Squishmallows

Squishmallows: The Plush Collectables That Took Over Christmas 2022

Cuddly, Collectable, and Completely Irresistible

The Squishmallows craze hit full speed during Christmas 2022, making these super-soft plush toys one of the most in-demand gifts of the season. Produced by Jazwares, Squishmallows blend huggable comfort with an addictive collectability factor that turned them into a global phenomenon. With hundreds of characters to choose from, each with its own name and backstory, Squishmallows appealed to children, teens, and even adults who couldn’t resist their cosy charm. ✨

It was no surprise when Squishmallows landed on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2022 list. They ticked every box: affordability, collectability, and universal appeal. From bedroom companions to social media stars, these plush pals became the must-have soft toys of the festive season.

What Makes Squishmallows Special?

Unlike traditional soft toys, Squishmallows are made from ultra-soft spandex and polyester fibres that give them their signature marshmallow-like feel. They’re squishy, bouncy, and almost pillow-like, which makes them equally suited for cuddling, napping, or stress relief. This unique texture set them apart from standard plush toys, while their wide range of characters meant there was a Squishmallow for everyone.

Each character comes with its own biography, creating a sense of connection and storytelling. Whether it’s Cam the Cat, Fifi the Fox, or Archie the Axolotl, kids loved choosing their favourites based on personality as much as design. For adults, the quirky backstories and collectable nature tapped into nostalgia for Beanie Babies, fuelling a vibrant secondary market.

Unboxing the Squishmallow Experience

• 1 Squishmallow plush (sizes vary from 3.5” clips to 24” jumbo editions)
• Character tag with biography and name
• Soft spandex and polyester fibre filling for ultimate squishiness
• Optional retailer-exclusive variations

The beauty of Squishmallows was their simplicity—no batteries, no accessories, just pure, huggable fun. Their tactile squishiness delivered instant comfort and made them an easy win for parents looking for stress-free gifts.

Collectability: The Squishmallow Universe

The collectability of Squishmallows exploded in 2022. With hundreds of characters across multiple “squads,” including animals, fantasy creatures, food-themed designs, and seasonal exclusives, they became more than toys—they became a lifestyle. Social media communities sprung up dedicated to trading, showcasing, and hunting for rare Squishmallows.

Limited runs, store exclusives, and seasonal editions (such as Christmas-themed reindeers and snowmen) heightened the excitement. For many kids, unwrapping a new Squishmallow on Christmas morning wasn’t just about adding another plush to the pile—it was about expanding their collection and hunting for rarities.

Why Squishmallows Dominated Christmas 2022

The appeal of Squishmallows came down to their versatility. For younger children, they were bedtime buddies and travel companions. For older kids and teens, they became collectable status symbols. For adults, they doubled as stress relievers, decorative cushions, or fun conversation starters. This broad demographic reach ensured they dominated shelves and sold out quickly during the run-up to Christmas.

Parents loved that Squishmallows were affordable compared to tech-based toys. Starting at under £10 for smaller versions, they offered a reliable gift option in a year when budgets were stretched. Larger and exclusive editions climbed in price but were still cheaper than many big-ticket items on the DreamToys list.

Educational and Developmental Value

Though plush toys are typically about comfort rather than skill-building, Squishmallows still delivered developmental benefits. For younger children, they encouraged nurturing behaviour and imaginative play. Kids created adventures and friendships between their Squishmallows, using them in storytelling and roleplay scenarios. The collectable aspect also introduced lessons about value, rarity, and trading.

Older children and teens found comfort in their sensory texture. Squeezing or cuddling a Squishmallow worked as a form of stress relief, making them popular with those looking for relaxation or comfort during exams and school stress.

Play Scenarios and Everyday Use

Part of the magic of Squishmallows was how seamlessly they fit into everyday life. Kids used them as travel pillows on long car rides, classroom companions for show-and-tell, or even as backrests while reading or gaming. Their multi-purpose appeal meant they weren’t just toys—they were functional comfort items that grew with children over time.

For collectors, showing off Squishmallows became an activity in itself. Display shelves, themed bedrooms, and even TikTok “Squishmallow hauls” turned them into cultural icons.

Alternatives You Might Consider

• Little Live Pets Mama Surprise — interactive plush play with a magical reveal element.
• FurReal Peanut the Playful Monkey — animatronic plush with lifelike reactions.
• Barbie Cutie Reveal — combines plush comfort with surprise fashion play.

Buying Tips and Price Guide (£)

In 2022, small Squishmallows started at around £7.99, mid-sized versions were priced at £15–£20, and giant 24” plushes could reach £40–£50. Rare collector’s editions and retailer exclusives often sold for much higher on secondary markets, with some Christmas-themed Squishmallows doubling in value after the festive rush.

Parents were advised to shop early to avoid disappointment, as Squishmallows often sold out in late November. For savvy shoppers, checking sales at supermarkets and online deals proved effective. For tips on getting the best price, check our guides:
Best Christmas Toys 2025, Christmas Toy Deals, and Best Places to Buy Christmas Toys Online.

Brand Spotlight: Jazwares

Jazwares has become one of the leading names in toys, producing everything from action figures to plush collectables. With Squishmallows, they created a brand that transcended age groups and became a true cultural phenomenon. To see more Jazwares hits across the years, visit our Top Jazwares Toys archive.

Final Verdict

The Squishmallows phenomenon showed no signs of slowing down in 2022. Their inclusion on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2022 list was proof of their universal appeal. Whether as a cuddly bedtime buddy, a collector’s item, or a social media star, Squishmallows delivered joy to kids and adults alike. Soft, collectable, and endlessly loveable, they remain one of the safest and cosiest bets for Christmas gifting.

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Want to know how Squishmallows hold up after hours of cuddling and collecting? Read our full Squishmallows Review.

Festive Popularity and Collectability

The Squishmallows quickly became a must-have for 2022, with both kids and parents praising its balance of fun, creativity, and festive appeal. Many families reported that it became the centerpiece of playtime during the holidays, with children inventing imaginative stories and adventures. Its presence on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2022 list confirmed its place as one of the year’s most sought-after gifts.

Gift Positioning for Christmas

When choosing gifts, parents often look for toys that deliver both excitement and lasting value. The Squishmallows managed to tick both boxes. It worked beautifully as a main present under the tree, while also being versatile enough to complement other playsets or toys from the same brand. As Christmas approached, stock began to thin, leading savvy shoppers to secure theirs early to avoid disappointment.

Brand Legacy

Jazwares has long been known for producing toys that dominate festive wishlists. The release of the Squishmallows continued this tradition, reinforcing the brand’s reputation as a Christmas powerhouse. Whether through innovative technology, creative design, or timeless appeal, the company has consistently delivered toys that light up living rooms during the holiday season.

Alternatives and Related Toys

• Squishmallows — for children who love cuddly and collectible plushies.
• Magic Mixies Magic Castle — another magical playset from 2022 with strong imaginative play value.
• Pokémon Elite Trainer Box — perfect for older kids and collectors who enjoy strategy and trading card games.

Buying Tips and Best Deals

Parents found that the Squishmallows was priced competitively, but like most top Christmas toys, its availability varied as December approached. To secure the best prices, many turned to early-season deals or tracked stock through major UK retailers. For money-saving strategies, see our guides: Best Christmas Toys 2025, Cheapest Christmas Toys, and Christmas Toy Deals.

Final Thoughts

The Squishmallows captured the spirit of Christmas 2022, blending fun, innovation, and collectability. Its popularity among children and recognition by the Toy Retailers Association secured its legacy as one of the year’s defining festive toys. Families who picked it up found it offered both immediate excitement and long-term play value, making it a brilliant addition to any Christmas morning.

Explore the 2025 toys

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