In the ever-evolving world of toys, few trends have captured the hearts (and hands) of children and adults quite like squishy toys. These delightfully tactile objects, known for their slow-rising properties and satisfying squeeze, have transcended mere playthings to become tools for stress relief, sensory development, and even a burgeoning collector’s market. But what exactly are squishy toys, what are they made of, and why have they become such a global sensation? Let’s dive into the squishy world.

What Are Squishy Toys?

At their core, squishy toys are soft, pliable objects designed to be squeezed, stretched, and manipulated, slowly returning to their original shape. They are often crafted from specially formulated polyurethane foam, giving them their characteristic “slow-rising” quality. While they share a lineage with traditional stress balls, squishies distinguish themselves with their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and often, delightful scents. From adorable animals and kawaii (cute in Japanese) food items like cupcakes and fruits to popular cartoon characters and abstract shapes, the variety of squishy designs is virtually endless, appealing to a wide demographic.

The appeal lies in the unique sensory experience they offer. The gentle pressure of squeezing, the soft texture against the skin, and the mesmerizing slow rise back to form provide a calming and engaging tactile sensation.

The Science Behind the Squeeze: What Are Squishy Toys Made Of?

The primary material behind the signature slow-rising effect of most squishy toys is polyurethane (PU) foam or memory foam. This polymer is formed by linking together component monomers, primarily isocyanates and polyols, along with various additives.

However, the seemingly simple composition hides a complex chemical process involving:

Foaming agents: To create the airy, spongy texture.

Solvents: To dissolve other components.

Catalysts: To speed up the chemical reactions.

Surfactants: To control foam structure.

Cross-linking chemicals: To bind the polymer chains and control the squishiness.

Dyes: For vibrant colors.

Artificial fragrances: To give them scents mimicking fruits, desserts, etc.

Fire retardants: Though concerns exist regarding their presence and potential health impacts.

While polyurethane foam is the most common, some squishies are made from highly plasticized rubber or other crosslinked polymers that offer a squishy texture without necessarily being foam-based. These alternatives might provide a healthier option as they are less likely to contain small migratable molecules that can outgas.

The Therapeutic Touch: Benefits of Squishy Toys for Anxiety and Focus

Beyond their entertainment value, squishy toys have gained recognition for their potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in managing stress, anxiety, and improving focus.

Stress Reduction and Anxiety Relief: The repetitive action of squeezing and releasing a squishy can provide a physical outlet for nervous energy and tension. This tactile distraction can redirect attention away from anxious thoughts, promoting a sense of calm. The slow rise of the toy can mimic the slow pace of deep breathing, a technique often used in relaxation practices. Studies on stress balls (which share similar properties with squishies) have shown their effectiveness in reducing stress and pain in various situations.

Improved Focus and Concentration: For some individuals, particularly children with sensory processing issues, ADHD, or those who struggle with restlessness, the discreet tactile stimulation provided by squishy toys can help channel nervous energy and improve attention. By engaging the hands, the mind is better able to focus on tasks like listening to a teacher or concentrating on homework.

Sensory Integration: Squishy toys offer valuable sensory feedback, engaging the sense of touch. This can be particularly beneficial for children who benefit from tactile stimulation for sensory regulation. Scented squishies add another sensory dimension, engaging the sense of smell to further enhance the calming effect.

Mindfulness: The act of squeezing and feeling the squishy slowly expand can serve as a simple form of mindfulness practice, helping individuals stay grounded in the present moment.

It’s important to note that while squishy toys can be helpful tools for mild stress relief and focus, they are not a substitute for professional help for severe anxiety disorders or other mental health conditions.

Safety First: Are Squishy Toys Safe for Children?

The safety of squishy toys has been a topic of significant discussion and concern, particularly regarding the chemicals used in their manufacturing and potential choking hazards.

Chemical Concerns:

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Studies, notably by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, have found that some squishy toys can release VOCs such as toluene, styrene, dimethylformamide (DMF), xylene, and methylene chloride. These chemicals, especially when emitted in high concentrations (which are highest when the toy is new), can potentially irritate eyes and airways, and prolonged exposure has been linked to more serious health effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, and even increased cancer risk. Strong chemical odors are a red flag.

Formaldehyde: Some reports from China have indicated that formaldehyde emissions from certain squishy toys have exceeded global safety requirements. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause lung problems and allergies.

Heavy Metals: Less commonly, some squishy toys have been found to contain traces of heavy metals like arsenic, which can be harmful if ingested, especially by young children who might put toys in their mouths.

Flame Retardants: Some foam-based toys may contain flame retardants, which have been linked to hormone disruption and developmental delays.

Physical Hazards:

Choking Hazards: Small squishy toys or those with detachable parts can pose a choking risk for young children, especially those under three years old.

Flammability: As most squishy toys are made from polyurethane foam, they can be highly flammable if exposed to open flames, even if treated with fire retardants.

What Parents Can Do:

Look for Safety Certifications: Prioritize toys with certifications like EN71 (European Safety Standard), ASTM F963 (American Toy Safety Standard), and CE Marking (European Union health and safety regulations).

Avoid Strong Chemical Smells: If a squishy toy has a pungent chemical odor, it’s best to avoid it.

Choose Reputable Brands: Opt for well-known brands that adhere to strict safety standards.

Read Labels: Look for “BPA-free” and “phthalate-free” labels.

Age Appropriateness: Always adhere to age recommendations on toy packaging. For younger children, choose larger, one-piece designs.

Supervise Playtime: Ensure children do not bite, tear, or ingest parts of the toys.

Regular Inspection and Cleaning: Regularly inspect squishies for damage (tears, cracks) and discard them if compromised. Clean them frequently to prevent germ accumulation (see section on cleaning).

Consider Alternatives: If concerns persist, silicone-based fidget toys, stress balls made from safe, non-toxic materials, or DIY squishies (using safe, natural ingredients) can be good alternatives.

The World of Squishy Collecting and Latest Trends

Squishy toys have blossomed into a vibrant collecting hobby, with enthusiasts seeking out rare, limited edition, or aesthetically unique designs.

Types of Squishies:

Kawaii Squishies: Heavily influenced by Japanese “cute” culture, these often feature adorable animal faces, sweet treats, and charming characters.

Food Squishies: Designed to resemble various foods like cakes, donuts, fruits, and bread. Many are also scented to match their food likeness.

Character Squishies: Featuring popular cartoon, anime, or game characters.

Jumbo Squishies: Larger-than-life versions that offer an even more satisfying squeeze.

Mini Squishies (Mochi Squishies): Tiny, super-soft, often made of a gel-like material, and typically come in sets.

Latest Trends:

Licensed Characters: Collaborations with popular franchises continue to drive demand.

Scented and Super-Scented: The addition of strong, pleasant scents remains a popular feature.

Unique Textures: Manufacturers are experimenting with different foam densities and coatings to create varied tactile experiences.

Mystery Packs/Blind Boxes: The element of surprise keeps collectors engaged, as they don’t know which design they’ll get until they open the package.

DIY Squishy Kits: Reflecting a growing interest in crafting, kits that allow users to make their own squishies are gaining popularity, offering control over materials and design.

Eco-Friendly Squishies: With increasing environmental awareness, there’s a slow but steady shift towards squishies made from more sustainable or non-toxic materials.

Collecting Tips:

Condition is Key: Like any collectible, the condition of a squishy significantly impacts its value. Look for squishies without cracks, tears, or discoloration.

Original Packaging: Keeping the original packaging often increases the value for collectors.

Authenticity: Be wary of counterfeit squishies, which may be made with lower-quality materials and potentially harmful chemicals. Buy from reputable sources.

Where to Buy and How to Clean Your Squishies

Best Places to Buy Squishy Toys:

Online Retailers: Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and dedicated squishy stores (often specializing in Japanese or kawaii imports) are excellent sources for a wide variety.

Toy Stores: Major toy retailers and specialty toy shops often carry a selection of popular squishy brands.

Department Stores: Some department stores with toy sections may stock squishies.

Independent Boutiques: Small gift shops or novelty stores might offer unique designs.

Conventions/Fairs: Pop culture or craft fairs can be good places to find unique, often handmade, squishies.

How to Clean Squishy Toys:

Cleaning squishy toys requires a gentle approach to avoid damage.

Spot Cleaning: For small marks, use a damp cloth with a mild soap (like dish soap or baby shampoo). Gently dab the stained area.

Gentle Hand Wash: For a more thorough clean, fill a basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap. Gently immerse the squishy and lightly squeeze it a few times to allow the soapy water to penetrate.

Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly under cool, running water until all soap is gone. Gently squeeze out excess water.

Drying: This is crucial. Do NOT wring or twist the squishy. Gently pat it with a clean towel. Air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat, which can damage the foam. It can take several hours or even a day for a squishy to dry completely, especially larger ones. Ensure it’s fully dry before storing to prevent mold.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaners, strong detergents, or bleach, as these can damage the foam and color.

For Mochi Squishies: These often have a slightly different, more silicone-like texture. They can typically be rinsed under water and rubbed gently with soap, then air-dried or patted with a towel. Some can even be cleaned with a lint roller to remove dust and debris.

FAQs

 What exactly are squishy toys?

Squishy toys are soft objects made from slow-rebounding foam, silicone, gel beads, or rubber that gently return to their original shape after being squeezed. Originating in Japan and often referred to as kawaii squishies, they feature cute designs like animals, food items, or emoji and are popular across all ages 

 Why are they so popular on YouTube and TikTok?

Their satisfying slow-rise effect makes them visually appealing in ASMR, unboxing, or stress-relief videos. Creators often use them to demonstrate tactile relaxation or create trending “squish challenges,” drawing millions of views and hype around new designs .

 Do squishy toys provide any therapeutic benefits?

Yes—many find squishies helpful for reducing stress, anxiety, and sensory overload:

Slow rebound motion soothes through tactile feedback.

They support emotion regulation, especially in people with ADHD or anxiety 

Educators sometimes recommend them as calming tools during classroom activities 

Are squishy toys safe?

Mostly yes, but caution is needed:

Gel‑filled squishies (like NeeDoh) have raised safety concerns after some burst and leaked chemicals, leading to burns—especially following risky misuse like microwaving 

Foam squishies have been flagged by regulators (e.g., Denmark, Norway) for harmful VOCs like dimethylformamide—prompting bans 

Small parts or beads can be a choking hazard for children under 3.

What should I look for when buying squishy toys?

Opt for solid foam or silicone types without gel filling.

Check for non-toxic certifications, ensure no sharp edges or small detachable parts.

Read labels to verify they are BPA- and PVC-free.

Choose reputable retailers with safety info and adequate warnings.

 How can I make sure squishy toys add value, not distraction?

Use them thoughtfully—for example, during homework or relaxation.

Limit playback to non-educational times to reduce distraction.

Monitor wear and replace toys if they break, show leaks, or emit unusual smells.

In summary

Squishy squishy toys are more than cute collectibles—they can also offer real sensory and stress-relief benefits when chosen and used safely. From foam-backed slow-rise relief to silicone Pop‑it alternatives, there’s something for everyone. But always prioritize quality, safety certifications, and proper use—especially to avoid risks from gel-filled varieties. With mindful usage, squishies can play a positive role in emotional wellness, focus, and hands-on play.

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