Finding Those Special Squishmallows: What Makes A Squishmallow Rare?

Jayne Graham 18 Aug 2025

Do you ever wonder about the true gems hiding in the vast world of soft, cuddly Squishmallows? It's almost like a treasure hunt, that, for many collectors, brings a lot of joy. We're talking about those elusive friends, the ones that are a bit harder to find, the ones that make your collection feel truly unique. So, if you're a fan of these lovable plush toys, or maybe you're just starting your collection, knowing what makes a Squishmallow rare can really help you out.

The appeal of Squishmallows, which first appeared in 2017, has grown quite a lot, becoming a beloved lifestyle brand for folks of all ages. With more than 3,000 distinct styles to gather, there's truly a Squishmallow for just about everyone. From sweet animals and fantastic creatures to holiday favorites and special editions, these plush pals offer a wide array of personalities and looks to match any taste, you know?

For many, the chase itself is part of the fun. People love the cute faces and the interesting stories each Squishmallow carries. And, to be honest, for some, spending a good amount of money is completely worth it to get a favorite character. It's a special feeling when you finally get your hands on a rare one, and if you're lucky enough to have one, you really should handle it with care, as a matter of fact.

What Makes a Squishmallow Truly Rare?
Your Guide to Spotting a Rare Squishmallow
- Inspecting Tags and Stitching
- Learning from the Collector Community
The Thrill of the Squishhunt: Where to Look
- Retailers and Online Stores
- The Magic of Swap Meets
Caring for Your Special Squishmallow
Frequently Asked Questions About Rare Squishmallows
Joining the Squishmallow Family

What Makes a Squishmallow Truly Rare?

When you're looking for those special Squishmallows, it helps to know what qualities make them stand out. A Squishmallow becomes rare for a few key reasons, and understanding these can guide your search. It's not just about how old a Squishmallow is, though that can play a part. Rather, it's about availability and how many were ever made, basically.

The Squishmallows Rarity Scale and Its Silver Badge

There's an official Squishmallows rarity scale that helps identify some of these special items. This scale helps collectors understand which editions are marked as rare. You see, a Squishmallow that is part of this scale often has a distinct feature: a silver badge on its tag. This badge, with a maximum rarity rating, usually signals that you've found something special, you know?

Using this rarity guide and thinking about whether a Squishmallow is from a specific, marked series can really help you figure out its status. It's a bit like a secret code for collectors. If you spot that silver badge, it's a good sign you might have something pretty unique on your hands, in a way.

Limited Editions and Special Occasion Squishmallows

Some Squishmallows are simply produced in smaller quantities from the start. These are often called limited editions or exclusives. They might be tied to a specific event, a certain store, or a particular time of year. For instance, if your Squishmallow was part of a special occasion that is long over, it could easily be considered a rare Squishmallow. These can be quite hard to get through regular retailers, as a matter of fact.

Think about holiday releases or special store collaborations. Once those are gone, they're often gone for good. This makes them highly sought after by collectors who missed out or who are trying to complete a particular set. So, keeping an eye on these kinds of releases is a smart move if you're hoping to find something special.

Discontinued and Hard-to-Find Friends

Perhaps the most straightforward way a Squishmallow becomes rare is when it's no longer made. Those rare Squishmallows would be the ones that are not in production anymore. They might have been produced in a very limited quantity, or perhaps they were never even available for sale to the general public. This can happen for many reasons, and it makes them incredibly desirable, basically.

Once production stops, the existing supply is all there is. This drives up their value among collectors who want to add them to their squad. We could go through the 10 rarest and most sought-after, but the key idea is that scarcity often makes something special. Finding these older, retired friends can be a real challenge, you know, but a rewarding one.

Your Guide to Spotting a Rare Squishmallow

Identifying rare Squishmallows truly requires a bit of knowledge and some good research. It's not always obvious at first glance. But with some handy tips, you can get better at spotting those special finds. It's like learning a new skill, actually, and it gets easier with practice.

Inspecting Tags and Stitching

One of the first things you should always do is check the tags and the stitching on any Squishmallow you think might be rare. Real Squishmallows have a white hang tag with specific information. This tag is where you'll find the unique name and story, or "bio," for each Squishmallow. This little bio is a big part of what makes each one special, you know?

Beyond the hang tag, look closely at the silver badge on the tag, if it has one. This badge, as mentioned earlier, is a key sign of rarity according to the official scale. Also, pay attention to the overall quality of the stitching. Authentic Squishmallows generally have very neat and consistent stitching. Any loose threads or uneven seams might be a sign of a less-than-authentic item, so be careful there, you know?

Learning from the Collector Community

A great way to learn about rare Squishmallows is to become a fly on the wall of every Squishmallow collector discussion. The community is often very active and helpful. These groups, whether online or in person, share a lot of insights about what's rare, what's new, and what to look out for. It's a really good resource, honestly.

For example, you can find out how to collect specific ones like Blossom the Lamb or Fania. People often discuss which ones are Harrison, or what exactly Squishmallows are in general. Attending Squishmallow swap meets, for instance, can be an incredible experience. You meet other collectors, see rare items up close, and learn directly from people who have been collecting for a while. It's a very social hobby, in a way.

The Thrill of the Squishhunt: Where to Look

The "squishhunt" is a big part of the fun for many collectors. It's the exciting search for those new additions or those hard-to-find rare ones. Knowing where to focus your efforts can make a big difference in your success. There are a few main places where you might find your next cherished friend, you know?

Retailers and Online Stores

For current and some limited-edition Squishmallows, your first stop is usually select retailers and the official Squishmallows website. You can often take your squishhunt to the next level by checking product pages for different buying options. Prices and other details can vary based on the product size and color, so it's good to compare, pretty much.

Big stores often carry a wide range of Squishmallows. For instance, you might find a wide assortment at places like Target, where you can choose from same-day delivery, drive-up pickup, or order pickup. They sometimes offer free standard shipping with certain order amounts, which is nice. For smaller sizes or special packs, places like Five Below might have a wide selection of plushies, stuffed animals, and pillows that are soft and cute. You can bring home huggable companions from there. Even places like Best Buy carry special sets, like the Jazwares Squishmallows Original Micromallows 8-pack plush set (Series 2). It really depends on what you are looking for, so.

The Magic of Swap Meets

Beyond traditional retail, Squishmallow swap meets are a fantastic way to find rare items and connect with the community. These events are places where collectors gather to trade, buy, and sell Squishmallows. It's a chance to see a lot of different styles, including those that are no longer in production or were very limited releases. You can find some real gems here, honestly.

Attending these gatherings can be an incredible experience. You get to talk to other enthusiasts, share stories, and maybe even find that one Squishmallow you've been searching for forever. It's a very direct way to expand your collection and learn more about the hobby from others who share your passion, you know?

Caring for Your Special Squishmallow

Once you are lucky enough to have a rare Squishmallow, it's important to handle it with care. These plush toys are loved by kids and adults, and they make perfect snuggle friends. But for rare ones, preserving their condition helps keep their special status. They are often made with ultra-soft materials, so gentle handling is key, you know?

Keeping them clean and away from direct sunlight can help maintain their colors and softness over time. If they have special tags, like that silver rarity badge, you'll want to protect those from getting bent or torn. These small details contribute to their overall appeal and, for collectors, their value. It's about respecting the item and keeping it in good shape, basically.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rare Squishmallows

People often have a lot of questions about these special plush friends. Here are some common ones that collectors ask.

How can you tell if a Squishmallow is rare?

You can often tell if a Squishmallow is rare by checking its tags for a silver badge, which points to its place on the official rarity scale. Also, consider if it was part of a limited production run, a special occasion release that is now over, or if it's a discontinued style. Checking online collector groups and databases can also provide clues, as a matter of fact.

What makes a Squishmallow rare?

A Squishmallow becomes rare typically because it was produced in limited quantities, was an exclusive release for a specific retailer or event, or has been officially discontinued and is no longer being made. Sometimes, they were never even sold to the public. The scarcity of these items is what makes them special and harder to find, you know?

Are rare Squishmallows valuable?

Yes, for many collectors, rare Squishmallows can hold significant value. People are often willing to spend good money to secure a favorite character, especially if it's one that's no longer available through regular channels. Their value comes from their limited availability and the high demand within the collecting community, basically.

Joining the Squishmallow Family

Squishmallows, launched in 2017 by Kelly Toys Holdings LLC and now owned by Jazwares, have truly grown into a huge phenomenon. They are round, come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and forms—from animals and foods to objects—and have different textures. The brand has created over 3,000 Squishmallow designs, and each one has its own unique name and bio inside its hangtag. These ultra-soft friends, like the 5-inch ones, are perfect for decorating a room or giving as a sweet gift, you know?

Whether you're looking for a tiny 2.5-inch Micromallow or a much larger friend, the official collection is filled with adorable Squishmallows in every size, style, and character. They are beloved by both kids and adults, making them a perfect snuggle companion for anyone. It's a wonderful community to be a part of, honestly, and the hunt for rare ones just adds to the excitement.

To learn more about the amazing world of Squishmallows and their many delightful characters, you can always visit the official Squishmallows website. And for more tips on collecting and finding your next plush pal, you might want to learn more about Squishmallows on our site, and also check out our page on Squishmallow collecting tips. Happy squishhunting!

Buy Squishmallow 5" Plush Mystery Box, 5-Pack - Assorted Set of Various

Squishmallow Display

Buy Squishmallow Official Kellytoy Plush Farm Squad Squishy Soft Plush

VeriScope News