Looking for a Jellycat Alternative? Why Squishmallows Are Worth a Look
Jellycat plush have built a devoted following for their luxurious textures and charming designs, but they’re not the only option when you’re shopping for a premium soft toy. If you’re exploring a Jellycat alternative plush that offers the same huggable appeal with a different twist, Squishmallows bring their own strengths to the table.
We’ve spent years refining our super-soft polyester fill and marshmallow-like silhouette, and our community tells us the result hits a sweet spot between collectability and comfort. This guide walks through what sets Squishmallows apart—from the way we approach character design to the practical details that matter when you’re choosing a plush to keep or gift.
Texture and Fill: How the Two Approaches to Softness Differ
Jellycat plush often feature a dense, weighted feel with varied fabrics—corduroy paws, linen accents, or pile fur that adds tactile interest. Squishmallows take a different route: every character uses the same ultra-soft polyester shell filled with marshmallow-like polyester fibre, creating a uniform squish that springs back when you release pressure.
That consistency means you won’t find the textured details common in Jellycat’s range, but it also means every Squishmallow feels reliably soft straight out of the package. The fill compresses under gentle handling and rebounds over time, though heavy squeezing day after day will gradually reduce that bounce—something we explain in detail in our article on why Squishmallows lose squish over time.
For collectors who value a plush that holds its shape on a shelf and feels consistent across hundreds of characters, that uniform construction is an asset rather than a limitation.
Character Design Philosophy: Realistic Detail vs. Simplified Appeal
Jellycat leans toward lifelike proportions and nuanced expression—embroidered noses, carefully placed eyes, and poseable limbs that mimic the anatomy of the animal they represent. Squishmallows simplify that formula: every character shares the same rounded, pillow-like silhouette with minimal embroidery and printed or appliqué features.
The trade-off is deliberate. A unified shape makes each release instantly recognisable as a Squishmallow, and it keeps production costs lower without sacrificing the softness that drives our appeal. Collectors often tell us they appreciate the clean, minimalist aesthetic—especially when displaying dozens of characters together, where varied poses and textures can look cluttered.
That said, if you’re drawn to the sculptural detail and varied poses Jellycat offers, our approach will feel more graphic and less artisanal by comparison.
Collectability and Release Cadence: Limited Drops vs. Continuous Availability
Both brands release new characters regularly, but the rhythm differs. Jellycat tends to keep core designs in production for years, with seasonal or special-edition releases appearing less frequently. Squishmallows operate on a faster cycle: new squads drop monthly, and certain designs are designated as limited-edition or retailer-exclusive, creating scarcity that fuels the secondary market.
That rapid release cadence appeals to collectors who enjoy the hunt—tracking down a specific size or exclusive variant becomes part of the experience. It also means the range expands quickly; we’ve published over a thousand distinct characters since launch, compared to Jellycat’s more curated catalogue.
If you prefer a slower, more selective approach to building a collection, Jellycat’s model may suit you better. If you thrive on frequent drops and the possibility of finding a rare design, Squishmallows offer more opportunities to engage.
Price and Size Range: Where the Two Brands Overlap and Diverge
Jellycat plush typically start around £15–£20 for smaller characters and climb past £50 for large or elaborately designed pieces. Squishmallows cover a wider price spectrum: our 5-inch keychain clips begin under £10, while jumbo 24-inch versions can reach £40–£60 depending on the retailer and exclusivity.
That range makes Squishmallows more accessible for casual buyers or younger collectors building their first set, but it also means our premium positioning sits slightly below Jellycat’s on average. The lower entry price reflects our streamlined production—fewer fabric types, no poseable armatures—but it doesn’t compromise the quality of the fill or stitching.
For parents shopping for a child’s first plush or a budget-conscious gift, Squishmallows often deliver better value per inch of softness. For buyers who prioritise artisanal detail and are willing to pay for it, Jellycat remains the benchmark.
Licensing and Character Tie-Ins: Expanding Beyond Original Designs
Jellycat has largely stayed within its own universe of original animal and fantasy characters, with rare collaborations. Squishmallows have embraced licensed properties more aggressively: Disney, Pixar, Sanrio, and even Bluey characters now appear in our signature squishy format.
Those partnerships broaden the appeal beyond plush enthusiasts—fans of a specific franchise can now own a version of their favourite character in Squishmallow form, even if they weren’t previously collectors. It also means our catalogue includes both wholly original designs and familiar faces reinterpreted in our style.
If you’re looking for a Jellycat alternative plush that can double as licensed merchandise for a favourite show or film, Squishmallows offer that flexibility. If you prefer entirely original IP with no crossover branding, Jellycat’s approach keeps the focus squarely on their own creative vision.
Choosing the Plush That Fits Your Priorities
Jellycat and Squishmallows both deliver premium softness, but they approach design, pricing, and collectability from different angles. If you value textured details, lifelike proportions, and a curated catalogue that evolves slowly, Jellycat remains the gold standard. If you prioritise a consistent squish, frequent new releases, and licensed characters at accessible price points, Squishmallows offer a compelling alternative.
We’ve built our range around the idea that a plush can be simple in shape yet endlessly varied in character, and our community’s enthusiasm tells us that trade-off resonates. Whether you’re adding to an existing collection or starting fresh, understanding these differences helps you choose the option that truly fits what you’re looking for.
Common Questions About Choosing Between Jellycat and Squishmallow Plush
Softness is subjective, but Squishmallows deliver a different kind of tactile experience. Jellycat often uses multiple fabric types for textural contrast, while Squishmallows rely on a single ultra-soft polyester shell and marshmallow-like fill that compresses and rebounds.
Collectors tell us the consistent squish across every character feels reliable and comforting, though it lacks the varied textures Jellycat fans appreciate. If you prioritise uniform softness and a pillow-like feel, Squishmallows meet that brief.
Both brands use polyester fill, but the construction differs. Jellycat plush often include denser stuffing and internal armatures that help them sit upright or hold poses. Squishmallows compress more easily under pressure and rely on the fill’s natural resilience to bounce back.
With regular handling, a Squishmallow will gradually lose some of its initial puff, though it remains soft. If you display plush on a shelf rather than using them as everyday pillows, both brands will hold up well for years.
Squishmallows release new squads monthly and have published over a thousand distinct characters, including licensed tie-ins with Disney, Sanrio, and other franchises. Jellycat maintains a smaller, more curated catalogue that evolves slowly over time.
If you enjoy frequent new releases and hunting for rare designs, Squishmallows provide more options. If you prefer a carefully edited selection of timeless designs, Jellycat’s approach may feel less overwhelming.
Yes, though the size increments differ. Squishmallows come in 5-inch, 8-inch, 12-inch, 16-inch, 20-inch, and 24-inch versions, with some characters available in all sizes and others released in only one or two.
Jellycat sizes vary by design—some characters are offered in Tiny, Small, Medium, Large, and Huge versions, while others appear in only a single size. Both brands cover a similar overall range, but Squishmallows’ standardised sizing makes it easier to predict what you’re getting before ordering.
Both brands recommend surface cleaning with a damp cloth for routine maintenance. Squishmallows can be machine washed on a gentle cycle in a pillowcase or mesh bag, then air-dried—avoid high heat, which can damage the polyester fibres.
Jellycat plush with delicate embroidery or mixed fabrics may require more careful spot cleaning to preserve textured details. If easy laundering is a priority, Squishmallows’ simpler construction makes them slightly more forgiving.
Both meet UK and EU toy safety standards, but Squishmallows’ lack of small parts or hard embellishments makes them a safe choice for toddlers. Jellycat plush occasionally feature button noses, plastic eyes, or ribbon accessories that could pose a choking hazard for very young children.
Squishmallows also tend to be more affordable in smaller sizes, so parents comfortable with the plush getting rougher play or eventually needing replacement may find them a more practical option.