The stress-relief toy known as the “squishy” has made a comeback on TikTok and other social media platforms, with users reviewing, collecting and promoting a wide range of designs. The toys are now widely available through online marketplaces, retail stores and stalls near schools.
The renewed trend has also prompted concerns over product quality and safety, particularly for cheap, unbranded or counterfeit items. While no widespread safety issue has been confirmed in Thailand, recent enforcement actions in the United Kingdom have highlighted potential risks linked to some non-compliant products.
On 8 June, Trading Standards officers in Glasgow seized more than 5,900 counterfeit squishy toys from a warehouse after finding many lacked mandatory UKCA or CE conformity markings. Officials warned that some products could contain hazardous chemicals, including formaldehyde, phthalates and industrial solvents, which may cause skin irritation, nausea, headaches and respiratory problems after prolonged contact or inhalation.
On 24 June, Gloucestershire Trading Standards in England seized another 1,968 non-compliant squishy toys. Authorities also warned against a viral social media trend encouraging users to heat the toys in microwave ovens, saying the material could overheat, rupture and cause burns.
On 25 June, the UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards recalled certain batches of Squeezy Dumplings toys after laboratory tests found benzene levels in the outer material at four times the legal limit. Consumers were advised to stop using the affected products immediately and return them for a refund. Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen when exposure occurs at high levels or over extended periods.
In Thailand, no official recalls involving squishy toys have been announced. However, the recent overseas cases have prompted discussion among consumers about the safety of products sold through online platforms and general retailers, particularly those without Thai-language labels, manufacturer details or clear safety information. Consumer advocates have also called for closer monitoring of toys popular among children and teenagers.
Environmental concerns have also emerged. Many squishy toys are made from polyurethane foam or thermoplastic rubber, both plastic-based materials that do not easily biodegrade. If the current wave of popularity proves short-lived, discarded toys could add to plastic waste.
Some collectors note that squishy toys have been on the market for more than a decade but have regained popularity largely because of social media. They recommend buying products from reputable brands that comply with recognised safety standards, even if they are more expensive, to reduce the risk of purchasing poorly manufactured or counterfeit items.
Fans say squishies remain harmless toys and collectibles when purchased from reliable sources and used as intended. The recent enforcement actions overseas have nevertheless served as a reminder that consumers should pay attention to product quality rather than price or appearance alone.
Experts say consumers can reduce potential risks by purchasing toys from reputable retailers, checking for manufacturer information and recognised safety certifications, and avoiding products with unusually strong chemical odours, peeling paint or missing labels. These precautions are particularly important when buying toys for young children.
Squishy toys may remain popular as collectibles and stress-relief items, but the latest craze has highlighted the need for safer products, clearer labelling and more responsible consumption.
Writing by Sasinuch Keeratisuntorn
