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Squishy gifts kids actually want

Squishies are this year's must-have toy: soft, squeezable shapes that slowly puff back up, or goo-filled balls that stretch and squish in your hand. Kids collect them, trade them and squeeze them while they read or wind down. They're small, inexpensive and easy to wrap, which makes them a natural fit for a kids' exchange or a stocking.

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Shop squishies at Walmart.ca

A hand holding a yellow smiley face squeeze ball against a dark background
A smooth white toy dinosaur with pink cheeks against a dark background

A slow-rise squishy

The classic: a foam squishy shaped like a bun, a fruit or an animal that sinks when you squeeze it and rises again slowly. Pick a shape that matches something they love.

See slow-rise squishies on Walmart.ca

Also on Amazon.com: slow-rise squishies

Hands stretching bright pink slime with small foam beads in it

A goo-filled squeeze ball

The kind that's sold out everywhere: a soft skin filled with dough or gel that stretches and holds a dent. Great for fidgety hands during homework or car rides.

See squeeze balls on Amazon.com
A heap of small yellow and red smiley face squeeze balls on a blue surface

A bag of minis

A pack of tiny squishies goes a long way: one for the stocking, a few to trade with friends, a couple for a party bag.

See mini squishy packs on Amazon.com
A green frog plush toy tucked under a striped knitted blanket, against a patterned pillow

A squishy plush to hug

For kids who'd rather cuddle than squeeze: an extra-soft plush that squishes like a pillow and lives on the bed.

See squishy plush on Amazon.com
A child's hand painting a small handmade figure on a plate, with pots of paint beside it

A make-your-own squishy kit

Craft kits let kids design and decorate their own squishy, so the gift is also an afternoon activity.

See DIY squishy kits on Amazon.com
A hand holding two blue squeeze balls against a white background

A desk squishy for the grown-ups

Adults are squeezing them too. A calm-coloured squeeze ball on a desk is a fun, safe pick for an office Secret Santa.

See desk squeeze balls on Amazon.com

Tip

Check the age on the package. Minis and goo-filled squishies aren't for children under 3, so keep them away from younger siblings. If a new foam squishy has a strong smell, choose a different one, and throw out any squishy that tears or leaks.

Find something more personal

A few quick questions about who it's for, and you'll get ideas with a reason for each.

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