Squishies are soft and squishy toys, often made of foam, that come in various shapes and sizes. These toys are designed to be squeezed and squished, providing a satisfying sensory experience for the user.
Squishies were first introduced in Japan in the late 1990s as part of the kawaii culture, which celebrates all things cute.
They gained popularity in the US around 2017 and have since become a popular fidget toy and stress reliever for both children and adults.
Squishies are a subcategory of the sensory toy market, which includes toys designed to provide tactile and visual stimulation for people with sensory processing challenges.
Slime is a goopy and stretchy toy that also provides a satisfying sensory experience. It can also be used for stress relief and anxiety reduction. Slime comes in different colors, textures, and scents.
Fidget spinners are handheld toys that spin around a central axis. They were popular in the early 2010s as a tool to help with concentration and focus. They come in different shapes and colors.
Kinetic sand is a type of sand that sticks together like wet sand but also flows like a liquid. It is designed to provide sensory stimulation and encourage creativity. It comes in different colors and textures.
Mini squishies are small soft toys that come in different shapes and characters. They are the most common type of squishies and can be used for stress relief and fidgeting. Mini squishies are usually around 1-2 inches in size.
Jumbo squishies are large soft toys that come in different shapes and characters. They are designed for hugging and are popular among children. Jumbo squishies can be over 6 inches in size.
Slow-rise squishies are squishies that take a few seconds to regain their original shape after being squeezed. This creates an additional tactile experience for the user. Slow-rise squishies are usually made of a different type of foam than regular squishies.
Squishies are usually made of foam, either polyurethane foam or memory foam. There are also squishies made of silicone, but they are less common.
Squishies are generally safe, but some may contain chemicals that can be harmful if ingested. It's important to buy squishies from reputable sources and to supervise children when playing with them.
Many squishies can be washed with mild soap and water, but some may lose their shape or color if exposed to water. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before washing a squishy.
Regular squishies regain their shape quickly after being squeezed, while slow-rise squishies take a few seconds to regain their shape. Slow-rise squishies provide an additional tactile experience for the user.
Squishies can benefit anyone who enjoys tactile stimulation, including people with anxiety, sensory processing challenges, or ADHD. They can also be used as a stress-relief tool.