Exclusive:
One loved-up pair made their way to Paris for Valentine’s Day, but we’re told that the highlight was a visit to the Jellycat Patisserie, a unique attraction that’s taking social media by storm.
Breakfast in bed, love letters, flowers … But what about a trip to Paris for Valentine’s Day? It may sound cliché and is certainly a popular destination during the month of love, but there’s no better feeling than receiving such a thoughtful gesture from a partner who shows up in different ways, both big and small.
Johana Suarez, who has been dating her partner for about two years, shared one of the most romantic experiences she has ever had as she was treated with a trip to the City of Love, but what truly gave her butterflies was visiting the Jellycat Patisserie store.
In recent years, owning a Jellycat has become something of a collective obsession. The unique designs, high-quality materials, and undeniable cuteness have captivated many. To elevate the experience of owning these plush toys, Jellycat and toy company FAO Schwarz opened the first-ever Jellycat Patisserie in Paris in July 2024.
Located on the fifth floor of Galeries Lafayette, the Jellycat Patisserie has quickly become a must-visit hotspot in Paris. Inside, customers can experience a themed pop-up experience, where you can shop for Jellycats displayed as if they were pastries in a traditional French patisserie. Hilariously, employees at the plushie store pretend to cook burger and macaron-shaped Jellycats, creating a truly immersive experience for fans.
Johana explained: “The whole experience was really well put together, making it feel more special than just a regular store visit. Everything was thoughtfully designed, and the staff fully immersed themselves in the theme, making it even more fun.”
And if you don’t believe in the hype surrounding Jellycats, you’d be surprised to know that they actually sell out. From smiley coffee cups to adorable bunnies, these plush toys have even been linked to positive mental health benefits. The growing ‘kidult’ trend – where adults engage in activities associated with childhood – is here to stay.
Despite visiting the store during peak hours, Johana and her partner were lucky enough to avoid queues and “enjoy the whole thing without any stress.” However, she admitted that spending £40 on a macaron-shaped Jellycat wasn’t the most financially responsible choice – but it was definitely worth the experience.
She added: “My boyfriend knew how much I loved them, so he took me there. No questions asked.” Although their Paris itinerary was packed with activities, her boyfriend made sure to set aside a few hours for the visit.
“I totally get why people love collecting them,” she continued. “But I don’t think people should go overboard and spend ridiculous amounts of money on them.”
Johana gushed about her boyfriend’s thoughtful gesture, saying that her trip to Paris wasn’t just memorable because it was Valentine’s Day, but because it reminded her of the importance of small, meaningful moments. She added: “Yes, I spend Valentine’s Day in Paris but the highlight was visiting the Jellycat Patisserie.” While some might consider her love for Jellycats “childish,” she believes that finding joy in simple things is what truly matters.