Jellycat collecting tips with jelly_catlover

Image credit: @jelly_catlover

Sky Dragon | Opinion Editor

Time to call in an expert…

Around now, the Jelly Journal’s Opinion Desk receives a steady stream of letters (a highlight for Amuseables Letter to Santa, who is currently on peak stamping-and-sorting form!). They all seem to circle the same question:

*Sh**ould I start a Jellycat collection? And how in the world do I begin one? *

As Opinion Editor, Sky Dragon has a lot of thoughts about a lot of things (especially biscuits, and whether raisins belong in them). One of those thoughts is that, when it comes to collecting, Jellyfriends tend to know best.

Enter Chloe, or jelly_catlover.

If anyone’s equipped to share tips for starting a Jellycat collection, it’s her! Sky Dragon wasted no time in arranging an interview…

The first Jelly

Chloe’s collecting story begins in Liverpool, during an anniversary trip with her partner.

“As I walked round the stand picking each one up, I finally came across the original Bashful Bunny and just fell in love. He took her off me and walked over to the checkout.”

How does someone begin a Jellycat collection?

“I would say find a few different collections that you really love and focus on them. As much as it is easy to want them all, I think it’s important to have a healthy relationship with collecting.”

Noticing what consistently makes you smile seems to be a good starting point. Chloe’s own favourites include the Smudge family, bunnies – and the Amuseables crew.

“I never thought anyone could make a stack of pancakes, a ruler or an acorn look that cute!”

How to organise your Jellies

Chloe’s Jellies live across an ever-evolving series of ladder shelves. 

“I organise them into different categories – a breakfast shelf, a fruit and veg shelf, the different exclusives all together. Recently I’ve colour co-ordinated everything, and I absolutely love how bright it looks.

“Don’t be afraid to switch things up! I like to change things around, so that every Jellycat in my collection gets the love and appreciation they deserve.”

Looking after a Jelly

Shelves and drawers are lovely, but Chloe explains that, to her, a Jelly with a bit of history is a wonderful thing.  

“I have my select few that stay in bed with me and get all the cuddles. After all, I collect plushies because I want to give them love.”

Sky Dragon couldn’t agree more. But, for those who fancy giving their Jellies a spa day…

• Fill a basin with cool water and add a tiny amount of mild detergent
• Swish the water around and gently submerge your Jellycat
• Gently massage any particularly grubby spots
• Rinse thoroughly with clean, cool water – no bubbles left behind!
• Gently squeeze out excess water
• Lay them flat on a towel, reshape them into their best Jellycat self, and let them dry naturally

**Why should someone collect Jellycat? **

For Chloe, the answer lives in the memories attached.

“A lot of my Jellies hold special memories, whether that be of the day out when I bought them or of the person who bought it for me as a gift. Ever since I created my Instagram account, I have made the most amazing friends, all over the world. 

“And I think that’s the joy of collecting for me.”