The next time you're thinking of buying a stuffed animal for a special kid or baby in your life, check out Jellycat's shop. This specialty company — which got its start in London back in 1999 and not long after set up shop in Minneapolis here in the States — focuses on plushes that are “sometimes quirky, sometimes cute, but always with a little something different that makes them stand out from the crowd.”

You can search by specific animal if you like, or you can browse through their large variety of themed collections. My personal favorite collections are:

• “Little Legs” — I'm fond of the Fuzzle Squirrel, the Paprika Dragon, and the Suedetta Fox, myself.
• “Dressed to Impress” — Look how dapper the badger and hedgehog are!
• “Colourful and Quirky” — Especially love those outer space-themed ones. ??
• “Mad Menagerie” — Mainly because the Orlando Owl is me every day when I wake up.

Whatever you pick, you're sure to end up with something ultra soft and cuddly — and so expressive! — that will hold up great for years to come.