Squishies are one of the most popular things we sell at OVERRATED, so we hear this question all the time: is a squishy actually worth it, or is it just a TikTok trend?
The short answer: yes, a good squishy is worth it. For $2 to $15 you get a toy that's genuinely satisfying to squeeze, helps a lot of people fidget less and relax more, and lasts for months if you treat it right. What's overrated is paying resale prices for "rare" squishies, and buying ultra-cheap no-name ones that tear in a week.
The trick is knowing which type you're buying, because a butter squishy and a taba squishy feel completely different. Here's the honest breakdown.
The 5 types of squishies (and which one is for you)
1. Slow-rise foam squishies: the classic
Squeeze it flat, let go, and it slowly puffs back to shape. This is the original squishy feel, and still the best place to start.
- Mochi Banana Slow-Rise Squishy: $5.99, extra soft and fluffy
- Butter Squishy Slow Rise Toy: $4.99
- 999.9 Fine Gold Bar Slow-Rise Squishy: $2.99, a funny desk toy
Verdict: Not overrated. If you only buy one squishy, make it a slow-rise.
2. Butter squishies: is the butter squishy worth it?
Butter squishies are the viral 4 oz "butter bar" squishies. There are two kinds, and it's worth knowing which one you're getting:
- Slow-rise butter: foam that rises back slowly, like the Vaseline Butter Squishy ($6.99).
- Gooey butter: a soft-filled bar you can bend and squish that springs back to shape, like the Gooey Butter Squishy ($5.99). It's not foam at all.
Verdict: Worth it, if you pick the right feel. Love the slow puff? Go slow-rise. Want something to knead and bend? Go gooey.
3. Taba squishies: are taba squishies worth it?
Taba squishies are glossy, slightly sticky squishies that come sealed inside a clear keychain pouch. They aren't slow-rise: they're made for poking, squeezing and stretching.
Verdict: Worth it as a keychain. The pouch keeps them clean and makes them easy to clip on a bag. If you want a big squeeze, though, a slow-rise is more satisfying.
4. Jelly and crystal squishies: is the cheese squishy worth it?
These are the clear, jelly-like squishies with a thick filling that slowly shifts when you press it. They're as much fun to look at as to squeeze.
- Crystal Clear Cheese Cube Squishy: $6.99, the viral cheese cube
- Chiboki Crystal Mochi Squishy: $10.99, covered in tiny crystal-like beads
- Chiboki Apple Jelly Squishy: $14.99
Verdict: Not overrated, and the most "wow" per dollar. The cheese cube is one of our favorite gifts. Chiboki is pricier, but it's an authentic brand that's widely copied (here's how to spot fake Chiboki sellers).
5. Mini mochi and dumpling squishies
Small, cheap and very collectible. Mini mochis are soft and stretchy. Dumpling squishies are the glittery ones everyone's been posting.
- Doki Doki Mini Mochi Squishy: $1.99
- Fruit Mochi Squishy Keychain: $2.99
- Mini Glitter Sugar Dumpling Squishy: $4.99
- Glitter Dumpling Hard Squishy: $6.99, a firmer squish
Verdict: Worth it, and easy to over-collect. Want the full dumpling story? Read why the squishy dumpling is everywhere.
What IS overrated about squishies
Paying resale prices for "rare" squishies
A squishy going for $40 online is usually the same toy that sold for $8 a few months earlier. Unless you're a serious collector, wait for a restock or pick a similar one that's in stock now.
Ultra-cheap no-name squishies
Very cheap, unbranded squishies from big marketplaces can have a strong chemical smell, uneven paint, or seams that split fast. Spending a few dollars more usually gets you a squishy that lasts far longer.
Buying the hype instead of the feel
Every few weeks a new squishy goes viral. That doesn't mean you'll love how it feels. Pick by type (slow-rise, gooey, taba, jelly) rather than by what's trending, and you'll waste a lot less money.
How to make your squishies last
- Keep them out of heat. Don't leave them in a hot car or direct sun.
- Keep foam squishies clean. Foam picks up lint and dust, so wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth and let it air-dry.
- Store taba squishies in their pouch. The pouch keeps them from getting sticky with dust.
- Stop using a squishy if it tears. This matters most for gooey and jelly squishies with filling inside.
Are squishies safe for kids?
Most squishies are labeled for ages 3 and up because they can contain small parts. Many look like food but aren't edible, so keep them away from little kids who might bite them, and away from pets. Always check the age label on the specific squishy.
Our honest pick for your first squishy
For under $15, you can try three completely different feels and find out what you like:
| Feel | Squishy | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Slow-rise | Mochi Banana Slow-Rise Squishy | $5.99 |
| Soft and stretchy | Doki Doki Mini Mochi | $1.99 |
| Jelly | Crystal Clear Cheese Cube Squishy | $6.99 |
| Total | $14.97 |
Want a keychain too? Add the Taba Squishy Keychain Pouch ($7.99). Prices are current as of this writing and can change.
Squeeze before you buy: visit us in Michigan
Squishies are a lot easier to choose when you can actually squeeze them. You'll find our squishies at both of our stores:
The Mall at Partridge Creek
17420 Hall Rd, Suite 144, Clinton Township, MI 48038
Twelve Oaks Mall
27500 Novi Rd, Space E211, Novi, MI 48377
Not in Michigan? Shop all squishies online. We ship US-wide, free on orders of $50 or more.
Quick answers
Are squishies worth the money?
Yes. A good squishy costs $2 to $15 and lasts for months. Skip resale-priced "rare" squishies and ultra-cheap no-name ones.
Is the butter squishy worth it?
Yes, if you know which feel you want: slow-rise butter puffs back slowly, while gooey butter bends and springs back.
Are taba squishies worth it?
Yes, especially as a keychain. They're made for poking and stretching rather than slow-rise squeezing.
What's the best squishy for beginners?
A slow-rise foam squishy, like the Mochi Banana. It's the classic squishy feel and costs under $6.
Where can I buy squishies near me?
In Michigan, at our stores in The Mall at Partridge Creek (Clinton Township) and Twelve Oaks Mall (Novi). Everywhere else in the US, online at overratedkbeauty.com.