Choose the Perfect Soft Toy for Your Child

How to Choose the Perfect Soft Toy for Your Child

From cuddly companions to collectible characters, plush toys are more than just adorable—they’re often a child’s first friend. Whether you're buying a birthday present, a baby shower gift, or simply adding to a growing pile of bedtime buddies, it’s important to find the perfect soft toy for your child’s age, interests, and needs.

Here’s our guide to choosing the right plush toy, with top picks from beloved brands like Ty, Palm Pals, Keel Toys, Squishmallows, and more.

1. Start With Age: Baby-Safe vs. Older Kids’ Plush

The first thing to consider is your child’s age. Younger children—especially babies and toddlers—need baby-safe soft toys made with embroidered features (no plastic eyes or buttons) and designed for chewing, hugging, and tossing.

Baby-Safe Plush Toys

Look for plush toys that are:

• CE/UKCA certified for birth

• Made with non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials

• Machine washable (because let’s face it, accidents happen!)

Brands like Keel Toys Baby Collection offer beautifully made, ultra-gentle plush animals and comforters designed especially for newborns and infants.

2. Consider Size & Portability

Plush toys come in all shapes and sizes, but not all are practical for little arms or travelling.

Soft Toy Bag Charms
For kids who love to take their soft friends on the go, mini plush keyrings and bag charm soft toys are a fun choice. They clip onto school bags, pencil cases, or even belt loops. Look out for Ty Bag Clips and Squishmallow Clip-ons—cute, compact, and collectable.

3. Think About Personality: What Does Your Child Love?

Does your little one love animals, fantasy creatures, or TV characters? Picking a plush that reflects their personality makes the gift extra meaningful.

Character Soft Toys
Kids adore cuddling their favourite on-screen stars. Bluey plush toys and Paddington Bear soft toys are always a hit, especially for children who love recreating adventures from their favourite shows.

Ty Beanie Boos & Beanie Babies
With their huge glittery eyes and themed characters (from unicorns to giraffes), Ty plush toys are timeless and hugely popular with children aged 3+.

Palm Pals Plush
These pocket-sized pals have quirky personalities and a trendy, modern look that older kids love. They’re also easy to collect and swap with friends.

4. For Maximum Cuddles: Go Super Soft

When softness matters most—especially for bedtime—a supersoft plush toy is the ultimate comfort companion.

☁️ Squishmallows
With their marshmallow texture, huggable bodies and endless range of characters (think animals, food, mythical creatures), Squishmallows are perfect for snuggles and naps. Plus, they’re a favourite for tweens, teens and even adults!