Move over labubus, people are willing to pay over $10k for these fluffy toys

Check your kids’ rooms – their old Jellycats could be worth a fortune.

The Labubu phenomenon has taken the spotlight – and sanity of many parents trying to score one – across the world this year. 

But there’s another range of fluffy toys that arguably has a far bigger cult following, which is causing collectors to pay insane amounts of money to get their hands on rare editions. 

Jellycats are taking over

We’re talking about the Jellycat, a stuffed toy range that started in London back in 1999 by brothers William and Thomas Gatacre.  

The name, ‘Jellycat’ came from Thomas’ son, who loved both jelly and cats, and since the first collection launched, the brand has released everything from the iconic Bashful Bunny design (made famous by Suri Cruise and Harper Beckham carrying one around in their toddler eras) to the not-so typical offerings of Bartholomew Bear, Spider, and Skeleton Bob. 

The rise of ‘kidulting’ on TikTok (anyone above 12 buying toys and enjoying experiences usually geared at younger children) in these recent uncertain times has only fuelled Jellycat’s popularity, and now some coveted cuddly characters are being sold for the same price as a brand new car.

And no, the toys don’t have AI capability or lull a baby off to sleep. They are stuffed toys. The end. 

They’re HOW MUCH?

Don’t believe us? 

On eBay at the time of publication, a brand new Bashful Blackberry Bunny has a price tag of $13,383 (20,465 AUD). The UK-based seller says the ‘collector’s item’ was given only to Jellycat staff in 2019 to commemorate the company’s 20th anniversary.

Oh, and they are slugging the buyer just over $650 (1000 AUD) for postage on top. Perhaps it needs a plane ticket for something that precious? 

In what seems like a bargain in comparison, another eBay seller is asking $3,772 (5,800 AUD) for three pre-owned Buttercup Bunnies, while another has the same price tag for one Bashful Emily Bunny. 

These aren’t a couple of random collectors flogging their wares to the highest bidder, either. At the time of publication, we counted no less than 46 Jellycats on eBay that are selling for upwards of $650 (1000 AUD). There are hundreds more priced at more than $65 (100 AUD). 

To compare, a standard Jellycat Bashful Bunny retails for about $60 online. 

It’s happening here too!

If you think Facebook Marketplace is immune to the madness, think again. One listing in Sydney is selling a retired whale design for $600. It’s used, but they’ve washed it. That makes it so much more appealing, er, right? 

The Australian fandom is more widespread than one would think, with multiple Jellycat Facebook collector groups in operation – one of which has more than 10,000 members. 

We have to give credit where credit is due – these fluffy creatures are adorable, and the nostalgia and comfort they deliver to their owners is priceless, no matter what the age. 

Whether these collectors’ items will last the test of time (and value) for those brave enough to invest in them, however, is anyone’s guess.