Quick answer: Highland cow plush and capybara plush are two of the fastest-rising soft toy trends of 2026, with retailer searches for these designs up around 219% and 198%. Giant stuffed animals, long cat plush and heavier weighted stuffed animals are also popular gifts. Pick a size that suits the child's age and space, and keep plush out of infant sleep spaces.
If you have scrolled social media lately, you have probably seen a fluffy highland cow plush or a sleepy-eyed capybara plush sitting on a bed or a desk. These two animals have become the cutest soft toy trend of 2026. Retail search data from the wholesale marketplace Faire showed searches for highland cow designs up 219% and capybara designs up 198% quarter over quarter (The Toy Book / Faire). Meanwhile, giant stuffed animals, extra-long cat pillows and heavier weighted plush toys are popular gifts for kids, teens and adults around the world. Here is how to choose the right one.
In this guide:
- Why is the highland cow plush so popular?
- The capybara plush craze
- Giant stuffed animals: big hugs, big smiles
- Long cat plush and pillow plush
- What is a weighted stuffed animal?
- Plush size guide
- Washing and care
- Frequently asked questions
Why is the highland cow plush so popular?
Highland cows are the shaggy, long-haired cattle from the Scottish Highlands, famous for their fringe that falls over their eyes and their gentle look. As a soft toy, that shaggy fringe and the small horns make a highland cow plush look friendly and a little bit funny. The design works for every age: toddlers like the fluffy texture, older kids collect them, and adults put them on shelves and desks. Highland cow themes also show up on clothing, mugs and nursery decor, which keeps them in the spotlight.
Our 25cm Kawaii Highland Cow Soft Stuffed Toy is a cuddle-sized version, around 25 cm (about 10 in), easy to carry and a sweet addition to a bedtime shelf or a gift basket.
The capybara plush craze
The capybara is the world's largest rodent, native to South America, and it has become an internet favourite for its calm, unbothered expression. Capybara plush toys capture that relaxed look with round bodies and small ears, and they are now one of the most searched-for cute plush toys.
For a capybara plush that does a little more than sit, the Electric Walking Capybara Plush Toy with Sound walks and makes sounds, which younger children find very funny. Battery-powered plush toys should be used with adult supervision and the battery compartment kept closed.
Giant stuffed animals: big hugs, big smiles
Giant stuffed animals make a big first impression at birthdays, Christmas and Valentine's Day. Children use them as reading cushions, sofa buddies and den mascots. When choosing a giant plush, think about where it will live: a 120 cm (47 in) giraffe or a jumbo unicorn needs real floor space.
A few favourites from our soft toys collection:
Giant Giraffe Plush Toy (50 to 120 cm): a tall, realistic giraffe available in several sizes, a showstopper for a playroom corner.
85cm Jumbo White Unicorn Plush: a giant unicorn for magical-minded kids, big enough to lean on.
Big Pink Teddy Bear Plush (80/100 cm): a classic big teddy bear that suits kids and grown-ups alike.
Lifelike White Goose Stuffed Toy (50 to 130 cm): a funny, oversized goose with big wings that doubles as a cushion.
Giant German Shepherd Plush (30 to 90 cm): a realistic dog plush for animal lovers who cannot have a pet yet.
Long cat plush and pillow plush
The long cat plush is exactly what it sounds like: a cat that is far longer than any real cat, designed to be hugged like a body pillow. Kids use them for cuddling while reading, and teens and adults use them as nap pillows. They come in several lengths, so check the size before you order.
Long Cat Plush Toy (50/70 cm): a manageable size for younger children.
Long Cat Plush Toy (50 to 130 cm): available up to 130 cm (about 51 in) for a full-length hug.
Other pillow-style favourites include the squishy corgi plush pillow and the cute cafe duck pillow toy. If your child also loves squeezable toys, see our squishy and fidget toys.
What is a weighted stuffed animal?
A weighted stuffed animal is a plush toy with extra filling, often small beads in an inner pouch, that makes it heavier than a normal soft toy. Many children and adults like the feeling of a heavier plush resting on their lap while they read or watch a film. It is a cuddly toy, not a medical or sleep product.
Giant 60cm Dinosaur Weighted Plush Toy: a big, huggable dinosaur with extra weight, popular with dinosaur fans.
Safety tip: Keep all soft toys, pillows and plush out of a baby's cot or sleep space, especially for babies under 12 months. Weighted plush toys are for supervised cuddling and play, not for sleep, and should not be placed on a young child's chest or face. Check seams regularly and repair or remove any toy that splits.
Plush size guide
| Size | Approx. length | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | Under 20 cm (8 in) | Bag charms, party favours, collectors | Keyring plush |
| Cuddle size | 20 to 35 cm (8 to 14 in) | Toddlers, bedtime buddy, travel | Highland cow plush |
| Large | 40 to 70 cm (16 to 28 in) | Reading cushion, sofa buddy | Long cat plush (70 cm) |
| Giant | 80 to 130 cm (31 to 51 in) | Show-stopping gifts, teens, playroom corners | Big teddy bear, giant giraffe |
Tip: for gift-giving, a big teddy bear or a giant giraffe looks impressive under the tree, while a cuddle-size highland cow is easier for small children to carry everywhere. Our birthday gifts collection has more ideas.
Washing and care
- Check the label first. Many plush toys are surface-wash only.
- Spot clean with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, then air dry.
- For machine-washable plush, use a laundry bag on a gentle cold cycle and dry flat.
- Do not machine wash battery-operated toys like walking plush; remove batteries and spot clean only.
- Weighted plush: spot clean, as the extra filling can clump if soaked.
- Brush long fur (like a highland cow fringe) gently with a soft brush to keep it fluffy.
Plush gift ideas by age
- Babies (from birth, for awake play only): small, soft plush without loose parts, held and played with under supervision rather than left in the cot.
- Toddlers (1 to 3): cuddle-size plush around 20 to 35 cm that is easy to carry, such as a highland cow plush or a small duck. Avoid plush with small hard parts that could come loose.
- Preschoolers (3 to 5): plush with a little action, like a walking capybara plush, or a big teddy bear to read with.
- School-age kids (6 to 12): giant stuffed animals for bedroom corners, long cat plush pillows and collectable cute plush toys.
- Teens and adults: trending designs like highland cows and capybaras, or a weighted stuffed animal for the sofa.
For an extra-special gift, pair a plush with a matching book or a pair of pyjamas, and wrap it in a gift bag rather than a box so the toy's face peeks out.
Related guides
- Christmas Gifts for Toddlers 2026: 25 Ideas Parents Love
- Squishy Toys and Fidget Toys: The 2026 Guide for Parents
- Reborn Baby Dolls: Silicone vs Vinyl, Sizes, Care and Safety for Kids
- Learn How to Choose the Right Soft Toy for Every Occasion and Age
Frequently asked questions
Why are highland cow plush toys so popular?
Highland cow plush toys are popular because of their shaggy fringe, small horns and gentle expression, which look cute on beds, shelves and social media. Retail search data from Faire showed highland cow designs up about 219% quarter over quarter in 2026. They suit toddlers, older kids and adults alike.
What is a capybara plush?
A capybara plush is a soft toy modelled on the capybara, a large, calm South American rodent that has become an internet favourite. Capybara plush toys usually have round bodies and a relaxed face. Some, like our walking capybara plush, also move and make sounds.
Where can I buy giant stuffed animals?
You can buy giant stuffed animals online in the Kids Joy Toys soft toys collection, including a giant giraffe up to 120 cm, a big teddy bear up to 100 cm, a jumbo unicorn and a giant goose. Check the size listed before ordering so it fits your space.
Is a weighted stuffed animal safe for kids?
A weighted stuffed animal can be used safely for supervised cuddling and play with older children when it is the right size and weight for them. It should not be used in a baby's cot or as a sleep product, and should not rest on a young child's face or chest. Check seams regularly so filling cannot escape.
How long is a long cat plush?
Long cat plush toys come in several lengths. Ours range from 50 cm (about 20 in) up to 130 cm (about 51 in). The shorter versions suit younger children, while the longest work as a full body pillow.
What size big teddy bear is best as a gift?
For young children, a teddy around 35 to 60 cm is easy to carry and cuddle. For a show-stopping gift for an older child, teen or partner, a big teddy bear of 80 to 100 cm makes a bigger impression. Think about storage space before choosing the giant size.
Ready to find a new cuddle buddy? Browse highland cow plush, capybara plush, long cats and giant stuffed animals in the Kids Joy Toys soft toys collection.
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