How to Start a Squishmallows Collection: Sizes, Variations & Collecting Tips

What makes a plush toy something you want to keep close? Maybe it has an adorable face, a character you instantly connect with, or a soft, squishy feel that's just right for a hug.

Squishmallows are known to appeal to kids and adults alike who want cuddle companions or cozy additions to their beds or couches. Some people love them for their comforting feel, while others enjoy discovering characters that match their personality, interests, or favorite themes. And for some, one Squishmallow eventually becomes a small squad.

Whether you're looking for your first soft companion or already have a few favorites in mind, this guide can help you understand Squishmallows, find a design and size for you, and start a plush collection.

What Are Squishmallows?

Squishmallows are soft, rounded characters made with plush fabric and springy polyester filling. With over 3,000 Squishmallow characters designed, each one has a name, design, and short personality story. The lineup includes animals, fantasy creatures, food-inspired designs, and familiar licensed characters, giving almost everyone a character they can relate to.

The fun part about Squishmallows is finding the one that feels right for you. You might choose a Squishmallow plush toy because it looks like your favorite animal, matches your favorite color, reminds you of a food you love, or simply has a face you can't resist.

Read more: Plush vs. Stuffed Toys: What Sets Them Apart?

Popular Squishmallows To Explore

If you're a Squishmallows fan, Toy Kingdom has an amazing selection that's totally worth checking out! They've got all sorts of formats for cuddling, carrying, and showing off your favorite plushies. With new squads coming in, the current collection page is your go-to guide for all the latest goodies.

• Standard Squishmallows Plush

With their cute animal and food designs, these soft, huggable friends are perfect for snuggling up with on your bed, in your reading chair, or even displaying proudly on a shelf. You can find 7.5-inch and 8-inch options at Toy Kingdom, featuring original characters and licensed designs that will steal your heart.

• HugMees

These unique plushies have a taller shape and extended arms, making them super easy to hold and cuddle. They really add some fun variety to your collection! Right now, Toy Kingdom has an adorable 10-inch Kuromi HugMees plush from the Hello Kitty and Friends collection that you won't want to miss, especially if you're into larger plushies.

• Squish-A-Longs and Mini Collectibles

If you love miniature versions, the Squish-A-Longs are perfect. These tiny figures make it easy to display and trade your favorite characters, even if you’re short on space. You can line them up on your desk or create a tiny squad.

Toy Kingdom offers mystery packs, multipacks, and even Hello Kitty and Friends Clip-A-Longs.

• Mystery Squad

Mystery Squad blind bags hide the character until you open the package. Current Toy Kingdom listings include 5-inch and 8-inch Scented Mystery Squad options, plus a Care Bears collaboration.

This adds an element of surprise to the hunt for a new Squishmallow. It can be especially fun if you enjoy unboxing and discovering a character you weren't expecting. Just keep in mind that mystery packs can include duplicates, so they're best for collectors who enjoy the surprise as much as the specific character.

• Licensed and Themed Releases

Featuring franchises like Hello Kitty and Friends or Care Bears, these plushies resonate with fans and collectors alike. Themed items, including scented squads and hoodie designs, add a fun focus to your collection!

• Fuzz-a-mallows

Fuzz-a-mallows feature a fuzzy, textured exterior that adds a fun twist to your beloved Squishmallows. If you’re into plushies with an extra touch, these are a great option. Plus, they can add a cool contrast to your smoother Classic Squishmallows when displayed together.

• Flip-a-mallows

Flip-a-mallows give you two characters in one. Just flip the plush inside out to reveal a different character. This format is super fun for anyone who loves variety or interactive toys. You can easily switch between characters based on your mood.

Squishmallows Size Categories

Squishmallows are available in a fun variety of sizes, perfect for every type of collector. Whether you want a tiny companion for your desk or a giant plush that’ll be the star of your room, there’s a Squishmallow for you. Here’s a quick rundown of the sizes:

 

Remember, sizes can vary by character and collection, so always check the product listing before you buy.

What Makes a Squishmallow Rare or Collectible?

Not every Squishmallow has to be rare to be special! For many fans, it’s all about the character that brings the most joy or comfort. But if you’re a collector, some Squishmallows have limited releases and special tags to watch out for:

• Rare (Silver): Only 75,000 of these rare Squishmallows are made worldwide.
• Ultra Rare (Gold): Limited to 50,000 in select retailers globally.
• Special Edition (Holographic): Special Edition Squishmallows feature a holographic tag with only 20,000 available.
• Select Series (Black): Released in limited quantities.
• Check-In Series (Purple): Available only at select locations.
• Founders Edition: These are special releases tied to Founders Redemption Cards found in select Squishmallows Trading Card packs.

While tag colors can help you spot certain rare Squishmallows, rarity doesn’t always mean high resale value. Collector interest, condition, and demand can shift over time. 

If you’re just starting, think of rarity as a cool bonus rather than a must-have. You don’t need a rare Squishmallow to build a collection you absolutely love.

How to Collect Squishmallows Plush Toys?

Start by finding one Squishmallow you genuinely like. Maybe it's an animal you've always loved. Maybe you like its color, expression, outfit, or story. Maybe you simply picked it up and loved how soft and squishy it felt. That's already a good enough reason to bring one home.

Once you find your first favorite, you can let your collection grow naturally from there.

1. Choose Characters You Genuinely Like

Don't let a character's popularity or rarity make the decision for you. Look at the designs that catch your attention and think about what you would actually enjoy having around.

You might be drawn to cats, frogs, food characters, fantasy creatures, pastel colors, or a particular licensed character. Your first Squishmallow doesn't have to fit a theme. It just needs to be one you like.

2. Let Your Collection Find Its Theme

Once you've found a few favorites, you may start noticing a pattern. Maybe you keep choosing pink characters. Maybe you end up with a whole group of cats. Or perhaps you prefer 8-inch plushies because they're just the right size for your room.

Use those preferences as a loose guide rather than a strict rule. You can have a theme while still making room for a character that is simply too cute to leave behind.

3. Set a Budget That Feels Comfortable

It's easy to get excited when you see a new character, especially with different squads, sizes, and special releases to discover. Decide how much you're comfortable spending before you shop.

You can set a monthly collecting budget or save certain purchases for birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions. If you're buying mystery packs, setting a limit can also help you enjoy the surprise without ending up with more duplicates than you want.

4. Start With a Manageable Number

You don't need a whole shelf to call yourself a collector. Start with one, two, or a small group of favorites. Spend some time with them and see what you actually enjoy. 

You may discover that you prefer cuddling your Squishmallows rather than displaying them, or that you like smaller characters because they're easier to bring along.

5. Keep Track of the Ones You Have

As your collection grows, it can be helpful to keep a simple list of the characters you own. You can record their names, sizes, series, and when you got them.

6. Decide Which Ones You Want to Cuddle or Display

One of the best things about Squishmallows is that you don't have to choose between collecting and enjoying them.

Keep your favorite cuddle companions on your bed or couch, and arrange others on shelves, baskets, or other display spaces. You can also group them by size, color, character type, or whatever arrangement makes you happy.

Read more: Plush Toy Care Guide: Keep Your Favorites Fresh & Cuddly

Start Your Squishmallows Collection at Toy Kingdom

If you're thinking about starting your very own collection, it all begins with picking characters you absolutely love, finding the perfect size for your space, and setting a budget that feels just right for you. It's all about exploring the different formats, keeping track of what you already own, and remember—rarity is just one fun detail, not the only reason to buy!

Visit a Toy Kingdom store or shop online to discover a whole world of Squishmallows perfect for cuddling, gifting, and just showing off. Start with one of your all-time favorites, and then watch your collection blossom, one carefully chosen character at a time. Happy collecting!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Squishmallow size suits a beginner?

If you're just starting out, a 7.5-inch or 8-inch Squishmallow is perfect. It fits nicely on most beds and shelves. If you’re short on space, try a 3.5-inch clip-on or mini collectible. Just double-check those measurements before you buy.

• How are Squishmallows different from regular plush toys?

Squishmallows have a distinct, smooth, rounded shape, with a super-soft outer fabric and a springy filling. Plus, each one comes with its own character and personality story, making them fun collectibles. Regular plush toys can vary widely in materials and styles.

• What makes a Squishmallow rare?

Rarity can come from limited releases, exclusives, seasonal availability, or unique details, along with strong collector demand. Remember, no single feature guarantees value, so always check the character, format, size, and release details before accepting a rarity claim.

• Do you need to remove a Squishmallow’s tag?

If you want a complete look for your display, keep that tag on. But if it gets in the way when cuddling or playing, feel free to take it off. Just store the tag safely in a labeled sleeve if you want to keep that character info.

• Where can you buy authentic Squishmallows in the Philippines?

You can explore and buy Squishmallows plush toys at Toy Kingdom, both online and in-store.