Anthropomorphism is such a great word. It’s the term for giving human qualities to objects and animals. We’re wired to respond to it: when something looks alive, we instinctively want to nurture it. Few companies have mastered this more than Jellycat – the joyful brand that has gone viral with its collections of cuddly and (mostly) endearing characters. From the Amuseables Cinnamon Bun to Peanut Penguin Snowboarding, all combine irresistible personalities with textures that feel soothing and luxurious.
For children, that translates into comfort and security. For adults, it’s a tactile antidote to stress – the kind of object you can absentmindedly stroke while working at your laptop or winding down in the evening. And with so many joyful options, from the Amuseables Sardine Tin (you can’t help but smile) to the Amuseables Latte, there truly is a Jellycat for everyone, whatever your age, aesthetic or sense of humour.
As someone who has spent my career studying play culture and toy trends, I can confidently say Jellycat hits a cultural sweet spot. Its characters are whimsical, comforting and deeply collectible. Here are my 10 favourites, spanning classic cuddlers to delightfully bizarre objets d’art.
1. Smudge Bear Tote Bag
Practicality meets adorable. It’s Jellycat as fashion. The toy and fashion worlds are edging ever closer, and the Smudge Bear Tote Bag is dopamine dressing at its most joyful. With the same silky-soft texture as Jellycat’s huggable animals, it turns a tote bag into a source of comfort you can carry on your daily errands.
2. Amuseables Pair of Marshmallows Bag Charm
A tiny pair of marshmallows with happy faces that make you laugh before you even clip the charm to your bag. They’re soft, squishy and subtly silly – the kind of detail that sparks conversations on a commute or school run. It’s also a prized possession of my tween daughter, which means it’s fiercely defended in our household.
3. Amuseables Christmas Tree
My most coveted decoration. Few festive pieces manage to be both chic and whimsical, but this tree pulls it off. Its little smile and cordy legs bring playfulness to the season while still feeling design-forward. Jellycat takes tradition and elevates it into a luxe object you’ll bring out year after year – it’s part of the family.
4. Amuseables Espresso Cup
This one is pure genius. An espresso cup with eyes speaks directly to adult collectors – because what grownup doesn’t run on coffee? It’s basically my daily companion, and I love having it in such a loveable form to cement that relationship. A perfect example of anthropomorphism creating an instant emotional shortcut.
5. Amuseables Sun Bag Charm
A literal ray of sunshine dangling from your keys or bag. Bright yellow with a beaming face, it’s impossible not to smile at. This little charmer captures the “micro-moments of joy” that Jellycat is so good at delivering: a soft touch, a goofy grin, a flash of lightness and joy in your day.
6. Amuseables Sunflower
With its oversized face, floppy petals and dangling legs – the Sunflower turns something ordinary into something joyful and companionable. For me, it captures the very essence of Jellycat. It also edges into interiors: I get more compliments on my Jellycat flowers than the real plants I work hard to keep alive.
7. Bashful Luxe Rosa Bunny
The Bashful Bunnies are where many Jellycat fans start out – if you know, you know. Rosa, with her dusky pink fur and timeless floppy ears, is as luxe as it gets. She’s soft enough for babies, stylish enough for design-savvy adults, and a go-to gift for new parents. The ultimate example of Jellycat’s premium textures at their best.
8. Jellycat Head Giant
Pure spectacle. A huge ink-black cat head that feels surreal, absurd, and yet very collectible. The Giant Head pushes Jellycat into the art-toy space – it’s more installation piece than cuddle buddy. I love it because it shows the brand doesn’t take itself too seriously. Plus, it looks epic on a sofa – a giant dose of joy that doubles as a design statement.
9. Daphne Pomeranian
As a Pomeranian owner, I’ll admit my bias here. Daphne perfectly captures the fluff and sass of the breed, but in Jellycat’s irresistibly soft style. Its characters have real personalities – they can be emotional stand-ins for the animals we adore. Although we have a real pom at home, I know my kids will be equally obsessed with this one.
10. Ricky Rain Frog
The cult hero. Ricky has his own fandom, and with good reason. His round, slightly grumpy face and velvety body strike that perfect balance between funny and endearing. He proves that it’s not just smiling Jellycat bringing joy to fans. Sometimes it’s relatability that wins – and who doesn’t feel a bit Ricky now and then?
Emma Worrollo is the founder of The Playful Den – a community that encourages parents and children to be more playful and find the fun in life.
Which Jellycat must-haves will make your top 10? Explore the Jellycat collections
