If you’ve visited a Walmart, Target, Five Below or Walgreens within the last six months, chances are you’ve seen one of many plush toys that are available in countless different sizes, styles, colors and patterns: a Squishmallow. What makes these stuffed animals different from a typical teddy bear are the prices, personalities and their quality. They may be a bit hard to find, especially with how big of a trend they are at the moment, but the hunt for the perfect friend is half the fun.
One of the things that sets Squishmallows apart from regular stuffed animals is how soft and squishy they are. Most Squishmallows are built like a marshmallow: large and round. This shape, coupled with how soft the outside fabric is and how malleable the stuffing is, makes for the perfect cuddle partner. These plushies are also available in various sizes. They make keychain Squishmallows as small as 3.5 inches and some retailers even carry 24 inch Squishes, making them perfect for people who may prefer different sizes of plush. Some retailers also carry exclusive sizes and colors or patterns that can’t be found elsewhere.
Squishmallows have recently blown up on social media sites such as Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. The official Squishmallow accounts on these platforms regularly repost fan content and follow back the accounts that post Squishmallow related photos and videos. This recognition of the large fan base (they have just over 360,000 followers in Instagram at the time of this article publishing) and regular interaction makes this community feel more wholesome and interconnected.
In addition, each Squishmallow can be registered online to become an official member of the Squishmallow Squad. Once registered, the owner of the plushie will receive exclusive offers and news on future products, along with an adoption certificate for the Squishes.
These plushies are also unique because each of them has its own personality. Every Squishmallow has a tag with its name and a short paragraph describing it. Squishmallow fans value this personification because it makes them feel represented and appreciated. For example, some Squishes use they/them pronouns and the official Squishmallow social media accounts have verified with fans that it was intentional. This push for gender nonconforming Squishmallows has comforted nonbinary and gender nonconforming fans and made them feel validated. Another Squishmallow has been confirmed to have social anxiety, making fans with social anxiety or other anxiety disorders feel represented. To many, these little things may not seem important, but they help to normalize them and comfort the people who experience them.
Squishmallows also have rather low prices for the quality and sizes that they come in. Depending on the retailer you purchase them from, they’re usually below $15, which is pretty reasonable for a medium to large plush. Five Below carries a plethora of different styles and colors in the eight inch size for $5, and if you get lucky you may be able to find 20 and 24 inch Squishes at stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls for $15. With their increasing popularity, you would expect prices to rise. However, the brand stays true and keeps their prices as low as possible.
Though it may be a bit difficult to hunt down your perfect Squish right now with how popular they are, you should try going for it anyway. Along the way, you may find a new Squishmallow that you love even more. As your collection grows — because, let’s face it, these little guys are addicting — you should try posting a photo online and tagging the official Squishmallow accounts. You never know, they may repost your photos for the whole community to admire.
