Hello Kitty and Squishmallows are two of the most beloved names in collecting, and when Jazwares brought them together in a collaboration with Sanrio, the result was a plush line that fans have been obsessing over ever since.
First-timer eyeing your very first Hello Kitty Squishmallow plush, or a seasoned collector deep in the hunt for a rare variant, this guide has you covered.
Shop The Squishmallow Collection Now
Key Takeaways
- The Hello Kitty Squishmallow line has expanded well beyond its 2020 debut into dozens of designs spanning themed squads, seasonal drops, and costume variants across multiple size options.
- Hello Kitty celebrated her 50th anniversary in 2024, making the entire Sanrio Squishmallow lineup more culturally significant — and collectible — than ever.
- Authentic Hello Kitty Squishmallows are made from ultra-soft spandex and polyester; counterfeit plush versions lack the signature squish, precise embroidery, and official Kellytoy tags.
- The Sanrio squad goes well beyond Hello Kitty — My Melody, Tuxedosam, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, and more are all part of the family.
Say Hello To Hello Kitty x Squishmallow!
- Name: Hello Kitty x Squishmallow
- Type: Sanrio Squad
- Color: Primarily white, with a red dress and ribbon
- Available Size/s: 5”, 7”, 8”, 12”, and 20”
- Squishdate: April 19, 2021
- Squad: Sanrio Squad
- Model/SKU Number: KTY-SQHK12AST-ARHK-C
Short Bio
Kellytoy has partnered with Sanrio to give you Hello Kitty and Friends Squishmallows! These plushies are modeled after some of your favorite childhood characters like Hello Kitty, Tuxedosam, My Melody, and Keroppi. They are loved by kids (and adults alike!) worldwide.
Hello Kitty is cheerful and sweet and loves her family dearly. She loves baking cookies, reading books, and listening to music. She is known for her signature red bow and blue overalls, but she is sporting her alternate red jumper for her Squishmallow.
Key Features
Material:
The Hello Kitty Squishmallow is made from quality materials that make it look and feel as though you were hugging a giant marshmallow! It’s made from super-soft spandex and polyester stuffing for optimal cuddles.
Appearance:
The Hello Kitty Squishmallow is primarily white, with round, black eyes and a yellow nose, faithful to the Japanese character it was modeled after. The Squishmallow also has the signature three whiskers on either side of her face.
Hello Kitty’s iconic red bow is perched against her left ear. Instead of her blue overalls, she is wearing her alternative red ones. This Squishmallow's size is perfect for cuddling!
Other Hello Kitty Squishmallows
If you like the Hello Kitty franchise, here are some Squishmallows you should definitely add to your collection.
My Melody
The My Melody Squishmallow features her wearing the iconic Red Riding hood (which her grandma made for her), with a yellow ribbon on her right ear. She’s incredibly hardworking, kind, and honest and makes some of the best almond cakes. You definitely should add her to your Squishlist as she gives out the best cuddles.
Shop The Squishmallow Collection Now
Tuxedosom
Of course, if we’re talking about Hello Kitty, who can forget the dashing Tuxedosom? Tuxedosom is a blue penguin who came from the faraway land of Antarctica. He speaks very good English and has a great fashion sense (he owns 365 bowties!).
You can get Tuxedosom in his classic garb or get him in a milkshake or ice cream costume.
Read: Nightmare Before Christmas Squishmallows
Awards
Squishmallows was declared the winner of the 2022 TOTY (Toy of the Year) Awards and the coveted 2019 Plush Toy of the Year Award at the Creative Child Awards.
Hello Kitty Squishmallow Rarity
Certain Hello Kitty Squishmallows are harder to find than others — and the Squishmallow collecting community has developed a detailed framework for understanding rarity. Since 2023, official Squishmallows have carried rarity indicators on their bio tags. Each character's Squishmallow page on the official site will note the rarity tier where applicable:
- Rare — Silver foil tag; approximately 75,000 units exist
- Ultra Rare — Gold foil tag; approximately 50,000 units, found at select retailers
- Special Edition — Holographic tag; approximately 20,000 units
- Select Series — Black tag; approximately 10,000 units, available only on the official Squishmallows site
- Check-In Series — Purple tag; event-exclusive and the hardest to find
For Hello Kitty specifically, some of the most collectible plush designs have come from retailer-exclusive squads and limited seasonal drops. Keep an eye on the tag color when shopping — it's the clearest guide to how scarce a given plush truly is.
Care Instructions
According to the official Squishmallows website, the best way to clean the Hello Kitty Squishmallow is via spot-treatment. However, the materials used in the plushie make it A-okay for machine-washing, too.
If you need to wash your Squishmallow, remember to put Hello Kitty inside a roomy pillowcase, so she’s not completely exposed to the washer, and position your machine to a gentle and cool setting. It’s also recommended that you wash her with your other beddings.
Once that’s done, tumble dry her on low and gentle (not hot!) or hang her out to air dry, whatever your preference is. Get her ready for more squishes by fluffing her up once she’s nice and dry.
FAQs
What sizes does the Hello Kitty Squishmallow come in?
Hello Kitty Squishmallows are available in a range of sizes, including approximately 8, 12, 14, and 20 inches, depending on the specific design and squad. The 8-inch and 12-inch options are the most widely available, making them ideal for collecting and cuddling alike. Certain squads — including some Costco-exclusive designs — are available only in the 20-inch size.
How many Hello Kitty Squishmallow designs are there?
The line has grown substantially since its 2020 debut. Across all squads and variant releases, there are now dozens of distinct Hello Kitty and Friends Squishmallow designs, spanning classic looks, food-themed costumes, seasonal editions, mermaid variants, and more. The Squishmallow Fandom wiki page maintains a full running list of every Sanrio Squad release for dedicated collectors.
Are Hello Kitty Squishmallows officially licensed?
Yes. Hello Kitty Squishmallows are officially licensed by Sanrio and produced by Jazwares (formerly Kellytoy). Every authentic design includes official licensing information on its hang tag and product tag.
When do new Hello Kitty Squishmallows come out?
Sanrio x Squishmallows releases follow a seasonal cadence — Valentine's Day, Easter, summer, Halloween, and Christmas squads drop annually. New classic and themed designs are also released throughout the year. Seasonal releases tend to sell out quickly online and in stores, so shopping early is the best way to secure a design before it's gone.
How do I know if my Hello Kitty Squishmallow is real?
Check for the three official tags: the hang tag ("Original Squishmallows: Squeeze and Cuddle Me"), the Kellytoy product tag with batch information, and the butt tag with a toy ID. Authentic Squishmallows have a uniform, ultra-soft texture, precise embroidered facial features, and tight, even stitching. If a deal seems too good to be true, it very likely is.
Squish ‘Em!
If you absolutely love Hello Kitty, you should definitely add her to your Squishlist to take home today!
Hello Kitty is the best friend anyone could ever have. If ever you need a cuddle buddy during bedtime, a companion during long car rides, or would love to snuggle in with someone during movie nights, this 12-inch Hello Kitty plushie is definitely the perfect candidate for it.
Here at Toynk, we sell 100 percent original Squishmallows in our list, authenticity guaranteed.
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