Remember the array of warm and familiar stuffed animals that lined your bed and filled the crevices of your bedroom when you were young? The furry friends, which, as you aged, also aged, and they were slowly forgotten? Those same musty yet perfect stuffed animals, which drifted away as your childhood did, are making a comeback with the explosion of Jellycats, and no, they are no longer just for little kids.
The Jellycat family has been around and making stuffed animals for many years, but it was not until 1999 that they officially opened their Jellycat Studio in London. Brothers Thomas and William Gatacre, “the ninth generation of cat,” founded the company, according to their website.
Though Jellycat has been around since 1999, its popularity has grown dramatically in the last year, and it’s still on its rise, according to Meet Glimpse. They gained popularity on TikTok and other social media platforms, but why the sudden explosion of stuffed animals that have existed for so long? With Jellycats often releasing new and limited Amusables, people started sharing their experiences and collecting new releases. Also, Jellycat emphasizes the safety of its toys, which ensures parents feel comfortable giving their children the stuffed animals.
“When I was younger, I had a few Jellycats, but I had forgotten about them until recently,” said Sophia Gabel (’27). “Since they became popular again, I pulled my old ones out of the attic and started collecting more of them.”
The Jellycat Diner in New York City opened inside FAO Schwarz in September 2023. FAO Schwarz offers many different Jellycats, including the New York-themed Amusables Food & Drink. The diner is an interactive experience, where one picks the Amusable they want, then watches it be “cooked” by the staff. While there are a variety of Jellycats you can choose from, the only ones you can choose for the “cooking” experience in NYC are the Amusables Burger, Hot Dog, Taco, and Pizza.
In addition to the Jellycat Diner in NYC, Jellycat has opened many pop-up locations, all selling Jellycats inspired by the area. The Paris Patisserie sells Amusables Macaroons, and the London Bakery features things one may find at tea time.
Although stuffed animals are targeted towards little kids, the experience and collection of Jellycats are for people of all ages. People consider some of the stuffed animals rare, leading to some serious bidding wars on eBay. Their high quality makes them desirable for kids and adults who just want a companion. And, with the new Jellycat Diner, no matter what age, people love to watch their new stuffed animals get “cooked.”
With the excitement of the Jellycat Diner and the various pop-ups, people love Jellycat stuffed animals. The plush luxury of these toys has called for people of all ages to love and collect these Amusables. Next time you are in NYC, stop by the Jellycat Diner and enjoy the “cooking” experience of your new Jellycat.
