The history of squishy toys: from stress balls to kawaii characters

 

Squishy toys have come a long way since the early days of stress balls. Originally created to relieve pressure in the workplace, squishy toys have since evolved into a diverse market of cute and lovable creatures. In this blog post, we will take a look at the history of squishy toys, from their humble beginnings to the kawaii characters that have taken the world by storm.

 

The early days of squishy toys can be traced back to the 70s when stress balls were first created. These small balls were filled with various materials such as sand, beanbag fillers, or liquid gel, and were designed to help people deal with stress and anxiety. Stress balls were simple in design, made of rubber or latex and had a solid texture.

 

In the late 80s, a new type of squishy toy came onto the scene: the water-filled stress ball. This type of stress ball contained water and glitter, making it a more visually appealing choice compared to its more traditional counterparts. However, the problem with these stress balls was they could easily break and leak water, resulting in a mess.

 

The 90s saw the emergence of a new type of squishy toy: the squishy bead ball. These were similar in design to stress balls but were filled with small foam beads instead of liquid. Squishy bead balls provided a different tactile experience as they were soft to the touch and had a satisfying squishy feel.

 

Fast forward to the 2000s, when the toy industry began to take notice of squishy toys. With advancements in materials and technology, squishy toys began to take on a life of their own, featuring different textures and designs. One of the most popular types of squishy toys is the fidget toy. Fidget toys are small squishy toys designed to improve concentration and focus, especially for people with ADHD or anxiety.

 

In the last decade, Japan has become a major player in the world of squishy toys with the creation of kawaii characters. Kawaii is a Japanese word that means cute, and kawaii culture has become a global phenomenon. Kawaii characters are known for their exaggerated features, bright colors, and adorable designs. Some of the most popular kawaii squishy toys are shaped like animals, food, and household items. These cute and cuddly characters have become collectibles, with fans from all over the world eager to get their hands on the latest kawaii squishy toys.

 

The popularity of squishy toys has continued to grow, with new variations and designs being introduced regularly. Today, you can find squishy toys in a variety of shapes, sizes, and forms. Some are scented, while others light up or make noise. Additionally, companies have begun to create customized squishy toys, allowing customers to design their own unique squishy creations.

 

The benefits of squishy toys go beyond just stress relief. Squishy toys can also be used for therapeutic purposes, such as aiding in the treatment of anxiety and depression. They can also help with focus and concentration, making them ideal for use in the classroom or workplace.

 

In conclusion, the history of squishy toys is an interesting one that has evolved over time. From stress balls to kawaii characters, squishy toys have come a long way in their design and functionality. The popularity of squishy toys can be attributed to their ability to relieve stress, aid in concentration, and their cute and lovable designs. There is no doubt that the squishy toy market will continue to grow and evolve, as new technology and designs emerge, making sure we always have something to squeeze in our hands when we're feeling stressed.