From Harrods to Hamleys, London is home to a vibrant community of Squishmallows fans. For those obsessed with collecting these cute and cushy plush toys, the city offers endless hunting grounds both in-store and online.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of Squishmallows in London, including:
- What makes Squishmallows so lovable and collectible
- The top stores to buy them in the city
- Tips for starting and growing your collection
- Where to find limited editions and rare releases
- Answers to frequently asked questions
Whether you’re just discovering these squishy delights or are a seasoned collector looking to expand your hoard, this guide will help you uncover London’s hottest Squishmallows spots. Time to round up your favorite plush pals for a Squishmallows adventure!
What Are Squishmallows Exactly?
Part stuffed animal, part stress ball, 100% cute — Squishmallows are the latest squishy plushie craze to capture hearts worldwide. Created by toy company Kellytoys in 2017, these round, oversized plush characters have exploded in popularity.
What makes Squishmallows so uniquely lovable?
Incredibly Soft and Squishy
These plush toys earn their name from the ultra-soft, marshmallow-like squishiness. It’s impossible to resist squeezing and hugging them! The silky plush exterior envelops a cushy interior that retains shape despite repeated squishing. They’re calming sensory toys.
Massive Variety of Characters
Another appeal is the enormous selection of characters. From common animals like cats and dogs to fantasy creatures like dragons and unicorns, there’s a Squishmallow for everyone. New series and specialty lines release frequently.
Fun Collectibility Factor
Squishmallows aren’t just cute — they’re highly collectible! With limited editions and frequent new releases, collectors love tracking down rare finds. Building a giant horde in your favorite characters provides endless enjoyment.
Ideal for All Ages
While especially popular with kids, Squishmallows’ cute designs and stress-relieving texture appeal to all ages. There are miniature sizes perfect for backpack attachments as well as giant 24” versions ideal for hugging.
Now that you know why they’ve become a global sensation, let’s explore the top places in London to buy them.
Where to Buy Squishmallows in London
London offers plenty of options for Squishmallows shopping. Here are the best stores to visit:
Hamleys
As England’s oldest and largest toy store, Hamleys is a beloved London institution for a reason. Their flagship Regent Street store carries one of the city’s widest Squishmallows selections, making it a prime destination for collectors. Expect plenty of variety across both standard and limited edition styles.
Be sure to also browse their plushies online and sign up for stock alerts on hard-to-find editions. With knowledgeable staff and London’s biggest array, Hamleys should be your top stop for all things Squishmallows.
Harrods
The world-famous luxury British department store unsurprisingly offers an exclusive Squishmallows assortment. At their renowned Knightsbridge location, discover boutique designer collaborations and rare imported editions you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Expect to pay premium prices, but serious collectors know Harrods is essential for getting your hands on unique Squishmallows.
Selfridges
Another iconic London department store housing a noteworthy Squishmallows selection is Selfridges on bustling Oxford Street. Like Harrods, they receive special shipments of limited edition and foreign exclusives. Selfridges also frequently highlight Squishmallows through in-store events and activations. Sign up for their mailing list to learn about the latest arrivals.
Smyths Toys Superstores
This national UK toy store chain has several locations across London offering affordable Squishmallows deals. As a mass retailer, their selection focuses more on regularly stocked classics versus limited drops. But with so many branches, visiting Smyths is a low-pressure way to browse and make impulse Squishmallows purchases. Don’t expect rare editions, but it’s a reliable source for kid- and budget-friendly buying.
Independent Toy Shops
London still retains a nice selection of independent toy shops that often carry unique Squishmallows unavailable at the major chains. Discovering tucked-away gems like Benjamin Pollocks Toyshop, Tales of Perserverance, and Home Sweet Home require some hunting but offer treasures you can’t find elsewhere. Before visiting, give them a call to check on the latest Squishmallows inventory. These quirky independents need your support!
Online Groups and Marketplaces
To supplement physical store visits, tap into London’s vibrant community of Squishmallows collectors online. Facebook groups like “Squishmallows UK Buy Sell Trade” and apps like Nextdoor often list locals selling off their collections. You can score rare finds without outrageous eBay pricing.
Instagram hashtags (like #squishmallowuk) also help connect with enthusiasts hosting sales or trades. The community enthusiastically helps fellow collectors find their dream squishies!
Tips for Collecting Squishmallows in London
Once you start amassing squishy friends, you’ll want to grow your horde. Here are some collecting tips and tricks:
- Utilize alerts & newsletters – Sign up for stock alerts at stores like Hamleys so you never miss a new shipment of limited editions.
- Follow Squishmallows social accounts – Stay in-the-know on upcoming releases and events via their Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and more.
- Check gift shops – Destination spots like the London Zoo often sell exclusive Squishmallows you won’t find elsewhere.
- Talk to employees – Chat with staff at toy stores to gain insider knowledge on upcoming inventory arrivals.
- Be budget-conscious – Prices can range widely based on rarity. Decide what you’re willing to spend on your must-have squishies.
- Check tags – Learn how to spot fakes and valuable variants using Squishmallows’ tag codes and designs.
- Bring a buddy – Recruit a family member or friend who can hold your place in line and help hunt.
- Act fast – Buy on sight instead of pondering since coveted editions sell out lightning fast, both online and in stores.
- Trade & sell extras – Use local Facebook Groups and apps to trade doubles and fund future purchases.
With some dedication and these collecting strategies, you’ll be an expert Squishmallows hunter in no time!
Finding Rare and Exclusive Squishmallows Editions
The rarest Squishmallows that drive collectors crazy typically fall under a few special edition categories:
Limited Releases
These Squishmallows are only available for a short period, often tied to seasonal events like Halloween or Valentine’s Day. Limited quantities ensure they sell out quickly and become hard to find later. Examples include holiday designs like the Valentine’s Day Benny Bigfoot.
Retailer Exclusives
Certain editions can only be bought through specific retailers. For instance, Walgreens in the US periodically has exclusives. In the UK, retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda may offer exclusive designs.
Online Exclusives
Some special versions are only released on certain websites like Amazon or Squishmallows.com. These can sell out instantly due to low stock and high demand. Creating alerts is key for nabbing new drops.
Rare Defects
Minor manufacturing defects can make some Squishmallows extra valuable to collectors. “Misprinted” tags missing details, odd embroidery, or unique fabric imperfections gain appeal.
Out-of-Country Exclusives
Thanks to importing, you may spot Asia-exclusive or US-only Squishmallows arrive occasionally in London. Importing these foreign exclusives heightens desirability and aftermarket prices.
By using the tips above and persistently hunting, you can eventually add even the rarest Squishmallows to your London hoard. Happy hunting!
Frequently Asked Squishmallows Questions
For new collectors or casual fans interested in learning more, here are answers to some common Squishmallows questions:
Q: What are the most popular Squishmallows characters?
A: Top choices include cows, axolotls, dragons, owls, and bigfoot. Popular branded sets feature Disney, Pixar, Sanrio, and Star Wars characters.
Q: What sizes do Squishmallows come in?
A: They range from 3.5 inches to a giant 24 inches. Popular sizes include 5”, 7.5”, 12”, 16”, 20” and 24″.
Q: How much do Squishmallows cost?
A: Prices typically range from $15-$50 depending on size and rarity. Limited editions can cost over $100+ secondhand.
Q: Where are Squishmallows made?
A: Squishmallows are designed in the US where they were originally created. Today they are manufactured in China along with American factories.
Q: How do you clean and care for Squishmallows?
A: Most can be surface washed or put in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry low and avoid excessive heat to maintain softness.
Q: Are Squishmallows only for kids?
A: Squishmallows have a broad age appeal. Their soothing texture and cute designs attract collectors of all ages, especially teens and adults.
Q: Are Squishmallows discontinued often?
A: Yes, Kellytoys frequently discontinues older styles and seasonal editions. This makes certain ones highly valuable and sought after.
Let us know any other Squishmallows questions you have!
Key Takeaways: Exploring Squishmallows in London
- Squishmallows are irresistibly soft, squishy plush toys in thousands of charming designs.
- Iconic stores like Harrods and Hamleys offer the widest selection of standard and limited edition Squishmallows.
- Utilize alerts, communities, and employees to stay on top of rare and exclusive new releases.
- Focus your budget on the sizes and characters you love rather than overpaying for hype.
- Proper cleaning and care ensures your Squishmallows stay perfectly squeezable and huggable for years.
- Squishmallows retain appeal across a broad age range thanks to their sensory soothing texture.
- Persistence and the right strategies can help you amass even hard-to-find editions over time.
The thrilling London hunt for these squishy companions is part of the fun. Embrace the adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions About Squishmallows
Q: Where are the rarest Squishmallows found in London?
A: Harrods and Hamleys frequently have foreign and online exclusives. Independent toy shops also yield hidden gems.
Q: What are the newest Squishmallows characters?
A: Kellytoys releases new series every few months with food, animal, seasonal designs. Follow their social media for the latest!
Q: How do you know if a Squishmallows is fake?
A: Fake Squishmallows usually have printing quality issues and tags lacking official branding details. Look carefully before purchasing.
Q: Are certain Squishmallows worth more?
A: Yes, limited editions and rare defects make some more valuable to collectors and resellers than mainline versions.
Q: Where can I trade or sell Squishmallows in London?
A: Facebook Groups like “Squishmallows UK Buy Sell Trade” help connect local collectors looking to exchange extras.
Let us know if you have any other Squishmallows questions!