Squishmallows are irresistibly squishy and huggable plush characters that have captivated fans worldwide, with over 400 million sold since their introduction. You're probably wondering where this global trend began — and we're here to answer exactly that question.
Perfectly suited for any celebration, these colorful, detailed pieces are sure to impress. Join us as we explore the origins of the first Squishmallow and discover the character that started it all.
Not all toy stores sell Squishmallows, especially the rare ones, so if you wish to explore the complete selection of available Squishmallows, kindly click the link below.
What Was The First Ever Squishmallow?
The first-ever Squishmallow was Cameron the Cat, released by Kellytoy in 2017 as part of the original eight-character collection.
Each Squishmallow character came with cute names and interesting personalities.
Affectionately known as Cam the Cat, he has a cream body with distinctive brown and black patches. His tag describes him as a feline friend who loves building forts with his best buddies, Wendy the Frog and Hoot the Owl.
Cameron enjoys skateboarding and gets around town on his board. He's also known for jumping in and out of boxes — a playful nod to typical cat behavior without explicitly calling him a cat.
A 52-inch version of Cam still appears at trade shows and events, showcasing the character's enduring popularity as the flagship Squishmallow. But what's the best Squishmallow?
Due to high demand, squishmallows frequently sell out. Join the community of enthusiasts and secure yours before they're gone again!
Who is Cameron the Cat?
Cameron the Cat is a calico-patterned feline friend with a rich personality and backstory. His cream-colored body has black and brown patches, closed eyes, black whiskers, and a cheerful pink smile.
Born on December 18th, Cameron dreams of traveling the world. While he hasn't fulfilled that ambition yet, he's developing his sailing skills as a new hobby.
When not adventuring, Cam enjoys:
- Building forts with friends like Hoot and Wendy
- Skateboarding through town
- Relaxing with catnaps at the beach
- Jumping in and out of cardboard boxes
As the original Squishmallow with collector number 1, Cameron holds a special place in Squishmallow history and fans' collections.
When Was the First Squishmallow Released?
Kellytoy released Cam the Cat and the original eight Squishmallows in 2017. Though these plush toys didn't immediately achieve viral status, they built a steady following before exploding in popularity.
The turning point came in 2020, when Generation Z enthusiasts began showcasing their collections on TikTok. The pandemic-era interest in comfort items perfectly aligned with Squishmallows' soft, huggable appeal, creating a perfect storm for viral popularity.
By 2025, the #Squishmallows hashtag has accumulated over 25 billion views across social platforms, with Cameron regularly highlighted in unboxing videos and collection showcases. But what's the cutest Squishmallow ever?
Where Was It Sold First?
The first Squishmallow, Cameron the Cat, debuted exclusively at Walgreens stores in 2017. According to Jonathan Kelly, co-founder and co-president of Kellytoy, Cam was initially available in three sizes: 8, 12, and 16 inches.
Walgreens, a major American pharmacy chain, became the launchpad for a global trend.
Today, Squishmallows are available at numerous retailers, including:
- Walgreens (the original retailer)
- Toynk
- Target
- Walmart
- Amazon
Each retailer typically offers exclusive designs and variations, turning the search for specific characters into a key part of the collecting journey.
Can You Still Buy the First Squishmallow?
Yes, Cameron the Cat remains available through various retailers, including Walgreens and Toynk. Despite being the first Squishmallow, Cam continues to be produced in multiple sizes and variations.
While the original design remains accessible, Kellytoy (now part of Jazwares) has released numerous special editions of Cameron over the years, including:
- Holiday-themed versions (Santa hat, Halloween costume)
- Special color variations
- Costume editions (including Cameron in a giraffe outfit)
Toynk offers standard and exclusive Squishmallows, including hard-to-find editions that quickly sell out. Each item comes in protective packaging to maintain its condition. Browse our collection to add Cameron and other beloved characters to your collection. But are there fake Squishmallows?
How Much Is It Worth? (Then vs Now)
When Cameron the Cat first appeared in 2017, a standard size typically retailed for approximately $15. In 2025, pricing varies by size:
- 5-inch Cameron: approximately $5-8 (perfect small gift for a child)
- 8-inch Cameron: approximately $10-15
- 12-inch Cameron: approximately $20-30
- 16-inch Cameron: approximately $30-40
- 24-inch and larger: $50-150+ depending on size and edition
Unlike some ultra-rare Squishmallows that command $1,000+ on secondary markets, the original Cameron remains reasonably priced because Jazwares continues to produce him as part of the core collection.
However, certain limited editions of Cameron have become collector's items, with special holiday or collaboration versions sometimes valued at $100+ on resale platforms.
Fun fact: Squishmallows' popularity surged during the pandemic, with TikTok influencers and celebrities like Charli D'Amelio and Lady Gaga showcasing their collections, helping drive sales beyond 400 million units worldwide.
The First Squishmallow Squad
When Kellytoy introduced Squishmallows in 2017, they launched with eight original characters that formed the foundation of the now-massive Squishmallow universe:
- Cameron the Cat — The calico feline friend who loves skateboarding
- Wendy the Frog — A light green frog who enjoys reading and gardening
- Piper the Penguin — An adventurous penguin who dreams of flying
- Puff the Penguin — Piper's best friend, who loves to slide on ice
- Hans the Hedgehog — A scholarly hedgehog who collects books
- Hoot the Owl — A wise owl who enjoys stargazing
- Holly the Owl — Hoot's counterpart with a passion for astronomy
- Fifi the Fox — A creative fox who loves painting and crafts
Each character featured the now-iconic ultra-soft fabric, round shape, and simple facial attributes that define the Squishmallow aesthetic.
Read: Squishmallows Catalog
Is the First-Ever Squishmallow Rare?
Technically speaking, the first-ever Squishmallow isn't considered "super" rare. Unlike most rare Squishmallows like Jack the Black Cat, it did not have an overwhelming price.
The first Squishmallow plush toy was relatively easy to find because you can still order this Squishmallow online.
However, being the first-ever Squishmallow with a collector number of 1, Cam the Cat is very special and can be limited edition. But what are Squishmallows made of?
Expansion & Legacy
The introduction of Cameron the Cat in 2017 sparked what would become a cultural phenomenon. From those initial eight characters, the Squishmallow lineup has expanded to over 1,000 unique designs across different sizes and themes.
Key milestones in the Squishmallow journey include:
- 2020: Jazwares acquires Kellytoy, expanding distribution networks
- 2021: Reaches 100 million sales milestone
- 2022: Expands into licensed collaborations with major brands
- 2025: Surpasses 400 million sales globally
The Squishmallow community continues to grow, with collectors organizing meet-ups, trades, and online forums dedicated to sharing their passion for these huggable stuffed characters.
FAQs
When did Squishmallows become viral?
Thanks to social media, particularly TikTok, squishmallows became viral during the pandemic.
Collectors say the stuffed animals have comforted them in a painful year and that hunting for them has fostered a much-needed sense of community during an extended period of isolation [1].
Lenora the Loon is an aquatic bird with a white neck filled with vertical black stripes, a grey body, and black wings. It is one of the rare Squishmallows that became viral. Characters like a fox, frog, hedgehog, and other stuffed animals from the brand are well-loved by many.
Who started the Squishmallow trend?
Gen Z fans have made the Squishmallow trend. They made the plush a true social-media phenomenon in 2020 by making thousands of videos featuring these plush toys on TikTok.
They post different characters from the brand, like the Squishmallow frog, fox, or hedgehog. Popular TikTok creators like @mooptopia have posted about Squishmallows since mid-2020 [2].
How did the first Squishmallow become popular?
The first Squishmallow gained popularity through social media and word of mouth due to its irresistibly soft and squishy texture.
Furthermore, the popularity of the Squishmallow Family soared thanks to social media platforms, where enthusiasts shared photos and reviews, spreading the word about this delightful plush toy.
Additionally, glowing recommendations from satisfied customers contributed to its reputation, leading to an ever-growing fan base drawn to its irresistible charm.
Let’s Squish ‘Em All!
Cameron the Cat holds the distinguished position as the very first Squishmallow, launching what would become a global plush phenomenon. From his humble beginnings at Walgreens in 2017 to becoming the flagship character of a 400-million-strong product line, Cam represents the starting point of an extraordinary collecting journey.
At Toynk, we offer a regularly updated selection of Squishmallows, including harder-to-find characters that sell out quickly. These bright, huggable items make similar play companions for a child or collectibles for enthusiasts of any occasion.
If you wish to add more Squishmallows to your collection, don't forget to check out Toynk! We have the rarest squishmallow, which goes out of stock quickly, so get yours now!
References:
- https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/16/style/squishmallows.html
- https://www.insider.com/squishmallow-squishmallows-walgreens-disney-cvs-viral-collectors-social-media-frog-2021-2
