Squishmallows have taken the world by storm, with their soft textures and adorable designs captivating hearts everywhere.
But have you ever wondered where these cuddly companions originate? In this article, we delve deep into the question: 'Where are Squishmallows made?'
Join us as we uncover the origins of these plush sensations and discover the journey behind every squeeze.
Also Check Out: Are Funko Pops Made in China?
Where are Squishmallows Made?
Squishmallows, the cuddly plush toys everyone's talking about, are primarily produced in China under the oversight of Kelly Toys, a company based in Aurora, Illinois.
Who manufactures Squishmallows?
Originating from the renowned Kelly Toys situated in Aurora, Illinois, the Squishmallows have carved a niche for themselves in the plush toy industry.
Established in 1986, Kelly Toys has a rich legacy of producing plush marvels, with notable creations like Beanie Babies and Ty Flippables gracing their portfolio.
2017 saw the emergence of Squishmallows, and their skyrocketing fame was hard to miss. Their hallmark? An irresistibly soft and squishable texture complemented by an extensive array of character designs.
These plushies range in size, with tiny keychain variants to impressive 24-inch versions offering something for everyone.
The appeal of Squishmallows isn't confined to kids. Many adults find solace in their comforting embrace, while collectors find joy in accumulating different characters.
Their prominence is such that they've made appearances on mainstream platforms including "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and even popular sitcoms like "The Big Bang Theory."
Kelly Toys took the fandom up a notch in 2021 by unveiling plans to infuse beloved characters from franchises like Pokémon, Disney, and Marvel into the Squishmallows family. With such additions, the allure of these plush toys is only set to magnify.
How many of each Squishmallows are made?
There's a vast world of Squishmallows out there! With over 1000 characters, each having its unique name, backstory, and persona, there's a Squishmallow for everyone.
So, each Squishmallow character has different production numbers, depending on how rare they are.
- Got one with a silver tag? That's a Rare Squishmallow. They produce up to 75,000 units of those for each character, worldwide.
- If you stumble upon a gold tag, you're holding an Ultra Rare one, capped at 50,000 units globally.
- Those flashy holographic tags? That's the Special Edition squad, and there are only about 20,000 of each of those characters made.
- The purple tags represent the Check-In Series. Their numbers are a bit more ambiguous, but they're definitely limited edition.
- Now, if you ever hear about the Founder's Edition Squishmallows, those are super exclusive! You can only get one by finding this incredibly hard-to-come-by Founder's Redemption Card in the Squishmallows Trading Card Packs.
Oh, and a heads up! The rarer the Squishmallow, the heftier the price tag. Just because they say up to 75,000 or 50,000 doesn't mean they've made that many.
Like, did you hear about Jack the Black Cat? They only made 500 of him!
Some Squishmallows might have large production numbers, but if they stop making them and collectors are chasing after them, they can still be considered rare finds.
Are Squishmallows made in China?
Indeed, Squishmallows hail from China. Spearheaded by Kelly Toys, the creation of these plush sensations takes place in their dedicated facility in Dongguan, a bustling city in Guangdong province.
China's selection as the Squishmallow production center wasn't arbitrary. A fusion of factors influenced this choice.
China's expansive labor pool, complemented by affordable wage structures, culminates in a production-friendly cost structure. Moreover, its strategic location near major shipping ports accelerates the distribution process, facilitating global outreach.
Yet, the decision hasn't been without its detractors. Concerns hover around China's track record in human rights and its environmental challenges, prompting critics to question the ethics and sustainability of producing toys there.
In defense, Kelly Toys emphasizes its commitment to ethical production. They highlight ongoing collaborations with suppliers, ensuring adherence to stringent labor practices and environmental safeguards, reflecting their dedication to responsible manufacturing.
What is the first Squishmallow ever made?
Squishmallows journey began with Cam the Cat. Back in 2017, Cam made his debut alongside seven other cuddly Squishmallows: Wendy the Frog, the penguin duo Piper and Puff, Hans the Hedgehog, owl siblings Hoot and Holly, and the foxy Fifi.
Cam, with his patchwork calico colors, snowy belly, and cute paws, boasts big blue eyes and a warm smile that can melt any heart. He's not just any Squishmallow; many regard him as the face or mascot of the entire line.
Did you know? The Squishmallow craze started in Walgreens across the U.S.
Fast forward to today, and you'll find a staggering collection of over 1,000 distinct Squishmallow characters, from iconic movies, hit TV series, to beloved book characters.
They've even had their moment in the spotlight, featured on big platforms like "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and popular series like "The Big Bang Theory." Cool, right?
Are Squishmallows Rare?
Squishmallows are available in abundance but a handful were made in limited quantities and this has made them highly sought after amongst collectors.
Here are some of the rarest Squishmallows you can find in 2023:
- Jack the Black Cat: Launched in 2020 as part of the exclusive Squishmallows Select Series, this 12-inch plushie stands out with its sleek black fur, serene closed white eyes, and dainty white whiskers. Only a limited number of 500 were ever produced.
- Avery the Duck: Introduced in 2021, this member of the Farm Squad collection is a unique 12-inch duck. With only 75,000 in existence, it's a prized catch.
- Fania the Purple Owl: As a part of the 2021 Celebration Squad collection, this 16-inch owl with a limited release of 10,000 units is a collector's delight.
- Lucille the Seal: Released in 2020, this 7-inch cutie from the Sealife Squad collection has only 4,000 of its kind.
- Founder's Cat: An extremely limited plush, this 16-inch feline was crafted in 2020 as a special nod to the founders of Kelly Toys. A mere 250 exist in the world.
Do Pokemon-themed Squishmallows exist?
Yes, there are Pokemon Squishmallows! Presently, there are six delightful Pokemon Squishmallows available:
- Pikachu
- Snorlax
- Togepi
- Gengar
- Piplup
- Pikachu with a wink
Keep an eye out in 2023, as there's buzz about new additions including Eevee, Vulpix, and Meowth.
Standing at a height of 12 inches and made from plush, squeezable fabric, these Squishmallows are ideal for snuggles, collections, or simply as decorative items.
Interested in getting one? Check out popular outlets like the Pokemon Center, Amazon, Target, and Walmart. But a heads-up, due to their soaring popularity, they might be a tad challenging to nab!
Are Squishmallows made in sweatshops?
Wondering if your Squishmallows come from sweatshops? Let's break it down for you.
While it's true that Squishmallows are crafted in China, a region sometimes linked to sweatshop controversies, there's currently no solid evidence suggesting that these plushies are products of such conditions.
Kelly Toys, the brains behind your beloved Squishmallows, uphold a strict code of conduct that shuns sweatshop operations. This set of guidelines ensures that their partners adhere to specific labor and environmental standards.
In conclusion, Squishmallows have come a long way since their inception. Their widespread availability, notably in retail giants like Walgreens, makes them easily accessible to fans everywhere.
Behind these plush sensations is a brand committed to quality, innovation, and the joy of their customers. Whether you're a collector or someone looking for the perfect gift, there's a Squishmallow waiting just for you.
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