Which Mario plush toy is the best?
Mario’s universe is so fleshed out that Mushroom Kingdom-inspired toys seem like a natural fit. Characters like Toad and Yoshi make particularly good plush toys, but titular star Mario also has a ton of stuffed animals made for his various iterations. Mario plush toys are a great item for kids and hardcore Mario fans who just can’t get enough of the mustachioed hero.
The best plush toy on the market is the Little Buddy Super Mario All Star Collection 1414 Mario Plush Toy. It’s an official Little Buddy plush toy and comes with authentic Mario features like his red hat and overalls.
What you need to know before buying a Mario plush
Choice
Everyone recognizes Mario, but he’s played in many video games and took on many personalities. Some are more memorable than others, and there are plush toys that recreate the many incarnations of the character.
- Original Mario: The original Mario originated from the Super Mario Bros. video games, which were platform games where Mario had to fight his way through obstacles to reach the end of a level and ultimately save Princess Peach.
- Dr Mario: Dr Mario is from the Dr Mario series of puzzles. This Mario wears a white coat with a stethoscope on his shoulders and a CD on his hat.
- Tanooki Mario: Tanooki Mario is a power-up originally from Super Mario Bros. 3 where Mario wore a raccoon costume to fly around and hit bad guys with his tail.
- Baby Mario: Baby Mario is the baby version of Mario from Yoshi’s Island and Mario Kart. He is Mario’s infant form, but he retains his characteristic large nose.
- Cat Mario: Cat Mario comes from Super Mario 3D Land. Like the tanooki suit, it’s a power-up that’s super cute and lets Mario claw enemies and climb walls.
- Metal Mario: Metal Mario was an evil Mario who tried to thwart his plans in the game Mario Sunshine. This version of Mario is completely silver and looks like a replica of Mario. He was popularized in Mario Kart games because he was a playable racer.
Children versus adults
Kids and adults love Mario, but some plush toys may appeal more to a demographic. Although collectors want it all, think about who gets the gift and how they interact with the Mario universe. Maybe they like older games and want a more retro-inspired plush toy. Younger fans might really enjoy a more modern version of Mario or an adorable plush toy like Baby Mario.
plush size
Plush toys come in all sizes, but it’s common to see them from 4 to 12 inches, and most Mario plush toys are 6 to 10 inches. Some people have preferences, but many people seem to prefer larger plush toys and find price and size must correlate. Smaller plush toys can have a certain charm or cuteness that larger toys lose, so it’s always wise to consider who gets the plush.
What to Look for in a Quality Mario Plush Toy
Little Buddy or Nintendo
Many Mario plush toys sold online are made by a company called Little Buddy. In 2013, Little Buddy won the rights to bring Nintendo plushes to other parts of the world. They got the rights to Mario along with other franchises like Kirby and The Legend of Zelda.
Nintendo has given Little Buddy its blessing, which means these plushies are official and made with high quality materials and good stitching.
Authentic features
No one wants a plush that has an awkward facial expression or doesn’t look like the character they’re looking for. Always look at the plush and read the reviews to see what others thought of it. If you’re familiar with Mario, it’ll be easy to spot annoying plush toys, but if not, a simple Google search can net you plenty of photos of the iconic plumber.
Child safety
If you’re buying a stuffed animal for a young child like a toddler or baby, be careful. Plush toys are generally safe, but plush toys with external parts like beads, buttons, etc. can pose a choking hazard, especially if the plush is not well constructed. If you’re buying a stuffed animal for a very young child, try to find one that doesn’t have small external parts.
How much can you expect to spend on a Mario plush toy?
Mario plush toys usually cost between $10 and $30. Less expensive plush toys tend to cost around $10, while more complex special edition plushies tend to cost upwards of $20.
Mario Plush FAQ
Are there plush sets available?
A. Generally, plush toys are sold separately. However, some sets are available for Mario characters. It is common to see Mario and Luigi sold together since they are brothers.
What other characters would Mario fans love in plush form?
A. There are tons of amazing Mario characters that are fan favorites. Everyone seems to like Toad and Yoshi, as they are non-human companions. Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser and Donkey Kong are also very popular.
What’s the best Mario plush to buy?
Top Mario plush
Little Buddy Super Mario All Star Collection 1414 Mario Plush Toy
What do you want to know: This 9.5-inch Mario plush toy is an official Little Buddy product with an authentic Mario outfit.
What you will love: Mario looks authentic with his mustache, hat and overalls.
What you should consider: Little Buddy plush dolls are well made and attractive for children and adults. Buy Mario alone or as a set with a Mushroom Kingdom companion.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Mario plush top for the money
Little Buddy 1726 Super Mario All Star Collection Metal Mario Plush Toy
What do you want to know: This is a 9 inch metal Mario plush toy made by Little Buddy.
What you will love: Metal Mario is finally available in plush form. He stands 9 inches tall with the same features as regular Mario. It is a collector’s item with limited availability.
What you should consider: Some people have had issues with the stitching on the nose.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Little Buddy Official Super Mario Raccoon Tanooki Mario Plush Toy
What do you want to know: This is an adorable 9 inch Tanooki Mario plush and official Little Buddy product.
What you will love: Here is Mario dressed in his classic Tanooki (raccoon) costume. Mario’s facial features are great and the Tanooki costume is well detailed with different colors and parts. It is safe for children and well made.
What you should consider: It’s more expensive than most other Mario plushes on the market.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
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Stephane Morin written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.
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