It’s been remarkable to watch the Pokémon franchise explode into a monumental property across the world. Pokémon has been present in some capacity for decades, but the last few years have embraced more Pokémon content than ever before and there’s still plenty on the horizon. The changes in the franchise over the years have been both for better and for worse, but it’s always pleasant to get new Pokémon added to the mix.

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At this point, there’s an extreme variety — in the nearly 1,000 unique — of Pokémon creatures, some of which are built for fighting, while others are perfect and pacifistic friends for children.

10 Azurill Rewards A Strong Friendship Bond With Its Trainer

Anime Pokemon Misty's Azurill Jumps

Pikachu quickly became one of the most popular and adorable Pokémon, and there have been a number of creatures that are shameless clones that attempt to take advantage of this Pokémon's adorable design. Azurill is one of the cuter takes on this premise and it's a Baby Pokémon from Generation III that's Marill's pre-evolved form.

Azurill is consistently friendly and harmless, but it's also a Pokémon that evolves based on a high level of affection with its trainer, which makes it especially sweet for kids and those looking to build bonds with a Pokémon.

9 Fennekin Highlights The Soft Side Of Fire-Type Pokémon

Anime Pokemon Fennekin Noble

Fire-Type Pokémon can sometimes be volatile and temperamental, which means they’re not ideal for children. However, Fennekin is one of Generation VI’s Starter Pokémon and is an especially cuddly creature. Fennekin has become rather popular and has a large support crowd because of its prominence in Pokémon the Series: XY.

Fennekin takes its design cues from a fox, but it somehow manages to be even cuter than already existing adorable Fox Pokémon, like Vulpix. Fennekin eventually evolves into a more powerful and ferocious Pokémon, but it’s meant to grow alongside its trainer, which is perfect for a child.

8 Piplup Is The Comforting Winner Of Sinnoh’s Starters

Piplup looking up in Pokemon.

Generation IV of the Pokémon titles brings trainers to the Sinnoh region, which features some of the franchise's most adorable set of Starter Pokémon. Piplup, the Water-Type representative, is a real standout and is featured heavily by Dawn in the anime series.

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Dawn’s Piplup has a distinct personality, but it’s an agreeable Pokémon across the board and a popular Starter Pokémon for a reason. There are lots of animal designs that are overused in Pokémon, but Piplup's penguin inspiration is unique and satisfying. It's a Pokémon that's always shown to be kind to its trainer.

7 Jirachi Is A Mythical Pokémon That Can Grant Children’s Wishes

Anime Pokemon Jirachi Wish Master Jirachi Happy

There are many Legendary and Mythical Pokémon that get showcased in the Pokémon feature films and they tend to either be extremely dangerous or helpful Pokémon. Jirachi is an example of the latter, and the Pokémon's whole purpose is to grant people's wishes.

This kind nature and Jirachi's sweet and unassuming design make it inviting as opposed to intimidating. It's a very rare catch, but it's clear that it'd be a child's best friend and literally make their dreams come true. Jirachi is the type of Pokémon that an adult would neglect but is perfect for the purity of youth.

6 Jigglypuff’s Serene Singing Voice & Mock Rage Are Endlessly Entertaining

Jigglypuff Pokémon singing in the anime

Jigglypuff is another Pokémon that goes back to the original 151 creatures and has managed to remain relevant because it’s not just a creative Pokémon but has such a defined personality thanks to the anime series. Jigglypuff is a Kanto Pokémon that’s cuddly and safe, yet its tendency to burst out into lullabies is also very child-friendly.

Granted, Jigglypuff sometimes retaliates in harsh ways when people fall asleep during its music, but it’s a fun prank that would honestly amuse a kid more than it would upset them.

5 Eevee Allows The Trainer To Project Themselves Through The Versatile Pokémon

Pokemon: Eevee laying on colorful grass

There are now a staggering number of Pokémon that are practically intimidating, but back during the Generation I days, in the Kanto region, one of the most friendly and serene Pokémon was Eevee, which remains true even in the modern titles.

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Eevee’s small and fluffy nature makes it popular with children, but its ability to evolve into a myriad of different Pokémon can help kids understand individuality and the number of options that exist in life. It’s a friendly Pokémon that can teach a valuable life lesson.

4 Minccino Is The Rare Combination Of Cuddly & Practical

Anime Pokemon Minccino Sparkling

There are lots of rodent Pokémon, but it’s hard to have any objections with Minccino since it’s just as fetching as the chinchilla that it’s based upon. Minccino might not win a ton of fights, but it’s the perfect pal for a young Pokémon trainer.

Minccino is a Normal-Type Unova Pokémon that’s always warm, but its nature is to use its tail like a broom to clean up messes, which means that Minccino will also clean up a kid’s room and do their chores without even thinking about it.

3 Togepi Clings To Cuteness & Doesn’t Want To Break Out Of Its Shell

togepi

It’s been interesting to see new pre-evolved forms and Baby Pokémon enter the mix over time, and one of the earliest and most iconic examples of this is Togepi from Generation II’s Johto region.

Togepi is such an infantile Pokémon that it still wears the bulk of the shell from its Pokémon Egg. Togepi actually evolves into a powerful Pokémon, but it’s the perfect Pokémon to get a child acquainted with the creatures and is low maintenance. Misty in the anime series really helps illustrate Togepi’s endearing nature.

2 Teddiursa Is A Living Teddy Bear That Gives Out Free Honey

Anime teddiursa

Many of the Bear Pokémon from the series evolve into dangerous and strong Pokémon, but those that are willing to let these creatures remain in their primary forms will be left with exceptionally peaceful Pokémon.

Teddiursa is essentially a friendly teddy bear and it’s a Pokémon that’s tailor-made for children. In addition to Teddiursa’s cute look, it’s also able to produce its own honey and share its sweetness with its friends. It’s hard to argue with a Pokémon that’s a stuffed animal that gives out unconditional love and snacks.

1 Cubchoo Is In Need Of The Proper Companion

Cubchoo from the Pokemon Anime

Cubchoo is one of the more adorable Pokémon to come out of the Unova region and he’s a strong representative for Ice-Type Pokémon. Cubchoo pulls from a polar bear, but the Pokémon leans into a cute and helpless aspect of this predator.

Cubchoo perpetually has a runny nose and looks like it needs someone to help it out. It’s a Pokémon that’s safe and friendly, but it can also make a child feel important since it often requires someone to keep it presentable. Cubchoo is almost like a doll that helps kids learn about responsibility.

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