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12 Stuffed Animal Reviews to Calm Your Nerves
Credit: SAYAM T - Shutterstock

There’s a chance you’re feeling a tad bit nervous this week. Apprehensive. Wary. (Terrified?) You know you should be practicing the best possible self care at this moment, but all the usual stuff—walking, meditating, locking yourself in the bathroom alone to hyperventilate—isn’t working anymore. It’s time to read genuinely sweet reviews of stuffed animals.

I can feel your doubt that this, of all things, is going to help. I understand; you’ve been let down on so many fronts this year. But reading people rave about bashful bunnies and dreamy-eyed frogs cannot possibly hurt right now. And it might even help.

Smiley penguin

Smiley penguin

Reviewer “Nightsquats” says this plush penguin, which is just five inches tall and suitable for babies and children, came exactly as expected. Not sure why anyone’s doubling over in laughter, but it’s nice to see during these dark times:

I got what I thought I was purchasing, with the added bonus that my sweetie loved it. She recently won me a plush penguin of the same size at a county fair and named it Peng. When this showed up I told her its name was Gwen, she doubled over in laughter. Much higher quality than the fair prize, and as beloved here as a family pet. Cheesy as that may sound, the right gift at the right moment is magic, and I am very satisfied with the product, price, and timing that defined my experience here. Thanks!

Floppy pig

Floppy pig
Credit: UNIQME UNIBINGO

One Kindle Customer declares this is the “best pig,” and who are we to say they’re wrong?:

I’m a connoisseur of stuffed animals so I know what I’m talking about, this is a GOOD ONE. It’s made of a super soft material and stuffed with... clouds probably. (This kind of stuffed animal is sometimes called a “gelatinous” plush because of how squishy and soft they are) This pig is perfect for cuddling but also makes a great pillow. 100% recommended!

Stuffed with clouds does sound pretty good!

Bashful bunny

Bashful bunny
Credit: Jellycat

As far as Jodi B. is concerned, this is The Perfect Bunny:

I had a stuffed bunny growing up. And I miss my bunny even thought I’m an adult. (It’s a long story, which I hope to publish in my autobiography I’m writing—it’s nearly written.) I got this bunny in the hopes that it would replace my bunny from when I was a kid. The instant I saw it on my couch (my husband had opened the box & put the bunny on the couch to greet me when I came home from a trip), I knew it was my new bunny. This bunny will bring my kids and me much joy to come. So soft, so huggable, so sweet, I love the ears. It’s a perfect bunny in every way. I love the tan color. Just what I wanted.

We want to read that autobiography.

Jodi originally wrote that review in 2016, then came back nearly a year later with an update:

We play with BunBun every night. BunBun is hilarious. She loves to burrow under the covers which tickles my 11yo. We giggle and laugh so much with this awesome rabbit. BunBun also loves to tap my 11yo’s arm to get attention, which is so cute. This is the most fantastic toy ever.

Dreamy-eyed frog

Dreamy-eyed frog
Credit: Aurora

Reviewer “Fudge,” who was surprised at the quality of this plush frog, bought it for laughs but now is cuddling rather than laughing:

Picked this up and did a double take. It’s one of those stuffed animals that just feels well made. Weighted feet (feels like really tiny beads), strong seams, and really soft material make this seem like a higher caliber of stuffed animal. I bought this as part of a gag gift but won’t be able to throw it away now after. Super cute, I’d definitely recommend.

Sparkly unicorn

Sparkly unicorn
Credit: Aurora

You might be questioning how soft that fur is, so Kris is here to tell us it is, in fact, “so flippin soft”:

This cute tiny ball of fluff is so flippin soft, it’s unreal. I almost don’t want to give it to my daughter. Lol. I definitely recommend this unicorn. You won’t be disappointed. SO SOFT!

Plush sea turtle

Plush sea turtle
Credit: Vintoys

This turtle is appropriate for turtle lovers, but not only turtle lovers. Additionally, WB deems it “very cute”:

And super soft! I bought to use as a decorative pillow. I’ll have to buy a second due to just how cute it is. The stitching is very well done, and it’s very firm and stuffed to keep its shape. It’d be a perfect gift for any turtle lovers; children and adults alike. Would definitely recommend!

Spiked dino

Spiked dino
Credit: Lambs & Ivy

Everyone is mad, so let’s read about Lexi B.’s baby and how he loves his dinosaur:

My son is 4 months & loves this stuffed animal. It’s his little buddy we call it tiny diney lol. It’s the perfect size and it’s very soft. I’m happy that the eyes are sewed in, so I don’t have to worry about him choking. He’s one of my son’s favorite toys & he gets excited when I bring him out.

Kangaroo (with removable joey!)

Kangaroo (with removable joey!)
Credit: GUND

You might feel a tad anxious reading through this comment, but listen—all turns out well for Brenda and her son:

Bought this for my 7 yr old autistic son. He loves this mommy kangaroo and baby. I am glad I purchased it right away because my son said there is 1 left, as it was noted on Amazon, and I was not sure that was true. Son got anxious said hurry buy it before it’s gone so I did. Immediately after our purchase it read item unavailable and still says that (it’s been over a month since purchase) says will be available this upcoming month by the end of the month. My son plays and carries along everywhere. His cousins enjoyed playing with it as well. Cute and soft. Adults commented on how cute it was and asked if they can keep it and of course my son said no way. The small details and pocket for the baby is so realistic you will not be disappointed. Would purchase again. Highly recommend helps with anxiety and son plays and sleeps with it.

Furry koala

Furry koala
Credit: Vermont Teddy Bear

We could all use a stuffed koala right about now, so let Dale tell you about this one:

When I’m traveling, or when I’m home but too hot, my wife sleeps snuggled up with her Vermont Teddy Bear Koala. She loves it, and it reminds her of the Koala she loved as a child. In fact, that Koala fell against a heater and was burned, and she still snuggled it as a child for years. So there was a really high bar to meet in buying her one she’d love as an adult. I tried several others and sent them back as unworthy before settling on Vermont Teddy Bear as the best. She says it’s just the right size and right feel, soft, fluffy, and snuggly. I always smile when I see her asleep with it tucked in close.

A very good boy

A very good boy
Credit: Bearington

This stuffed animal reduces your stress levels, apparently. I mean, look at him. At least Precious Kate seems to have benefitted from him:

I LOVE this labradoodle! I originally bought it for my son for Christmas. Well, I love it so much, I’m ordering two more! For myself! This pup is totally precious! He lays on my chest just like a real pup & has reduced my stress levels! I also LOVE the added dark accent colored fur/hair on it’s ears! If I could afford a real one, I would! But this one doesn’t make messes or require feedings or get sick or need shots or any of that real dog stuff! I’m sold!


Toothpick teddy

Toothpick teddy
Credit: GUND

Check out this floppy boy, of which Flufflebug is a fan:

I just got this bear for my 1 year old .... This guy is so soft and well made. He feels like he’ll last through a lot of wear and tear. His arms and legs are floppy, which was one of the main things I was looking for since he’ll be carried around everywhere by a toddler. He has good support for his head even though he’s a “toothpick” bear too. The picture doesn’t do this guy justice. I feel like he looks more awkward in the picture than he is in person. My older girls insisted on giving him a “test hug” before I wrapped him up, and said they want their own now. I’d get this guy again, I think he’s an awesome and lovable gift in a flop-tastic fuzzy package.

Springy-legged octopus

Springy-legged octopus
Credit: Jellycat

“Forgiving and easily wiped off” is how we should all be, but until then, there’s this lil’ number, as described by SuprMe:

This was my 3 month old’s favorite Christmas gift. It’s so soft and huggable. The legs have elastics inside to make them springy and curly. It’s the perfect size for baby hands to grab and pull. She loves to grab him close and bite his arms. He’s very forgiving and easily wiped and cleaned of baby drool and spit up.


This article was originally published in 2019 and was updated on Nov. 4, 2020 to reflect current information and context.