If there’s one thing I’ve learned from stocking squishies for many years, it’s this: Not all squishies are created equal - and everything that goes viral is NOT automatically better!
Lately, there has been a LOT of hype around certain squishy brands. And while I’m certainly not here to knock any particular brand - if a child has a favourite, I completely understand the excitement! - However, I do think it’s worth taking a step back and thinking about quality, safety and where your squishies are coming from.
The squishy craze is real!
If you’ve been anywhere near kids lately, you’ll know that squishies are having a moment. In fact, I’ve had so many phone calls recently from children asking whether I stock a particular viral brand that I’ve started wondering whether parents are handing their kids the phone and saying: "You want it? You call the toy shop!" 😂
And I get it. When something becomes the 'thing' to have, nothing else quite compares.
But here’s the thing...
The name on the squishy doesn't tell you everything you need to know.
Quality matters. Squishies are designed to be squeezed, stretched, squashed and generally loved to within an inch of their lives!
That means the quality of the materials, construction and finish really matters.
A good squishy should be made from appropriate, quality materials and be designed with its intended use in mind. It should hold up to regular play rather than splitting, leaking or deteriorating after a short time. I mean, they're not designed to family heirlooms - but they also shouldn't end up in landfill within minutes!
When you're buying sensory products for children, especially younger kids, you want to know that someone has actually thought about what they're selling.
Trust your source. This is where I think small, independent retailers can make a real difference. At TWIGS, I have been carefully selecting and stocking trusted squishies since the very beginning - 2015. I don't simply look at what's trending online and think, "Everyone wants these, so let's get them!" Every product has to pass my very own TWIGS test. Would I be happy giving it to my own grandkids?
If the answer is no, it doesn't make it onto my shelves.
It's not about being perfect. It's about being intentional about what I choose to sell. I look for products from suppliers and brands I can trust, and I want to know that the products I offer are appropriate for the children and families who shop with me.
Viral doesn't automatically mean better. This is probably the biggest message I want to get across. Popularity is not a quality certification. A product can be everywhere on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube and still not necessarily be the best choice for your child. Likewise, a squishy that isn't currently viral isn't necessarily inferior. Sometimes the best product is the one that has quietly been doing its job brilliantly for years.
And that's something I've always believed in at TWIGS.
And about the price...
I'm also not interested in jumping on the "it's popular, so let's charge a ridiculous price" bandwagon. I've been stocking quality squishies for years at fair & reasonable prices, and that's much more my style. Of course, good quality products cost money. Businesses have suppliers, freight, packaging and all the other costs that come with bringing products to you. But hype shouldn't be the only reason something costs more. You shouldn't have to pay a premium simply because something has gone viral.
So, before you buy that squishy...
Whether it's a well-known brand, a new brand you've just discovered or a product you've never heard of before, take a moment to ask:
🔎 Who is selling it?
🏷️ Is the retailer someone you trust?
🧸 Is it from a reputable brand or supplier?
💡 Is the price reasonable for what you're getting?
❤️ Would you be comfortable giving it to your child?
And perhaps most importantly...
Don't let the hype make the decision for you.
At TWIGS, I'll keep doing what I've always done - carefully choosing products I believe in, sourcing from suppliers I trust and offering quality resources at sensible prices.
Because whether it's a squishy, a puzzle, a sensory resource or a toy, I want to be able to stand behind every single thing I sell.
And if my own grandkids wouldn't get one from me, you won't find it on my shelves!
Chosen with care, always,
Michelle
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