Squishable vs Squishmallow: What's The Difference? (2025)

Confused between Squishable vs Squishmallow? You're not alone — many collectors interchange these popular plush toys due to their similar names and squishy appeal.

While both brands offer irresistibly soft collectibles, they differ significantly in texture, design philosophy, pricing, and target audience. This comprehensive comparison will help you choose the perfect squishy companion for your collection.

Check All Available Squishmallow Sizes Here

Quick Comparison: Squishmallow & Squishable

Squishmallows feature a marshmallow-soft, velvety texture with licensed characters and themed collections. Squishables offer a firmer, fluffier feel with round designs focused on comfort food and animals, plus customizable accessories.

Key differences at a glance:

• Texture: Squishmallows are softer (9.5/10 squishiness) vs. Squishables (8/10)

• Price: Squishmallows range $6-$50 vs. Squishables $25-$90

• Availability: Squishmallows are widely available in stores, vs. Squishables are primarily available online

• Customization: Only Squishables offer dress-up accessories

Squishmallows dominate the mass market with over 1,000 designs and major retail presence, while Squishables appeal to collectors seeking unique, artisan-quality plushies with community-driven designs.

Read: Squishmallows Master List

Texture & Shape

Squishmallow's Marshmallow Magic

Squishmallows feature a proprietary blend of super-soft spandex exterior and low-density polyester fiber filling. This creates their signature marshmallow-like compression — they're incredibly soft and bounce back to their original shape after being squished.

Material specs:

• Exterior: Velvety, super soft spandex blend

• Filling: Ultra-soft polyester fiber

• Compression ratio: 4:1

• Squishiness rating: 9.5/10

Squishable's Fluffy Firmness

Adorable Squishables are made from 100% polyester fabric with denser stuffing, resulting in a firmer yet still huggable texture. Some larger Squishables include polyethylene pellets for added weight and stability.

Material specs:

• Exterior: Fluffy polyester fabric

• Filling: High-density polyester fiber (some with pellet weights)

• Double-stitched reinforced seams

• Squishiness rating: 8/10

“Squishy” Level

Our team determined their "squishy" level; Squishmallow gets 9.5, while Squishables gets 8 out of 10. As most collectors claim, hugging Squishmallows feels like you're hugging marshmallows.

Meanwhile, the Squishables are soft but not as soft and velvety as the Squishmallows. But how do you wash a Squishmallow?

Size Options & Product Range

Squishmallow Sizes

Squishmallows offer the widest size variety:

• 3.5 inches: Clip-on keychains

• 5-8 inches: Standard collectible size

• 12-16 inches: Popular hugging size

• 20-24 inches: Jumbo pillow size

Squishable Sizes

Squishables focus on fewer, standardized sizes:

• 3 inches: Micro Squishables

• 7 inches: Mini Squishables

• 15 inches: Standard Squishables

• 32-36 inches: Massive special editions

Read: Are There Fake Squishmallows?

Brand/Company

Squishable: The Indie Pioneer (2007)

Squishable was founded by married couple Aaron Glazer and Zoe Fraade-Blanar in 2007, starting as a small, New York-based company with a revolutionary concept: allowing fans to design their plushies. Their "Project Open Squish" program allows community members to submit designs, vote on favorites, and see winning concepts come to life.

This grassroots approach has created a loyal following among collectors who appreciate the adorable Squishable's artisanal quality and unique designs, such as their famous Plague Doctor plush toys.

Squishmallow: The Viral Sensation (2017)

Squishmallows were launched in 2017 by Kellytoy LLC (now owned by Jazwares) and gained popularity during the pandemic. Created as prizes in crane games, they became TikTok sensations, garnering over 13 billion views under the #Squishmallows hashtag.

With over 400 million units sold globally, Squishmallows transformed from carnival prizes to must-have collectibles, especially among Gen Z collectors who fuel trading communities and hunt for rare releases.

Durability & Care Instructions

Both brands prioritize quality construction but require different care approaches.

Cleaning Guidelines

Squishmallows:

• Machine wash cold in protective pillowcases

• Air dry only (heat damages spandex)

• Spot clean for minor stains

Squishables:

• Hand wash recommended with mild detergent

• Spot cleaning for accessories

• Air dry to maintain fluffiness

Both maintain their softness with proper care, although Squishmallows' thinner fabric may show wear more quickly with frequent handling.

Customization & Accessories 

Squishmallow Personalization

Squishmallows offer limited customization:

• Name tags and adoption certificates

• Seasonal themed releases

• Licensed collaborations

• No physical accessories

Squishable Dress-Up Fun

Squishables excel in customization with "Undercovers" — purchasable costumes that transform your plush:

• Wizard robes and witch hats

• Superhero capes and masks

• Seasonal costumes

• Fantasy themes

This unique difference lets collectors create personalized displays and change their Squishables' look seasonally.[1]

Read: Squishmallow Birthday Party Ideas

Popularity

Squishmallows are more popular than Squishables. However, its popularity was covered with controversy due to reselling allegations. 

Kellytoy LLC sold 50 million Squishmallows between February 2020 and October 2021, bringing the total number sold to over 100 million since their launch.

Social media has largely fueled this, as platforms like Instagram, Reddit, and TikTok now host Squishmallow communities with thousands of users [2].

Availability & Shopping Experience

Squishmallow Mass Market Appeal

Where to find Squishmallows:

• Major retailers: Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens

• Online: Amazon, official website, Toynk

• International availability in 40+ countries

• Active secondary trading market

Squishable Boutique Experience

Where to find Squishables:

• Primarily direct-to-consumer online

• Select specialty toy stores

• Comic conventions and events

• Limited retail partnerships

Read: Tips In Wrapping Squishmallows

Price Tag

Squishmallow Affordability

Squishmallows offer budget-friendly collecting:

• 3.5-inch clip-ons: $6-$8

• 8-inch standard: $15-$20

• 12-16 inch: $20-$30

• 20-24 inch jumbos: $40-$50

Wide retail availability keeps prices competitive, though rare releases can command higher resale prices.

Squishable Premium Pricing

Squishables' position as premium collectibles:

• Mini (7-inch): $25-$35

• Standard (15-inch): $40-$50

• Limited editions: $60-$90

• Massive sizes: $100+

Higher prices reflect smaller production batches, premium materials, and artisan-quality construction.

Design Philosophy & Character Variety

Squishmallow's Licensed Universe

Squishmallows organize releases into themed "squads" with diverse characters:

• Animals: Cats, dogs, axolotls, sea creatures

• Food: Avocados, strawberries, pizza slices

• Licensed characters: Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Hello Kitty

• Seasonal collections: Valentine's, Halloween, Christmas

With over 1,000 different Squishmallows released, collectors can find characters for every interest and occasion.

Squishable's Artisan Approach

Squishables focus on round, huggable designs with unique concepts:

• Comfort food: Donuts, tacos, ramen bowls

• Round animals: Pandas, penguins, octopuses

• Mythical creatures: Dragons, unicorns, phoenixes

• Quirky designs: Plague doctors, d20 dice, organs

Their community-driven design process means many Squishables originate from fan submissions, creating truly unique collectibles.

Collector Communities & Cultural Impact

Squishmallow's Social Media Dominance

Squishmallows created a massive online community:

• TikTok: 13+ billion views showcasing collections

• Instagram: Daily "squish mail" unboxings

• Reddit: Active trading and hunting communities

• Facebook groups: Regional trading and selling

The brand's accessibility sparked collecting among all ages, with particular popularity among teens and young adults. 

But what's the rarest Squishmallow?

Squishable's Niche Following

Squishables cultivate a smaller but dedicated community:

• Design contests: Fan-submitted concepts win cash prizes

• Collector forums: Discussion of rare releases and customs

• Convention presence: Regular appearances at toy and comic conventions

• Artist collaborations: Partnerships with webcomic creators

Similarities 

• Material: They are made with polyester fiber, ensuring a soft and cuddly texture you will love. 

• Care Instructions: Both brands provide care instructions (no heat) to maintain the quality and longevity of their plush toys.

• Collectibles: Squishables and Squishmallows are popular among collectors, offering variations of designs and editions for enthusiasts to collect and cherish.

Best Seller Squishmallows

BITTIE THE CHOCOLATE MILK SEA COW SQUISHMALLOW

Bittie is a delightful fusion of a cow and a manatee, boasting the light brown body of a cow complemented by a tan manatee snout. 

Measuring approximately 12 inches, Bittie is the perfect size for snuggling and collecting. 

KAMILI THE DEEP SEA PIG

Here comes Kamili, ready to fulfill their dream of becoming a traffic coordinator and guiding others through the bustling streets. 

Measuring 8 inches tall, Kamili is the perfect size for cuddling and collecting. Crafted from incredibly soft spandex and polyester stuffing, Kamili promises endless crazy, cuddly fun.

FAQs

Which came first, Squishmallow or Squishable?

Squishable came first because the company started in 2007. Ten years later, Kellytoy LLC released Squishmallows.

However, although Squishable came first, Squishmallow's popularity kicked off in 2020, making it more popular than the former.

Is Squishable a knock-off of Squishmallow?

No, Squishable is not a knock-off of Squishmallow. Squishable is a reputable brand that manufactures plush toys like Squishmallow.

The collectible has been in the scene since 2007, and since then, it has built its brand name until it successfully became a top-tier toy company.

Why are Squishmallows considered some of the most cuddly plushies out there?

Squishmallows are crafted for cuddling, with velvety exteriors and an incredibly soft, slow-rising texture that makes them irresistible to hug. Each plush is designed to bring joy, whether it's shaped like food, animals, or fantasy characters.

Their comforting softness is especially loved by kids and collectors alike, offering more than just toys—they’re a source of emotional support. It’s no wonder they’ve become a must-have in every plushies collection.

Do Squishmallows offer options for both mini and large sizes?

Yes! Squishmallows offer a wide range of sizes, from tiny mini plushies perfect for backpacks to oversized companions for lounging or decorating a room. No matter the shape or size, each one is designed with the same soft material and comforting feel.

This flexibility in size and theme allows collectors to create a diverse, personalized collection with characters that reflect their interests—whether that’s adorable animals, desserts, or Disney favorites.

What makes Squishmallows stand out in the plush scene today?

Squishmallows have redefined the plush scene by blending collectible appeal with emotional connection. Each release introduces new characters with names, backstories, and themed designs—adding a layer of storytelling to the brand.

Whether you’re into food-themed plushies or fantasy creatures with silver wings and purple horns, Squishmallows create a world fans can immerse themselves in. This combination of soft material, creative storytelling, and consistent new drops keeps the brand fresh and always trending.

Are Squishmallows and Squishables good for long-term collecting?

Both brands can offer longevity in a collection, but Squishmallows tend to be favored for their wide release strategy, consistent quality, and licensed characters from popular franchises like Disney. Squishables appeal more to collectors who enjoy quirky, handcrafted designs.

As plush toys go, both offer a strong presence in the collector space—but Squishmallows often win when it comes to resale value, availability, and sheer softness. If you're starting a collection or expanding it, either brand can be a lovable and rewarding choice.

In Conclusion

In Squishable vs Squishmallow, our pick would be the Squishmallow mainly because it is cheaper, yet it offers better squishy quality than Squishable. It is also more readily available than Squishables.

However, Squishables aren't as difficult to like because they also offer great designs, excellent quality, and interesting stories with their characters.

So, if you choose between the two, which would you choose?

If you love Squishmallows as much as we do, don't forget to check out Toynk!

Reference:

1. https://hub.jhu.edu/magazine/2015/spring/squishable-stuffed-animals-profile/ 
2. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jan/30/squishmallows-toys-collecting