Squishable Review: The Ulti-SQUISH Stuffed Animal
Are you ready to get your squish on? If you‘re a fan of all things squishy, plush, and absolutely adorable, let me introduce you to Squishable. This New York City-based company has been delighting snuggle enthusiasts worldwide since 2007 with their signature line of super soft, ultra cuddly stuffed animals.
What sets Squishables apart is their instantly recognizable rounded shape that lends itself perfectly to squishing and hugging. It‘s like every character was designed to be the ideal cuddle buddy. And speaking of characters, that‘s where Squishable really shines. From the foodie-friendly Avocado and Sushi to mythical cuties like the Unicorn and Dragon, Squishable‘s plush pals are bursting with personality.
With fans in every corner of the globe, it‘s no wonder Squishable has amassed a social media following of over 1 million on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more. But this company is about way more than just cuteness and likes. Squishable is committed to spreading joy in many ways, from their thoughtful charitable giving to their enthusiastic fan community.
As a certified stuffed animal aficionado, I‘ve been an avid collector of Squishables for years. So please allow me to snuggle up and share all the ultra squishable details about what makes Squishable the cream of the plush crop!
Bestselling & Most Beloved Squishables
While every Squishable is undeniably huggable, some characters have earned extra squeezes of affection from fans. Here‘s my fluff-tastic rundown of Squishable‘s greatest hits:
Avocado Squishable
Holy guacamole, the Avocado Squishable is the toast of the plush produce world! This luscious 15" fruit is ripe and ready to snuggle with a perfectly toothy pit-smile. Fans are going avo-control for its vibrant green exterior, pillowy plush interior, and on-trend tastiness.
One reviewer raved, "I avocaDO NOT regret this purchase! It‘s even softer and squishier than I imagined. I just want to cuddle it all day!"
Octopus Squishable
Sea-riously cute, the Octopus Squishable is shore to steal your heart with its big friendly eyes and 8 super cuddly tentacles. At a whopping 19" wide, this plush cephalopod is the perfect size to wrap your arms (or tentacles?) around. Made from silky smooth polyester fiber, every sucker-covered arm is irresistibly squishable.
As one reviewer gushed, "I‘m kraken up at how much I love this octopus! The squish factor is unreal. My new favorite cuddle buddy by far."
Boba Tea Squishable
Sip sip hooray! The Boba Tea Squishable brings your favorite beverage to ultra cuddly life. This 7" cutie features all the key boba elements – oversized straw, colorful "drink", and tapioca pearl eyes that will melt your heart. The shimmery material adds an extra kawaii touch while staying silky soft.
Boba lovers bubble over with praise: "OMG, TOO CUTE! The little face makes me smile every time. I alternate between snuggling it and displaying it proudly to spread boba bliss."
Micro Plush Comfort Food Squad
Can‘t choose just one cute comfort food? The Micro Plush Comfort Food Squad serves up a sweet feast of squishable snacks in an adorably tiny size. This box set includes pint-size plush versions of all your favorite treats, from Donut to Hamburger to Boba Tea and beyond. At just 3" tall, these snuggable morsels are perfect for collecting or even clipping on a bag.
One fan squealed, "These itty bitty goodies make me so happy I could cry! The embroidery detail is unbelievable for such a small size. I literally carry one everywhere for a quick cuddle!"
Plague Doctor Squishable
Proof that cuteness is the best medicine, the Plague Doctor Squishable is a delightfully quirky cuddle companion. Standing 15" tall, this Medieval medical professional sports a black cloak, wide-brimmed hat, and iconic beaked mask. But don‘t worry, the only thing contagious about this little guy is the smiles and snuggles he brings!
Fans can‘t resist this morbidly adorable doc. One raved, "I can‘t even with this Plague Doctor! It‘s the perfect blend of creepy and cute. Amazing details and the lantern really glows!"
These are just the tip of the squishy iceberg – Squishable‘s collection includes hundreds of other so-soft characters that fans are wild about, from the color-changing Axolotl to the dapper Dapple Grey Horse. But no matter which Squishable you choose, you‘re guaranteed a quality cuddle session!
The Squishable Story & Mission
Every plush empire starts with a dream. For Squishable co-founders Aaron Glazer and Zoe Fraade-Blanar, that dream was to create a new kind of stuffed animal that was insanely cuddly, totally unique, and bursting with personality. When this husband and wife team launched Squishable in 2007, they were driven by a few key pillars:
- Quality: To make the softest, squishiest, most huggable plush possible using top-notch materials and production.
- Creativity: To let their imaginations run wild and design super original characters you won‘t see anywhere else.
- Community: To grow a legion of loving fans and engage them through fun social content and special events.
- Charity: To support worthy causes and make the world a bit softer and snugglier for those in need.
Over the past 15 years, Squishable has grown and evolved but always stayed true to those core tenets. The Squishable team is still just as passionate about quality and coziness, constantly improving the design and manufacturing to make every plush ultra durable and squishy. Today, Squishables are ethically produced by fairly paid skilled artisans in China, Vietnam, and Thailand.
One of Squishable‘s key innovations has been inviting their community to help create characters through semi-annual Design-A-Thons. Anyone can submit ideas which are then voted on by fans to select the next Squishable release. This collaborative design process has led to some of Squishable‘s most beloved oddball characters like Cthulhu, Tooth Fairy, and Comfort Food.
Squishable also takes their charitable mission seriously, consistently donating a portion of proceeds and products to a rotating series of good causes. Some of their long-term charity partners include wildlife rescues, children‘s hospitals, and literacy programs. During the 2020 pandemic, Squishable donated thousands of plushies to essential workers as "thank you" gifts.
By combining quality, creativity, community and compassion, Squishable has built a passionate global fanbase. Squishables are now sold in hundreds of stores across 30+ countries and the brand boasts over 1 million followers across social platforms. From artists to influencers to anyone who needs a hug, the #squishable tag pops up in every corner of the internet as fans show off their soft friends. The Squishable community even has its own nicknames like "Squishbassadors" and "Squisherinos"!
So what‘s next for Squishable? With demand still growing every year, the company has expanded from its NYC homebase to a second HQ in Virginia. New characters are released every week delighting fans of all ages. But no matter how big Squishable gets, its mission still boils down to a simple, earnest goal – to make the world a little softer, one squish at a time.
Why Squishables Are a Notch Above the Plush
If you‘re reading this, you probably don‘t need to be convinced about the appeal of stuffed animals. Soft toys are an eternal source of comfort, companionship, and cuddles for all ages. But in my fluffy opinion, Squishables are the ultimate stuffed animal for a few key reasons:
Quality That Lasts
I‘ve been collecting Squishables for almost a decade and I‘m always amazed at their durability. These are no wimpy, one-squeeze wonders – Squishables can withstand an unrelenting onslaught of hugs and snuggles while staying soft and squishy. That‘s thanks to the high quality polyester plush, sturdy stitching, and reinforced seams. I have Squishables from 2013 that I still cuddle constantly and they look good as new!
Creativity to the Max
In a sea of generic teddy bears, Squishables stand out with their wild creativity and clever concepts. By thinking outside the toy box, Squishable dreams up characters that are totally unique and packed with personality. From mythical creatures to quirky foods to straight up silly puns, every Squishable has a story to tell. I mean, where else can you find a plush Creepy Horse Head or Talking Breakfast Sandwich?!
Size Matters
Size matters and bigger is definitely better! Measuring a generous 15-19" across, classic Squishables are perfectly proportioned for optimal cuddling. These chubby plushies have some serious squish factor – it‘s so satisfying to give them a big ol‘ squeeze! But Squishable also keeps it cute in smaller sizes with 7" Minis and 3" Micros that are ideal for collecting and displaying.
Who Loves Squishables?
In my years smushed in the stuffed animal scene, I can confidently say Squishables appeal to ALL ages. I‘ve seen kids, teens, grown adults, and grandparents going gaga for these plush pals. But there are some groups that are especially ardent about their squish game:
Cuteness Connoisseurs
For kawaii collectors and anyone obsessed with all things adorable, Squishables are a must-have. The round, chubby shape and precious expressions scream "MUST SNUGGLE NOW!" I‘ve watched many diehard plushie fans fall deep down the Squishable rabbit hole once they get their first taste of the squish.
Comfort Cravers
Whoever first called stuffed animals "comfort objects" was really onto something. For many fans, Squishables provide a calming, consoling presence in times of stress or anxiety. I‘ve heard from countless customers who say their Squishable helps them cope with PTSD, sensory processing issues, insomnia and more. Talk about the healing power of the squish!
College Kids & Young Adults
Squishables also have a special place in the hearts (and dorms!) of older kids and young adults. For students living away from home, a Squishable offers instant comfort and a cuddle during long study sessions. I‘ve seen many a campus bookstore with a devoted Squishable section! Lots of 20-somethings also love to show off their "adulthood" by collecting sophisticated Squishables that match their vibe.
Fandom Fans
From Dungeons & Dragons to Pokémon, Squishable leans into fandoms with super fun themed collections. These clever pop culture references let fans snuggle their favorite characters or proudly display their nerdy passion. Squishable‘s fandom offerings tend to sell out FAST – the geeky Squisherinos go wild!
Gift Givers
Last but not least, Squishables are a go-to for gift givers in the know. I can‘t tell you how many friends and family I‘ve converted into Squishable fans by gifting them a plush pal for the holidays or birthdays. There‘s a Squishable to suit every personality which makes them super giftable. Plus, most people don‘t expect such a high quality stuffed animal so a Squishable definitely has the "wow" factor!
Final Squish Assessment
By now, it‘s probably pretty obvious that I‘m thoroughly biased – I‘ve got Squishable stuffing running through my veins. But I truly believe Squishables are the most squishably splendid stuffed animals on the planet. The quality, creativity, and community this company brings to the plush world is unparalleled.
Of course, all this cuteness and uniqueness does come at a price. With an average cost of $40-50 per 15" plush, Squishables are definitely pricier than your bargain bin teddy bear. For some shoppers, that price point can be a tough pill to swallow. But for what it‘s worth, every Squishable fan I know says their soft friend was worth every penny!
When I weigh all the factors – the top notch materials, original designs, ethical production practices, charitable giving, and so much more – I feel great about choosing to support Squishable again and again. These aren‘t just throwaway toys to be forgotten – they‘re cherished companions that can provide years of comfort and cuddles.
So if you‘re ready to level up your stuffed animal game with a heaping helping of personality, I can‘t recommend Squishables enough. Whether you‘re shopping for yourself or searching for a memorable gift, you simply can‘t go wrong with these one-of-a-kind plush pals. Trust me and thousands of other thoroughly satisfied Squisherinos – once you squish, you‘ll never go back!
