What makes Squishmallows different from other stuffed animals?
From the super-soft design to the enormous range of characters and the joy of collecting – learn why they have become a global phenomenon.
Squishmallows, the marshmallow-shaped stuffed animals introduced in 2017, have taken the stuffed animal market by storm. Their unique design, enormous range of characters, and a loyal following consisting of both children and adults have created an entirely new trend.
Unique Design and Feel
These stuffed animals are made of super-soft spandex material and filled with polyester fibers. This gives them a luxurious, marshmallow-like softness that sets them apart from traditional stuffed animals. The distinctive round shape and velvety surface provide a unique, soothing feel – perfect for snuggling and stress relief. Squishmallows come in 12 different sizes, ranging from small 3.5‑inch clip‑ons to large 24‑inch variants, making them suitable for various needs and uses. This combination of super‑soft texture, huggable design, and size diversity has been a key factor in Squishmallows’ enormous popularity.
Variety of Characters
With over 3000 different styles, Squishmallows offer an incredible array of characters that appeal to every taste. Among others, you will find:
- Classic animals and fantastical creatures.
- Food-themed designs like cakes, pizza, and eggs
- Popular design collaborations with brands such as Disney and Sanrio.
- Unique objects like plants, clouds, and even plague doctors (!).
This enormous selection makes it easy to find the perfect gift or to expand your collection with exactly the figures you desire. There is guaranteed to be a Squishmallow that fits every personality and interest.
The Joy of Collecting and Excitement
Squishmallows have embraced collectibility through innovative features that drive fan engagement. A rarity scale with special tags, such as silver for Rare and gold for Ultra Rare, adds excitement to the hunt for specific designs. Limited edition releases, location-exclusive “Check-In Series,” and “Founder’s Edition” plushies obtained through trading card redemptions further enhance the collecting experience.
- “First to Market” stamps that indicate the first 5000 produced units of a design.
- Select Series designs that are sold exclusively on the official website, in a limited run of 5000–10,000 units.
- Collaborations with popular brands that create highly coveted special editions.
These collectible features have greatly contributed to Squishmallows’ popularity and have created a dedicated community of collectors.
Cultural Influence and Broad Appeal
Squishmallows quickly became a viral sensation on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Their soothing properties and collectible value appealed to people of all ages who sought comfort during a time marked by isolation and uncertainty. In particular, adults have embraced Squishmallows – both as a means of stress relief and as decorative items – and they constitute a significant part of sales. This cross‑generational appeal has transformed Squishmallows from being a children’s toy into a cultural icon, with a dedicated fandom and a collector community spanning various age groups.
