Walking through the hallways, it’s almost impossible not to see one of this generation’s most popular stuffed animals clipped onto students’ backpacks: Jellycats.
Founded in London in 1999, Jellycat has become one of today’s most popular plush brands among teenagers and children alike. Unlike traditional plush brands that focus only on animals, Jellycat transforms everyday objects into characters, from cheerful pastries to moody turtles. Jellycats are easily recognized by their iconic embroidered faces.
Jellycats have especially grown in popularity over the past few years due to their increased presence on social media. The brand has quickly built a reputation for being collectible, with many people across TikTok and Instagram sharing their Jellycat collections or giving Jellycat hauls. But for many students, the appeal of Jellycats isn’t new. While Jellycats are hugely popular today, many students started collecting them in their childhood.
Callie Arthur ’27 said that she “had one as a child” and that “they’ve been accumulating ever since.” Another reason for the popularity of Jellycats is simply that stuffed animal brands often cycle in and out. Leila Dalum ’27 noted that while she had a “Squishmallow phase,” it turned into a “Jellycat phase.”Over the past decade or so, a variety of stuffed animals, such as Beanie Boos, Squishmallows, and now, Jellycats, have been trending. Dalum stated that she buys Jellycats over other stuffed animals because “they’re so soft and they’re adorable.” Jellycats are made of polyester, contributing to their softness.
One of the biggest downsides to becoming a Jellycat collector is their price. A medium-sized Jellycat can range anywhere from $25 to $65, with bigger Jellycats costing even more. Still, this hasn’t stopped students from saving up to buy them or asking for them as gifts. Over the past few years, Jellycats have become a staple in the student body. They can be seen as miniature versions hanging off backpacks or found in large quantities in students’ bedrooms. Jellycats are a trend that seems to have cemented itself in today’s culture.
In a fast-moving, trend-driven culture, Jellycats offer something surprisingly simple: comfort, collectibility, and a bit of childhood whimsy.
