This holiday season, some students at Benilde-St. Margaret’s find themselves in love with a soft and cuddly craze that has taken over the halls recently: Jellycats. What started as a regular stuffed animal company quickly turned into the most desired gift of the holidays for students of all ages. Whether you are walking down the hall or scrolling on your TikTok feed, it is hard to miss the plush toys that appear to be everywhere.
Jellycat is known for uniquely designed stuffed animals, which have captured the hearts of many Red Knights with their irresistible softness and cuteness. Their best-selling bunnies stand out for their customizable features. You can personalize them by adding embroidery to the ear of the bunnies, typically with names or dates. From the best-selling Bashful Bunny to their more unique but just as lovable Amuseable Peanut, there is a comforting companion for everyone. “I’m choosing between two to give to my friend, but I got both the seahorse and a dinosaur because they are both so cute,” senior Ruby Ryan said.
What has really spiked the popularity of Jellycats this year is the new and trendy “Jellycat Christmas Exchanges” recently seen on social media. The trend is similar to a secret santa gift exchange, where groups of students get together and purchase a gift for one of their friends, making it an anonymous exchange. The twist on this exchange is that the gifts are solely Jellycats. Students participating this year scramble to find the perfect plush for their friends as the holiday season is a popular time to purchase these stuffed animals. “I recently just got a cherry for my friend, and I think it’s adorable. I’m doing an exchange with my soccer team, and she is a defender and she’s super chill, so I tried to get one that reflects her energy,” senior Emily Niska said.
The attitude is echoed by many students who see the plushies as something more than a toy but rather a personalized gift. Students believe that picking out the right Jellycat for a friend is more than just picking out something cute, and it is more about knowing what will make your friends smile. “It is fun that you can match what makes your friends unique. I’m gonna pick it out to match my friend’s personality,” sophomore Zaria Rose said.
While the Jellycat craze may be temporary, the spirit of giving this holiday season as students share their joy of sharing and receiving with these charming plushies. Whether it is for a gift exchange or just for a gift to self, the Jellycat craze has unwrapped a new holiday magic to Benilde-St. Margaret’s this school year.