A fascinating new trend has risen from the depths of the Internet: squishies! Squishies are foam toys that squish when you poke them, have sweet scents, and feature adorable designs. The toys originated in Japan, and quickly gained popularity worldwide through Instagram and YouTube.They are fun to collect, play with, or even use as stress toys!

There is an endless variety to the shapes and designs of squishies. Many squishies are shaped like animals, from a chubby, sleeping kitten to a pastel pink llama. There is also a surprising amount of food shaped squishies. Most food squishies are very realistic, such as a bread bun shaped like a panda that looks good enough to eat. Others are just cute, like a sushi roll with a smiley face. Squishies come in many different sizes. Some are small enough to use as charms or keychains, while others are muffin-sized and fit perfectly in your hand. The largest are around the size of a puppy! No matter what size or shape, squishies are extremely cute. One look at them could make anyone want to start their own collection!

Squishies are not only fun, but they help relieve stress too! They are basically extra-soft, foam stress toys that you can squeeze to your heart’s content. It’s a lot of fun to press them down and watch them slowly regain their original shape. Sophomore Yolanda Li says, “I like to squish them…they have a really unique texture.” Some squishies are even sweet scented, which adds to the calming factor.

Squishies owe their massive popularity to the internet. Videos of people playing with the lovable toys spread across the web like a wildfire. They began being featured in satisfying video compilations and ASMR channels due to their soothing nature. Quickly, YouTube channels and Instagram accounts dedicated to opening, reviewing, and playing with squishies were created. Large US toy companies eventually caught wind of the popularity of the Japanese toys and began selling their own. Before they became a trend, squishies could only be found in a couple of small shops or online. Now, they are sold at Target, Walmart, Michaels, and other major retailers where kids’ toys are sold.

The Internet is a swamp of strange trends and bizarre challenges. However, amidst the chaos, the pure goodness of squishies has provided a ray of hope. A trend that embodies cuteness and promotes relaxation is exactly what everyone needs in 2019. A soft, strawberry-scented stress toy shaped like a hamster in a duck costume? Take my money!