During the pandemic’s two-year-long lockdown, people found comfort and companionship in Squishmallows. These adorable stuffed animals reached a fever pitch as they started trending on TikTok in 2021.
However, with the hype and sudden increase in its popularity, some created knock-offs to bathe in Squishmallows’ success. So, are there fake Squishmallows?
Fake Squishmallows: Do They Exist?
Yes, so you better beware!
Squishmallows had humble beginnings. Kelly Toys began producing the plush internet sensation in 2017. Then came 2020, and the Squishmallow industry began booming, but the uprise didn’t come free of side effects.
Prices from Squishmallow resale went through the roof [1], and in response, knock-offs and fakes started appearing in marketplaces like Amazon. The problem now is how does one differentiate an authentic Squishmallow from fakes? Here are some tips!
5 Things To Watch Out For When Buying Squishmallows
1. Lacks Original Tags
The fake Squishmallows spread like wildfire online and sometimes even in physical stores.
If you happen to encounter one on hand in a shop, the first thing to check is the tags. A genuine Squishmallow product has three small tags:
- The first one says: “Original Squishmallows: Squeeze and Cuddle Me.”
- The second one has “Kelly Toys” written along with other product information
- The last indicates the toy’s ID and batch number
Any deviations from whatever’s written above are most likely fake.
2. Different Texture
One aspect that makes Squishmallows addicting is their texture. Authentic Suishmallows have a sort of velvety texture to them with a plush feel that sits between a memory foam pillow and somewhat a real marshmallow.
On the other hand, knock-offs try their best to mimic the velvety texture of the authentic ones to no avail. Fake Squishmallows are somewhat flat because they can’t replicate the same polyester stuffing similar to memory foam. But what does DISO mean?
3. Colors Are Off
Determining a fake Squishmallow can be difficult for the untrained eye based on colors alone. However, if you have one on hand, the color difference between authentic and fakes is night and day.
Fake Squishmallows often have dull (less vibrant) colors compared to legit products. The elastic outer coat of the original also affects the color depending on the angle of the light, but the fake ones have flat-looking colors no matter the angle.
Shop The Squishmallows Collection Now4. Stitch Comes Loose
The stitching between original and fake Squishmallows is another difference too. Avery the Mallard’s bill comprises two components - tight stitching on the borders enclosing a fuzzy material. With the fake bill, you will notice that it i’s fully embroidered with some loose stitching.
Fake Squishmallows cannot replicate the fuzzy fabric used in creating the protrusions of Squishmallows. For example, the gills of authentic Irina the Axolotl feel fuzzy and firm, while fakes feel flimsy and prone to tearing.
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5. Too Cheap
The last telltale of a fake Squishmallow is the asking price.
Authentic Squishmallows can range from $2.99 to $59.99 depending on the size of the Squishmallow toy, which can range from 3-inch micromallows to gargantuan 24-inch plushies. [2]
The high asking price is attributed to the technology that gives these toys their unique feel and texture. Fake Squishmallows, on the other hand, are usually sold at lower prices.
Read: Squishmallows Master List
Are There Authorized & Authentic Sellers?
Yes. There are many authentic sellers of Squishmallows online and in-store. If you don’t want to be scammed, buying from them is your best bet.
Some of the authentic Squishmallow sellers and retailers include Toynk.com, Squishmallows.com, Amazon, Costco, Hallmark, Seaworld, Sesame Street, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart.
If you are after the convenience of ordering online, then make sure that you will be purchasing from legitimate sites that sell authentic Squishmallows like Toynk!
Aside from selling these squishy plushies, Toynk offers a wide array of cool collectibles, trendy toys, and modern costumes for kids (and the young at heart).
Read: Largest Squishmallow Ever
FAQs
Are Squishmallows rare?
The sheer number of Squishmallows ever sold in the market (approximately 100 million) testifies that they are not particularly “rare.” However, due to the uprise of demand for Squishmallows, the demand has outpaced the supply. On top of that, some hoarders stock up to sell them more expensively. But, what's the rarest Squishmallow to date?
Why are Squishmallows sold out?
Squishmallows are sold out thanks to the upsurge in demand following the trend of the plushy in TikTok. According to sources, the demand for Squishmallows exceeded the current supply, so Kelly Toys are ramping up their production to meet the global demand. Hoarding may be another reason for the soldout issue.
Key Takeaways
Although sold as a regular plushy back in 2017, Squishmallows have taken the world by storm during the lockdown. Now, tons of knock-off and fake Squishmallow brands sprung out in hopes of sharing the market for this plushy goodness.
Basic knowledge in distinguishing fake from real Squishmallows can save you a whole lot of money, especially when buying from overpriced resellers. We recommend that you stick to buying from official retailers and authentic online stores to avoid getting scammed and for your peace of mind.
Feel free to visit Toynk’s Squishmallow collection if you wish to get one!
Shop The Squishmallows Collection NowReferences:
- https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jan/30/squishmallows-toys-collecting
- https://www.today.com/parents/what-are-squishmallows-where-can-i-find-rare-squishy-t212183
