Real vs. fake squishies
Squishies are the toy everyone wants right now, and counterfeits have followed them onto store shelves and online marketplaces. Here is what is going on, how to spot a fake, and how to keep squishy play safe.
Fake squishies are a real problem
- In August 2026 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned shoppers about fake and counterfeit squishy toys. By then it had identified 55 shipments at U.S. ports and stopped 355,683 units from entering the country. CPSC safety alert
- The CPSC says counterfeit squishies may not meet federal toy safety rules and can contain hazards like water beads, small parts, excess lead and banned phthalates.
- In June 2026, Glasgow City Council Trading Standards seized more than 5,900 counterfeit squishy toys from a single warehouse. SLR report
How to spot a fake
These checks come straight from the CPSC's advice to shoppers:
- Buy from a seller you can reach. Reputable retailers list clear contact and return information.
- Be wary of prices that look too good. Deep discounts on a toy that is sold out everywhere else can signal a counterfeit.
- Check the packaging. Misspelled words, blurry printing, no manufacturer or importer name, and no age grading or safety warnings are red flags.
- Trust your nose. A strong chemical smell or an unknown manufacturer is a reason to put it down.
Why buy from Good Toy Co.
- Every squishy we sell is officially licensed and safety tested. No knockoffs, no grey market stock.
- Real people, real contact details and easy 30-day returns.
- Orders ship same day with UPS, so you are not refreshing a tracking page for weeks.
Squishy safety tips (for any squishy)
- Never heat or microwave a squishy. Heated gel and filling can burst and cause serious burns. Children have been hospitalized after trying this social media trend. NBC News, ITV News
- Keep squishies out of hot cars, direct sun and away from heaters.
- Stop using any squishy that is torn, punctured, leaking, sticky or breaking down.
- Check the age grading on the package and supervise younger kids.
- If a burn happens, cool it under running water for at least 20 minutes and get medical help. Do not use ice.