Have you seen those adorable plush toys that are all the rage these days? The ones that are super soft, squishy, and come in the shapes of cute animals, foods, and more? Chances are you’ve spotted Squishmallows, the popular brand of plush toys that seem to be taking over. Maybe your kids have a few, or you’ve seen them in stores and thought about getting one (or five) yourself. If you’re just now discovering Squishmallows and want to know what all the fuss is about, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you the lowdown on everything Squishmallows so you can become an expert like the rest of us obsessed fans. From their origin story to the different sizes and characters available, and tips for finding rare ones, we’ve got you covered. By the end, you’ll be a pro and ready to start your own Squishmallow squad.
What Are Squishmallows?
Squishmallows are super soft plush toys made of a marshmallow-like material. They come in all sizes from 3 inches up to 24 inches, in the shapes of animals, foods, and all kinds of cute characters.
First introduced in 2017, Squishmallows have become hugely popular. Kids and adults alike love how squishy and huggable they are. The smaller Squishmallows are perfect for backpacks, lockers or cubbies, while the bigger ones are ideal for snuggling in bed or on the couch.
With over 400 different Squishmallows available, you’ll have no trouble finding characters that match your interests or mood. Do you like cats, dogs, unicorns or sharks? There’s a Squishmallow for that. In the mood for pizza, donuts or tacos? Yep, there are Squishmallows for those too.
Squishmallows aren’t just adorable and cuddly, they also have names and backstories to spark your imagination. Take Claude the cat, one of the original Squishmallows. He loves naps, cuddles and fish sticks. Or there’s Cam the dog who loves playing fetch and giving high fives. Learning the names and backgrounds of your Squishmallows helps bring them to life and gives you a sense of connection with each character.
With their irresistible softness and charm, Squishmallows make perfect gifts, whether for yourself or someone else. Once you start collecting them, it’s hard to stop at just one! Squishmallows bring comfort and whimsy to any space. What more could you want in a plush toy?
The Origins and History of Squishmallows
Squishmallows were first introduced in 2017 by Kelly Toys, originally called Squishy Squooshems. They started with just a few cute and cuddly animal characters but grew into the hugely popular plush toy and lifestyle brand they are today.
The Original Squish Squad
The OG squad featured a cat, unicorn, panda, and penguin. People loved how soft and squishy they were, and clamored for more characters and sizes. Kelly Toys delivered.
Over the next couple of years, Kelly Toys released new collections with food items, mystical creatures, sea life, farm animals and more. Sizes now range from 3.5 inches up to 24 inches. With over 900 characters available so far, there really is a Squishmallow for everyone.
Why Are Squishmallows So Popular?
A few reasons these plush toys have developed such a passionate fan base:
- They’re adorable. The characters have cute, charming designs that appeal to both kids and adults.
- They’re extremely soft and squishy. Made from a marshmallow-like material, Squishmallows are irresistibly squeezable.
- Collectability. With so many characters in different sizes, people love building up their Squishmallow squad.
- Nostalgia. Squishmallows evoke memories of beloved childhood stuffed animals, but with a whimsical, contemporary twist.
- Versatility. Squishmallows aren’t just for cuddling – people display them on beds, couches, desks and more as fun decor.
Squishmallows have come a long way in just a few years. Their popularity shows no signs of slowing down, so keep an eye out for new characters and products to come!
The Different Types of Squishmallows
Squishmallows come in all shapes, sizes, and characters. There are many different types to choose from, whether you want an animal, food, or something else.
Plush Squishmallows
The most well-known Squishmallows are the plush stuffed animal versions. These come in sizes ranging from 3 inches up to 24 inches for the jumbo Squishmallows. Some of the options in this category include:
- Cats, dogs, bunnies and other woodland creatures. The classics.
- Sea life like sharks, whales, penguins and octopuses. Great for ocean lovers.
- Mythical creatures such as dragons, unicorns, and phoenixes. For those with an imagination.
- Food items like pizza, popcorn, boba tea and pancakes. Quirky and fun.
Clip-ons
For those who want to show their Squishmallow love wherever they go, there are clip-on versions that can attach to backpacks, keychains, and more. The clip-on Squishmallows are compact, usually around 3 to 5 inches, making them perfectly portable. They feature many of the same characters as the plush versions.
Squishy Squishmallows
In addition to the plush stuffed animals, there are also squishy Squishmallow toys. These include:
- Stress balls – Round or egg-shaped squishy toys meant for squeezing. Help relieve anxiety and stress.
- Foam balls – Soft, squishy foam balls that come in fun shapes like stars, hearts and smiley faces. Just for fun.
- Other squishy shapes – Things like food pieces (pizza, donut), vehicles, and more. It’s a diverse collection!
There really is a Squishmallow for everyone. Whether you want a plush pal, a squishy stress reliever or something to show off, the options span characters, sizes, and styles. Now you just have to make the tough choice of which one to get first!
Where to Find and Buy Squishmallows
Squishmallows are hugely popular plush toys, so you may be wondering where you can find and buy them. Luckily, there are many options for adding these cute and cuddly creatures to your collection.
Retail Stores
Some of the most popular places to find Squishmallows are major retailers like Target, Walmart, Costco, and Five Below. These stores frequently get new shipments of Squishmallows, especially around holidays and seasons. Be sure to check the toy sections, but also look in other areas like the front of stores where they often place giant Squishmallows! Many people have found rare Squishmallows just by happening upon them in stores.
Online
If you don’t have luck in stores, shopping online is a great option. The official Squishmallows website allows you to buy most of their plush toys directly. You can also find many Squishmallows on Amazon, eBay, and Mercari. These sites often have a wider selection, including rare or hard-to-find Squishmallows. However, prices may be higher than in stores, especially for highly sought-after Squishmallows. Some other reputable retailers that sell Squishmallows online include Claire’s, Learning Express, and Hot Topic.
Trades and Secondary Markets
Did you know there’s an entire community of Squishmallow fans and collectors? Many collectors buy doubles of Squishmallows or find rare ones that don’t match their personal collections. They then trade or resell them to other collectors. Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and Discord servers are popular places for trading, buying and selling Squishmallows. You can often find great deals here, especially if you have a Squishmallow to trade in return. However, always exercise caution when buying from individuals to avoid scams.
With some dedication and persistence, you can build an amazing collection of Squishmallows by checking all of these sources regularly. Happy hunting and be sure to share photos of your Squishmallow squad when you find some cuties!
The Popularity and Appeal of Squishmallows
Squishmallows have become hugely popular in recent years thanks to their irresistible cuteness and softness. These plush toys offer something for everyone in a range of sizes, characters and styles. Whether you’re looking for a small Squishmallow to brighten up your day or a giant one to cuddle, there’s a perfect option out there waiting for you.
Adorable Designs
One of the biggest reasons Squishmallows have attracted such a devoted following is their adorable and whimsical designs. From unicorns and pandas to avocados and sushi rolls, there’s a fun character for any interest. Their cute faces and soft, round shapes make them impossible not to love. Kids and adults alike become attached to certain characters and want to collect them all.
Incredibly Soft
If you’ve never felt a Squishmallow, you’re in for a treat. They’re made of a plush fabric and filled with a lightweight stuffing that gives them an irresistibly soft and squishy feel. Cuddling up with a Squishmallow is like getting a warm hug. Their softness and squishiness is soothing and helps relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia. Once you’ve felt one, you’ll understand why they’re called “Squishmallows”!
Fun to Collect
With over 400 characters to choose from, Squishmallows are highly collectible. Fans get enjoyment from tracking down rare or exclusive characters and building up their collection. Some collectors focus on certain squad categories like Disney, Sanrio or sea life characters. Others try to get their hands on limited editions or store exclusives. No matter how you collect them, Squishmallows provide hours of entertainment and joy.
Whether it’s their cute and whimsical designs, incredible softness or fun collectibility, Squishmallows have so much appeal. Once they make their way into your home and your heart, they’re there to stay. These plush pals spread smiles wherever they go!
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know about Squishmallows. These super-soft squishy plush toys are all the rage right now and with good reason. With their adorable designs, comfortable feel, and affordable price points, Squishmallows make a great gift or treat for yourself. Once you start collecting them, you’ll quickly become obsessed with finding your favorites and building up your squad. Whether you’re a kid, teen, or adult, Squishmallows offer stress relief and joy for all ages. Now that you’re in the know about these irresistible plush pals, go grab some Squishmallows and get squishin’! The only downside is you may get so hooked that you’ll need to clear some space on your bed, couch, and shelves to make room for your growing Squishmallow family.
