Combining huggable softness and collectible appeal, plush toys have stood the test of time.
With soft fabrics and embroidered and printed details, they’re a great gift for friends and family members of all ages. They’re also a simple social-emotional toy option that can offer kids comfort during stressful days or sleepless nights, and travel with them on those daunting, bigger adventures.
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite plush toys, from familiar faces to trendy newcomers. With features like weighted arms for hugs to microwaveable fillings for warming snuggles, these plush pals are certifiably friend-shaped and parent-approved.
To find more of this year’s hottest toys and games, check out The Toy Insider’s annual Holiday Gift Guide.
BUTTERLUVS
These buttery soft plushies are snuggle-ready and come in kids’ favorite animals: bunnies, monkeys, bears, and capybaras. Available in three sizes: 4.5 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches.
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COCCOLONI
Available in tan, brown, mauve, and blue, each Coccoloni plush horse features unscented tourmaline beads that warm in the microwave or cool in the freezer for comforting cuddles.
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AUSTRALIA ZOO COLLECTION BY WILD REPUBLIC
This collection of plush zoo animals, along with a handheld wildlife protector, is designed in collaboration with Australia Zoo. Families can teach kids about the importance of wildlife preservation with these play items! Proceeds go directly to Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors.
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GUND PLUMPKINS
Sweet, plump, and ready to be kids’ new besties, these 8-inch plush each feature a round shape and an understuffed, squishy texture. Available in four styles.
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FUGGLER BADDIES FUGGS 9-INCH PLUSH
This lineup of Fuggler plush is bolder than ever. These 9-inch plush feature fierce style, human-like teeth, and other crazy details.
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POPPLES SMALL PLUSH
Parents can introduce kids to a retro icon with these Popples 40th anniversary plush. Each one pops from a fluffy ball into a full character in one move.
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DISNEY TONIES & CUDDLE TONIES COLLECTION
Figures like the Disney Winnie the Pooh: Piglet Tonie, Disney Zootopia Tonie, and Disney Cuddle Tonies Collection unlock character-led audio stories on the Toniebox and Toniebox 2 (sold separately), while plush Cuddle Tonies (pictured) extend play with soft, screen-free listening and comfort.
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PUPPYPALOOZA
This puppy plush features flexible arms and legs, allowing kids to bend it into different yoga poses. Kids can practice their deep-breathing techniques, learn to sit peacefully and regulate emotions, and refine their gross motor skills as they stretch alongside the plush.
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MINI SQUISHABLE BABY BIGFOOT
This bite-sized cryptid is ready to tag along on kids' hiking trips and forest adventures. Each plush features soft fur and embroidered facial details.
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PIKACHU TREE HOLIDAY HELPERS PLUSH
Pikachu is ready for the holidays and decked out as a festive tree, with a Minior tree topper and a classy red bow.
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MELLOW MOODIES COLLECTION
These chill plush friends remind kids and kids at heart to stay grounded and savor life's little moments. The collection includes Willow the Fox, Huck the Bear, and Mateo the Dog.
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SPUDSTERS
These snuggly plushies re-create kids’ favorite animals in the shape of potatoes. From cats and dogs to giraffes and manatees, each soft critter has a rounded body and fluffy fur for cozy, couch-potato cuddles.
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MR. PA TASTY GUIDE COLLECTIBLE 9-INCH PLUSH
In this collection, Mr. Pa dons some deliciously adorable food-themed costumes. There are five surprise plush in this mystery box series, including one secret hidden style.
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MOMIJI ASTRO HOP PLUSH
Astro Hop is ready for any intergalactic adventures with her space suit. She comes with a special keepsake hang tag that shares more information about her personality.
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SESAME STREET WARMIES COLLECTION
Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster can give a warm or cooling hug thanks to a French-lavender-infused, weighted stuffing. Each plush can be microwaved or stored in the freezer.
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FABFUZZ HANNAH AND OSCAR PUPPY 13-INCH PLUSH
These adorable pups feature embroidered details and soft, fuzzy fur, making them great for bedtime cuddles and daytime adventures.
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AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER 12-INCH MOMO SQUISHMALLOW
Take to the skies or start an Avatar series marathon with this Squishmallow of Avatar Aang's buddy, Momo.
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HELLO KITTY AND FRIENDS COWGIRLBUMZ COLLECTION
Saddle up for adventure with these 4.5-inch weighted bottom plush of Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Chococat, and Keroppi.
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HUGAROUNDS UNICORN
Echo the Unicorn is a Hugaround, a game-changing microwaveable weighted plush friend (2.5 lbs) with soft, sensory wings that wrap around kids' and parents' shoulders, delivering warm, comforting, hands-free hugs that stay in place as you move. Designed with occupational therapists and filled with mold-resistant clay beads, Hugarounds are fragrance-free so everyone can enjoy them.…
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CLOUDHEADS: LIMITED EDITION 5-INCH SONIC CHAOS EMERALD COLLECTION
Kids can celebrate the fastest hedgehog around's 35th anniversary with these four bottom-weighted plush of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Shadow. Each plush connects magnetically to a translucent Chaos Emerald that sits on a display stand.
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FRANILLA LUXE BUNNY WITH PERSONALIZED NAVY & RED JUMPERS
This bunny's all bundled up for colder weather in its warm, thick jumper, which can be personalized with a name embroidered on the front.
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BUZZBY 14-INCH PLUSH
This plush robot has weighted arms for comforting hugs, hands that form a heart shape, and eyes on the back of its head for protection.
