Top 5 things to consider when choosing a soft toy

5 things to consider when choosing a soft toy

(a guide for finding 'the one')

Choosing a soft toy might sound simple, but most parents will tell you it rarely is.

The truth is, there's no formula for finding the "perfect" one, and no checklist that guarantees a forever friend. More often, it's simply the plush toy your child gravitates toward — the one they reach for again and again, without quite knowing why.

Still, there are a few things that can make a real difference.

1. Fabric choice — softness that feels reassuring

A plush toy spends most of its life held close. It's tucked under arms at bedtime, carried through unfamiliar places, and squeezed through the small dramas of childhood — often helping children feel safe and settled. So it makes sense that the way it feels really does matter.

On the outside

• Polyester plush is wonderfully soft and holds its shape and colour beautifully over time. It washes easily, dries quickly, and tends to resist stains — practical qualities for a toy that's loved hard.
• Cotton plush is naturally breathable, which makes it a good choice for children with sensitive skin. It regulates temperature well, feels comfortable in every season, and is a more sustainable option.
• Linen is gentle on delicate skin and naturally strong, which makes it ideal for little ones and rougher play. Made from flax, it's also biodegradable and kind to the environment.

On the inside

• Polyester filling is light, soft, and helps a stuffed animal keep its shape — even after countless washes. Recycled polyester offers the same benefits, with the added bonus of being made from reclaimed materials.
• Weighted pellets are sometimes added in the base or limbs. They help the toy sit more naturally and give it a subtle, comforting heft — a little like being held.

2. Safety you can trust

Comfort toys get held, slept with, dragged through gardens and tucked into car seats. So safety isn't a small detail,  it's everything.

For younger children especially, look for:

• no small or removable parts
• embroidered features rather than glued or plastic pieces
• an age-appropriate design suited to your child's stage

It's also worth checking that any soft toy or plush toy has been tested to recognised safety standards. You'll usually find this noted on the label, and we've shared more about what to look for in our safety guide.

3. Made to last

A forever friend is rarely kept perfect. They're carried everywhere, washed and rewashed, patched up and loved a little more each year.

The toys that hold up over time tend to share a few things in common:

• strong, reinforced seams in the spots that take the most wear including necks, limbs, and ears
• durable fabrics or quality natural fibres like cotton, wool, or linen
• careful finishing, so embroidered features and small details stay put through years of cuddles

It's not about keeping them looking new. It's about making sure they're still here, slightly loved and all the better for it, ten years from now.

4. The right size to carry

The stuffed animals that become forever friends are often the ones that fit the moment — small enough to tuck under an arm, slip into a bag, or grip easily in little hands.

Smaller toys tend to suit newborns best. Small to medium sizes are perfect for everyday adventures — tea parties, dress-ups, and trips out and about. Larger toys often shine at home, lined up on a bed, propped against pillows, or read to in a quiet corner.

A small tip from us: if your child has chosen a clear favourite, it's worth having a smaller "travel-sized" version of the same friend on hand. They can step in for holidays, ease worries when the original is in the wash, and save the day if their best friend ever wanders off.

5. Something they connect with

Often, it's not the one you would choose. It's the one they choose and the one they keep coming back to.

Think about what already lives on their shelf. Maybe they have a row of teddies and would love a quirky chicken or seagull to keep them company. Maybe this is baby's first soft toy, and a traditional bear or rabbit feels just right. Or maybe your child has a soft spot for the unusual, and a slightly unexpected character will become their absolute favourite.

Clothing and accessories can add another layer to a soft toy's personality, sparking imagination and encouraging cognitive development through pretend play.

When you've found the one

You'll notice it slowly.  It's the one that's always somewhere nearby, gets packed without a second thought taken to bed at night.

And before long... it isn't really a toy at all.

When you're ready to find a forever friend of your own, explore our collection of soft toys designed to be loved for a lifetime.