Squishy toys and nostalgia: a look back at the popular toys from the past

 

Squishy toys are a popular stress-reliever among people of all ages today, but such toys are not a new thing, and their popularity can be traced back several decades. In this article, we will take a look back at the history of squishy toys and explore how they have evolved over time.

 

In the 1980s, stress balls were one of the earliest forms of squishy toys that became popular. These balls were small, made of foam, and designed to be squeezed repeatedly to alleviate stress. They were often given out as promotional giveaways by businesses and organizations.

 

The 1990s saw the rise of tactile toys, with the introduction of some popular items like Koosh balls and Tangle toys. Koosh balls featured rubber strands that could be stretched and twisted, while Tangle toys were made of a series of interlocking plastic pieces that could be bent and twisted into different shapes.

 

In the early 2000s, a new and more novel type of squishy toy emerged. It was a small rubber toy in different shapes, with a unique feature - when squeezed, the toy would bulge out its eyes from the sides, creating an odd yet entertaining effect. These toys gained popularity and were hence given the name "squeeze toys."

 

Fast forward to today, and squishy toys have continued to remain popular, with many new varieties and forms. There are squishy toys of almost every shape and size, ranging from small hand-held styles to larger designs. Some popular types include slow-rising squishy toys, which feature a more gradual return to their original shape after being squeezed, and scented squishy toys, which release aromas when squeezed.

 

While the evolution of squishy toys has been interesting, their continued popularity can also be attributed to their ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia. Many people may recall receiving a stress ball as a promotional item or playing with Koosh balls during recess in elementary school. Squishy toys allow us to connect with our past selves and remind us of simpler times.

 

Additionally, squishy toys have also gained popularity due to their prevalence on social media. Thanks to platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where users often share videos of themselves playing with squishy toys, the trend has picked up steam and has been embraced by a wider audience. These videos and posts have helped to create a sense of community around squishy toys, and many people have found that they can relate to others through their shared love of the toys.

 

In conclusion, squishy toys have a long and fascinating history, and their popularity has continued to grow in recent years. As we look back at the evolution of squishy toys over the past few decades, we can see how they have become more varied in their forms and more popular in their appeal.

 

While squishy toys are often thought of as mere novelties or stress-relievers, they also hold a deeper significance for many people. They can act as reminders of our childhoods and evoke a sense of nostalgia, and they create connections between people who share a love of their quirky and playful designs.

 

Whether you are a longtime fan of squishy toys or just enjoy their fun and colorful appearance, there is no denying that they have become a prominent part of popular culture. They may have started as a simple stress-reliever, but their history and significance in our lives reveal that squishy toys are much more than just another toy trend.