Jellycats, which was founded in 1999, is a plushie company based in the United Kingdom. Over the years their products have grabbed the hearts of thousands of customers. Jellycats sells a diverse assortment of plushies, from bugs to cats, to even tacos and cinnamon rolls, the brand has virtually no limits to its wide array of objects. 

However, one of the most notable things about Jellycats isn’t just their lovely characters, but their prices. A keychain alone costs $25 (and that’s not even including shipping fees) which has led to some debate whether these prices are truly justified.

 Jellycats, as adorable as they are, are most definitely a rip-off. While not entirely a scam since the customer is getting what they paid for, it still doesn’t erase the fact that even small items, such as the previously mentioned key chains, are ridiculously expensive. For comparison, a sandwich from Jersey Mike’s is roughly $8.97, meaning for that same amount of money you could purchase two sandwiches and some chips. This would leave you feeling sustained, as well as having potential leftovers for the next day. 

Junior Madeline Cassidy said, “Jellycats have almost become like an antidepressant for me. I really love how high quality they are. My keychain, for example, has been very durable, but I can say that the price is a bit much for what it is. However, I’d still prefer it over competitors like Build-a-bear because their options of clothing make it even harder for me not to spend money on them.”

What truly makes Jellycats so expensive is not just the animals they display but the fabrics used. Jellycats use polyester to make their plushies as well as high quality sewing materials that their company prides themselves in. They also specialize in manufacturing soft fabrics for babies. 

Jellycats marketing also plays a major role in their revenue.  Not only do they market their high-quality materials, they also market their products towards children, maintaining a very positive, family-friendly aesthetic on their website.  This marketing tactic is the contributor to its sales, appealing to the children’s brains to get into their parents’ wallets.  The more money the parent is willing to spend, the more the company gains. 

Overall, while the Jellycats are very high quality, consumers should question themselves before making financial decisions about whether or not what they are spending their money on is worth it.