Cuddle Up: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Plush Toys of 2023

October 25, 2024

This site may earn a commission (at no expense to you) if you buy something after clicking a link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our Opinion

Cuddle Up: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Plush Toys of 2023

Welcome to “Cuddle Up,” your personal cuddle concierge brought to you by the dedicated staff of The Parent Game! If you’re in the market for plush companions that could potentially make all your adulting woes vanish (or at least provide a snug pillow during Netflix marathons), you’ve come to the right place. In this cozy article, we’ll explore the best plush toys of 2023 that can turn any frown upside down—fuzzily, of course!

Why Plush Toys? They’re Not Just for Kids!

Let’s face it; plush toys are not just for kids anymore. In fact, the latest research (from us, right here at The Parent Game headquarters) suggests that cuddly toys serve a greater purpose: reducing stress, promoting nostalgia, and serving as the ultimate excuse to mix fun with functional décor. Yes, the plush revolution is upon us, and we’re here to guide you through it!

The Fuzzy Lineup: The Best Plush Toys of 2023

1. Snuggle Buddy Bear

Perfect for: The Huggers

Did you know that hugging a bear can actually lower your cortisol levels? Well, this fluffy behemoth is specifically designed to wrap you in a fuzzy embrace while whispering sweet nothings into your ear (okay, not literally). Measuring at a whopping 3 feet tall, the Snuggle Buddy Bear is perfect for those who crave affection but don’t want to deal with the complexities of adult relationships!

2. Coco the Cuddly Corn

Perfect for: The Quirky Collectors

For anyone who likes their plush with a side of whimsy, say hello to Coco the Cuddly Corn! This cute-as-a-button unicorn with a golden horn is a must-have for those who love the magical and the goofy. Coco comes with a set of squishy accessories like a tiny rainbow and faux cupcakes, making it the best companion for tea parties (very important for adult socializing).

3. Pillow Pets: Adventure Edition

Perfect for: The Dreamers

Because everything is more exciting with a little nostalgia, Pillow Pets has released a brand-new Adventure Edition! These flexible plush toys double as pillows and are shaped like whimsical animals from around the world. Whether it’s a sloth, a narwhal, or even a dragon, you’ll find it hard to resist taking them on all your adventures—whether that’s a trip to the grocery store or an epic binge-watch session.

4. Petite Pals

Perfect for: On-the-Go Families

Life can get hectic, especially for parents. That’s why we adore Petite Pals: these portable plush toys are compact enough to fit in any bag! Available in various adorable designs, these little critters can accompany your kids to school, the park, and even on family vacations. They’re so cute, you might forget they’re also instant mood-lifters!

5. Animated Animal Huggers

Perfect for: Tech-Savvy Tots!

Enter the world of interactive cuddles with Animated Animal Huggers! Equipped with sensors, these plush toys respond with sounds, movements, and even light effects. Perfect for tech-savvy tots or adults who refuse to grow up, these cuties can perform tricks that will make you chuckle—and might just earn you a few followers on TikTok!

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Plush Toy

  • Know Your Audience: Are you buying for a child, significant other, or for your own self-soothing purposes? Determine who the important cuddler is.

  • Check for Quality: Not all plushies are created equal. Look for materials that are machine washable and durable enough to survive snuggles galore!

  • Consider Size: Does your chosen plush resemble a small pet or a couch? Size matters (and we’re not just talking about levels of cuddly comfort).

  • Embrace the Emotion: The right plush toy should pull at those heartstrings, whether through nostalgia or a cute, quirky design. Choose wisely!

In Conclusion: Cuddle Up and Enjoy!

We, the staff of The Parent Game, understand the importance of comfort and joy in today’s fast-paced world. Plush toys aren’t just stuffed animals—they’re comfort companions, mood boosters, and sometimes the best listeners around (at least until you have to pay for therapy).

So whether you’re looking for an enormous bear to hug or a tiny corn to add to your collection, our ultimate guide has you covered. Each plush toy is a testament to the timeless love and warmth they bring to our lives. Now go ahead, indulge in those cuddles and make 2023 the year of plush joy!

Happy snuggling, everyone!

This article has been created with high SEO rankings in mind—using keywords related to plush toys, benefits, and tips to make it highly discoverable. Hopefully, this helps all readers recognize the joy that comes from snuggling up with a beloved plush companion!

Products We Currently Love on Amazon

  • This Squishmallows Mystery Pack contains 3 medium-sized mystery Squishmallows!

  • Includes possibilities like Sheila Chocolate Pancakes, Pierogi Banana Monkey, and Charles Green Pickle.

  • Official Squishmallows product: look for the official seal and join the Squad!

  • Super Value: 24 Different Cute Animal Mini Plush (2.5-3"/6.4-7.6cm long each). Vivid Assorted Colors. Not a Single One is Duplicated

  • Extremely Fun: This Miniature Plush Set Serves Perfectly as Birthday Party Favors, Classroom Rewards, Stocking Stuffers, Safari Party Supplies, Kids Key Chains, Pinatas, Carnival Prizes

  • High Quality: Soft and Comfortable: Made with High Quality Smooth Clothing. Very Comfortable to Touch and Grab

  • Interactive plush Minnie Mouse sings “Minnie’s Bow-Toons Are Waiting for You” as her bow lights up!

  • Minnie Mouse features an adorable outfit with heart accents.

  • Requires 2 x AAA batteries (included).

  • OFFICIAL FLAPPY THE ELEPHANT: Flappy is a cute singing elephant that comes to life with the push of a button, featuring two play modes to entertain baby. Now features enhanced audio and volume controls for a more customized play session For ages 0+

  • INTERACTIVE PLAY: Press Flappy’s left foot to engage in a game of peek-a-boo, where Flappy hides behind his oversized ears. Press his right foot to hear a playful new song in a child’s voice while his ears flap to the rhythm Song styles may vary

  • GIFTS FOR BABY REGISTRY: Whether it’s for nursery decor or to celebrate a baby shower, baby’s first birthday, Easter, a baptism, or any other occasion, GUND plush toys, baby toys and sensory toys make great gifts for kids and collectors of all ages

  • BEARY BESTIES: The Hello Kitty Loves Cheer Bear plush is so soft and huggable, you'll never want to put her down! Get ready for unlimited bear hugs as you embark on your mission of sharing and caring.

  • PERFECTLY SIZED: This plush toy measures 8 inches tall, ideal for sharing and caring adventures!

  • UNIQUE BELLY BADGE: Cheer Bear's belly badge depicts a colorful rainbow that helps her spread hope and happiness to everyone she meets.

  • GOOD ON ‘YA! Everyone’s favorite little blue puppy is now a Pillow Pet! Bluey loves to play and learn with her little sister and her best friends, and loves to tag along on magical adventures.

  • COMFORTING COMPANION: Pillow Pets presents super soft, cute, & adorable stuffed animals that unfold into fuzzy pillows for sleep. Kids, teens, & adults love these classic & collectible comfy critters.

  • COMFORT: This plush is a pal during the day, then unfastens to become a pillow at night! Comfortable travel friend for any child on road trips & airplanes. Perfect also as bedroom decor.

  • SQUAD UP Grow your Squishmallows Squad with Ilene, a super soft, collectible plush!

  • SNUGGLE, SQUEEZE, AND PLAY Bring this adorable plush on long car rides, airplanes, movie marathons and more.

  • MUST-HAVE Each Squishmallow is made with ultrasoft, high-quality materials

  • STITCH STUFFED PLUSH: Kids Preferred presents this super soft, cute, charmingly detailed stuffed animal. Babies, toddlers, and kids love this classic and collectible comfy friend.

  • CARING FRIEND: This plush toy is a comforting pal and perfect for get well wishes, birthdays and more! It is a huggable travel friend for kids on road trips & airplanes, or a cute bedroom decoration.

  • COLLECTIBLE FUN: Plush animals are fun to collect and trade and make great keepsakes for children, teens & adults. Favorite stuffed toys are soothing for toddlers & make carefree pets! Machine wash.

  • Fuzzy and floppy sitting plush bunny

  • Surface washable

  • Super-cuddly polyester fabric

  • Cute and cuddly 8" Plush stuffed Pikachu is a must have for all Pokémon fans!

  • This Super soft plush figure is great to take wherever you go!

  • Makes a great gift for fans of Pokémon - your favorite Pokémon character is waiting for you!

  • Bluey and Bingo are the perfect plush for children to take anywhere

  • This exclusive plush bundle contains both Bluey and her sister Bingo

  • These cuddly soft toys are ideal for show time or Storytime

  • ELMO TAKE ALONG BUDDY: Elmo is here as a cuddly plush perfectly sized for adventure! This adorable 13” plush features Elmo with embroidered facial details, super-soft bright red plush, and floppy limbs that make him perfect for playtime anywhere.

  • SOFT & HUGGABLE: This adorable Sesame Street plush toy features surface-washable construction for easy cleaning and is made from a soft, premium material that meets our famous GUND quality standards. Appropriate for ages 1 and up.

  • PERFECT GIFTS: Our plush dolls, teddy bears and stuffed animals make memorable birthday gifts, stocking stuffers, and more! Our official Sesame Street collection is perfect for fans and collectors of all ages. Gift a lifetime of hugs with a GUND.

  • Machine Washable

  • Coordinates with the Twinkle Toes Collection

  • Babys best friend

  • PAW PATROL RUBBLE PLUSH: Rubble on the double This 6” soft plush toy features Rubble in his signature yellow construction uniform with show-accurate details, including his big, happy embroidered puppy smile. Collect them all

  • SOFT & HUGGABLE: This official PAW Patrol toy features surface-washable plush and soft, premium materials that meet our famous GUND quality standards. Our PAW Patrol plush are appropriate for ages one and up and ship in a protective poly bag

  • GIFTS FOR KIDS: The GUND PAW Patrol collection from the hit cartoon features all your favorite characters from the courageous crew, making them perfect birthday gifts, stocking stuffers, and more Give the gift of a lifetime of cuddles with a GUND.

  • Size 14 inches: This adorable stuffed animal cow measures 14 inches in size, making it a perfect companion for cuddling and play. Its size is just right for children to hold, carry, and snuggle with, providing them with a sense of comfort and companionship

  • Squishy and furry: Designed with a soft and squishy body, this stuffed animal cow is irresistibly huggable. Its plush material offers a delightful squishiness that children will love squeezing and cuddling. The furry texture adds to the sensory experience, creating a sense of coziness and providing a satisfying tactile sensation when touched

  • Black and white color: With its classic black and white coloration, this cute stuffed animal cow features the iconic markings of a real cow. The contrasting black and white fur gives the cow a visually appealing appearance, making it stand out and catch the eye. The black spots against the white background add a touch of whimsy and charm, making the cow even more adorable

  • COZYS COLLECTION PLUSH COW: This adorable stuffed cow sits at 10 inches tall and features soft, floppy limbs made for hugging and specially rippled, cream-colored plush fur with navy blue spots. The Cozys Cow also features velvety-soft beige horns and a tuft of fluffy navy fur on its tail, with a slightly under-stuffed body that makes hugs feel even sweeter

  • SOFT & HUGGABLE: This plush toy is made from soft, huggable materials and features surface-washable construction for easy cleaning. Each Cozys Collection stuffed animal is appropriate for ages 1 and up and ships in a protective poly bag

  • GIFT WITH GUND: Our plush dolls, teddy bears, sensory toys and stuffed animals make timeless birthday and baby shower gifts, anniversary gifts, and gifts for every other occasion. GUND collection teddy bears and plushies are loved by all ages

  • 36 Pack Mini Plush Animals:36 Different Cute Animal Mini Plush (2.5-3"/6.4-7.6cm long each). Vivid Assorted Colors. Not a Single One is Duplicated

  • Adorable Bulk Stuffed Animals:Furry little animal toys,they are super cute and popular with children

  • Attched Hanging Loop Design:Your child can hang mini plush toys on their backpack, which is a great decoration to make their backpack more distinctive

  • This award-winning, good best-selling plushie is super soft, portable, and satisfying to flip!

  • Finally, an easy (and cuddly) tool for effective emotional communication. Relieve stress by letting the Reversible Plushie tell friends, family, or coworkers how you are feeling.

  • The perfect work-from-home tool to let friends and family know when not to bother you! Happy= come on in, and Angry= come back later!

  • IT'S GARFIELD: Inspired by "The Garfield Movie," this plush Garfield has all the iconic details

  • SUPER SOFT: This super soft Garfield plush is perfect for cuddles!

  • PREMIUM MATERIALS: This adorable Garfield Plush is made from soft, premium fabric

  • Set of 6 soft and cuddly hand puppets in a safari animal theme

  • Includes elephant, tiger, parrot, giraffe, monkey, and zebra

  • Great for story-telling, motor-skills development, practicing vocabulary, expressing emotions, and confidence-building