Squishy Toys Are Everywhere Right Now, But There’s One Thing Parents Should Know

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A MadeForMums report says searches for squishy toys have risen sharply, while waste experts warn that many are made from materials that are difficult to recycle. Parents are advised to buy selectively, check products and their condition, and reuse or pass on intact toys where safe; broken toys generally belong in household waste unless local guidance says otherwise.

Squishy toys are trending, but many are made from materials that are not typically accepted in household recycling, according to a MadeForMums report citing waste-management experts. The advice for parents is to choose carefully, extend the life of toys that remain safe and usable, and check local rules before disposing of damaged ones.

The report cites Google Trends data showing searches for squishy toys rose by 400% over the past year. Searches for “squishy dumpling” rose by 3,550%, while searches for “squishy butter” rose by 4,300%. The source does not provide the underlying search volumes or a more detailed comparison baseline, so those figures describe search interest rather than toy sales.

Squishies are soft toys that regain their shape after being squeezed. Some are used for sensory play or as stress relievers. The report says retailer The Works has been selling thousands of them each week, but it does not give a period or sales data to independently assess that figure.

Many squishies are made from polyurethane foam, thermoplastic rubber or silicone, materials the report says are not usually accepted in household recycling. Toys with gels, liquids or mixed components can be harder to separate. Waste expert John Verity, managing director of Divert.co.uk, said this combination can complicate recycling; he encouraged selective purchasing rather than a blanket ban.

Why Toy Materials Matter

The issue is what happens after a short-lived play trend fades. If a toy cannot go into a standard recycling collection, an unwanted or damaged squishy may end up in general household waste, which can be sent to landfill or incinerated. The report does not quantify how many squishies are discarded or the environmental impact of their disposal.

For families, the practical point is that a low purchase price or small size does not mean a toy has an easy end-of-life route. Buying fewer items, caring for them and passing on intact toys may extend their useful life. Those steps do not guarantee recycling, but they may reduce how quickly a usable toy becomes waste.

How the Squishy Trend Grew

Squishies have become popular in a range of shapes and designs, with the report describing them as both playthings and sensory-friendly objects. Searches for particular varieties have climbed alongside broader interest in the category. These search figures indicate online interest; on their own, they do not establish how many toys have been bought or how long children use them.

The report links the waste concern to rapid trends and collecting: inexpensive toys with many designs can encourage repeat purchases. It also flags online activities that encourage children to cut open or damage squishies, which can shorten their lifespan. The article does not provide data on how widespread those activities are.

MadeForMums advises checking a toy’s condition and legitimacy before buying second-hand or passing it on. For new purchases, it recommends reputable retailers and checking relevant product markings, such as UKCA or CE where applicable. These checks are not a substitute for following product-specific safety information.

Recycling Rules and Safety Checks

The report says there is no widespread recycling route for damaged squishy toys, but local collection rules can vary. Parents should not put a broken toy in household recycling unless their council specifically accepts it. If no local option is available, the report says it should go in general household waste.

The source does not identify particular brands or products, quantify the amount of squishy waste, or document a specific recall. It raises concerns about counterfeit products and damaged toys, but does not provide evidence establishing how common either is. If a toy has split, the contents may be unknown; the report advises keeping exposed filling away from children and pets and following any relevant product safety advice.

Steps Before Buying or Passing On

Parents considering a squishy can decide whether a child is likely to use it, rather than buying several on impulse. If buying second-hand, inspect it for damage and signs it may be counterfeit; when buying new, use a reputable retailer and check relevant safety markings and product information.

For an unwanted toy that is still intact and in good condition, consider a sale, donation or swap only after checking that it is legitimate and suitable for its next owner. For a broken item, check the local council’s guidance before disposal. The report does not identify a new recycling scheme or a future policy change, so the immediate next step for families is to follow local waste instructions and product-specific safety advice.

Key Questions

Can squishy toys go in household recycling?

Usually not, according to the report. Many use synthetic or mixed materials that standard household collections do not accept. Check your local council’s rules before putting one in recycling.

What should I do with a broken squishy?

Keep exposed filling away from children and pets, and follow any relevant product safety advice, especially if the contents are unknown. If your council does not specifically accept it for recycling, the report says to put it in general household waste.

Can I donate or sell a used squishy?

That may be an option if the toy is in good condition, legitimate and suitable for its next owner. Check it carefully for damage before passing it on.

Do parents need to stop buying squishy toys?

The cited expert does not recommend a blanket ban. He advises selective purchasing, caring for toys and reusing or passing on unwanted items where safe and responsible.

Source: rss