Jellycat vs Squishmallow plushies - which is right for you?

If you are just dipping your toes into soft toys or you bought one at Christmas that you’ve fallen in love with – finding out which soft toy brand is right for you can be based on any number of factors.

Some might simply go with whatever brand their first toy was while others prefer to take a more balanced approach and consider the overall range.

So, Jellycat vs Squishmallow soft toys – which team are you on?

Jellycat vs Squishmallow brands

Jellycat launched a small catalogue in London in the 1990s, with the aim of helping us enjoy the quirky and unusual a little more.

From the unusual name to the creative logo, the creators combined two of a particular child’s favourite things (jellies and cats) – and have maintained this fun and kooky outlook since.

But this brand doesn’t think this sense of fun should mean poor quality, so they prioritise:

• Luxurious and super-soft fabrics
• Stringent safety for customers of all ages – making most of their products suitable from birth
• Recycled stuffing – so buying your new best friend is better for the environment

Squishmallows on the other hand, were designed by the US Kelly Toys Holdings LLC in 2017 to emulate the cute and kawaii plushies popular in Japan.

Winning multiple awards, from the #1 Bestselling Toy to Toy of the Year, the brand focuses on maintaining an ultrasoft feel and whimsical design across all releases.

Plus, much to their fans’ delight, Squishmallow expansion has taken the form of brand collaborations, which have included:

• Hello Kitty
• Pokémon
• Monopoly
• PUMA
• McDonald’s
• Marvel
• And many more

Differences between Jellycat and Squishmallows

Despite both being beloved soft toy ranges that have well and truly gone global, there are some large differences between Jellycat and Squishmallows.

Price point

While the price for either brand will be dictated by the size, individual launch, and rarity of each plushie, average prices for each brand range from:

• $3 – $40 for Squishmallows (around £2.46 – £32.78 at current exchange rates)
• £12 to £200 for Jellycat toys

For this reason, Squishamallows are generally seen as a more affordable plush brand, while Jellycat soft toys might be considered more of an investment and be given for larger milestone events.

Appearance

The differences between Jellycat and Squishmallows in terms of appearance are vast.

As we touched on previously, Squishmallows are designed in an overly cute, kawaii style, which is found across Japan. Characteristics of this style are merged with the brand to include:

• Rounded shapes – including the bodies of the plushie, which could be described as blob-shaped 
• Large soft features, including big eyes
• Small mouths
• Less of a focus on realism
• Bright or pastel colourings – even for characters who are not normally brightly coloured

Based on this style, Squishmallows are overtly cutesy and sweet – something that is also reinforced by the name. Ideal for those looking for something outspokenly adorable.

Jellycat toys, however, combine realistic features and colourings with minor tweaks to make them more charming.  Iconic characteristics of this brand include:

• Beaded eyes and a small, stitched mouth
• Feet details, including the Jellycat Moon boots worn by Amusables characters
• Slightly exaggerated elements, like overly large ears, arms, or tails

So, whether you are looking to order a Jellycat Amusables Star or the iconic Jellycat Bashful Bunny (which is available in a range of individual colours, styles, and sizes), you can be sure you will be getting a soft toy that looks like the object or animal they are mimicking. 

The wider range

Another reason people might choose to stick with the Jellycat brand is their wider range.

For Jellycat, this includes an expanded product selection, including:

• Jellycat books
• Jellycat bag charm/ keychains
• Jellycat bags
• Jellycat baby gifts, such as blankets, boing balls, rattles, and soothers

This gives customers a vast array of Jellycat joys to choose from and means they can choose more types of treats for themselves or give them as gifts to others.

Another enticing factor to consider is the Jellycat cafe and exciting pop-up events that occur in London and across the world.

From the café in Shanghai or the fish and chips event in London to the Paris patisserie and the New York diner – enthusiasts can visit these thrilling and exclusive events to share their passion with like-minded people!

Squishmallows prefer to widen their appeal with brand collaborations and a range of product sizes – from 3.5-inch keychains to the very large 24-inch characters that can be used as a pillow.

The choice of soft toys is yours!

While others might prioritise visiting a Jellycat shop, others might prefer to pick up a Squishmallows plushie at their local supermarket – the choice is up to you.

You don’t even need to stick to one soft toy brand over another, especially if you are buying them as a gift for others.

However, if you do need to find your next Jellycat for sale, look for an official supplier at your nearest online or in-person Jellycat store to avoid disappointment and be sure you are buying the real deal. 

To order from the official suppliers at Jeremy’s Home Store, shop in our Tunbridge Wells store or order online using our secure checkout – you can always email us at online@jeremyshomestore.co.uk if you need a hand or some advice.