Why Are Squishmallows So Expensive?
Are you wondering why Squishmallows come with such a high price tag? Discover more about collector’s value, limited editions, demand, production costs, and the impact of the secondary market.
Squishmallows have become a huge hit among plush enthusiasts, collectors, and children worldwide. With their incredibly soft texture and an array of adorable characters, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular.
However, popularity often comes at a price. Many wonder why these seemingly simple plush toys can be so costly. What exactly drives up the price of Squishmallows?
In this article, we dive into the factors contributing to Squishmallows’ price level—from collector’s value and rarity to production costs and the classic law of supply and demand.
1. Squishmallows’ Popularity: More Than Just a Plush Toy
Before we look at the price, we need to understand why Squishmallows are so popular. Launched by Kellytoy in 2017, they quickly became known for their unique, soft, and squishy texture, as well as their charming and varied designs. They come in different sizes, from small keychains to large pillows—appealing to a wide audience.
Each Squishmallow has a name and a little backstory, creating an emotional connection. This blend of comfort and personality makes Squishmallows stand out, leading to enormous demand. And, as we know, high demand often means higher prices.
2. Collectibles and “Limited Editions”: The Hunt for the Rare
A key reason why Squishmallows can be expensive is their status as collectibles. Much like Beanie Babies and other popular collectible toys, some Squishmallows are produced in limited editions. This rarity makes them highly sought after.
“Limited editions” are often released for a short period or in small quantities. Once they sell out, their value rises considerably. When a Squishmallow is “retired” (no longer in production), its price on the secondary market can skyrocket. Some rare Squishmallows sell for many times their original price, especially on sites like eBay or within collector groups. This is particularly true for collectors hunting down that one piece to complete their collection.
3. Demand and Supply Issues: An Unfortunate Combination
Like many other products, the price of Squishmallows is influenced by the balance between supply and demand. Demand has increased significantly alongside their growing popularity. Particularly during holidays or special occasions, demand can outstrip availability, pushing prices higher.
Supply issues have also played a role. Global supply chains have faced disruptions in recent years, leading to delays in production and distribution. Material shortages and transportation problems have made it more challenging to keep up with demand—especially for the most popular characters. This, in turn, drives the prices up even further.
4. Production Costs and Materials: Quality Comes at a Price
Production costs are a major factor. Although they may look simple, Squishmallows are made from special materials that give them their signature softness. They are crafted from a unique polyester fabric and filled with a foam-like material. These materials are more expensive than those used in ordinary plush toys, which contributes to higher costs.
Additionally, a certain level of craftsmanship is involved in their production. Each figure is carefully designed to maintain its shape and softness. Larger Squishmallows or those with complex designs require more labor, further increasing the cost.
Licensed Squishmallows (for example, those featuring Disney, Star Wars, or Pokémon characters) are even pricier, as Kellytoy must pay licensing fees for these characters—a cost that is reflected in the retail price.
5. Marketing and Brand Building: More Than Just a Product
Kellytoy has done an excellent job building the Squishmallows brand. They are marketed not just as toys, but also as collectibles, comfort items, and even stress-relief companions for adults. This broad appeal has helped them reach a large audience.
Social media has played a huge role. Influencers and collectors frequently share their Squishmallow collections and purchases on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, creating a viral effect. This further boosts demand—and, consequently, the prices.
6. Resale and Speculators: A Market Within a Market
Another factor is the thriving secondary market, where speculators buy popular Squishmallows in bulk and resell them at much higher prices. These sellers take advantage of high demand and limited supply, especially when popular figures sell out in stores.
Many buyers, particularly collectors, end up paying a premium for rare or sought-after Squishmallows on platforms like eBay. This practice helps maintain high prices in the market. It became especially widespread during the pandemic when online shopping became the primary way to get Squishmallows.
7. Seasonal and Themed Releases: Limited Availability
Squishmallows are often released as part of themed collections—such as holiday or seasonal editions (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day). These are produced in limited quantities and are only available for a short period, causing them to sell out quickly and become valuable collectibles on the secondary market.
Additionally, Kellytoy regularly launches new Squishmallows in “drops” (small releases). These quickly become popular among collectors. Once these characters sell out, their value increases, and many are willing to pay high prices to secure them.
A Complex Pricing Model
The high prices of Squishmallows are due to a combination of factors: collector’s value, limited editions, high demand, production costs, and an active secondary market. Although they may seem like simple plush toys, Squishmallows have evolved into much more. They are coveted collectibles and, for many, a source of comfort and joy.
For those looking to expand their Squishmallow collection, patience can pay off. Retailers restock regularly, and prices may drop outside of peak seasons. However, for rare or limited editions, the price tag will likely remain high as long as demand continues to outpace supply.
Tips for Saving Money on Squishmallows:
- Be Patient: Keep an eye on major retailers (Target, Walmart, Amazon) – they often restock and offer discounts, especially during sales like Black Friday.
- Join Squishmallow Groups: Become a member of Squishmallow collector groups on social media. There, you can get tips on good deals and information about upcoming releases.
- Local Stores: Visit local toy stores or discount shops – they might have Squishmallows on sale, or discontinued characters at reduced prices.
- Secondary Market (with Caution): Although the secondary market is often pricier, you can find good deals by negotiating with sellers or purchasing pre-owned Squishmallows on websites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Always exercise caution and check the seller’s reputation.
