How to Choose Your First Squishy
Welcome to the squishy universe! 🚀 Your first squishy is a big deal. Pick well and it becomes the one you squeeze every day. Pick badly and it ends up forgotten in a drawer.
The good news: you don't need to know anything about fillings, brands or trends to choose a great first squishy. You just need to know a little about yourself. Answer these five questions and you'll be most of the way there.
Question 1: How do you like to squeeze?
Picture yourself squeezing. Is it...
- Slow and gentle? Look at soft squishies that sink under your fingers.
- Hard and strong? Look at firm squishies that push back.
- Not sure? Go medium. It's the safest first pick and works for almost everyone.
Our Soft vs. Firm Squishies guide explains the difference in more detail.
Question 2: Where will you use it?
Where your squishy lives matters as much as how it feels.
| Where | What tends to work |
|---|---|
| At a desk while studying | Palm-sized, sits flat, doesn't roll away |
| On the couch | Bigger, softer, great for two hands |
| In a backpack | Sturdier and firmer, so it doesn't get squashed |
| On a shelf for display | Whatever makes you happy to look at |
Question 3: What size feels right?
- Mini: cute and portable, but easy to lose, and not a good choice if there are toddlers or pets at home.
- Palm-sized: the sweet spot for most beginners. Comfortable in one hand.
- Large: amazing for big two-handed squeezes, less handy on the go.
If you can, hold it before you commit. Size is hard to judge from a photo.
Question 4: Which shape makes you smile?
Shapes aren't just about looks. They change how a squishy feels in your hand.
- Balls and blobs are simple and easy to squeeze from any angle.
- Cubes and domes sit flat on a desk.
- Animals and characters are fun, but small ears, tails or tentacles can be the most delicate parts.
For a first squishy, simple shapes are usually the most durable choice.
Question 5: Do you want "extras"?
Once you've got the basics, think about bonus features:
- Slow-rising: puffs back slowly after a squeeze
- Stretchy: pulls longer before springing back
- Jelly-filled: see-through and wobbly
- Crunchy: has beads inside you can feel
- Textured: bumps or ridges on the surface
You don't need any of these. But if one sounds amazing, that's a good sign.
Beginner mistakes to skip
- Buying the cheapest mystery squishy online. Squishies with no maker's name, no age label or no safety warnings are the ones safety agencies warn about.
- Choosing by photo alone. Lighting and editing can make colours and sizes look different from real life.
- Going straight to rare or collectible. Learn what you like first. Collector squishies can wait.
- Ignoring who else is at home. If little kids or pets live with you, think about size and where you'll keep it.
Check it before you take it home
When you get your squishy, give it a quick once-over: no tears, no leaks, no strong chemical smell and no oily feel. If something seems off, don't use it. Our guide What to Check Before Buying a Squishy walks you through it.
Your first squishy, sorted
Start simple: medium firmness, palm-sized, a shape you love. You can always branch out later. Most squishy fans end up with a small crew of favourites, each with a different job.
Browse the Catalogue and filter by texture to narrow it down, then save what you discover about yourself in My Space. At Space Pocket, you also get to hold and inspect your squishy at pickup before you pay, which is a nice bonus when it's your very first.