We all know Squishmallows are supposed to be adorable. But with over 3,000 designs out there, a few were bound to miss the mark.
Whether it's a plush toy that looks nothing like its name suggests or a licensed character gone horribly blobby, the Squishmallow community has opinions — and they're not holding back. Here are the ugly Squishmallows that fans love to debate, roast, and somehow still add to their collections.
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Key Takeaways
- Ugly Squishmallows often become collector favorites because their weird designs stand out in a sea of cute plush.
- The community judges "ugliness" by a few common criteria — unrecognizable animals, odd color combos, and licensed characters that don't translate well to squish form.
- Adults aged 18 to 35 drive most of the Squishmallow conversation, and the "ugly vs. cute" debate is a big part of collector culture on TikTok and Reddit.
- Some ugly designs actually increase in value after being discontinued, making them surprisingly worthwhile additions to any collection.
The Ugliest Squishmallows According to Fans
1. Sinclair The Avocado Toast
This 5-inch Squishmallow made of super soft spandex and polyester is squishy and cuddly.
However, its appearance might make you wonder why this avocado toast Squishmallow is covered in what looks like pieces of confetti (which are supposed to be pepper and flakes).
2. Malcolm the Mushroom
Malcolm the Mushroom is an 8-inch tall cuddly squish toy that would make a great travel companion or bedtime buddy.
It is supposed to be a romantic mushroom, but to some, the top of its head seems off. But for others, it is a perfectly normal Squishy—or is he? We'll leave the decision up to you.
3. Denton the Chameleon
Denton the Chameleon is a 12-inch plush backpack with a large zipper compartment and adjustable shoulder straps.
However, we wonder if anyone can guess what Denton is at first glance. While it's supposed to be a chameleon, it looks like a dinosaur drawn by a kid.
4. Buzz Lightyear
This 12-inch plush may be cute, but without the green and purple uniform, it would be hard to tell that it is Sheriff Woody's best friend, Buzz Lightyear [1].
Buzz Lightyear Squishmallow bears the proper colors, but his head- the marking on the chin, and the eyebrows just a little too on fleek. Nevertheless, this cute Buzz Lightyear Squishy would make any Toy Story fan incredibly happy.
So what's the best Squishmallow?
5. Wendy the Frog
Wendy the Frog is a micro mallow plush measuring 2.5 inches tall and comes with 1 enamel pin and 24 trading cards.
Wendy belongs to the Original Squad and is on the list of the first 8 Squishmallows to be released.
What's off about Wendy is that you can't tell precisely whether she's a frog or a huge green blob with a smiley face and huge ears.
We're kidding - we can say with absolute certainty that Wendy is a frog, and she would make an excellent gift for someone who loves nature, particularly amphibians [2].
6. Meadow the Blue Horse
Some people may need clarification about what Meadow the Horse is supposed to be - is it a cow, a pig, or, as its name suggests, a horse?
Nonetheless, Meadow loves listening to thunderstorms at night.
Check out the biggest Squishmallow ever here.
7. Oogie Boogie
For good reasons, Oogie looks scarier than it is "ugly," this Squishmallow is inspired by Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Give this 8-inch Squishy to a Tim Burton fan in your life and wish them sweet dreams.
8. Elda The Ostrich
Elda the Ostrich is a 2-inch bird Squishmallow you can squish into a car, plane, or carriage. However, because of the top of its head, this supposedly "ostrich" looks more like a colorful, hairy pig than a bird.
Some say its vehicle even looks cuter than the mini Squshmallow itself. Still, who can resist this super-soft plush?
You can give this as a gift to a Squishmallow lover - both young and old, or add it to your mini Squishmallows collection.
9. Flip a Mallows
Due to its unique and whimsical design, the Flip a Mallows Squishmallow may appeal to only some. Reddit users agreed that it is less visually appealing or charming than more classic designs.
10. Bimbi the Clown
Another Reddit-voted Squishmallow is Bimbi, the Clown Squishmallow, because the design may evoke mixed reactions, particularly among those uncomfortable with or fearing clowns.
As a result, this particular Squishmallow might not have universal appeal and could be considered less visually appealing by those opposed to clown imagery.
What Makes a Squishmallow "Ugly"?
Not all Squishmallows are created equal, and the collector community has developed some clear criteria for what makes a design miss the mark. Based on thousands of Reddit threads, TikTok tier lists, and Fandom wiki polls, here are the main reasons users label a Squishmallow "ugly":
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Unrecognizable animals: If you can't tell what the plush is supposed to be at first glance, it's probably on someone's ugly list. Several entries below share this problem.
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Humanoid features on animal forms: When a Squishmallow tries to add human-like expressions or accessories to an animal shape, it creates an uncanny valley effect that fans find off-putting. Designs that remind people of humans rather than cute creatures tend to land in the ugly category.
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Licensed characters in blob form: Some beloved characters just don't translate well when squeezed into the classic round Squishmallow shape. The proportions and details that make the original character recognizable get lost.
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Odd color combinations and patterns: Tie-dye gone wrong, clashing colors, or confusing patterns can turn an otherwise cute Squishmallow design into an absolute abomination — at least according to the community.
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Features that break the classic shape: Weird hair, strange accessories, or elements that disrupt the signature round silhouette tend to draw the most criticism.
Knowing these criteria, let's look at the Squishmallows that check the most boxes.
Why Collectors Actually Love Ugly Squishmallows
Here's the twist that surprises most people: ugly Squishmallows are wildly popular with adult collectors. With adults aged 18 to 35 driving the majority of Squishmallow purchases, the "ugly" debate is largely an adult conversation — and many of these collectors are intentionally hunting for the weirdest designs.
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They stand out in any collection. When you have dozens of cute, round plush on a shelf, the ugly one catches everyone's eye first. Collectors on Reddit and TikTok have mentioned that their weird Squishmallows get more comments and reactions than their conventionally cute ones.
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They make perfect gag gifts. Ugly Squishmallows have become increasingly popular as white elephant picks, Secret Santa presents, and humorous birthday gifts. The "so ugly it's cute" factor makes them a hit at any gift exchange — and some limited edition Squishmallows in this category go out of stock fast.
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Discontinued ugly designs can gain value. Some collectors have reported passing on ugly designs at retail price, only to find them selling for two to three times the original cost on the resale market after being discontinued. Weird and rare is a powerful combination based on what we've seen in the community. If rarity is your thing, check out our guide to the rarest Squishmallows.
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The TikTok debate fuels demand. With billions of views on the #Squishmallows hashtag, ugly Squishmallow content consistently drives engagement. Videos ranking, roasting, and defending controversial designs regularly rack up thousands of likes, turning obscure squish toys into overnight talking points. Remember — what one person thinks is ugly, another person might think is the cutest thing in the world.
FAQs
What Is the Ugliest Squishmallow Ever Made?
According to fan polls on Reddit, TikTok tier lists, and Fandom wiki forums, the Jojo Siwa Dog Squishmallow is frequently cited as one of the most controversial designs. Other common picks include Sinclair the Avocado Toast, Denton the Chameleon, and various humanoid Squishmallows. Opinions vary, but the community tends to agree that designs that you can't immediately identify as an animal or character deserve the "ugly" label.
Are Ugly Squishmallows Worth Collecting?
Absolutely. While opinions on design appeal vary, there is a strong niche market for unconventional, ugly Squishmallows. Some collectors specifically seek out these designs for their novelty, rarity, and conversation-starting potential. Discontinued ugly designs have been known to appreciate in value on the resale market. They also make memorable gag gifts for white elephant and Secret Santa exchanges — a thought worth keeping in mind for your next party.
Why Are Some Squishmallows So Ugly?
With over 3,000 unique designs since 2017, not every concept translates perfectly into plush form. The most commonly criticized designs fall into a few categories: unrecognizable animals, licensed characters that lose their defining features in blob form, food items with confusing toppings, and humanoid figures that create an uncanny valley effect. The round Squishmallow shape works beautifully for many animals and characters, but it's a tough format for more complex designs. It's just the nature of having such a massive number of Squishmallows in the lineup.
Where Can I Buy Ugly Squishmallows?
You can browse our full Squishmallows collection to find both conventionally cute and delightfully ugly designs. We carry officially licensed Squishmallows in multiple sizes and offer free shipping within the contiguous U.S. Check our complete Squishmallow master list to see every character available — you might just find a new lovable friend to collect.
Ugly But Still Fluffy
Whether you think these ugly Squishmallows are hideous or hilariously charming, they prove that beauty is in the eye of the collector. Every Squishmallow on this list — ugly or not — is still made of the same super soft, cuddly material and offers the same sweet comfort that has taken the toy world by storm.
If you're looking for more Squishmallows to collect, debate, or give as a memorable gift, explore our full collection. We carry authentic, officially licensed plush in every size and offer hassle-free payment options and free shipping within the contiguous U.S.
References:
- https://screenrant.com/toy-story-woody-buzz-quotes-friendship-disney/
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians
