Are There Fake Squishmallows? (2025 Updated)

During the pandemic's two-year-long lockdown, people found comfort and companionship in Squishmallows. These adorable stuffed animals reached a fever pitch as they started trending on TikTok in 2021. 

However, with the hype and sudden increase in its popularity, some created knock-offs to bathe in Squishmallows' success. So, are there fake Squishmallows? 

As Squishmallows gained massive popularity during the pandemic, counterfeiters quickly capitalized on high demand, creating sophisticated knockoffs that deceive even experienced collectors.

Discover the real ones that are in stock and find your favorites before they're gone! 

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Fake Squishmallows: Do They Exist?

Counterfeit Squishmallows are everywhere — from major online marketplaces to local retailers. The resale market for rare Squishmallows has driven authentic prices sky-high, creating lucrative opportunities for counterfeiters to sell knockoffs.[1]

Squishmallows had humble beginnings with Kelly Toys in 2017. By 2020, over 50 million units had been sold globally, with the brand encompassing more than 500 distinct Squishmallow characters. This explosive growth inevitably attracted bad actors seeking to profit from the brand's success in the toy market.

Legal battles have intensified, with Kelly Toys pursuing aggressive action against platforms hosting fake listings. In a notable case, a New York federal court denied Alibaba's motion to dismiss claims that its platforms facilitated the sale of counterfeit Squishmallows, highlighting the ongoing fight against counterfeits.

6 Critical Signs to Spot Fake Squishmallows

1. Missing or Incorrect Tags

Original Squishmallows always have three small tags:

1. Hang tag: "Original Squishmallows: Squeeze and Cuddle Me"

2. Product tag: "Kelly Toys" branding with detailed product information

3. Butt tag: Unique toy's ID and batch number for authenticity verification

Red flags include Misspellings (such as "Kelly Toy" instead of "Kelly Toys"), missing holographic stamps on limited editions, or incorrect copyright dates. Counterfeiters often omit tags entirely or use poorly reproduced versions of them. Watch for these details when examining any potential fake ones.

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2. Texture Differences That Give Fakes Away

Authentic Squishmallows feel like a memory foam pillow — soft, squishy, and with that signature "squish" that bounces back. This unique texture is achieved through specialized polyester fiber filling and spandex exterior materials, which provide just the right amount of squishiness, resembling a real marshmallow.

Fake Squishmallows often feel stiff, lumpy, or flat because counterfeiters struggle to replicate the proprietary stuffing technology. The memory foam quality gives authentic products their distinctive bounce, while fakes maintain flat, dull colors regardless of the direction of the light.

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3. Color Accuracy Issues

Authentic Squishmallows feature vibrant, consistent colors that match official product photos exactly. The elastic outer coating creates subtle color variations that depend on the viewing angle.

Counterfeit warning signs:

• Dull or faded colors compared to official images

• Inconsistent color tones across the same product

• Colors that appear flat regardless of lighting

• Wrong color combinations for specific characters

Check All Available Squishmallow Sizes Here

4. Stitching Quality & Construction

Precision stitching distinguishes authentic Squishmallows, characterized by tight, uniform seams and color-matched thread throughout. Special features, such as Avery the Mallard's bill, utilize fuzzy materials enclosed by perfect border stitching.

Fake Squishmallows show poor quality craftsmanship:

• Loose or uneven stitching patterns

• Mismatched thread colors

• Fully embroidered features instead of proper fuzzy materials

• Seams that separate easily with minimal handling

For example, authentic Irina the Axolotl has firm, fuzzy gills, while counterfeits feature flimsy, easily torn substitutes.

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5. Pricing Red Flags

Authentic Squishmallow pricing ranges from $2.99 to $59.99, depending on size, from 3-inch micromallows to 24-inch giant plushies. This price reflects the specialized manufacturing technology and official licensing costs.

Be suspicious of:

• Prices significantly below retail value — a red flag for counterfeits

• "Too good to be true" deals on rare or popular characters

• Bulk sellers offering authentic products at impossible margins

• Auctions with starting bids far below normal pricing

6. Verify Through Official Sources

Always cross-reference potential purchases with official sources to ensure accuracy. Google your specific Squishmallow and compare every detail against verified seller photos.

Look for discrepancies like:

• Spots or markings in the wrong locations

• Different facial expressions or eye positions

• Incorrect character proportions

• Missing design elements that appear in official photos

Read: Squishmallows Master List

Where to Buy Authentic Squishmallows Safely

Stick to official retailers to guarantee authenticity. These verified sellers of Squishmallows maintain direct relationships with the manufacturer, Kelly Toys, and offer genuine products with full warranty protection. Many authentic Squishmallows are sold exclusively through authorized channels to ensure quality standards are maintained.

Trusted sellers include:

• Toynk.com — Extensive selection with collector focus

• Squishmallows.com — Official brand website

• Major retailers: Target, Walmart, Costco, Walgreens

• Specialty stores: Hallmark, SeaWorld, Sesame Street locations

Why choose Toynk? Beyond our authentic Squishmallow collection, we offer expert curation of collectibles, trendy products, and modern merchandise for fans of all ages. Our team understands collectors' needs and maintains strict authenticity standards for kids and adults alike.

Read: Largest Squishmallow Ever

FAQs

ARE SQUISHMALLOWS RARE?

The sheer number of Squishmallows sold in the market (approximately 100 million) testifies that they are not particularly "rare."

However, the demand has outpaced the supply due to the rise in demand for Squishmallows. On top of that, some hoarders stock up to sell them more expensively.

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WHY ARE SQUISHMALLOWS SOLD OUT?

Squishmallows are sold out thanks to the upsurge in demand following the trend of the plushy in TikTok.

According to sources, the demand for Squishmallows exceeded the current supply, so Kelly Toys is ramping up its production to meet the global demand. Hoarding may be another reason for the soldout issue.

Is there a Squishmallow tracker?

Yes, there's a Squishmallow tracker called SquadApp - Collector's Guide, available on the App Store. 

It's a must-have for every Squishmallows collector, with over 7,900 Squishmallows in its database and new ones added daily. It offers database searching and collection tracking features, even when offline.

Key Takeaways

Knowledge is your best defense against fake Squishmallows. While counterfeiters continue improving their techniques, authentic products maintain distinct quality markers that fakes can't replicate.

Essential protection strategies:

• Buy from authorized retailers for guaranteed authenticity

• Inspect tags carefully for spelling and formatting accuracy

• Test the texture — authentic Squishmallows have unmistakable squishiness

• Verify pricing against official retail channels

• Research before you purchase using official product databases

Safety concerns: Counterfeit products may contain substandard materials that pose significant safety risks, particularly for children. They also lack proper batch tracking for potential recalls.

The ongoing legal battles between Kelly Toys and counterfeit sellers demonstrate the brand's commitment to protecting consumers and maintaining product quality standards.

Ready to start or expand your authentic collection? Browse our curated Squishmallow collection featuring verified authentic products with full authenticity guarantees.

Check All Available Squishmallows Here

References:

1. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jan/30/squishmallows-toys-collecting