Photo: Squishmallows
Overview
First hitting the market in 2017 and gaining notable popularity in 2020, Squishmallows have been a steady trend for two years. Though as supply increases and storage space in peoples’ homes decreases, the popularity of these stuffed animals might be dwindling. As we near the possible downfall of these Beanie Baby-esque collectibles, let’s reflect on what made them so popular in the first place.
Squishmallows for Mental Health
It would be ludicrous to discuss the causes for the popularity of Squishmallows without mentioning the supposed positive effects they have on mental health. Many collectors as well as casual consumers on the popular social media platform TikTok have cited the collectibles as benefiting trauma recovery and providing positive sensory stimulation.
Related article: OSCAR-NOMINATED – EXCLUSIVE: ‘Dune’ Full Commentary, Reactions, Making Of – Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac
Related article: OSCAR-NOMINATED – ‘House of Gucci’ Full Commentary & Behind the Scenes – Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Al Pacino
Related article: OSCAR-NOMINATED – ‘Belfast’ Full Commentary & BTS – Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench
Related article: OSCAR-NOMINATED – ‘West Side Story’ Full Commentary – Rita Moreno, Steven Spielberg, Rachel Zegler
Related article: OSCAR-NOMINATED – ‘No Time to Die’ Full Commentary, Behind the Scenes & Reactions, Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Bond
It is still unclear just how a simple stuffed animal is able to aid in healing trauma and generating a more positive outlook on the world – however, these plushies most definitely get the job done. Many people on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have shared their experiences regarding receiving some sort of emotional and mental benefit from Squishmallows. Usually, the people that receive the biggest benefits are people with large collections, however, those with one or two Squishmallows have also explained the improvement in their mental states as they obtain these collectibles. A possible explanation for these effects can be the fact that each plushie comes with a biography tag that explains its name, interests, and personality quirks. Through these biography tags, consumers are able to connect with each plushie since they are given a basis for the personality of the toy. Most people currently collecting Squishmallows were raised on the series of Pixar films – ‘Toy Story’ – in this series toys are depicted as being alive, having emotions, mental processes, and distinct personalities.
Related article:
Limited Time Offer – FREE Subscription to The Hollywood Insider
Click here to read more on The Hollywood Insider’s vision, values and mission statement here – Media has the responsibility to better our world – The Hollywood Insider fully focuses on substance and meaningful entertainment, against gossip and scandal, by combining entertainment, education, and philanthropy.
Therefore, many of us now understand toys as having lives of their own. This aids in personal connection and secure attachment. A big part of growing up in a hostile environment that results in long-lasting trauma is the inability to form secure attachments due to the turbulent nature of the environment. This issue will often last well into a person’s adulthood, however, it is a lot easier to form a secure attachment to something that is incapable of reacting to one’s actions or emotions. An object (in this case a stuffed animal) that displays a personality can be very effective at providing a non-judgmental companion that a person who is not familiar with security and consistency can rely on. Within these biography tags, Squishmallow toys are able to say “this is who I am” and in the process teach consumers how to be proactive about their interests and personalities as well.
Related article: EVOLUTION: Every Henry Cavill Role From 2001 to 2021, All Performances Exceptionally Poignant
Related article: EVOLUTION: Every Chris Evans Role From 1997 to 2020, All Performances Exceptionally Poignant
While the personalities are a big influence on the popularity of Squishmallows, another component that appears to be comforting is their simplistic design. Featuring dots for eyes and simple smiles, Squishmallow designs are extremely approachable. Their oversimplified appearance may also aid in aesthetic appeal due to the fact that they fit in with practically any interior as long as the consumer pays attention to the color scheme. This aesthetic appeal often results in large displays mounted along the walls in collectors’ homes. Usually, these displays will be organized by the type of animal/object that the Squishmallow is meant to resemble, but it is not uncommon to see displays organized by either size or color.
Notably, Squishmallows have a very pleasant sensory appeal. Seeing as the stuffing in these plushies is ultra-soft and (big surprise) squishy, they make great pillows or even cushions – depending on the size. Alternatively, Squishmallows have become a popular fidget and stim object due to the sensory appeal of the stuffing material as well as the outer fabric. Interestingly, for people with certain neurodivergence, Squishmallows can become a fidget/stim buddy of sorts. Since each plushie has a personality, they become friends and companions that aren’t capable of passing judgment. Therefore, if a person needs to let out excess energy through fidgeting or stimming, a Squishmallow may be a favorable outlet.
Related article: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase: “The Importance of Venice Film Festival as the Protector of Cinema”
Related article: The Masters of Cinema Archives: The Hollywood Insider Pays Tribute to ‘La Vie En Rose’, Exclusive Interview with Director Olivier Dahan
Related article: – Want GUARANTEED SUCCESS? Remove these ten words from your vocabulary| Transform your life INSTANTLY
Related article: #metoo Revolution: Powerful Questions That Need Answers
Related article: FACT-CHECKED Series: Timothee Chalamet and 32 Facts about The Young Superstar
Many TikTok users with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) have expressed their attachment to the stuffed animals due to their pleasant texture, while users with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) cite the plushies as being fun to squeeze and knead when attempting to cope with intense emotions. Squishmallow textures seem to have a calming effect while providing sensory stimulation, which is unique for toys that are not generally geared towards toddlers. By providing a pleasant and harmless energy outlet, Squishmallows have become an unlikely ally to the neurodivergent community – both online and in real life.
Collector Craze
Of course, aside from the possible emotional benefits of collecting Squishmallows, there is also the financial incentive. As with the Beanie Baby craze of the 90s, the artificial scarcity of these collectibles has driven up prices in the resale market. A toy that originally retailed for ten to fifteen dollars, can often be resold online for upwards of thirty dollars. One of the most popular resale websites for Squishmallows is currently Mercari. This platform allows people to buy and sell their things, much like Depop and Poshmark. Many people run Squishmallow resale businesses, which entail buying up Squishmallow stock from popular retailers and listing them online at a higher price. Due to the fact that the Squishmallow manufacturer – Kellytoy – has elected to capitalize on the popularity of the plushies by encouraging an artificial scarcity through limited releases and exclusive collections, this method of business is actually effective.
Related article: MUST WATCH – The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s Love Letter to Black Lives Matter – VIDEO
Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here.
It takes a long time and many store trips to find particular Squishamallows, especially the popular characters such as Wendy the frog, Ronnie the cow, Monica the axolotl, and Caedyn the cow. Most people will not have that kind of resources and time. Because of this, resellers are able to make decent money by simply up-marking each Squishmallow they sell. Collectors often don’t mind paying higher prices for their favorite characters, which only encourages the resale market. While it is generally frowned upon to buy Squishmallow stock exclusively for resale purposes in the collector community, little is done to control this. Though oddly enough, official Squishmallow retailers have started limiting the number of plushies a person can get in a day, which is helping regulate resellers.
Final Thoughts
Whether someone is collecting due to the social media trends, the positive effect these plushies have on their mental health, or even the financial incentive of certain characters rising in price, there is no doubt as to the rampant popularity of Squishmallows. Stock seems to be becoming more abundant which may mean that Kellytoy has chosen to provide the supply for the demand instead of encouraging resale culture. Though in part, the increase in stock has more or less begun defeating the exclusivity of these toys which has driven down demand. Additionally, many collectors have stated that they are now overwhelmed with the volume of their collections. Whether or not this means that the Squishamallow trend will soon dwindle is still in the cards. But one thing is certain – these little guys have left their mark.
By Micha Jones
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV. media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
More Interesting Stories From The Hollywood Insider
– Want GUARANTEED SUCCESS? Remove these ten words from your vocabulary| Transform your life INSTANTLY
– A Tribute to Martin Scorsese: A Complete Analysis of the Life and Career of the Man Who Lives and Breathes Cinema
– Do you know the hidden messages in ‘Call Me By Your Name’? Find out behind the scenes facts in the full commentary and In-depth analysis of the cinematic masterpiece
– A Tribute To The Academy Awards: All Best Actor/Actress Speeches From The Beginning Of Oscars 1929-2019 | From Rami Malek, Leonardo DiCaprio To Denzel Washington, Halle Berry & Beyond | From Olivia Colman, Meryl Streep To Bette Davis & Beyond
– In the 32nd Year Of His Career, Keanu Reeves’ Face Continues To Reign After Launching Movies Earning Over $4.3 Billion In Total – “John Wick”, “Toy Story 4”, “Matrix”, And Many More
squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows, squishmallows
FAQs
What is the most liked Squishmallow? ›
Chip the Beaver is one of the most popular Squishmallows because of how simple and sweet he looks. He's brown and tan, just like a real beaver, and his long whiskers and round eyes say it all.
Which Squishmallows are the rarest? ›The rarest Squishmallow in the world is likely Jack the Black Cat. Jack was part of the Select Series of Squishmallows, and there were very few produced. Jack is also the 500th Squishmallows character produced, which makes him doubly unique.
Do adults collect Squishmallows? ›Though Squishmallows have won the hearts of millions of followers, one might find it rather weird why fully-grown adults like me love purchasing these stuffed animals (some have even turned into die-hard collectors in their quest to land that perfect plushie).
What makes Squishmallows so special? ›Seeing as the stuffing in these plushies is ultra-soft and (big surprise) squishy, they make great pillows or even cushions – depending on the size. Alternatively, Squishmallows have become a popular fidget and stim object due to the sensory appeal of the stuffing material as well as the outer fabric.
What is the rarest Squishmallow in 2022? ›One of the rarest Squishmallows in 2020 and 2021 was Archie, the light pink axolotl, and in 2022, Treyton, the yellow axolotl.
What is the least popular Squishmallow? ›Santino The Platypus
The whole lineup of the rarest Squishmallows will not be complete without Santino the Platypus. He has a dark brown color, a duck-like bill, and round eyes.
All About Squishmallow Sizes
Meanwhile, the largest size for Squishmallows is 24 inches. This size is huggable enough to be used as a pillow. The availability of these various sizes depends on the sellers.
What do they fill Squishmallows with? Every specific Squishmallow is filled with polyester fiber, making it a soft and fluffy toy. The company retailers use Ultra-soft Spandex and Polyester to make the line brand have more “marshmallow-like” stuffing inside.
Which Squishmallow has ADHD? ›Connor the cow, a popular Squishmallow, sells for $105 on eBay. Connor would have retailed for no more than $30. Kamai says her Squishmallows have helped her cope with her ADHD and chronic illnesses.
Why do girls like Squishmallow? ›The stuffed toys are best described as both adorable and unbelievably soft. They come in a multitude of sizes, shapes, and colours. With their small, wideset eyes and tiny, rounded smiles, basically anything looks cute as a Squishmallow.
What Squishmallows are coming out in 2022? ›
- Bop the Pink Bunny.
- Aimee the Chick.
- Bexley the Unicorn.
All About the First Squishmallow
The Kellytoy company made the first-ever Squishmallow, Cameron the Calico Cat, along with the seven original Squishmallows, in 2017. Each Squishmallow character came with cute names and interesting personalities.
There are exclusive editions and promotional plushies that drive exclusivity (and, therefore, the price). Collectors on sites such as Mercari and eBay are now paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for the rarest Squishmallows.
Is Jenny the cow a real Squishmallow? ›Fake Squishmallows Have Been Popping Up for Over a Year
On our original list of the most popular Squishmallows, we included Jenny the Cow. She looks just like the other Squishmallow cows, except that, according to Reddit, she's not made by Squishmallow at all.
Question: Which is the Rarest Axolotl Squishmallow? Answer: Archie, the Light Pink Axolotl, Squishmallow was the rarest in 2020 and 2021 because the brand no longer makes him.
Why is Jack the Black Cat Squishmallow so rare? ›So, you couldn't just find a Jack out in the wild, but had to order one specifically from the company itself. There were also only 500 made and available for purchase, which contributes to the rarity of the plush kitty.
Is Wendy the frog rare? ›What is the rarest frog Squishmallow? Wendy the Frog Squishmallow is incredibly rare, especially if you have the 2017 version in mint condition. People will pay a premium dollar for this Original release!
How do you know if you have a rare Squishmallow? ›Rare Squishmallows are labeled with a silver tag and have a maximum of 75,000 units each available worldwide. Ultra Rare Squishmallows are labeled with a golden tag and have a maximum of 50,000 units each available worldwide.
Is Cam a rare Squishmallow? ›Squishmallows on Twitter: "@ErnieKeebIer Our Cam is one of the rare male calicos.
Is the mushroom Squishmallow rare? ›Yes, Malcolm the Mushroom Squishmallow is quite rare. He's pretty difficult to spot in stores and even more difficult to find online. You can actually read up on a few Reddit forums about people looking for leads to where he can be found.
Can you wash a Squishmallow? ›
Yes, you can wash Squishmallows with detergent. Just make sure to always use mild laundry detergents so the Squishmallows won't be damaged in any way. Some detergents are too strong that they could ruin the fabric of Squishmallows. You may also use fabric softener when washing your Squishmallows.
Is Benny the Squishmallow rare? ›There are officially over a thousand squishy friends available worldwide. Among this thousand, less than sixty are brown! This makes Benny one of the rarest squishmallows on the market and the rarest Bigfoot!
What is the smallest Squishmallow size? ›Highlights. NEW 2” SCALE Introducing an all-new miniature 2” size Mini-Squishmallows, exclusive to Squishville!
How much money is a Squishmallow? ›How much do they cost? Squishmallows range in price depending on size. Smaller Squishmallows, like the keychains, start at $2.99, while larger toys can reach up to $59.99. You may find high reseller prices online depending on popularity.
How many types of Squishmallows are there? ›There are more than 800 Squishmallow characters, and hunting for rare ones has become a popular pastime.
Are Squishmallows toxic? ›Squishmallows are made from and filled with polyester fibers. No toxic chemicals are used or added to the outside layer OR to the fibers within each plush toy. They are Prop 65 compliant and are not flame retardant.
What kind of pillow is Squishmallow? ›Squishmallow pillows are filled with polyester fiber, nothing fancy. It's just pillowy soft and, paired with the soft stretch fabric cover, makes for a very soft pillow.
What are the Squishmallow names? ›- Aarin the Alpaca.
- Abby the Octopus.
- Abe the Bearded Dragon.
- Abena the Succulent.
- Abilene the Ostrich.
- Ace the Unicorn.
- Adabelle the Strawberry Frog.
- Addison the Lamb.
Squishmallows : Toys for Ages 2-4.
Are Squishmallows still popular 2022? ›Call them stuffies, squishies, plushies, squish, squishville, stuffed animals, plushy, plush or or plush…these Kellytoy Original Squishmallows are so big and soft and we're not surprised they are still one of the most popular toys for kids again this year in 2022!
Are Squishmallows for children? ›
There's nothing more adorable than a crew of fruity Squishmallows with a 3.5-inch baby avocado squishy beside them. Squishmallows are low-maintenance, safe toys for any household. They're easy for little hands to hold and hug, and at their biggest will only take up as much space as a pillow.
Are there scented Squishmallows? ›MEET THE SCENTED BLINDS There are 5 different Squishmallows with unique scents to discover! MUST-HAVE Bring the fun home with this Squishmallow, made with ultrasoft, high-quality materials. UNIQUE PERSONALITIES Squishmallows come in a variety of personalities, colors and sizes.
Are Squishmallows good for anxiety? ›A snuggly alternative to high tech toys, and a great gift alternative to candy and flowers, the versatile Squishmallows are great couch pals, travel companions and can even serve as a best friend in times of need to help relieve stress and anxiety.
Is Lena a guava? ›Lena is a sliced guava, with a marbled green peel on the outside, a line of lime green, then very pale pink on her face and belly.
Is there a Chloe Squishmallow? ›Chloe the Poodle is a pink Squishmallow.
Is there a Squishmallow named Allison? ›Ally is an axolotl with a striped gradient pattern in berry shades, mostly pink and purple, and a pattern of white stars scattered over the top. She has red gills with a pale pink frill on each side of her head. She has small, stubby arms and a pale pink belly.
How do you clean Squishmallow? ›- STEP 1: Put Squishmallow in a pillow case. Put your squishmallow inside a pillowcase. ...
- STEP 2: Wash on cold and gentle. Place it in the washer with your normal detergent on cold and gentle. ...
- STEP 3: Tumble Dry on low and gentle. ...
- STEP 4: Fluff.
Patty's family has the most popular booth at the springtime farmer's market.
Do Mystery Squishmallows have names? ›Each Squishmallow has its own unique name and storyline to add to the fun.
How many cow Squishmallows are there? ›A. There are over 16 different Squishmallow cow designs. Some of them have black and white color schemes, others have white and brown spots. Those with unusual colors usually feature purple, pink, and sometimes light blue accessories.
How many Jack the Black Cat Squishmallows are there? ›
The rarest cat Squishmallow is Jack the Black Cat. He is part of the Select Series (alongside Jarik the Dragon) and is the brand's 500th character. There are only 500 Jacks in circulation, and each has a gold, heart-shaped 500 tag on his ear.
Is the octopus Squishmallow rare? ›Detra is quite a rare octopus Squishmallow from the Halloween Squad released in 2021. She is a pumpkin orange octopus wearing a witch hat. Sellers often have difficulty stocking this item because of its high demand.
Is Ronnie the cow rare? ›Several sites, like Romper, list Ronnie the Cow as being rare and very difficult to find. Some of the different editions of Ronnie the Cow may be easier to find and less expensive than looking for the original Ronnie.
What's the dog Squishmallows name? ›Rosa the Dog is a Yellow Squishmallow exclusive to Justice. She shares her name with Rosa the Koala.
What is the least popular Squishmallow? ›Santino The Platypus
The whole lineup of the rarest Squishmallows will not be complete without Santino the Platypus. He has a dark brown color, a duck-like bill, and round eyes.
The Squishmallows mania prevails as the must-have collectables of 2022 – The Daily Free Press.
What was the first ever Squishmallow? ›All About the First Squishmallow
The Kellytoy company made the first-ever Squishmallow, Cameron the Calico Cat, along with the seven original Squishmallows, in 2017. Each Squishmallow character came with cute names and interesting personalities.
The largest Squishmallow size is 24 inches. You can cuddle the 24-inch Squishmallows/plush toys and use them as pillows.
Is Archie the axolotl rare? ›Question: Which is the Rarest Axolotl Squishmallow? Answer: Archie, the Light Pink Axolotl, Squishmallow was the rarest in 2020 and 2021 because the brand no longer makes him.
Is Wendy the frog rare? ›What is the rarest frog Squishmallow? Wendy the Frog Squishmallow is incredibly rare, especially if you have the 2017 version in mint condition. People will pay a premium dollar for this Original release!
Why is Jack the black cat so rare? ›
Jack The Black Cat Squishmallow
So, you couldn't just find a Jack out in the wild, but had to order one specifically from the company itself. There were also only 500 made and available for purchase, which contributes to the rarity of the plush kitty.
Fake Squishmallows Have Been Popping Up for Over a Year
On our original list of the most popular Squishmallows, we included Jenny the Cow. She looks just like the other Squishmallow cows, except that, according to Reddit, she's not made by Squishmallow at all.
Put It In The Washer (Cold & Gentle)
Squishmallows are plush toys stuffed with super soft, marshmallowy polyester fiber [1]. Place the Squishmallow in the washer with your normal laundry detergent in cold water and a gentle setting. Never wash the plushie hot as it can melt the material.
What's a Squishmallow? Squishmallows are plush toys stuffed with super soft, marshmallowy polyester fiber.
What are the top 10 rarest Squishmallows? ›- Dakota the Dragon.
- Avery the Mallard.
- Willy the Wolf.
- Philippe the Frog.
- Ben the Teal Dino.
- Santino the Platypus.
- Jack the Black Cat.
- Fania the Purple Owl.
Squishmallows on Twitter: "@ErnieKeebIer Our Cam is one of the rare male calicos.
Is Benny the Squishmallow rare? ›There are officially over a thousand squishy friends available worldwide. Among this thousand, less than sixty are brown! This makes Benny one of the rarest squishmallows on the market and the rarest Bigfoot!
How heavy is a Squishmallow? ›| Product Dimensions | 12 x 11 x 10 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| ASIN | B08CFZL659 |
| Item model number | SQ20-12LN |
| Manufacturer recommended age | 0 months and up |
There were only thirty total 24" Golden Hans squishmallows ever made, taking the title of the rarest squishmallow ever produced (if you consider different sizes as separate squishmallows) from Jack the Black Cat, who held the title at the time.
Is there a Squishmallow store? ›A new store dedicated exclusively to Kellytoy's popular Squishmallow plush toys is set to open at Kings Island amusement park in Mason, Ohio, near the front gate on International Street. The cuddly, huggable characters are made up of a super soft, marshmallow-like texture and polyester, hence their name.