Toys are all about inspiring fun and creativity, so when you give one to your child, the last thing you want is for them to get hurt. But recently, multiple squishy toys — a trending category in the toy space — have been in the headlines for potential safety concerns.
Earlier this month, two variations of “mystery squishy bun toys” were recalled because the water beads inside can expand if ingested, posing serious ingestion and choking hazards. Per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, if a water bead is consumed, it may lead to indigestion, choking and intestinal obstruction hazards, which can cause discomfort, vomiting, dehydration and more harmful results.
In July, it was announced that Schylling, Inc., the company behind the viral NeeDoh toys, was named in a proposed class action lawsuit alleging that the toys can rupture when exposed to heat, potentially causing burns.
So are squishy toys actually safe for kids to play with? We consulted with toy experts to hear their thoughts.
What are squishy toys?
According to the BBC, squishy toys are rubber toys that can be squashed into different shapes before returning to their original shape.
According to The Toy Association, a not-for-profit trade organization that represents hundreds of companies in the toy market, these toys are often made of soft foam (polyurethane), thermoplastic rubber or silicone.
Are squishy toys safe?
Short answer: Generally, yes. According to the CPSC, federal law prohibits children’s toys that have not met the CPSC’s safety standards from being sold or imported within the country. But not all of the toys on the market meet those.
“It’s important for families to understand that authentic squishy toys made by legitimate brands are safe — they comply with over 100 strict toy safety standards and tests required by federal law,” says Adrienne Appell, the executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association. “However, there are fake squishy toys sold by bad actors, and those products do not meet rigorous safety standards.”
In the case of the recalled dumplings, they violate the safety standard because the water beads inside expand larger than permitted. And in the proposed NeeDoh lawsuit, it is alleged that the brand failed to warn consumers about the potential risks of heating the toys. When we reached out to Schylling, Inc., the company behind the brand, representatives abstained from commenting due to the pending litigation.
In general, because the category has become so popular, with many of the top brands selling out and becoming near-impossible to find, there has been an increase in the number of fake and counterfeit toys on the market.
“Typically, whenever a category shows the potential for exponential sales growth, it creates a secondary market for knockoffs or counterfeit products,” Lynn Rosenblum, an associate professor of toy design at Otis College of Art and Design, shares about the expanding counterfeit squishy market. “For example, first there were Labubus, then there were Lafufus.”
To date, the CPSC says that it has prevented 355,683 units of “violative squishy toys” from entering the country. In August, the commission published a safety alert, warning consumers about the potential dangers of buying fake or counterfeit toys.
According to The Toy Association, counterfeit squishy toys are more likely to tear or break, release filling or small parts and they may contain hazardous chemicals that are prohibited in children’s products. “For example, some of the recently recalled squishy toys contain water beads, which can pose serious injury to a child if ingested,” the organization shares.
“While counterfeit squishy toys are often cheaper, it’s for a reason: they cost less to make,” says Rosenblum. “To keep costs down, their producers frequently cut back or ignore costly safety measures that legitimate manufacturers must meet. Knockoff squishy toys may also be made from substandard materials that leak or don’t hold their shape.”
How can you tell if a squishy toy is safe?
As mentioned, authentic squishy toys must go through rigorous testing to ensure safety (namely, ASTM F963 testing, which includes reviews of material quality, flammability and more). That’s why, when purchasing a squishy toy (or any toy), Rosenblum says that “it’s important to look for any kind of age grading, safety warnings or child instructions that verify that the toy has undergone inspection or review.”
When shopping, the Toy Association shares that you should be wary of “generic or unfamiliar sellers, typos in product descriptions and poorly edited images,” as they can all be warning signs that the toy is counterfeit.
“Legitimate, safe squishy toys will include a clearly identified manufacturer or brand name on the product packaging and embossed on the squishy toy itself,” shares Appell. “Proper packaging will come with complete product information (including an age label and instructions for safe use), as well as the company’s contact and return information. If something about the packaging, product quality, or labeling doesn’t look right, that’s a reason to stop and investigate before giving the toy to your child.”
Below, we’re sharing squishy toys that are either sold by established, trusted brands or specifically call out safety testing. Plus, we asked our editors to share some other fidget toys that they love.
Squishy and fidget toys to shop
Squeez’M Toys is a California-based small business that offers a range of squishy toys. According to the brand, its products are made from non-toxic and BPA-free materials and are ASTM F963-certified to meet child safety standards.
Kids can make their own squishy toys with this fun kit. All they have to do is mix and pour and they’ll be ready to play in just 60 minutes. There are 80 different mystery characters that kids can end up with, but they won’t know which ones they got until they open up the Mystery Molds.
Everyone loves Play-Doh. And the brand has turned its recognizable yellow cans into soft, squeezable, squishy toys. They’re made with a slow foam, so the brand says that they are long-lasting and safe for everyday play.
This loop-shaped stress ball offers a unique take on the squishy trend. According to the brand, all of its products meet “the physical and mechanical standards of ASTM F963.” The brand also says that it’s made to endure frequent squeezing.
“There’s something weirdly soothing about typing on keyboard keys, so I’m not surprised that I ended up instantly loving Clickeez when I first encountered them last year at a trade show,” shares deputy managing editor Jess Bender. “The concept is simple: each fidget is a keyboard key with a really adorable face on it (and in this set, those adorable faces feature Hello Kitty and all of her friends!), and you’re able to build out your own little to-go keyboard charm set with multiple characters by connecting them to each other. I have a set of five currently connected to my apartment keys for when I need to de-stress during my commute home.”
“I discovered this Little Ouchies keychain last year, and found that I actually prefer the ‘spiky’ sensation over the ‘squishy’ sensation when I feel fidgety,” says associate editor Lauren Witonsky. “It’s small enough to leave at your desk, throw in your purse or keep in your nightstand, and the clicky top is the cherry on top for me!”
How to play with squishy toys safely
Parents should also be aware that even squishy toys from legitimate brands may come with risks. “Kids should always use a toy as intended. So, in the case of squishies, stick to squishing,” says Appell.
Rosenblum emphasizes that squishy toys should never be put in your mouth, “no matter how delicious it looks,” and even though kids might see people doing so on social media. “It seems like common sense, but it’s worth saying as there have been incidents of kids ingesting these polymers, which can cause serious medical issues or worse,” she shares. “Even if a toy is labeled as food-grade silicone or has a sugar-based filling that’s safe to eat, the finished toy is not food. Biting, chewing, sucking on, or swallowing components of any toy, squishy or otherwise, is dangerous.”
Many of these toys also come with heat warnings. According to The Toy Association, these toys should never be microwaved or intentionally heated. They also should not be left in prolonged sunlight, hot cars or any area where they are at risk of heating. “Exposure to high heat could damage the toy or cause it to rupture, potentially creating a burn or other injury risk,” The Toy Association warns.
“Parents should also inspect squishy toys regularly,” says Appell. “If a toy is torn, punctured, leaking, sticky, unusually soft, discolored, or beginning to deteriorate, stop using it and throw it away. And, as with any toy, always follow the manufacturer’s age guidance and instructions for safe play.”
Frequently asked questions
According to The Toy Association, squishy toys that come from legitimate makers use materials that are deemed safe for children (when used as intended). Typically, the toys you'll see from major brands are made from soft foam (polyurethane), thermoplastic rubber or silicone.
Be sure to follow all the tips listed above when shopping for a squishy toy online, and avoid any listings that have obvious spelling errors or brands without sales histories.
"You can also visit a toymanufacturer’s official website, since many brands will provide links toauthorized retailers, which can help you make sure you’re purchasing thelegitimate product," Appell says.
How we chose
Based on the guidance provided by experts, we analyzed each of the above products to ensure that they were from reputable brands. Some of them also specifically called out safety certifications. We also asked our editorial staff about the fidget toys that they have actually tried and loved.
Meet our experts
- Lynn Rosenblum is an associate professor of toy design at Otis College of Art and Design. Her experience in the toy industry spans every toy category. She has also served as an expert witness in over 20 toy industry and consumer product legal cases.
- Adrienne Appell is the executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association. The Toy Association is a not-for-profit trade organization that represents hundreds of companies in the toy market.
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