Jellycat's 25th Anniversary: Celebrating Beloved Plush Toys

Anyone else feel like you can't go anywhere without seeing a Jellycat stuffed animal? It seems like they're everywhere lately, and we love it! This brand honestly makes some of the best plushies around--they're super soft, cuddly, and bursting with personality.

These plushies are becoming a world-wide phenomenon, but they've actually been around since 1999. That's 25 years of creating beloved plush toys! So where did they start, and how did they become loved by everyone, children and adults alike?

We'll dive into the brand's history, their values, and what makes them special. At the very end, we'll have some trivia questions that will definitely stump you. 

The History of Jellycat Toys

Thomas and William Gatacre founded Jellycat in 1999 in London. The name was inspired by a child who loved jellies and cats and giggled at the idea of the two together. 

The brand channels that childlike sense of whimsy in every cute stuffed animal they create. They found their success by standing out from the competition with high-quality materials, unique designs, and authenticity. 

Still based in the UK, this brand stays true to themselves and keeps making quirky plush toys. They keep getting more and more innovative, releasing new lines and product types all the time. But they also keep well-known characters around, like the cuddly Bartholomew Bear and iconic Bashful Bunny.

jellycat autumn and winter collection

Why Do We Love These Plushies?

Honestly, it's hard to say. Ask any fan, child or adult, and you'll hear so many different answers. It might be the soft fur, the friendly faces, or the emotional comfort of hugging a soft plush.

We think it's because of the brand's authenticity and the wide variety of toys that appeal to anyone. Seriously, there's a Jellycat plush for anyone! And, the quality is always stunner, releases are consistent, and the brand stays true to their roots.

Any child running into a toy store will get that gleam of wonder in their eye when they find the display of plushies, knowing their new best friend is waiting for them. An adult collector knows they'll find a quality piece of exactly what they like. Any casual plush lover can find a decorative Amuseable Plant or a stuffed animal that reminds them of their pet.

Foodies can find their best friend in the Amuseables Food line. Almost every animal ever has been made, and we're not joking--you can find a classic like a teddy bear or a niche animal like Riley Razorfish or Grizzo Gremlin. If you're a fashionista, look for a Jellycat bag, tote bag, backpack, or bag charm.

Trivia Time!

25 years means there are so many fun facts to learn! Think you know everything about Jellycat? Let's put your knowledge to the test.

1. What was the first Jellycat ever made?

We're starting off strong with a trick question! It's actually not known what the very first stuffed animal was because they released a whole collection at once. The website Jellycat Collected (unaffiliated with the official brand) keeps a database of stuffies, and their oldest one is the Creature Comforter Giraffe from 2000:

old jelly cat creature comfort giraffe

So cute! You can also find old plushies on the Web Archive, which was founded in 1996. The earliest available version of the website is from January of 2001, and our favorite of the early plushies are the Ping Pong Cats:

ping pong cats vintage jelly cats

2. The Vivacious Vegetable Pea is which celebrity's favorite Jellycat?

Kylie Jenner! She made a "What's in My Bag?" video, where she said, "he makes me happy" and "brightens my day." So cute!

3. When do new collections come out?

You can find new cute stuffed animals twice a year in January and June! Fans always have something to look forward to in the cold winter and sunny summer. You'll find seasonal plush, new sizes of your favorites, and brand-new faces.

4. Which plushie has been the best-selling since 2007?

The Bashful Beige Bunny has been a long-time fan favorite and a best-seller for years. It's easy to see why, too. Jellycat Bashful Bunnies have become an iconic staple for the brand and are most collected and sought-after of their plushies.

5. What is the name of the mascot?

Jellycat Jack! This lovable kitty with a silly orange hat shows up on every tag and all across their website. For their anniversary, they've brought back his stuffie, and we think he's the cuddliest cat around.

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