Buying guide for Best FurReal friends
Does your kid wish their favorite plush buddy could move or talk back? Invest in a FurReal Friend, and their wish can come true.
FurReal friends are delightful interactive toys that giggle, growl, and respond to your voice. They even have facial expressions and body language to match. Best of all, FurReal Friends come in a wide variety of animals, including pandas, dogs, and ponies. Choose your child’s favorite animal or introduce them to a new one through a FurReal Friend.
Not sure which FurReal Friend is right for your little one? Take a look at our buying guide with all the information and shopping tips you need to choose the right interactive buddy.
Key considerations
Recommended ages
Most FurReal Friends are recommended for kids ages six through nine. However, there are some pets that are suitable for ages four and above; these tend to have larger parts to prevent choking hazards.
Level of interactivity
What makes FurReal Friends so loveable are their interactive features. Generally speaking, the more you spend on FurReal Friends, the more responsive and capable the pets will be.
Some pets make music or animal sounds if you squeeze them. Other pets can speak over 100 phrases, play songs, and move multiple parts of their bodies. Many FurReal Friends are also poseable.
Batteries
FurReal Friends vary in size, so battery requirements are different as well. Smaller pets, such as Walkalots, take multiple AA batteries. Larger premium plushies usually require other types of batteries, namely C or A76 batteries. While they usually come with their first set of batteries, keep spares on hand for speedy replacement.
Accessories
FurReal Friends generally come with at least one accessory, such as a character-specific treat or sunglasses. Certain pets react to the accessory stimuli, responding with expressions, phrases, and movements. Because FurReal Friends are standalone toys, there are only a handful of separate accessories for purchase.
Types of FurReal Friends
Cuties
Cuties are round, palm-sized pets that make cute sounds when squeezed. They don’t have many well-defined features given their round bodies, but many of them have movable ears. Cuties don’t come with any accessories and have fairly limited sound capabilities.
Walkalots
Walkalots are approximately 9 inches tall and come with retractable leashes. They walk on the lead and make a variety of movements and sounds. Walkalots can be connected to fellow Walkalot pets as well, allowing for simultaneous walking with up to three pets.
Premium interactive plushies
Premium interactive plushies include mid-range pets as well as those at the top of the price range with the most features. Unlike Cuties and Walkalots, these plushies don’t have their own distinct category name — though it’s easy to tell them apart by price. As far as size goes, they’re usually bigger than Walkalots.
Mid-range pets typically have between 35 and 50 responses and a broad range of movements. They can interact with select FurReal friends pets as well as their included accessories.
FurReal Friends at the top of the price range have well over 100 sound and motion combinations. These pets often have signature specialized movements, such as dogs who lick your face or unicorns that light up.
FurReal Friends prices
FurReal Friends cost between $10 and $130.
Cuties cost below $15, while Walkalots can range from $10 to $30.
Premium interactive plushies cost between $40 and $130, though pets with over 100 sound and motion features generally run over $100 unless they’re on sale.
FAQ
Q. Is a FurReal Friend too advanced for a toddler?
A. Yes. It’s best to stick to the age recommendation. Some of the interactive features will be far too advanced for toddlers, especially as they’re developing their language skills. Toddlers may not be aware of what level of care and gentleness is required with FurReal Friends, so they might break one.
Q. How durable are FurReal Friends?
A. They’re constructed well and hold up to a lot of hugs and play. FurReal Friends have mechanical and electronic parts, so it’s best to avoid dropping or throwing them. Provided they’re well cared for by kids, they can last for two or three years.
Q. Can FurReal Friends foster skill development in my child?
A. They can, even though it’s not the main purpose of the toy. Some parents report FurReal Friends help develop nurturing and responsibility skills. They also foster improved communication skills, as they reinforce phases and sentiments with appropriate facial expressions.
