Found a "too-good-to-be-true" deal on a rare Squishmallow online? Before you click "buy," it's crucial to know what separates an official Kelly Toys plush from a low-quality counterfeit. With so many clones appearing on sites like Amazon and AliExpress, spotting the difference often comes down to the smallest details—like the loop on a hangtag or the specific font on a tush tag. We've compiled the ultimate Squishmallow authenticity guide to help you identify scammers and avoid the disappointment of a fake.
🧸 The Overview of Squishmallows
Squishmallows are a line of collectible plush toys that have become a global cultural phenomenon. Known for their marshmallow-like texture and round, minimalist designs, they have evolved from simple claw-machine prizes to a multi-billion dollar brand.
1. History and Origins
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Launch: Squishmallows were first released in 2017 by Kelly Toys Holdings LLC (founded by Jonathan Kelly).
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Inspiration: Jonathan Kelly conceived the idea after a trip to Japan, where he was inspired by the country's soft, high-quality plush toy culture.
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Acquisition: In 2020, Kellytoy was acquired by Jazwares, which is owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.
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The "Pandemic Boom": While the brand existed since 2017, its popularity skyrocketed in 2020. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, "SquishTok" (the Squishmallows community on TikTok) took off, and the toys became a source of comfort for people of all ages.
2. Character and Design
What distinguishes Squishmallows from traditional stuffed animals is their uniform "squishiness" and personality-driven marketing.
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Materials: They are made from super-soft spandex and filled with a proprietary polyester fiber.
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The "Bio": Every Squishmallow has a unique name and a biographical story printed on its hangtag. These bios detail their hobbies, jobs, and personality traits (e.g., "Malcolm the Mushroom" is a soccer-playing forest dweller).
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Design Consistency: Most characters share a similar egg-like shape with simple, expressive faces.
3. Sizes and Variations
Squishmallows come in a wide range of sizes, catering to different types of collectors:
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Micromallows: 2.5 inches
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Clips: 3.5 inches (backpack hangers)
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Small: 5, 7, and 8 inches
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Medium: 10, 11, 12, and 14 inches
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Large/Jumbo: 16, 20, and 24 inches
4. The "Squads" and Rarity
Collectors often hunt for specific "Squads," which are groups of characters released under a specific theme.
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Adventure Squad: Nature-themed animals.
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Fruit Squad: Designs based on apples, pineapples, watermelons, etc.
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Licensed Squads: Partnerships with major brands like Disney, Star Wars, Pokémon, Hello Kitty, and Harry Potter.
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Rarity Tiers: Jazwares uses a "Rarity Scale" to drive collectibility:
✧ Rare: Only 75,000 produced.
✧ Ultra Rare: Only 50,000 produced.
✧ Special Edition: Only 20,000 produced.
✧ Select Series: Exclusive releases available only on the official website.
5. The Resale Market
Because many designs are limited-run or exclusive to certain retailers (like Walgreens, Five Below, or Costco), a massive secondary market exists. Rare Squishmallows that originally sold for $20 can sometimes fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars on sites like Mercari, eBay, and StockX.
From kids and casual fans to serious collectors hunting rare releases, limited editions, and discontinued characters, demand has skyrocketed—and so has the number of fake Squishmallows flooding online marketplaces. Below are the most important details to examine before making a purchase.
🧭 Squishmallows Real vs. Fake Guide
🔍 Why Fake Squishmallows Are So Common
Before diving into authentication, it's important to understand why Squishmallows are heavily counterfeited:
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Extremely popular worldwide
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Simple-looking design that seems "easy" to copy
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High resale value for rare characters and sizes
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Many buyers (especially parents) don't know what to check
Counterfeiters rely on the assumption that "a plush is just a plush." In reality, official Squishmallows follow strict manufacturing standards—and those standards are hard to fake perfectly.
⚡ Quick Authentication Checklist
| Check Point | Authentic Characteristics | Red Flags |
| Fabric Feel | Ultra-soft, smooth, marshmallow-like | Rough, stiff, or thin |
| Stitching | Tight, even, clean seams | Loose threads, uneven stitching |
| Face Details | High-quality embroidered face | Flat or sloppy embroidery |
| Shape | Symmetrical, well-rounded | Lopsided or misshapen |
| Stuffing | Even fill, slow shape recovery | Lumpy, hollow, or collapses |
| Hang Tag | Official logo, clear print, character name | Missing, misspelled, low-quality print |
| Tush Tag | Kellytoy / Jazwares branding, safety info | Generic tag or incorrect details |
| Size Accuracy | Matches official size (5”, 8”, 12”, etc.) | Slightly off or inconsistent |
| Price | Matches market value | Unusually cheap |
| Seller | Official or reputable seller | Unverified or no reviews |
1. Fabric Texture and Overall Feel
Authentic Squishmallows use a proprietary ultra-soft polyester fabric often described as:
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Marshmallow-like
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Smooth, elastic, and evenly plush
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Soft without being slippery or flimsy
When squeezed, a real Squishmallow:
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Compresses evenly
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Slowly returns to its original shape
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Feels dense but airy inside
Fake Squishmallows, by contrast, often feel:
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Overly spongy or stiff
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Thin, hollow, or unevenly stuffed
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Rough, fuzzy, or cheap to the touch
⚠️ If it feels like a standard carnival plush or pillow rather than a premium toy, that's a red flag.
2. Stitching Quality and Seam Placement
Squishmallows are mass-produced—but never sloppy.
Real:
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Tight, uniform stitching
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Clean seams with no loose threads
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Symmetrical body construction
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Smooth transitions between fabric panels
Fake:
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Crooked or uneven stitching
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Visible thread ends
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Bumpy seams you can feel through the fabric
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Poor alignment of facial features
Pay special attention to:
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The bottom seam
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The back seam
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Areas around embroidery
💡 Authentic Squishmallows rarely show stitching flaws, even after heavy use.
3. Embroidered Face Details
All authentic Squishmallows use high-quality embroidery, never printed faces.
Real:
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Clean, dense embroidery
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Smooth curves and consistent thread thickness
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Well-balanced eye placement
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Symmetrical facial expressions
Fake:
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Flat or thin embroidery
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Uneven eyes or crooked smiles
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Gaps in stitching
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Faces that look "off" or poorly proportioned
📌 If the character's expression doesn't match official product photos, it's likely fake.
4. Hang Tag Design and Printing
The hang tag is one of the most important authentication points.
Real:
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The official Squishmallows logo
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High-resolution printing
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Bright, accurate colors
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A character name and short bio
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Clean edges and durable cardstock
Fake:
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Misspelled words
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Incorrect logos or fonts
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Dull or faded colors
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Generic descriptions or missing character names
💡 If a Squishmallow is sold as "new" without a hang tag, be cautious—especially for popular or rare designs.
5. Tush Tag (Butt Tag) Information
Every real Squishmallow has a tush tag sewn into the seam.
Real:
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"Original Squishmallows" branding
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Kellytoy / Jazwares manufacturer info
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Material composition
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Country of manufacture
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Multiple languages
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CE and safety compliance symbols
Fake:
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Missing tush tags
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Incorrect brand names
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Poor print quality
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Wrong fonts or spacing
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Incomplete safety information
⚠️ If the tush tag looks cheaply printed or doesn't mention Kellytoy or Jazwares, that's a strong warning sign.
6. Shape, Proportions, and Size Accuracy
Squishmallows are known for their iconic rounded shape.
Real:
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Are evenly round or oval
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Sit upright naturally
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Match official size categories (5", 8", 12", 16", etc.)
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Maintain symmetry
Fake:
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Lean or collapse to one side
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Appear stretched or squashed
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Are slightly off in size (e.g., "12-inch" that measures 10.5 inches)
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Look oddly tall or flat
📌 If the proportions feel wrong, trust your instincts.
7. Stuffing Density and Recovery
Squishmallow stuffing is carefully calibrated.
Real:
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Feel evenly filled throughout
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Have no hard lumps
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Recover their shape slowly and smoothly
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Don't feel hollow at the top or bottom
Fakes:
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Use cheap polyester fill
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Feel lumpy or uneven
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Collapse permanently when squeezed
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Have empty pockets inside
💡 Give it the classic "squish test"—real ones bounce back beautifully.
8. Character Accuracy and Design Details
Every Squishmallow character has official reference images.
Check:
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Ear shape
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Tail length
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Horns, wings, or accessories
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Color placement
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Pattern consistency
Common fake mistakes include:
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Wrong colors
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Missing details
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Incorrect accessories
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Altered facial expressions
⚠️ If a character looks unfamiliar or slightly different from known versions, it may be a counterfeit.
9. Price That's Too Good to Be True
While deals exist, extremely low prices are suspicious, especially for:
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New releases
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Rare characters
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Large sizes
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Retired designs
10. Seller Credibility and Source
Where you buy matters.
Safer sources include:
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Official retailers
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Licensed toy stores
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Reputable resale platforms with buyer protection
High-risk sources:
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Social media ads
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Unverified overseas sellers
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Websites with no contact info
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Sellers using stock photos only
📌 Always check reviews, return policies, and seller history.
❓ FAQ: Squishmallows Authentication
Q1. Are fake Squishmallows dangerous?
Some counterfeits may not meet safety standards and could contain low-quality materials. This is especially concerning for children.
Q2. Can Squishmallows be real without tags?
Yes—used or older Squishmallows may lack hang tags. However, the tush tag should still be present unless it was removed.
Q3. Do all Squishmallows have names?
Yes. Every official Squishmallow character has a name and backstory listed on the hang tag.
Q4. Are Amazon Squishmallows always real?
Not always. Third-party sellers may list counterfeit items. Always check seller ratings and reviews.
Q5. Can fake Squishmallows feel soft?
Some do—but they rarely match the texture, weight, and recovery of authentic ones.
📝 Final Thoughts
Fake Squishmallows are everywhere—but once you know what to look for, they're easy to spot.
Focus on:
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Fabric quality
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Stitching and embroidery
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Official tags
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Shape and stuffing
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Seller credibility
When in doubt, compare your item to official product photos and use the checklist above. Paying slightly more for a verified authentic Squishmallow is always better than ending up with a poorly made imitation.
Whether you're buying for a child, collecting rare characters, or reselling, authenticity matters. A real Squishmallow doesn't just look better—it feels better, lasts longer, and holds its value.