Squishies are soft, slow-rising toys — often shaped like animals or food — made from stretchy materials like silicone or TPR, and squeezed for stress relief and sensory play.

When were squishies invented?

Squishy toys originated in Japan in the 1980s, then spread across Asia and to Western countries, growing into today's huge range of designs.

What are the main types of squishies?

Common types include food-grade silicone, TPR and PU foam squishies, in designs from cute animals to food like toothpaste, bottle and fruit squishies.

What is the best material for squishy toys?

Food-grade silicone is the safest and most durable — non-toxic, odorless and long-lasting — while TPR offers strong elasticity and PU a softer feel.

Hand holding colorful soft squishy toys from lovesquishy on white plate

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Squishy Toys Guide: Origins, Benefits & How to Choose

Curious about squishy toys? Learn their origins, benefits, how to play, and tips on picking the right material in this complete guide.

April 28, 2025

Squishies are soft, slow-rising toys you squeeze for stress relief and sensory fun. Press one and it deforms instantly, then slowly returns to shape — that hypnotic “slow rise” is the whole magic. They come shaped as animals, food, bottles and more, and they're loved by kids and stressed-out adults alike.

Where did squishies come from?

Squishies started in Japan in the 1980s, growing out of the country's kawaii (cute) culture. They went mainstream in the West around 2017, then exploded worldwide when YouTube, Instagram and TikTok ASMR videos — slow-motion squeezes and satisfying sounds — racked up millions of views. What began as a novelty is now a recognized tool for stress relief, focus and mindfulness.

The main types & materials

Not all squishies are made the same — and the material decides safety, feel and durability:

PU foam (polyurethane): the classic cheap squishy — light and airy, but it can off-gas odors and break down over time.
TPR (thermoplastic rubber): stretchy and durable, common in fidget toys.
Food-grade silicone: soft, non-toxic, odorless, heat-resistant and long-lasting. This is what we use for our handmade squishies — no foam off-gassing, no mystery filling.

Are squishies safe? What the studies actually found

This matters, so here's the honest picture. Almost every safety scare has involved cheap mass-produced foam and gel-filled novelty squishies — not food-grade silicone:

Denmark's environmental agency tested 12 foam squishies and found all 12 released harmful chemicals (such as dimethylformamide, styrene and toluene).
In 2026, U.S. regulators recalled 120,000+ gel “squeeze” toys because the sand filling could contain asbestos.
Consumer Reports has documented gel-filled toys bursting open, exposing kids to sticky, irritating filling.

The takeaway: the material and the maker matter. Our squishies are handmade from food-grade silicone — non-toxic, odorless and built to last — so you skip the foam off-gassing and mystery-gel problems entirely. Every piece is an authentic Chiboki design, handmade and finished by hand.

How to choose a good squishy

Material first: look for food-grade silicone (non-toxic, low odor).
Slow rise: a satisfying, controlled rebound — or a moldable, non-rebound feel if you prefer that.
Finish & size: clean detailing and a size that fits your hand. Handmade pieces vary slightly — that's part of the charm.

How to play & care for your squishy

Squeeze to de-stress at your desk, mold and reshape it, or simply collect. To keep yours in great shape: wipe with a damp cloth, air-dry, keep out of direct sunlight and heat, and store it in its bag when not in use.