Jellycat vs. Squishmallows vs. Palm Pals: Who Wins the Collectible Plushies Brand Showdown?

Jellycat Overview

Jellycat Origins and History

Jellycat is a brand that embodies creativity, innovation, and fun. It was founded in 1999 in London by brothers Thomas and William Gatacre, who shared a passion for soft toys and a vision to create something unique. The name ‘Jellycat’ was conjured up by a child who had an affection for jellies and cats, hence the quirky name.Because of the creative designs, the name Jellycat was so perfect and such a great reflection of their soft toys.Not long after establishing ourselves in the UK, Jellycat Inc was set up in Minneapolis in 2001. In the following years they have been privileged to supply some of the finest retail shops, department stores and boutiques throughout the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and even as far as Australia.

Jellycat’s aim is to create innovative yet simple soft toy companies that boast superior softness whilst possessing a distinctive charm.Since its inception, Jellycat has launched two innovative collections each year, creating thousands of Jellycat products.Today, Jellycat stands as a symbol of comfort, creativity and enduring playfulness. Its history remains a testament to its vision of creating soft toys that inspire a sense of joy and connection.There is always something original and quirky yet incredibly soft and sumptuous to find at a Jellycat jamboree! Irresistibly cuddly, sophisticatedly silly, hilariously humorous, a perfect gift for all ages!"Another enticing factor to consider is the Jellycat cafe and exciting pop-up events that occur in London and across the world.

Jellycat Product Range

While the company mostly sells soft toys, it also sells books, nursery items, bags, bag charm/ keychains and other accessories.This gives customers a vast array of Jellycat joys to choose from and means they can choose more types of treats for themselves or give them as gifts to others.

Jellycat's products include traditional stuffed animals, such as bunnies and bears, alongside more whimsical lines like its Amuseables series, with quirky designs like smiling plants and foods.Dont forget that there's Jellycat Special Editions for every event too e.g. Jellycat Christmas, Jellycat Halloween and Jellycat Easter.

ellycat’s diverse range of characters, from classic animals to quirky beings showcased the brand's ability to infuse personality into each soft toy it created.

Jellycat Materials & Quality

Jellycats are known for using high-quality, incredibly soft fabrics, making them incredibly huggable and comforting. And all Jellycat products are thoroughly tested to comply with European toy safety standards, ensuring their safety and quality.According to their website, Jellycat toys are ‘softer, subtler and long-lasting’ than other toys.The quality of their materials also means that they’re safe for children and adults of all ages, including newborns, and can be enjoyed by all. 

Where to Buy Jellycat?

Jellycat's network of stockists has grown considerably since the beginning. Not long after establishing themselves in the UK, Jellycat Inc was set up in Minneapolis in 2001. In the following years they have been privileged to supply some of the finest retail shops, department stores and boutiques throughout the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and even as far as Australia.

If you want to buy Jellycat products, you can visit their official website. Alternatively, you can search for local retailers or online shops that sell Jellycat products in your area, such as:

• Amazon
  

• The Paper Store (up to 6% super cash back)

• Selfridges (up to 7% super cash back)

• Paper Source

• John Lewis

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Squishmallows Overview

Squishmallow Origins and History

Squishmallows were designed by Sunny Cho and introduced by Kelly Toys in 2017. Jonathan Kelly, founder of Kelly Toys, came up with the idea for Squishmallows after a trip to Japan, where he observed the popularity of soft, cute plushies. The first Squishmallows collection included characters like Cam the Cat, Wendy the Frog, and others. Squishmallows gained significant traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the hashtag #squishmallows becoming a viral trend on TikTok. In 2020, Kelly Toys was acquired by Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, further expanding the brand's reach and distribution. In 2022, NPD named Squishmallows #1 Best Selling Toy, and the Toy Association honored the brand with seven Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. Squishmallows has also launched fan-first experiences, including a Squish Tour and Squishmallows Human Claw Machine activation at VidCon 2022. The brand’s ongoing expansion and passionate fan base will continue to make Squishmallows a collectible phenomenon and evergreen lifestyle property.

The success of the Squishmallow craze can be attributed to the company's commitment to high standards in design and materials, which ensures that each Squishmallow looks cute and is incredibly huggable.Each Squishmallow is different, and they all have their own names and hobbies. Some of them are pretty cute. 

Squishmallow Product Range

Now the mainly food-themed plushie is taking over the stuffed animal world.Squishmallows are more focused on designing cute animal characters. The unique personalities and backstories of each Squishmallow character have fostered a strong sense of collectibility and community among fans. The success of Squishmallows has led to licensing deals across various categories, including apparel, footwear, snacks, and housewares, as well as entertainment ventures like a Roblox game. 

Although they are mainly a toy for children, they became a huge item for college-age students. With thousands of those students amassing HUGE collections, the Squishmallow craze is often compared to the Beanie Baby Boom of the mid-1990s.

Plus, much to their fans’ delight, Squishmallow expansion has taken the form of brand collaborations, which have included:

• Hello Kitty

• Pokémon

• Monopoly

• PUMA

• McDonald’s

• Marvel

• And many more

Squishmallow Materials & Quality

The success of the Squishmallow craze can be attributed to the company's commitment to high standards in design and materials, which ensures that each Squishmallow looks cute and is incredibly huggable.On the other hand, Squishmallows also use polyester stuffing. They use a super-soft Spandex on their outside line, giving them a marshmallow texture that you'll love to hug.

Where to Buy Squishmallow?

Squishmallows can be purchased at Amazon, Target, CostCo, Walgreens, Five Below and more. You also might want to consider buying a used Squishmallow from Etsy, Ebay, or there are even some sellers who run their shop out of Instagram! 

• Shop.jazwares.com

• Amazon

• Target

• Walmart (up to 1% super cash back)

• Walgreens (up to 4% super cash back)

Palm Pals Overview

Palm Pals Origins and History

First released in 1981, Palm Pals have been created by American brand Aurora World Ltd. Aurora is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality soft toys and gifts. First established in South Korea in 1981, Aurora World has since expanded into a global company with offices and factories in multiple countries, gaining worldwide recognition for its innovative designs and competitive prices.Following the introduction of a ‘green’ initiative in 2020, Aurora committed to its sustainability pledge by switching to 100% recycled materials – cutting down on waste plastic and paper, saving millions in costs, and helping the planet by reducing carbon emissions. Palm Pals was the first product range to go completely green!

Palm Pals are so named because they are designed to fit into the palm of your hand.Standing at just 13cm, Palm Pals are designed to be characterful and extra adorable, hence their small sizes.Each Palm Pal has their own name, number, and personality on their hangtag, whether they’re fun-loving, feisty, smart, or shy. This helps children to build out an imaginative world of play with their new plush pals, and makes collecting different personalities addictive for kids, teens, and adults alike.

Palm Pals Product Range

As they mainly produce designs based on animals and food items, there is a lot of crossover with Jellycat characters, but Jellycat tends to go for looks that are a little more realistic.Within the Palm Pals range, there are different collections, such as barn, zoo, forest, aquatic, and pre-historic animals, plus more critters, food cravings, and whimsical designs like weather elements. There are also seasonal styles for summer and Christmas, just like Jellycat, which also releases seasonal designs every year.Each Palm Pal has a hangtag with a name, number, and characteristics, letting you know their personality – for example, Happy Hamster is joyful and energetic.

Palm Pals Materials & Quality

Palm Pals are marketed by Aurora World as its first eco-friendly soft toy, as part of their Green Initiative – allowing consumers to purchase sustainable products and enjoyed 100% guilt-free.The materials of each Palm Pal, includes:

• Fibre fill – made from 100% recycled plastics

• Cloth labels – made from 100% recycled materials

• Plastic pellets – made from recycled plastics

Their squishable bodies are stuffed with fibre filling and plastic beans and covered in soft fluffy fur, all made from recycled materials. So you can rest assured that your Palm Pals are environmentally friendly!Every Palm Pals soft toy is constructed to a high standard from non-toxic materials that are safe for children to snuggle, providing a soothing and gentle experience for babies and toddlers. 

Where to Buy Palm Pals?

The best place to buy Palm Pals and find different characters for your collection is from Palm Pals official website or an authorised Aurora World stockist,such as:

• Auroraworld.co.uk

• Amazon

• Target

• Kohl's (up to 3% super cash back) 

Jellycat vs. Squishmallows vs. Palm Pals: Comparison Side by Side

1. The Price

Jellycat - On average, you can find Jellycat toys ranging from $12 to $200, or more, depending on the complexity and size. Jellycat soft toys prices can vary based on the toy, size and collection.

Squishmallow - A standard Squishmallows only cost about $3 - $40 each.For this reason, Squishamallows are generally seen as a more affordable plush brandThe pricing of the first-ever Squishmallow is mostly the same because it isn't considered a super rare Squishmallow collectible.Also, the rarest squishmallows are super popular in the world that they cost around $1,399 to $2,000 on eBay.

Palm Pals - A standard Palm Pals costs around $10 - $23.

2. The Appearance

Jellycat - Jellycat toys combine realistic features and colourings with minor tweaks to make them more charming.Iconic characteristics of this brand include:

• Beaded eyes and a small, stitched mouth

• Feet details, including the Jellycat Moon boots worn by Amusables characters

• Slightly exaggerated elements, like overly large ears, arms, or tails

Squishmallow - Squishmallows are designed in an overly cute, kawaii style, which is found across Japan. Ideal for those looking for something outspokenly adorable. Characteristics of this style are merged with the brand to include:

• Large soft features, including big eyes

• Small mouths

• Less of a focus on realism

• Bright or pastel colourings – even for characters who are not normally brightly coloured

Palm Pals - As their name suggests, the biggest charm of Palm Pals is that they are small enough to fit comfortably in your hand, with endearing little faces to capture your heart. Sitting at 13cm tall, each colourful Palm Pal has rounded features and embroidered details to bring their expressive designs to life.The cute and appealing nature of the facial features these small toys represent are quickly becoming mainstream in the UK and Europe.

3. The Size

Jellycat - Jellycat offers variety of sizing in most designs.These include tiny Jellycat keychains at 10cm tall.Jellycat soft toys can vary from around 13cm to massive plushes almost a metre high.

Squishmallow - Squishmallows offer plush toys ranging from 3.5 to 24 inches.

Palm Pals - When it comes to the size of Palm Pals, the clue is in the name – they’re the perfect size to perch in the palm of a hand, sitting at 13cm tall. This small size makes Palm Pals more easily collectable for some people.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

When comparing these three stuffed animals side by side, there are many things to differentiate among them. All provide high-quality plushes, but the look, feel, portability, and affordability of one brand might suit your personal preferences more than the other. Jellycat offers premium, high-quality plush with a focus on unique designs and textures, while Squishmallows are known for their squishy, kawaii style and affordability, and Palm Pals are a more budget-friendly option with a focus on simple, cuddly designs. 

There’s no reason you can’t collect Jellycat,Squishmallow and Palm Pals at the same time, though!You don’t even need to stick to one soft toy brand over another, especially if you are buying them as a gift for others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who set up Jellycat? Who Owns Jellycat?

Brothers Tom and Will Gatacre, Co-founder and Manager Director of Jellycat. It is a privately owned company.

Where is Jellycat based?

Jellycat Ltd Westworks Building, 195 Wood Ln, London W12 7FQ but they also have an office in Minnesota.

Where is Jellycat designed?

Jellycat have designed in the UK since the beginning and continue to work with designers in London and around the country.

What is so special about Jellycats?

Jellycats are beloved for their unparalleled softness, unique and creative designs, and high-quality craftsmanship, making them sought-after plush toys for both children and adults alike. The company frequently introduces new collections, keeping their lineup fresh and exciting, ensuring there's a Jellycat for every personality and preference.Many people become avid collectors of Jellycat toys, with some even searching for rare and hard-to-find designs. 

Is Jellycat overpriced?

These plushies are expensive due to their high standards, limited availability and the company's assurance of paying their workers a livable wage. When purchasing a Jellycat, you invest in quality, uniqueness and joy that is sure to last throughout time.

Who is the target audience for Jellycat?

Jellycat's target audience, while originally focused on children, has expanded to encompass a broad range of ages, including adults, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, drawn to the brand's unique designs, collectibility, and emotional appeal. 

Is it worth collecting Jellycats?

Jellycat toys have soared in popularity in recent years - and if you've got some you could be sitting on a goldmine. The soft toys are often produced in limited quantities, meaning they go up in value due to their rarity.

What's the most popular Squishmallow?

Cam the Cat was one of the first Squishmallows and is one of the most popular and iconic personalities. Another favorite is the 16-inch Jack the Black Cat, which sold out online in just two short hours.

Where are Squishmallows made?

Squishmallows are manufactured in China due to the cheap cost of labor.

Why are Squishmallows so expensive?

Squishmallows are popular, especially with collectors, and their popularity drives up demand, leading to higher prices, especially for sought-after characters or limited editions. Not all Squishmallows are released in large quantities, and some are exclusive to specific retailers or online platforms.

What is the rarest Squishmallow in the world?

The rarest Squishmallow is generally considered to be Jack the Black Cat. He likes to jump in and out of boxes, and build forts with his friends, Hoot and Wendy. Only 500 were ever made and sold to stores, making this Squishmallow incredibly sought after by collectors. His limited production and unique Squishmallow design contribute to his high-value tag.

What age are Palm Pals for?

Palm Pals toys are suitable for all ages, meaning they're safe for babies, too. These plush toys are made using soft and non-toxic materials, with a plastic bean filling that makes them fun to squeeze.

Are Palm Pals washable? 

Like most soft toy manufacturers, Aurora World, Inc. doesn’t recommend that you wash their Palm Pal soft toys in the washing machine. 

Are Palm Pals safe for babies?

Most Aurora plushies are safe for all ages, meaning they are suitable from birth and can be enjoyed by babies, too. They are tested to European safety standards and approved as being safe from birth, which should be specified on the individual product’s hangtag.

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