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 Squishmallow collection of available characters, kindly click the link below.
Key Takeaways
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The first Squishmallow was Cam the Calico Cat (Cameron), Collector Number 1, released by Kellytoy in 2017, and his original tag reads "#1," not "#1-1."
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All 8 original characters launched simultaneously at Walgreens; Cam is "first" by the brand's own Collector Number system.
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Over 3,000 unique Squishmallows designs have been created since 2017, with 400 million+ units sold as of 2024.
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Cam is still in production and remains reasonably priced compared to rare, limited-edition Squishmallows.
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 black and brown 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 also loves to jump in and out of boxes and enjoys skateboarding to get around town.
As the original Squishmallow with Collector Number 1, Cameron holds a special place in Squishmallow history — his Squishdate (the date stamped on his hangtag) is March 1, 2017. Collectors use the Squishdate to identify original-edition plushies versus later re-releases. On a first-edition Cam, the tag reads simply "#1" rather than "#1-1" — a detail every serious collector should know.
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?
It's also worth noting that all 8 original characters launched at Walgreens simultaneously, so Cam the Cat is "first" by Collector Number rather than necessarily being the very first individual unit sold — a nuance the community still debates with good-natured enthusiasm.
Due to high demand, Squishmallows frequently sell out. Join the community of enthusiasts and secure yours before they're gone again!
What Is Cameron the Cat's Personality and Backstory?
Cameron the Calico 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's birthday wish is to one day take a trip around the world. While he hasn't fulfilled that ambition yet, he's developing his sailing skills as a new hobby.
As the original Squishmallow with Collector Number 1, Cameron holds a special place in Squishmallow history and fans' collections. He also serves as the official mascot of the Squishmallows brand — a title that makes him uniquely significant beyond just his origins as the very first character in the lineup.
There's a lot of lore packed into this little plush, and that depth of character is a big part of his enduring charm.
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 had 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?
From those original 8 characters, the lineup has grown to over 3,000 unique designs across sizes and themes. Key milestones along the way:
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2017: Launch at Walgreens with the original 8 characters — the First Squad
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2020: Jazwares acquires Kellytoy; Squishmallows go viral on TikTok during the pandemic
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2021: 100 million Squishmallows sold in the US
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2022: Berkshire Hathaway gains an indirect stake through its acquisition of Alleghany Corporation; 5th Anniversary tie-dye re-release of the original squad at Walgreens (all characters except Piper)
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2023: Jazwares hits $1 billion in annual sales, with Squishmallows driving 40% of total revenue; McDonald's Happy Meal partnership launches across 70 countries
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2024: 400 million+ Squishmallows sold in 3,000 styles across 60+ countries; Jazwares named to TIME100 Most Influential Companies
Celebrities, including Lady Gaga, publicly shared their Squishmallows collections, helping fuel the brand's explosive global growth.
The community continues to expand, with collectors posting about their latest finds, organizing meet-ups, trades, and online forums dedicated to sharing their passion for these huggable plush characters.
Where Was the First Squishmallow Sold?
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.
Is Cameron the Cat Still Available?
Yes, Cameron, the Calico Cat remains available through various retailers, including Walgreens and Toynk. Despite being the first Squishmallow, Cam is still 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:
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Holiday-themed versions (Santa hat, Halloween costume)
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Collaboration and limited-run variants
Toynk offers standard and exclusive Squishmallows, including hard-to-find editions that quickly sell out. Each Squishmallow comes in protective packaging to maintain its condition.
Glowing reviews from collectors and fans speak to the cute designs and charm of every character in the lineup. Browse our Squishmallows collection to add Cameron and other beloved Squishmallows to your collection. But are there fake Squishmallows?
Current Pricing for Cameron the Calico Cat
When Cameron the Cat first appeared in 2017, a standard size typically retailed for approximately $15. Current pricing varies by size:
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5-inch Cameron: approximately $5–$8
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8-inch Cameron: approximately $10–$15
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12-inch Cameron: approximately $20–$25
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16-inch Cameron: approximately $30–$40
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Specialty/limited editions: prices vary widely
Unlike ultra-rare Squishmallows — like Jack the Black Cat, of which only 500 were ever made — Cam remains reasonably priced because Jazwares continues to produce him as part of the core Squishmallows collection. Collectors who want a first-edition Cam should look for a tag reading "#1" — not "#1-1," which indicates a later version.
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.
How can I tell if I have a first-edition Cam?
Original first-edition Cam plushies have a hangtag that reads "#1" — not "#1-1." The hyphenated suffix indicates a later edition. An original Cam will also carry the Squishdate 03.01.2017, though some re-releases may carry different Squishdate values.
How many Squishmallows have been sold?
Over 400 million Squishmallows have been sold worldwide across more than 3,000 unique designs in 60+ countries. Jazwares reached $1 billion in annual sales in 2023, with Squishmallows driving approximately 40% of the company's total revenue.
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.
Whether you're a first-time fan discovering the world of Squishmallows or a dedicated collector building out your First Squad, there's never been a better time to add Cam and his crew to your shelf — these cuddly plush make wonderful gifts for fans of any age.
At Toynk, we offer a regularly updated Squishmallow collection, including harder-to-find Squishmallows manufactured to the same high standards that made Cam a star. These bright, huggable plush bring joy to children and make great gifts for Squishmallows fans of any age — perfect for play or display.
If you wish to purchase more Squishmallows, don't forget to check out Toynk and discover what's new! We have the rarest Squishmallow, which sells out 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
