If you've been shopping for squishies and noticed "Taba" or "Tabasquishy" on some listings while others just say "squishy," you're not alone in wondering what the difference actually is. The short answer: it's mostly about material and origin.
What is a Regular Squishy?
The term "squishy" is a broad category — it refers to any soft, squeezable toy designed to slowly return to its original shape after being compressed. The vast majority of squishies sold globally are made from polyurethane foam. Foam squishies can be highly detailed and come in hundreds of shapes — but they lose their elasticity over time, develop surface cracks, and some cheaper versions have raised safety concerns.
What Makes a Taba Squishy Different?
Taba (or Tabasquishy) originally referred to a specific type of squishy made from silicone rather than foam. The key differences:
Material — Taba squishies use silicone. Regular squishies use foam. This single difference accounts for most of the performance gap.
Texture — Silicone has a smooth, slightly tacky feel that maintains its texture indefinitely. Foam becomes drier and less pleasant over time.
Durability — Silicone squishies last years with daily use. Foam squishies typically last weeks to months before showing wear.
Safety — Food-grade silicone is non-toxic, odorless, and BPA-free. Some foam squishies have tested positive for concerning chemicals.
Is Taba a Brand?
This is where it gets complicated. Originally, "Taba" was not a brand — it was a descriptor for the material type and toy category. However, as Tabasquishy grew in popularity, some companies registered the term as a trademark. Bibisquishy is one brand that produces Tabasquishy-style toys in food-grade silicone.
The practical takeaway: when you see "Taba squishy" on a listing, it likely means the toy is silicone rather than foam — but always check the material specification.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a Taba / silicone squishy if: you want something for daily use, you're buying for a child, or you care about material safety.
Choose a regular foam squishy if: you're collecting for display or want the widest variety of shapes and painted designs.
Explore Bibisquishy's silicone squishy collection for food-grade silicone options across a range of designs.