Why are squishies popular again
If you’ve opened TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube lately, you’ve probably noticed something surprising: squishies are everywhere again.
From ultra-soft taba squishies to collectible character classic slow rising squishies, the squishy world is experiencing a huge comeback — but this time, it looks a little different from the 2016 craze.
At Creamiicandy, we’ve actually watched the squishy world evolve firsthand for over a decade.
Founded in Australia in 2014, Creamiicandy became known during the original squishy boom for sourcing rare licensed squishies, creating original kawaii designs, and sharing collectible squishy culture with fans around the world. During the height of the squishy craze around 2016–2018, squishies became more than just toys — they became emotional comfort items, collector pieces, and part of kawaii internet culture.
So why are squishies becoming popular again in 2026? Let’s explore why kawaii collectors, stress toy lovers, and nostalgic fans are falling in love with squishies all over again.
The Return of Comfort Toys
Over the past few years, people have been searching for more comforting, cozy hobbies. Soft collectibles, cute desk toys, and calming sensory products have exploded in popularity online.
Squishies fit perfectly into this trend because they combine:
- cute aesthetics
- stress relief
- ASMR satisfaction
- collecting
- nostalgia
- kawaii culture
For many people, squishies feel comforting in the same way plushies, blind boxes, and cozy gaming do.
At Creamiicandy, this shift inspired us to expand beyond traditional squishies into original mascot worlds like Yummiibear — a cozy ice-cream-and-waffle bear character inspired by kawaii comfort culture, desserts, and collectible mascot design.
TikTok Helped Squishies Go Viral Again
Short-form videos completely changed the squishy industry.
Platforms like TikTok made it easy for creators to share:
- squishing videos
- packaging ASMR
- “rare squishy collections”
- restock videos
- cute desk setup clips
- sensory toy content
Millions of people who never experienced the original squishy boom are now discovering them for the first time.
At the same time, older collectors who loved squishies years ago are returning because of nostalgia.
This mix of:
- nostalgia
- viral videos
- sensory content
- kawaii aesthetics
created the perfect comeback.
Taba Squishies Changed the Market
One major reason squishies feel fresh again is the rise of taba squishies.
Unlike traditional slow-rising foam squishies, taba squishies usually have:
- jelly-like textures
- extra stretchiness
- glossy finishes
- satisfying softness
- portable keychain designs
Their texture works especially well in videos, which helped them spread quickly on social media.
Many collectors now enjoy owning both:
- classic slow-rising squishies
- modern taba squishies
because they offer different sensory experiences.
Kawaii Collecting Culture Is Bigger Than Ever
Another reason for the squishy comeback is the rise of collectible culture.
People now love collecting:
- blind boxes
- kawaii mascots
- mini plush keychains
- desk companions
- character toys
Squishies naturally fit into this world.
Modern squishy fans often care just as much about:
- cute character design
- rarity
- packaging
- aesthetic photos
- display collections
as they do about the actual squish.
This is why original mascot characters and themed collections are becoming increasingly important in the squishy community.
Squishies Work Perfectly for ASMR & Stress Relief
Many people use squishies as calming sensory toys.
The soft textures, slow rising foam, and stretchy materials can feel relaxing during:
- studying
- working
- gaming
- anxiety moments
- stressful days
ASMR videos featuring squishies also continue to gain millions of views online because people enjoy the visual and sensory satisfaction.
Social Media Loves Cute Aesthetics
Cute, pastel, kawaii aesthetics are extremely popular right now.
From cozy desk setups to Japanese-inspired collectibles, people are drawn toward products that feel:
- comforting
- playful
- emotional
- collectible
- photogenic
Squishies fit perfectly into this trend because they are:
- colorful
- cute
- expressive
- easy to photograph
- highly shareable online
Many modern squishy designs now blend together:
- plush aesthetics
- mascot culture
- dessert themes
- animal characters
- pastel packaging
making them feel more collectible than ever before.
Licensed & Original Designs Matter More Now
Today’s collectors are becoming more selective.
Many fans specifically look for:
- licensed squishies
- original character mascots
- limited edition releases
- high quality textures
- safe materials
- authentic kawaii brands
This has pushed the squishy community toward more artistic and collectible designs instead of generic mass-produced toys.
Are Squishies Still Popular in 2026?
Yes — but the community has evolved.
The modern squishy world is now closely connected with:
- kawaii collectibles
- blind box culture
- ASMR trends
- comfort hobbies
- plush collecting
- desk decor aesthetics
- social media creator culture
Instead of being “just toys,” squishies are becoming collectible comfort items that people use for self-expression, decoration, stress relief, and content creation.
Final Thoughts
Squishies are popular again because people are searching for comfort, creativity, nostalgia, and cute
At Creamiicandy, we’ve loved watching the squishy community grow and evolve since the early days of the original squishy boom.
Seeing squishies return in 2026 — now mixed with kawaii mascot culture, collectible aesthetics, and social media creativity — honestly feels a little magical.
And somehow… they just keep getting cuter, and they are here to stay.
