Everything You Need to Know About Squishmallows Plush Toys
What Exactly Are Squishmallows?
At first glance, Squishmallows might look like your typical plush toys—but pick one up, and you’ll get it. These soft, squishy pals feel like hugging a marshmallow (if marshmallows had cute faces). Created by Kellytoy, a brand under Jazwares, Squishmallows come in tons of shapes, sizes, and characters—from cuddly animals and mystical creatures to food-themed designs and even popular TV and movie characters.
What really makes them different is what’s inside: a unique polyester stuffing that’s ultra-soft but still bounces back after every squish. They’re not just cute—they’re comforting. Whether you’re a kid, a teen, or a full-grown adult, there’s something undeniably soothing about having one nearby. You’ll find them in everything from keychain-sized 3.5-inch minis to jumbo 24-inch plushies perfect for snuggling on the couch.
A Quick Look at Squishmallow History
Squishmallows made their debut in 2017, thanks to Kellytoy’s founder, Jonathan Kelly. His idea was to create more than just another plush toy—he wanted to make something comforting, fun, and lovable. That vision brought to life the first group of characters, like Cam the Cat, Wendy the Frog, Fifi the Fox, and Lola the Unicorn.
They quietly built a fanbase at first, but once Squishmallows hit platforms like TikTok and Instagram, things exploded. Unboxing videos, collection tours, and those oh-so-satisfying squish sounds quickly went viral.
Then came 2020. With the pandemic in full swing and people craving comfort, Squishmallows became a go-to feel-good purchase. Since then, over 1,000 characters have been introduced, and the brand has teamed up with big names like Disney, Pokémon, Hello Kitty, and even rolled out limited-edition snacks like Squishmallow Oreos. Not bad for a squishy squad that started with just eight characters.
Why Are People So Obsessed?
Squishmallows aren’t just trendy—they’re comforting. Here’s why they’re more than just a fad:
1. Unbeatable Softness
Their mix of spandex and polyester feels amazing in your hands. They’re hypoallergenic, machine-washable, and bounce back after every hug. Fans say squishing them can help relieve stress, anxiety, and even serve as a sensory tool for people with autism or ADHD.
2. They’ve Got Personality
Every Squishmallow has its own name and little backstory printed on its tag—like Avery the Duck who dreams of being a chef, or Cam the Cat who’s always up for adventure. These stories help people feel more connected to their plush pals.
You’ll find:
- Animal friends like cows, foxes, and penguins
- Fantasy creatures like unicorns and dragons
- Food-themed Squishmallows (yes, there’s a s’mores one)
- Holiday specials for Halloween, Christmas, and more
- Fandom favorites from Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter, and more
3. Collectibility Factor
Some Squishmallows are super rare, especially those in limited drops or “Mystery Squad” blind bags. Collectors often trade and hunt down specific versions—there are even Facebook groups and subreddits where fans swap tips and show off their collections.
4. Social Media Stardom
The online buzz keeps Squishmallows front and center. TikTok videos featuring store “squish hunts” or stacking challenges rack up millions of views. Celebs like Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande are fans, which only fuels the craze.
The Real-Life Perks of Owning a Squishmallow
They’re cute—but they can also be helpful in surprising ways:
- Emotional Comfort: Many people use them as emotional support plushies, especially during tough times or travel.
- Multi-Age Appeal: Kids love them as toys, teens use them as room decor, and adults keep them for comfort or nostalgia.
- Budget-Friendly: Smaller sizes start at around $5, making them accessible for most budgets.
- Eco-Conscious Efforts: While not fully eco-friendly, some newer Squishmallows include recycled materials.
Bonus fact: Research from groups like the American Psychological Association shows that soft toys can help lower stress hormones like cortisol. So yes, hugging your Squishmallow really might help you feel better!
How to Start (and Keep Up) Your Squishmallow Collection
Getting started is easy—and fun! Here’s how to jump in:
- Pick Your Favorites: Are you drawn to animals, fantasy creatures, or licensed characters?
- Visit Local Retailers: Stores like Target, Amazon, Walgreens, Walmart, and Five Below often get new stock—but they sell out fast.
- Join Online Communities: Facebook groups and Reddit forums are great for trading, buying, or finding rare drops.
- Watch for Limited Releases: Keep an eye on seasonal Squishmallows, store exclusives, and collab editions—they tend to become collector’s items.
- Display or Snuggle? Some collectors keep theirs mint with tags, while others use them for decor or comfort—there’s no wrong way to enjoy them.
