Squishmallows: A Complete Guide to the Cute and Collectible Plushies

Squishmallows are hard to miss once you start noticing them. You can find them in toy stores, bookstores, pharmacies, supermarkets, and plenty of other places, usually in a big pile of soft, round characters that are very difficult not to squeeze.

They have also become much more than regular stuffed animals. Some people buy one because they want something soft to cuddle, while others enjoy searching for certain animals, characters, sizes, colors, or special releases. There are tiny Squishmallows that can hang from a bag and huge ones that are perfect for cuddling.

New to Squishmallows? This is a good place to start. Here is what makes them different, why they became so popular, and what to consider when choosing one.

What Are Squishmallows?

Squishmallows are soft plush characters that first appeared in 2017. They were created by Kellytoy, which was later acquired by toy company Jazwares.

One of the first things you notice about a Squishmallow is the texture. The filling feels quite different from that of many traditional stuffed animals. Squeeze one and it compresses easily before returning to its rounded shape.

The designs tend to be simple, with rounded bodies and embroidered details. The characters include animals, fantasy creatures, foods, seasonal designs, and plenty that are difficult to put into any normal category.

More than 2,500 Squishmallow characters have been created, so knowing all of them would be quite a challenge.

Each one also has a name and a little biography. The hangtag might tell you about the character’s hobbies, personality, job, or dreams. It is a small detail, but it gives each plush a little more personality.

Why Are Squishmallows So Popular?

The softness is definitely one reason. They are made for squeezing and cuddling, and the larger sizes can easily double as cushions when you are sitting on a bed or couch.

But softness alone doesn’t explain their popularity.

Variety is another big reason. Cats, cows, frogs, axolotls, sharks, mushrooms, fruit, desserts, and mythical creatures are just a few of the possibilities. With so many designs, it is fairly easy to find something that matches your taste.

Then comes the temptation to get another one. You might start with a single character and later notice a particular animal you love, a seasonal release, or another design that looks perfect next to the first one.

That doesn’t mean you need dozens of them. One carefully chosen favorite can be just as enjoyable as an entire shelf.

Choosing the Right Squishmallow

With so many choices, deciding which Squishmallow to buy can be harder than it sounds.

Size is a good place to begin. Smaller ones are easy to carry around or give as gifts. Medium-sized Squishmallows offer a good balance between cuddling and everyday use, while the biggest ones are especially comfortable to hug or use as cushions.

Not sure what would work best? A closer look at the different Squishmallow sizes can help you compare the options before buying.

Size isn’t the only difference. Over the years, several formats have appeared alongside the familiar round plush. Some change the shape or design, while others offer a different experience.

Names such as FlipAMallows can be confusing at first, but looking at the different Squishmallow styles makes it much easier to understand what is available.

So Many Characters to Discover

With thousands of characters, it is easy to find smaller themes that match your interests.

Bigfoots, for example, have developed quite a following. Several characters and variations belong to this furry family, and there are many Squishmallow Bigfoots to meet beyond the first one you happen to spot in a store.

Mystery Squads offer something different. You don’t know exactly which character you are getting until you open the package, adding a surprise element to the experience.

Collaborations bring familiar faces into the Squishmallow world too. Sanrio fans can find versions of Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pompompurin, and other favorites, with plenty of Sanrio Squishmallows to discover.

Even food has been turned into plush characters. Fruit, desserts, drinks, and other treats have inspired some especially cute designs.

Seasonal releases add even more variety. Halloween brings spooky characters and costumes, while Christmas designs can include everything from festive animals to holiday treats. You can take a closer look at both Halloween Squishmallows and Christmas Squishmallows if seasonal designs are your thing.

Of course, there is no reason to stick to one theme. Choosing whichever characters catch your attention can make the result much more personal.

Beyond the Classic Squishmallow

Not every Squishmallow comes in the familiar rounded plush format.

Squishmallow clips shrink the characters down to a size that can hang from a backpack or bag. They are a cute way to bring a favorite character along wherever you go, and there are plenty of designs to choose from.

Squishville goes smaller still. These miniature characters can come with vehicles, playsets, and accessories, giving them more of a tiny toy-world feel. Exploring Squishville is an option for anyone who likes miniatures as much as plushies.

Together, these smaller formats show just how far the brand has expanded from its original plush toys.

Building Your Own Collection

There is no need to collect every character or follow every new release.

Maybe you love frogs. Maybe pastel colors are what catch your eye. You could be drawn to food characters, Bigfoots, Sanrio, or simply whatever makes you smile when you see it.

Focusing on what you genuinely like also makes it easier to pass on something just because it happens to be popular or hard to find.

A collection doesn’t have to be large or expensive to be enjoyable. It can grow gradually, with each new Squishmallow chosen because you actually like it.

Displaying and Caring for Your Squishmallows

A couple of Squishmallows can sit comfortably on a bed or shelf. Once they start multiplying, a little organization helps.

Shelves, baskets, wall hammocks, and other storage solutions can work depending on how much room you have and whether you want everything visible. These Squishmallow display ideas offer several ways to organize them without hiding all that cuteness away.

Plushies also eventually collect dust and sometimes need cleaning, especially when they are regularly cuddled rather than simply displayed.

Care instructions can vary between products, so it is better to check the label on the individual plush rather than assume they should all be washed the same way. Proper kawaii plushie care can help with cleaning, drying, storage, and keeping them in good condition.

Where Can You Buy Squishmallows?

Squishmallows are sold through many retailers, but what you find depends on where you live, the season, and even the individual store.

Shopping for them can therefore be a little unpredictable. One store might have a character you have never seen anywhere else, while another may suddenly get a seasonal release.

It is worth paying attention to the tags and buying from reputable sellers, especially on resale marketplaces.

Exploring the World of Squishmallows

What started as a line of very soft plushies in 2017 has grown into a huge variety of characters, styles, themes, and collaborations.

It can seem a little overwhelming when you first start looking at them, but you don’t need to know every name or understand every product line.

Start with what you like.

That could be one giant Squishmallow to cuddle, a tiny clip on your bag, a favorite Sanrio character, a Bigfoot, or a shelf filled with little Squishville figures.

Squishmallows are also only one corner of the larger kawaii plushie world. Curious about another popular brand? See how Squishmallows and Jellycat compare, or discover more options among some of the most popular kawaii plushie brands.