a little more magical like the Sky Dragon. Animals with bags, backpacks and dressing up outfits also work brilliantly for imaginative play. For collectors and adults Adult Jellycat fans usually fall into two camps: theme collectors (all the food, all the sea creatures, all the sports) and completists who chase new and retired releases. For gifting a collector, the winners are usually the newest arrivals and the quirkiest characters, the ones they’re least likely to already own. Statement pieces like the large Truffles Sheep also make wonderful “big gift” moments. Jellycat sizes, explained Sizing is the thing people get wrong most often when buying online, because the same character often comes in several sizes and the names aren’t always intuitive. As a rough guide: Little or Small: small enough for little hands, and great for party bags and stocking fillers. Medium or Original: the classic cuddle size and the most popular choice for a main gift. Large or Really Big: statement pieces and showstoppers, with a bigger price tag to match. If in doubt, medium is almost always the safe choice for a gift. Every Jellycat product page on our site lists the exact dimensions, so check those before you commit, especially for anyone with limited shelf space. Are Jellycats collectable? (And how to spot the ones in demand) Yes, and it’s a real driver of demand. Because Jellycat retires designs, certain characters become hard to find once they’re gone. If you’re buying with collectability in mind: New releases are worth grabbing early, before they sell through. Seasonal and limited characters tend to have the shortest shelf life. Popular themes (food, sea life, festive) move fastest. We get new Jellycat in regularly, so it’s worth checking the Jellycat collection often. The newest characters are usually the first to go. Looking after your Jellycat Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap for everyday marks. This is the safest method for that signature fur. Avoid the tumble dryer and direct heat, which can damage the fibres. Always check the care label on the specific toy, as guidance varies by character. Give a much loved Jellycat a gentle brush to keep the fur soft and fluffy. Treated kindly, a Jellycat easily lasts for years, which is exactly why they become such treasured keepsakes. Jellycat at Contempo We’re a proud independent Jellycat stockist, and we handpick the characters we carry. A few things worth knowing: We ship Jellycat across the UK (please note Jellycat is currently excluded from our international shipping). Orders over £50 qualify for free UK delivery. If you’d like a specific character and can’t see it in stock, get in touch. We’re always happy to help. Ready to find the one? Explore the full Jellycat collection → Frequently asked questions What is the best Jellycat for a newborn?A small Bashful bunny, bear or a soother or comforter is the classic first Jellycat. It is soft, simple and the right size for a baby. Always follow the age guidance on the label and keep soft toys out of the cot for unsupervised sleep. What are Jellycat Amuseables?Amuseables are Jellycat’s range of smiling everyday objects, foods and plants, from broccoli and avocados to plush curling stones and birthday cakes. They’re playful, characterful and hugely popular with both children and adult collectors. What size Jellycat should I buy as a gift?Medium (sometimes called “Original”) is the safest choice for a main gift, as it is the classic cuddle size. Check the dimensions listed on each product page, as sizing varies by character. Are Jellycats worth collecting?Many people collect them. Because Jellycat retires designs over time, some characters become hard to find, which is part of the appeal. New and seasonal releases tend to sell out fastest. Do you ship Jellycat internationally?We ship Jellycat across the UK, but Jellycat is currently excluded from our international shipping. UK orders over £50 get free delivery.