An In-Depth Guide to Whale Squishmallows
9Whale Squishmallows have become an incredibly popular plush toy craze over the past few years. These ultra-soft, squishy stuffed animals shaped like whales have captured the hearts of children and adults alike.
As an avid Squishmallows collector myself, I developed a special fondness for the whale Squishmallow varieties. There's just something about their cute face and squishy body that feels soothing and comforting to hug.
In this extensive guide, I'll cover everything you need to know about Whale Squishmallows - what they are, their background and origins, the therapeutic and comforting benefits they can provide, the different varieties available to collect, and tips for starting your own Squishmallow collection.
Let's dive in!
What Are Whale Squishmallows?
Whale Squishmallows fall under the wider branding of "Squishmallows", which encompasses many different plush animals like cats, dogs, bunnies and more. Squishmallows were first created in 2017 by toy company Kellytoy as a brand new, ultra-soft stuffed animal.
The trademark characteristic of Squishmallows is their super soft and marshmallow-like texture. Instead of being stuffed with traditional cotton stuffing, they are made from premium polyester fibers and have an extra fluffy texture that makes them incredibly satisfying to squeeze and cuddle.
Whale Squishmallows specifically refer to the plush whale designs in fun colors and prints. Like all Squishmallows, they are:
Whale Squishmallows come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from mini 3-inch keychains to gigantic 24-inch versions perfect for using as comfy pillows. Most standard sizes range from 5 to 16 inches.
Some popular whale Squishmallow character names include:
No matter which variety of whale Squishmallow you choose, they all share that same marshmallow-soft texture and friendly smiling whale face that fans love about Squishmallows!
History and Origins of Squishmallows
To fully understand the popularity of whale Squishmallows, it helps to know the history of how Squishmallows first started.
Squishmallows was originally conceived in 2017 by toy company Kellytoy. They wanted to create a new revolutionary stuffed animal using super-soft materials to achieve an ultra-plush squishy texture.
After extensive research and design, Squishmallows was born out of a desire to make stuffed animals that were softer and squishier than anything else on the market. The first Squishmallows collection debuted to the public in learning stores and toy stores across the United States in 2017.
The initial Squishmallows plushies debuted with about 43 unique designs. From cheeky cats, to precious penguins, to cuddly koalas - each design featured vibrant colors, cute smiling faces, and whimsical details. Customers immediately fell in love with the comforting softness and charming nature of Squishmallows.
The round, oversized head and friendly demeanor of Squishmallows plush toys struck a chord with people searching for stress relief comfort items. Their soothing textures and cute appearances made them beloved by not just children but also teens, college students, professionals, and adults.
Over the next few years, Squishmallows massively exploded in popularity far beyond expectations. Within just a few months in 2017, Squishmallows started regularly selling out with long waitlists forming to get additional stock.
What was once a small plush toy line quickly became one of the hottest collectible crazes on the market. Squishmallows started expanding to more major retailers like Walgreens, Claire’s, Five Below, and Walmart to keep up with extreme demand.
New Squishmallow characters, sizes, and exclusive edition varieties started releasing every season in massive popular “drops”. Hunting down rare or limited edition Squishmallows became an intense obsession for collectors.
And that takes us to the present-day, where Squishmallows reign as one of the most coveted plush toy brands among all ages. Celebrities, social media influencers, and everyday consumers alike remain utterly enamored with the soft, comforting nature of Squishmallows. Even half a decade later, demand is at an all-time high with no signs of slowing down!
Benefits of Whale Squishmallows
Beyond just being adorable and fun to collect, whale Squishmallows have some great practical benefits too. Two major ones are:
1. Stress Relief & Relaxation
The ultra-soft and malleable whale Squishmallow texture makes them wonderful sensory relief toys.
Gently squeezing and squishing a whale Squishmallow can satisfy the human need for tactile sensory input. Studies show that sensory stimulation helps naturally reduce cortisol levels and feelings of anxiety or stress.
The comforting cushiony surface also promotes oxytocin release when hugging them, further enhancing mood and relaxation.
So if you’re feeling tense, give your whale Squishmallow a big squeeze for an easy stress-reducing breather! For people struggling with anxiety, sensory disorders, or insomnia, having a whale Squishmallow nearby can also help lower distress levels.
2. Companionship & Emotional Support
The friendly whale Squishmallow face always seems to put a smile on peoples’ faces! Having an adorable comfort plush nearby can provide a sense of joy, positivity, or even non-judgmental companionship during tough times.
The super soft texture also makes whale Squishmallows perfect for soothing hugs. Hugs help release oxytocin, ease loneliness, and boost your overall feeling of wellbeing.
Kids often grow attachments to comforting stuffed animals like whale Squishmallows to get them through scary situations or even serve as a transitional object when away from parents.
As an adult, don’t feel ashamed about wanting an uber-soft whale Squishmallow companion for your own emotional support! These aquatic buddies promise to be there whenever you need a fuzzy hug.
Popular Whale Squishmallow Designs & Sizes
One amazing aspect about Squishmallows is the sheer variety of designs available. Let’s explore some of the most popular whale Squishmallow editions that fans love!
Mini Whale Squishmallows
If you’re limited on space or want to attach a Squishmallow buddy to your backpack, these 3 to 5-inch minis are perfect! Popular mini whale Squishmallow designs include:
Mini Squishmallows manage to cram tons of softness and cuteness into palm-sized form.
8-10 inch Mid-Size Whale Squishmallows
This is the most common day-to-day Squishmallow size, typically ranging from 8 to 10 inches. Mid-size whale Squishmallows like:
Are ideal if you want to cuddle a soft squishy whale plush regularly without taking up excess room. They easily fit on beds, desks, shelves, inside bags, etc. while still providing ample squish factor!
12-16 inch Large Whale Squishmallows
Bigger 12 to 16 inch whale Squishmallows offer even more epic giant hugs! Popular large-sized whales include the 16” versions of:
Large plushes like these may be priced higher but deliver bigger softness to love on!
24 inch Jumbo Whale Squishmallows
Diehard Squishmallows enthusiasts should look out for the released-in-limited-batches 24-inch jumbo whale Squishmallows!
Some extra thicc whales that occasionally drop include:
For maximum squish and usable pillow potential, these XXL Squishmallows can’t be beaten! Just prepare for some jealous looks as you cuddle these leviathan plushies.
As you can see, Squishmallows offers whale designs spanning loads of colors, prints, sizes and names - making it easy to find your perfect match!
Benefits of Collecting Whale Squishmallows
Building a collection of whale Squishmallows offers more benefits beyond the plain old joy of gathering cute whale plushies.
Stress Relief Through Tactile Play
Flipping through your whale Squishmallow stash to squeeze and appreciate them is a form of stress-busting tactile play. Sensory stimulation from feeling their varied soft textures brings brain-soothing relief.
Capturing Childhood Nostalgia
Amassing cute stuffed animals reconnects many adults to fond memories of beloved childhood toys. Whale Squishmallows specifically may inspire heart-warming recollections of favorite bath toys, aquatic museums, or even Finding Nemo!
Creativity and Customization
Super fans display their Squishmallow collections in creative ways, like customizing shelves to meticulously organize their whales by size. Adding handmade outfits or props is another popular way to personalize them.
Community and Bonds
Squishmallow collectors form strong communal bonds in their quest to “squish hunt” rare editions. Comparing whale finds with other fans is a social outlet about a shared interest.
In a world filled with negativity online, the wholesome Squishmallow community stands out by promoting mental health support, trading guidance, and friendliness.
So feel good about starting an uplifting whale Squishmallow collection!
Tips for Collecting Whale Squishmallows
Interested in amassing your own cute pod of whale Squishmallows? Here are helpful tips:
Follow those tips and with a little luck, you’ll be cuddling an awesome pod of whale buddies in no time!
Happy hunting!
Key Takeaways on Whale Squishmallows
Here are the core things to remember about the comforting world of Whale Squishmallows:
Cuddle up with ultra-soft whale buddies and enjoy the comforting, stress-busting magic of Squishmallows!
Frequently Asked Questions About Whale Squishmallows
Here are answers to some common FAQs about whale Squishmallows:
Q: How much do whale Squishmallows cost?
A: Regular mid-size 8-16 inch whale Squishmallows typically cost between $15 to $25 at most major retailers. Mini 3-5 inch whales range from $5 to $10. Special limited editions or rare resellers may charge higher premiums.
Q: Where can I buy whale Squishmallows?
A: The most reliable places are Learning Express, Five Below, Walgreens, Target, Claire's and the official KellyToy website. Discount stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall's & Homegoods also receive random overstock.
Q: How often are new whale Squishmallows released?
A: KellyToy debuts fresh Squishmallows capsules or 'squads' approximately every 2 months with each major holiday. So expect exciting new whale designs for Valentine's Day, Easter, Summer, Halloween, Christmas and more!
Q: How do I clean Whale Squishmallows?
A: Check the specific care tag as some whales have special washing guidance. Most can be surface spot cleaned with a gentle soap and damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, top-load washing machines on a cold delicate cycle with mild detergent works well. Always air dry.
Q: How long do whale Squishmallows last?
A: With proper care and handling, a mid-size Squishmallow will easily last over 5 years before any noticeable wear. Their premium microfiber filling stays springy and soft for ages. Just avoid excessive roughhousing with delicate sequins or embroidery.
Q: Are whale Squishmallows good gifts?
A: Absolutely! Their universal appeal to all ages and cute appearances makes whale Squishmallows fantastic for birthdays, holidays, graduations, baby showers, weddings or just because. People regularly gift Squishmallows to cheer up friends going through tough times too due to their comfort qualities.
I hope those FAQs help answer some common questions about the wonderful world of whale Squishmallows! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions.
Wishing you lots of happy snuggles with your new squishy whale buddies!