With additional reporting by Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero
Cuddly, sweet, and full of personality, there's a reason why plush toys and puppets are some of kids favorite classic toys. From Folkmanis to Gund, check out retailers' top-selling brands below.
*No manufacturer paid to be included in this list. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.
Fantasy play just got more entertaining with the Folkmanis® WINGED DRAGON puppet. Fierce and bold, this green flying reptile is a handful of fun. Create your own fairytale by animating the mouth and wings of this magical beast. — Mary Porter, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in an April 2015 survey that Folkmanis puppets are one of her store's top-two best-selling infant & toddler toys. — In a June 2015 survey, three out of 10 retailers told TDmonthlythat Folkmanis was their best-selling puppet brand.
This prickle of hedgehogs from GUND is a ball of cuteness. Super-soft and fluffy with sweet little faces, they're fun to cuddle, toss, and tote. Set includes three hedgehogs in dark brown, light brown, and charcoal. For ages 12 months and up. Size 3" — Dean Smith, owner of Jazams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a June 2015 survey that Ganley the Hedgehog was their store's best-selling plush brand.
This cute little 1 piece, palm size porcupine set from Gund will put a smile on your child's face. Each porcupine measures 3" in height with a plastic nose & stitched eyes. Each porcupine has soft velour face & paws with the lighter of the two having a soft velour stomach as well. Both porcupines have salt & pepper colored long hair. — In a June 2015 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Qwilly porcupine was their best-selling plush toy.
Fiesta stuffed animals and plush toys soothe, comfort, and encourage creative play. Animals for everyday, holiday, special occasion, inspirational, amusement, novelty and custom. Quality soft fabrics, attention to detail and expressive faces make fiesta stuffed toys a gift to be treasured. — In a June 2015 survey David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., told TDmonthlythat Fiesta was their store's best-selling plush brand.
This Beanie plush line from Ty features 8” characters and includes such favorites as a penguin, a panda, a koala, a monkey, a frog, and a Husky dog. — As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: According to the user, the smile was crooked and the toy was taller and thinner than depicted, rendering it less adorable. — Beanie Boos were popular sellers at My Club Tabby in Lake Charles, La., in March 2010, Owner Natalie Comeaux told TDmonthly. — In a May 2012 survey, two out of 11 retailers said that TY Beanie Boos were their best sellers in the Plush and Puppets category. John Taylor, owner of O.P. Taylor's in Brevard, N.C., told TDmonthly that they sell 48 TY Beanie Boos each month.
These scented backpack clips are shaped like foods. Pictured: Freddy Frosted: I'm chocolate donut scented! — Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Lexington, Mass., told TDmonthly in a June 2015 survey that Whiffer Sniffers are their store's best-selling plush.
Muddly, cuddly Fuddlewuddle Calf is so loveably ditzy! He’d forget to put his horns on if they weren’t attached! We all love him though, with his black and white splotches and merry Jellycat grin. Soft as silk and fond of milk, this scamp has a big heart and lots of love to give. — In a June 2015 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Jellycat was their best-selling plush brand.
Looks like someone’s been scrabbling about and making all kinds of mischief! Fuddlewuddle Fox has been on so many adventures, he’s made ruffles all through his soft, gingery fur. Give this feisty fellow lots of scruffles and strokes, and maybe he’ll show you how to dance the foxtrot! — In a June 2015 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthlythat Jellycat was their best-selling plush brand.
Googly eyes is not his only quality, but makes it more exciting for this out of this world creature. Guzly is super silly for a friendly monster, bright colors and an extra-long tongue makes kids smile just by looking at him. Turn playtime into Guzly time with the Googalops Guzly hand puppet. — In a June 2014 survey, Joel Dinkins from Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly that Manhattan Toy made their store's best-selling puppets. — In a June 2015 survey, Ava Allen, owner of Be Beep A Toy Shop in Columbia, S.C., told TDmonthly in a June 2015 survey that Manhattan Toy was their best-selling plush/puppet brand.
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Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. 
