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 experienced plush collectors, we're here to help you spot the fakes so keep reading.
Discover the real ones that are in stock and find your favorites before they're gone! .
Check All Available Squishmallows Here
Fake Squishmallows: Do They Exist?
Yes, there are fake Squishmallows, so you better beware!
Prices for Squishmallow resale went through the roof [1], so counterfeits, knock-offs, and fake Squishmallows proliferate on Amazon and other market platforms.
Squishmallows had humble beginnings. Kelly Toys began producing the plush internet sensation in 2017. Then came 2020, and the Squishmallow industry began booming, but the uprise didn't come free of side effects.
6 THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN BUYING SQUISHMALLOWS
1. Lacks Original Tags
The fake Squishmallows spread like wildfire online and sometimes even in physical stores.
If you encounter one on hand in a shop, the first thing to check is the tags. A genuine Squishmallow product has three small tags:
-
The first one says: "Original Squishmallows: Squeeze and Cuddle Me."
-
The second one has "Kelly Toys" written along with other product information
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The last indicates the toy's ID and batch number on the butt tag.
Any deviations from whatever's written above are most likely fake.
But do you know who invented Squishmallows?
2. Different Texture
One aspect that makes Squishmallows addictive is their texture. Original Squishmallows have a velvety texture and a plush feel that resembles a memory foam pillow or a real marshmallow.
On the other hand, knock-offs try their best to mimic the velvety texture of the authentic ones to no avail. Fake Squishmallows are flat because they can't replicate the same polyester stuffing similar to memory foam. But what does DISO mean?
3. Colors Are Off
Determining a fake Squishmallow based on its colors alone can be difficult for the untrained eye. However, if you have one on hand, the color difference between authentic and fakes is night and day.
Fake Squishmallows often have dull (less vibrant) colors compared to legitimate products. The elastic outer coat of the original also affects the color depending on the angle of the light, but the fake ones have flat-looking colors no matter the angle.
Check All Available Squishmallow Sizes Here
4. Stitch Comes Loose
The stitching between the original and fake Squishmallows is another difference, too. Avery the Mallard's bill comprises two components: tight stitching on the borders enclosing a fuzzy material. With the fake bill, you will notice that it is fully embroidered with some loose stitching.
Fake squishmallows cannot replicate the fuzzy fabric used to create the protrusions of squishmallows. For example, the gills of authentic Irina the Axolotl feel fuzzy and firm, while fakes feel flimsy and prone to tearing.
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5. Too Cheap
Another telltale of a fake Squishmallow is the asking price.
Authentic Squishmallows can range from $2.99 to $59.99 depending on the size of the Squishmallow toy, ranging from 3-inch micromallows to gargantuan 24-inch plushies. [2]
The high asking price is attributed to the technology that gives these toys a unique feel and texture. Fake Squishmallows, on the other hand, are usually sold at lower prices.
6. Check It Online
Google your new "Squishmallow" and ensure it's from a verified seller or the official website. Compare all the small details between yours and the one shown in the photo on the site.
If you notice any discrepancies, such as spots in different locations or pieces being different colors, that's a red flag, and it's likely a counterfeit Squishmallow.
Read: Squishmallows Master List
Are There Authorized & Authentic Sellers?
Yes. There are many authentic sellers of Squishmallows online and in-store. If you don’t want to be scammed, buying from them is your best bet.
Some of the authentic Squishmallow sellers and retailers include Toynk.com, Squishmallows.com, Amazon, Costco, Hallmark, Seaworld, Sesame Street, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart.
If you are after the convenience of ordering online, then make sure that you will be purchasing from legitimate sites that sell authentic Squishmallows like Toynk!
Aside from selling these squishy plushies, Toynk offers a wide array of cool collectibles, trendy toys, and modern costumes for kids (and the young at heart).
Read: Largest Squishmallow Ever
|
Feature |
Original Squishmallows |
Fake Squishmallows |
|
Labels/Tags |
Clear, consistent font; includes unique code |
Misspelled, inconsistent font; no unique code |
|
Material Quality |
Soft, plush, uniform; high-quality polyester |
Rough, inconsistent; cheaper materials |
|
Stitching |
Neat, tight stitches |
Messy, loose stitching |
|
Design Details |
Accurate, symmetrical |
Off-center, asymmetrical; incorrect colors |
|
Price |
Consistent with retail; higher due to licensing |
Suspiciously low; significantly cheaper |
|
Purchase Location |
Verified retailers or official stores |
Unofficial marketplaces; temporary stands |
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.
But what's the rarest Squishmallow to date?
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
Although sold as a regular plushy in 2017, Squishmallows took the world by storm during the lockdown. Now, tons of knock-off and fake Squishmallow brands have sprung up in hopes of sharing the market for this plushy goodness.
Basic knowledge in distinguishing fake from real Squishmallows can save you a lot of money, especially when buying from overpriced resellers.
We recommend that you buy from official retailers and authentic online stores that sell authentic Squishmallows to avoid scams and for your peace of mind.
Feel free to visit Toynk's Squishmallow collection if you want one!
Check All Available Squishmallows Here
References:
- https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jan/30/squishmallows-toys-collecting
- https://www.today.com/parents/what-are-squishmallows-where-can-i-find-rare-squishy-t212183
