The Squishy (Fidgets 101)
Name: Squishy
Category: Manipulable
Coping: Physical, Distraction, Soothing
Introduction to Squishies
As fidget spinners burst on to the seen in the summer of 2017 (despite having been around for years), the squishy burst onto the popular culture scene in the Spring and Summer of 2018.
What is it?
The evolution of the stress ball, squishies are generally made of a slow rising foam that slowly retakes it original shape after being squished by its user. They come in all types of shapes and sizes including sports equipment, animals, food and much much more. They range in size from less than an inch to well over a foot.
I keep a soccer ball in my car that I can use while I am driving. The foam is sturdy enough to use it as a traditional ball and squishy enough to live up to its name. In addition to the slow rising forms, there are a number of other types of squishy fidgets that have a more rubbery feel. These, too, come in a variety of forms and sizes.
Squishy fidgets can represent a variety of different coping mechanism. The physical aspect of playing with and squeezing them relieves tension. Watching the foam slowly reform to its original shape is an effective distraction and is also soothing. Like other types of fidgets, they can draw a crowd thereby serving as a social fidget.
How Much Does it Cost?
You can get small and average size squishy toys in the range of approximately $5 to $10. You can find better deals if you are interested in buying several at the same time (in a bundle). Large squishy toys can cost in excess of $10.
Our Review
Appeal Rating (4.5 Smiles)
We give the squishy an appeal rating of 4.5 out of 5 smiles. Sometimes the simplest things are the most effective. There isn’t a whole lot to these squishy fidgets, but they are captivating. No matter how many times you squeeze it down to the smallest size you can manage, you will still be mesmerized watching it slowly retake its original form. Both fun and soothing, the squishy fidget can help to cope with all kinds of difficult emotions.
Durability Rating (4 Stones)
We give the squishy a durability rating of 4 out of 5 stones.By thier very nature, the squishy takes a lot of abuse. It’s hard to imagine any object lasting too long which is designed to be squeezed and manipulated like the squishy. Eventually, the print on the squishy will wear off, and foam doesn’t last forever. Think of that old nerf football you used as a kid – after a few years, there was no mistaking the fact that it was well used, but it still worked. The squishy is a lot like that. It might not look as pretty after a while, but it will still serve its purpose.
Portability Rating (4 Bags)
We give the squishy a portability rating of 4 out of 5 bags. Some of the smaller rubberized fidgets are small enough to fit in your pocket, but most of the foam fidgets are at least large enough that they wouldn’t be comfortable to carry around all day in your pocket. That said, they are made of foam and are extremely light, so if you have a bag you can carry a bunch of them.
Noise Rating (5 Decibles)
We give the squishy a noise rating of 5 out of 5 decibles. This one was easy – they’re made of foam. Kids will find ways to make noise with them (picture throwing them into a pile of metal spoons), but used the way they are intended, they make no noise and are the perfect fidget for a quiet room.
Overall Rating (4.5 Fidgets)
We give the squishy an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 fidgets. My squishy soccer ball is one of the few fidgets that I keep handy and has become another personal favorite. Strangely addictive, immensely soothing and just down right fun, you can’t go wrong with the squishy in your fidget collection.
For an introduction to our Fidgets 101 series and a complete listing of fidgets reviewed, please click here.
For more awesome resources for learning about and dealing with emotions, please visit our Hope 4 Hurting Kids Emotions Help Center.
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