What to Check Before Buying a Squishy
Buying a squishy should be fun, not stressful. But a quick check before you pay can save you from a toy that tears in a day, smells weird or isn't right for the person you're buying it for.
Here's a five-part checklist. It takes a couple of minutes and works whether you're in a store, browsing online, or picking up an order.
1. Check the seller
Before you even look at the squishy, look at who's selling it.
- Is it a store or seller you can identify, with real contact information?
- Can they tell you where their stock comes from?
- Do they have a clear policy on what happens if something's wrong?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) lists unknown sellers as one of the red flags for counterfeit squishies. A real seller should be easy to reach.
2. Check the label
Flip the package over and look for:
- The maker's name and contact details
- An age grade (like "3+")
- Safety warnings
In Canada, age labels and choking warnings are strongly encouraged by Health Canada, though not always required. Still, if a package has no maker, no age grade and no warnings at all, that's a common sign of a counterfeit. Spelling mistakes and blurry printing are other giveaways.
3. Check the toy itself
If you can see or hold the squishy, give it a once-over:
- No tears, splits or holes in the skin
- No leaking or wet spots
- No strong chemical smell
- Not oily or unusually sticky
- Colour looks even, not blotchy or discoloured
- Seams look neat and closed
The CPSC lists a strong chemical odour, an oily or unusually sticky feel, leaking, discolouration and tearing easily as warning signs. If you notice any of them, put it back.
4. Check who it's for
A squishy that's perfect for a teen might not be right for a little sibling. Think about:
- Age. In Canada, a toy that a child under 3 will probably end up playing with isn't allowed to have small parts, and a "3+" label doesn't make a toy okay for a toddler who'll still use it. Very small squishies and squishies with small pieces aren't a fit for that age.
- Filling. The CPSC has warned that some counterfeit squishies contain water beads, which can expand if swallowed and cause a blockage. Avoid any squishy with unclear contents if young kids are around.
- Pets. Curious dogs and cats can chew squishies. If there are pets at home, plan where it will be stored.
For more, read How to Choose Squishies for Different Age Groups.
5. Check for recalls
This one's quick and easy to forget. Health Canada keeps a searchable list of recalls and safety alerts. Search the product name or brand before you buy, especially if it's a style you haven't seen before or you're buying second-hand.
Buying online? Add one more step
Online, you can't squeeze before you buy, so:
- Compare photos to the maker's official images
- Read the seller details, not just the product description
- Be careful with prices that are far below other established retailers
If something goes wrong after you buy
If a squishy leaks and someone swallows the filling or gets it in their eyes, call the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-844-764-7669 (24/7). If someone is having trouble breathing or seems very unwell, call 911. Don't try home remedies.
How it works at Space Pocket
At Space Pocket, you inspect your squishies at pickup before paying. You'll answer a few quick questions: Is everything here? Is anything damaged? Is anything different from what you ordered? Because all sales are final for change of mind, that inspection step matters. Take your time with it. (Your rights under Ontario consumer protection law for defective or misrepresented products still apply.)
Want a deeper dive on fakes? Read How to Spot a Fake NeeDoh. Then browse the Catalogue knowing exactly what to look for.
This article is general information, not medical advice.
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