My kids would add another squishy stuffed animal to every wish list, birthday list and Easter basket. And lately the one everyone wants is a Jellycat. If you want Jellycat alternatives that are just as soft and sweet for less, this list is for you.
Jellycats are adorable, but a medium Bashful Bunny runs about $36 now, and collecting a few adds up fast. I found 6 lookalikes from Amazon, Walmart and Target. They have the same floppy ears, plush fabric and gentle faces, from just $7. Perfect for stocking stuffers, Easter baskets or just because.
Why Everyone Loves Jellycat
Jellycat started as a London toy brand and has turned into a full on collecting craze for kids and adults. Part of the magic is how soft they are. The sweet, simple faces also look good sitting on a shelf. For reference, the medium Jellycat Bashful Bunny is about $36 at most retailers right now.
Here is the honest truth, though: kids do not check tags. They care about how it feels when they squeeze it at bedtime. Plenty of less expensive plush gets that right. I like saving one special Jellycat for a birthday. Then I fill the rest of the basket with lookalikes like these.
- The softness: the plush is incredibly soft and squishy, which is why kids carry them everywhere.
- The floppy ears and limbs: the Bashful Bunny’s long, floppy ears are instantly recognizable.
- Simple embroidered faces: tiny stitched features that look gentle and calm.
- Collectible colors: lots of shades and seasonal releases, so people love to collect them.
- Gift factor: they look adorable in a basket and work for babies, kids and grownups.
What to Look for in a Jellycat Alternative
When you are shopping for a plush that gives the same feel, these are the details that matter most.
- Fabric: look for words like ultra soft, velvety or fluffy plush in the listing. The softer, the closer to a Jellycat.
- Shape: floppy ears and a sitting pose are what give that classic Bashful Bunny look.
- Embroidered eyes: stitched eyes are safer for little ones than hard plastic eyes and look closer to the original.
- Size: the medium Bashful Bunny is about 12 inches tall, so check measurements if you want a similar size.
- Washability: machine washable plush is a lifesaver when a favorite toy goes everywhere with your kid.
The 6 Best Jellycat Alternatives
Melissa & Doug Burrow Bunny, $20.34
With more than 20,000 ratings, this bunny is the most loved pick on the list. Burrow is a 9 inch sitting bunny with floppy ears, big feet and a fluffy tail. It has the same calm, sweet face that makes Jellycat bunnies so popular.
It is a great size for little hands and diaper bags. It also makes an easy baby shower or Easter gift.
Best for: the closest Bashful Bunny look.
Mary Meyer Putty Nursery Teddy Bear, 11 Inch, $19.22
Mary Meyer’s Putty collection is one of the softest plush lines you can find. This 11 inch teddy bear has textured brown and white fabric, embroidered eyes and a little smile. It is about 7 inches tall when it sits, so it is just right for toddlers.
The best part for busy parents? The listing says it is machine washable.
Best for: babies and toddlers.
Apricot Lamb Plum Rani Bunny, $19.99
Lots of parents turn to Apricot Lamb for that same soft, fluffy feel for less. This Plum Rani Bunny comes in a pretty purple shade that feels very collectible, just like the colorful Jellycat releases.
It feels a little more boutique than a big box store plush. But it still costs about half as much as a Jellycat. Stock looks limited right now, so if you love the color I would grab it while it is available.
Best for: a fun, collectible color.
Spark.Create.Imagine Bunny Plush, 10 Inch, $7.44
Under $8. Yes, really. This 10 inch bunny from Walmart has ultra soft plush fabric, floppy ears and a sweet embroidered face. Reviewers give it a 4.7 star rating.
It is my favorite pick for stocking stuffers and class gifts. You can buy a few without blowing your budget.
Best for: the best value.
ButterLuvs Plush Bunny, 8 Inch, $10.24
ButterLuvs plush is made from a buttery soft, squishy fabric, which is exactly the feel kids love about Jellycat. This 8 inch pink bunny is cuddly and sweet. It also comes in a 6 inch mini and a big 24 inch size.
The giant one would be such a fun surprise under the tree.
Best for: the squishiest feel.
GUND Cozys Collection Koala, $25
GUND has been making stuffed animals for more than a century. The Cozys collection is soft, simple and so cute. This 10 inch koala at Target has that same sweet, minimal look as Jellycat’s animals.
It is labeled for ages 1 and up. Other Cozys animals, like a cow and a panda, make it easy to build a little collection.
Best for: starting a collection.
How to Gift Your Jellycat Alternative
A soft plush makes such an easy, happy gift. Here are a few ways I would use these.
- Stocking stuffers: the smaller bunnies fit perfectly in a stocking with a few treats. For more ideas, see my stocking stuffers for tween girls.
- Easter baskets: tuck a bunny into a basket with books, bubbles and a few chocolate eggs.
- Baby shower gifts: pair a washable plush with a swaddle and board book from my stylish baby shower gifts.
- Nursery decor: line a few neutral plush animals on a shelf for a soft, cozy look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is similar to a Jellycat bunny?
The Melissa & Doug Burrow Bunny is the closest to the Bashful Bunny. It has the floppy ears, sitting pose and soft plush. The Spark.Create.Imagine Bunny from Walmart is also very similar for under $8.
Does Walmart have Jellycat look alikes?
Yes! The Spark.Create.Imagine Bunny Plush and the ButterLuvs Plush Bunny are both super soft, floppy eared bunnies. They cost around $7 to $10.
Are Jellycats worth the price?
They are very well made and super soft, and people love collecting them. So they can be worth it for a special gift. If you just want a cuddly friend for your kids, the alternatives above are just as sweet for less.
Are Jellycat alternatives safe for babies?
Check the age label on each one. The Mary Meyer Putty Teddy Bear has embroidered eyes and is designed for little ones. The GUND Cozys Koala is labeled for ages 1 and up.
Final Thoughts
If I had to pick, the Melissa & Doug Burrow Bunny is the best overall. The Spark.Create.Imagine Bunny from Walmart is the best value at under $8. And the machine washable Mary Meyer Putty Teddy Bear is the standout for babies. Any of them will get plenty of hugs. And if you are shopping for grownups too, my designer stocking stuffers for less are full of fun ideas.
Discover more of my favorite designer look alikes in my guide to the best designer look alikes of the year.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you purchase after clicking through the link.
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Getting ready for the holidays? Don’t miss my Pottery Barn velvet stocking look alikes to hang these gifts in. Also see my stocking stuffers for tween girls for the older kids on your list.
