Best Plush Puppets of 2026

Jimmy Roof Avatar
Jimmy Roof
Last Updated: Jan 12, 2026

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Plush Puppets provide children with hours of imaginative playtime. These soft and cuddly toys come in a variety of animal shapes, from classic teddy bears to exotic creatures like lions and tigers. They are made with high-quality materials that are durable and safe for children of all ages. Plush Puppets are perfect for snuggling up with at bedtime or taking on adventures during the day. They make great gifts for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. With their cute and friendly faces, these puppets are sure to become cherished companions for children everywhere.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppets Set Cover #TOP 1
Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppets Set
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Bluey Bob Bilby & Unicorse Plush Puppets 2-Pack Cover #TOP 2
Bluey Bob Bilby & Unicorse Plush Puppets 2-Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
JOYIN 6Pcs Kids Hand Puppet Set Cover #TOP 3
JOYIN 6Pcs Kids Hand Puppet Set
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Plush Puppets

#TOP 1

Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppets Set

9118
Multicolor
1 EA
Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppets Set Cover
Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppets, Set of 6 (Elephant, Tiger, Parrot, Giraffe, Monkey, Zebra) Soft, Plush Puppet, Stuffed Animals, Pretend Play Toddler Toys for Girls & Boys 2+

The Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppets Set includes 6 soft and cuddly hand puppets with a safari animal theme, made with brightly patterned, high-quality washable fabrics. This entertaining puppet set helps develop multiple skills such as storytelling, motor skill development, practicing vocabulary, expressing emotions, and confidence-building. It is an excellent gift for kids ages 2 and up, and encourages hands-on screen-free play, making it the "gold standard in childhood play".

What We Like
Soft and durable material
Great for imaginative play
Fits kids and adults
Vibrant colors and details
Encourages family bonding
What We Don't Like
Mouths do not move
#TOP 2

Bluey Bob Bilby & Unicorse Plush Puppets 2-Pack

18054
Multicolor
8-9 inches
Bluey Bob Bilby & Unicorse Plush Puppets 2-Pack Cover
Bluey Unicorse & Bob Bilby Hand Puppet Plush 2-Pack – 8-9” Soft Deluxe Fabric, Embroidered Details, Perfect for Toddler Hands, Imaginative Play, Official Bluey Toys, Amazon Exclusive

The Bluey Bob & Unicorse Puppets are designed to bring hours of fun by letting your child play with their favorite characters, just like Bingo and Bluey do. Sized perfectly at 8-9 inches, these puppets fit comfortably on toddler hands, making them easy to use during playtime. Crafted from soft deluxe fabrics with detailed embroidery, they feel cozy to cuddle while also encouraging imaginative storytelling. These plush puppets are a great addition to your child’s toy collection, sparking creativity and enjoyable moments during both playtime and storytime.

What We Like
Super soft material
Great for all ages
Adorable and well-made
Perfect size for cuddling
Comforting and meaningful gift
What We Don't Like
Smaller than expected
Hand puppets tricky for adults
#TOP 3

JOYIN 6Pcs Kids Hand Puppet Set

10214
Mixed Color
9x8 inch
JOYIN 6Pcs Kids Hand Puppet Set Cover
JOYIN 6Pcs Kids Hand Puppet Set with Working Mouth, Toddler Plush Toy Includes Elephant, Giraffe, Lion, Bear, Raccoon and Monkey for Show Theater, Christmas Birthday Gifts for Kid

This set includes six super soft hand puppets, featuring elephant, giraffe, lion, bear, raccoon, and monkey. The giraffe, lion, bear, raccoon, and monkey puppets have working mouth, which is great for imaginative play, puppet show, and creative classroom or church settings. The puppets are designed to improve motor skills, hand-eye coordination, communication skills, self-confidence, and social-emotional connections. The puppets are 9 inches in height and 8 inches in width, fitting all age kids. They meet the USA toy standard.

What We Like
Adorable animal designs
Good quality materials
Encourages creative play
Great gift for kids
Vivid colors and details
What We Don't Like
Small hand opening
Mouth movement somewhat tricky
#TOP 4

Melissa & Doug Animal Hand Puppets (Set of 2)

93189
Multi
One Size
Melissa & Doug Animal Hand Puppets (Set of 2) Cover
Melissa & Doug Animal Hand Puppets (Set of 2, 4 Animals in Each) - Zoo Friends and Farm Friends

The Melissa & Doug Animal Hand Puppets come in two sets, each with four friendly animal puppets that are brightly patterned, washable, and sized to fit both children and adults. The Farm Friends set includes a sheep, cow, pig, and horse, while the Zoo Friends set includes a tiger, monkey, elephant, and giraffe. These hand puppets make a great gift for toddlers and preschoolers, ages 2 and up, for hands-on, screen-free play.

What We Like
Soft and adorable design
High quality materials
Machine washable
Great for imaginative play
Good for various ages
What We Don't Like
Excessive packaging fasteners
Mouths do not open
#TOP 5

MerryMakers Pete the Cat Hand Puppet

1700
Multicolored
14.5-Inch
MerryMakers Pete the Cat Hand Puppet Cover
MerryMakers Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons Hand Puppet, 14.5-Inch

The MerryMakers Pete the Cat Hand Puppet is a 14.5-inch soft fabric plush puppet that is perfect for children's reading circles, story time, bedtime, and more. The puppet can be used as a hand puppet to bring stories to life, and it measures 12 inches tall.

What We Like
Soft and cuddly material
Vivid, beautiful colors
Fun puppet and plush combo
Great for reading activities
Compact and foldable size
What We Don't Like
Only one button pops off
Finger placement slightly tricky
#TOP 6

Ms. Rachel Official Farm Friends Baby Toy Set

6073040
Multicolor
Ms. Rachel Official Farm Friends Baby Toy Set Cover
Ms. Rachel Official Farm Friends Baby Registry Gift Set with Plush, Animals Cards & Finger Puppet, Educational Toys & Baby Toys for Girls & Boys Ages 0+ (Amazon Exclusive)

The Ms. Rachel Farm Friends Set is a wonderful collection of toys designed to engage and educate your little one. It includes a soft plush, animal cards, a pig puppet, and a baby-safe mirror, making it perfect for sensory exploration and early learning. You can use the hand puppet and accessories to introduce your child to farm animals and their sounds, encouraging imaginative play and connection. The set is crafted by Ms. Rachel and early learning experts to support important milestones from infancy to toddlerhood. Plus, the variety of textures and interactive elements help your child develop their senses in a fun and soothing way.

What We Like
Educational value
Easy to use
Durable quality
Engaging music and sounds
Perfect volume level
What We Don't Like
Short audio phrases
Needs supervision for youngest toddlers
#TOP 7

TOYZERO+ Lulu The Piggy Puppet Show Blind Box

LULU1250
Single Box
2.4 inches
TOYZERO+ Lulu The Piggy Puppet Show Blind Box Cover
TOYZERO+ Lulu The Piggy Blind Box Figures - Puppet Show Series Plush Keychain Blind Boxes Figurines Finger Puppet Toy Cute Stuffed Animals Mystery Box Collectible Decorations Birthday Gift, Single Box

The TOYZERO+ Lulu Piggy Blind Box offers a fun and charming collectible experience. Each box contains a soft, plush finger puppet with a unique design, perfect for creating your own puppet shows or decorating your desk. The surprise element makes unboxing exciting since you never know which character you’ll get, adding to the thrill of collecting. With six possible styles and a rare secret edition, you have a chance to find something special. These cute, fluffy figures are great for fans of adorable toys and make thoughtful gifts for holidays or special occasions.

What We Like
super soft material
cute and adorable design
good product quality
perfect bag accessory
great gift or collectible
What We Don't Like
chain can be weak
size may be larger for phone charm
#TOP 8

Melissa & Doug Zoo Friends Hand Puppets

96033
Multicolor
One Size
Melissa & Doug Zoo Friends Hand Puppets Cover
Melissa & Doug Zoo Friends Hand Puppets (FFP)

Get your child's imagination running with the Melissa & Doug Zoo Friends Hand Puppets set, made up of four soft hand-puppets designed with wild animals to inspire imaginative play. With soft stuffed-plush heads, the puppets are perfect for cuddling and are sized to fit both adults and children. The washable fabric ensures easy maintenance while the set is suitable for ages 2 and up, making it an ideal gift for boys and girls. It also ships in Certified Frustration-Free packaging.

What We Like
Cute and fun design
Good quality materials
Perfect for small hands
Great gift for children
Stimulates imagination
What We Don't Like
Slightly small for adults
Limited puppet mouth movement
#TOP 9

Fluff & Tuff Tico Sloth Plush Dog Toy

Brown
Fluff & Tuff Tico Sloth Plush Dog Toy Cover
Fluff and Tuff Tico Sloth Plush Dog Toy, Large, 15-Inches

The Fluff & Tuff Tico Sloth Toy is a large, 15-inch plush designed for your dog's playtime. Its generous size makes it easy for your dog to carry and cuddle. The toy features hidden seams that are carefully folded and double-stitched, ensuring it holds up well during active play. Inside, you'll find new, safe polyfill that helps the toy keep its shape and provides a soft, enjoyable texture. Plus, the embroidered eyes add a safety touch, so you don't have to worry about loose parts. This toy offers a fun and safe option for your furry friend’s entertainment.

What We Like
Exceptional durability
Withstands aggressive chewers
High-quality stitching
Attractive, cute designs
Long-lasting play
What We Don't Like
Minor wear on certain parts
Some toys less engaging
#TOP 10

M&D Disney Winnie the Pooh Hand Puppets

M&D Disney Winnie the Pooh Hand Puppets Cover
Melissa & Doug Disney Winnie The Pooh Soft & Cuddly Hand Puppets

The Melissa & Doug Disney Winnie the Pooh Hand Puppets set includes four soft-stuffed plush puppets, including Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore. The hand-puppets set has been sized to fit children and most adults, and it is made from washable material that encourages cuddle time. Kids learn motor skills, hand-eye coordination, communication skills, self-confidence, and more while playing with these puppets. It is an exceptional gift for kids aged 2 to 6.

What We Like
Bright, colorful design
Good size for kids' hands
High quality and well made
Encourages imaginative play
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Material could be more durable
Slightly expensive
Buying Guide Image

Plush Puppets Buying Guide: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Plush puppets are a beloved toy for children and adults alike. Whether you're looking to purchase one for your child, for a puppet show, or for your own collection, there are a few key factors to consider in order to choose the perfect plush puppet. In this article, we'll provide some helpful tips and advice for selecting a plush puppet that will bring joy and delight for years to come.

Material

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a plush puppet is the material it is made from. Plush puppets can be made from a variety of different materials, including cotton, polyester, and even wool. Each material has its own unique characteristics and benefits, so it's important to consider which one will be the best fit for your needs.

Cotton plush puppets are soft and cuddly, making them a great choice for children or for those who want a plush puppet that they can snuggle up with. They are also typically machine washable, which makes them easy to clean and maintain.

Polyester plush puppets are also soft and cuddly, but they tend to be more durable and long-lasting than cotton plush puppets. They are also often less expensive, which makes them a good choice for those on a budget.

Wool plush puppets are the most expensive and luxurious option, but they are also the most durable and long-lasting. They are also the most authentic, as many traditional puppets were made from wool. However, wool plush puppets may not be the best choice for young children, as they are not as soft and cuddly as cotton or polyester plush puppets.

Size

Another important factor to consider when choosing a plush puppet is the size. Plush puppets come in a wide range of sizes, from tiny finger puppets to large, life-sized puppets. The size you choose will depend on a variety of factors, including the age of the person who will be using the puppet, the intended use of the puppet, and the available space in your home.

Tiny finger puppets are great for very young children, as they are easy for small hands to manipulate. They are also portable and easy to store, making them a good choice for those who want a plush puppet that can be taken on the go.

Large, life-sized puppets are perfect for older children and adults who want a more immersive puppet-playing experience. They are also great for puppet shows, as they are more visible to a larger audience. However, they do require more space for storage, so they may not be the best choice for those with limited space.

Design

The design of a plush puppet is also an important factor to consider when choosing one. Plush puppets come in a wide range of designs, from animals and mythical creatures to cartoon characters and even human figures. The design you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the intended use of the puppet.

If you're looking for a plush puppet for a child, choosing one with a beloved character or animal can be a great way to encourage imaginative play. For those looking for a plush puppet for a puppet show, choosing a design that is appropriate for the intended audience and theme of the show is important.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing a plush puppet. The material, size, and design of the puppet are all important considerations that will help you select the perfect plush puppet for your needs. By taking the time to carefully consider each of these factors, you can choose a plush puppet that will provide hours of enjoyment and delight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between plush and stuffed?

It is basically one and the same. Refers to a soft filling with a soft outer covering. Plush is the term commonly used in the industry for stuffed animals by the manufacturers even though it is an adjective in the textile industry.

2. Can adults have plushies?

We often think that stuffed animals are just for children, but if you can get them to admit it, many adults have stuffed animals too! A 2018 study shows that 43% of adults have a special stuffed friend, and 84% of men versus 77% of women admit to owning at least one.

3. What is the most rare plush?

8 Rarest Stuffed Animals And Why They Are Every Collector's DreamMelissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppets SetFolkmanis Ferret Hand PuppetAurora 32180 14" Grator The Alligator Body Plush PuppetMelissa & Doug Chef PuppetFinger Puppet Folkmanis MiniPlush Animal Hand PuppetsDisney Donald Duck Character Hand PuppetAurora World Hand Puppet Plush T Rex DinosaurSesame Street Cookie Monster 11-Inch Hand PuppetMelissa & Doug Zoo Friends Hand PuppetsAurora 10" GarthRoniavl The Muppets Movie Soft Stuffed Plush Toy Sesame Street Cookie Monster Hand Puppet,Blue MonsterFolkmanis Gray Squirrel Hand PuppetFolkmanis Mouse Hand PuppetFolkmanis Fluffy Cat Hand PuppetFolkmanis Puppets Monkey Hand PuppetWow Wee Alive Jr. Play and SayDisney Mickey Mouse & Friends Soft & Cuddly Hand PuppetsAurora World Pop Up Panda 11" Plush Puppet. Teddy Ruxpin – Somewhat Rare.Royal Blue “Peanut” Elephants – Somewhat Rare.Claude the Crab Beanie Baby – Considered Rare.Princess Diana Beanie Baby – Rare.Steiff PB 28 Rod Bear – Super Rare.Furby – Considered Rare.Steiff Harlequin bear – One of a Kind.

Editor's Notes

During our plush puppet research, we found 24 plush puppet products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 155,593 customer reviews through our big data system to write the plush puppets list. We found that most customers choose plush puppets with an average price of $20.25.

The plush puppets are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of plush puppets, including Melissa & Doug, Bluey, JOYIN, MerryMakers, Ms. Rachel. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jimmy Roof Avatar

Jimmy Roof is a toy designer who lives in Chicago with his family. He works in a big toy firm, so he is surrounded by toys every day. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in children's toys, baby products and preschool education. Jimmy Roof often publishes articles related to toys on key websites.

Plush Puppets Comparison Table

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Brand Melissa & Doug Bluey JOYIN Melissa & Doug MerryMakers Ms. Rachel TOYZERO + Melissa & Doug Fluff & Tuff Melissa & Doug
Item Weight 1.14 pounds 3.2 ounces 1.01 pounds 1 pounds 2.82 ounces 1 pounds 1.76 ounces 8.8 ounces 3 ounces 8 ounces
Manufacturer recommended age 24 months - 8 years 36 months - 15 years 3 years and up 24 months - 6 years 24 months - 15 years 0 months and up 15 years and up 24 months - 6 years - 24 months - 5 years
Release date January 11, 2021 August 1, 2024 - October 7, 2021 March 17, 2020 September 29, 2025 - July 25, 2018 - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
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