GUND Peeki Puppy Review: The Singing Plush That Plays Peek-a-Boo (2026)

The Peeki Puppy makes cuddle time a giggle-filled game. Two distinct modes—a sweet peek-a-boo song and a physical game where it covers its eyes—keep a 9-month-old engaged for 5-10 minutes, far longer than a standard teddy.

Unlike the Care Bears Cheer Bear, which just sits and smiles, Peeki actively plays with your child, encouraging social interaction. The song is catchy and tolerable on repeat; the hide-and-seek motion is surprisingly adorable.

Parents report that the peek-a-boo game gets belly laughs, and the singing mode helps soothe fussy moments. It's the sensory dynamo in the stuffed animal world. It's particularly effective for tummy time, as the motion encourages head lifting and reaching, while the song provides a pleasant auditory cue. Parents say it's a game-changer for fussy evenings.

GUND nailed the baby-safe design. The entire exterior is cotton plush with embroidered eyes, nose, and mouth—no hard plastic or beads that could become choking hazards. Even the ears, which flap during play, are securely attached and soft.

At 12 inches tall, it's the size of a small pillow, easy for baby to grip and not too heavy (1.15 lbs). The brown and cream colors are gender-neutral, and the sitting posture makes it a cute nursery decoration.

Unlike some animated toys with fragile mechanisms, Peeki's internal components are well protected. The battery compartment closes with a screw, keeping curious fingers out. The plush is lightweight enough for infants to lift, yet weighted to sit upright on a shelf or bed, making it a charming nursery decoration. The embroidered facial details never peel or scratch, unlike painted plastic alternatives.

Unbox, flip the switch, and Peeki is ready. The included 2 AA batteries mean your child can play the moment the poly bag comes off. The switch has two positions: song or game, clearly labelled, so even a grandparent can operate it.

Changing batteries requires a small Phillips screwdriver to open the compartment—minor annoyance but a smart safety feature. The toy runs for months on a single set with regular use, according to reviewers.

One downside: the song and game cycle once per activation, then stop. Press the ear again to repeat. Some parents wish it had a continuous play option, but the single-cycle design prevents constant noise—a win for parental sanity. The toy is intuitive: a gentle squeeze to the ear activates the chosen mode. Even 8-month-olds learn to trigger it themselves, fostering a sense of cause-and-effect. This independence keeps them entertained while you prepare a bottle.

At $38.73, Peeki is a moderate investment for a stuffed animal. You're paying a premium for the interactivity. Compare to the Care Bears Cheer Bear at $18.99, which offers zero animation but similar plush quality and a 4.8 rating.

For gift givers—baby showers, first birthdays, Christmas—the extra $20 buys a showstopper that gets genuine gasps of delight. Parents say it becomes the favorite toy, replacing stacks of silent plushies.

If budget is tight, the Melissa & Doug Burrow Bunny ($17.85, 4.7 stars) is a solid, non-animated alternative that still scores high on softness and durability. Over a year of daily cuddles, Peeki pays for itself in engagement time, often becoming the child's security object. It's also a conversation starter at playgroups, as other parents inquire about the adorable singing pup.