Squishy toys all compress and rebound, but not all of them are made from the same materials. The material determines how long the squishy lasts, how it feels, whether it develops smells, and whether it's safe.
The Four Main Squishy Materials
1. Food-Grade Silicone
Medical-grade or food-grade silicone rubber — the same material used in baking molds and baby bottle nipples.
- How it feels: Smooth, slightly tacky. Soft but with structural integrity. Compresses evenly, rebounds slowly (3-5 seconds).
- Durability: Essentially permanent. Silicone doesn't degrade with normal use.
- Safety: Non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free.
- Smell: Odorless.
For more on silicone squishies, see What Are Squishy Toys?
2. TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber)
A blend of plastic and rubber. Cheaper than silicone but more durable than foam.
- How it feels: Similar to silicone but often firmer. Rebound varies (2-6 seconds).
- Durability: Good — months to years depending on quality.
- Safety: Generally safe, but quality varies.
3. Polyurethane Foam (PU Foam)
Soft, spongy foam used in most cheap, scented squishies.
- How it feels: Very soft, spongy. Slow rise initially, but degrades over time.
- Durability: Poor. Degrades within weeks to months.
- Safety: Varies widely. Many are not food-safe.
- Smell: Often scented, turns chemical-smelling as foam degrades.
4. Gel-Filled
Flexible outer shell (usually TPR or silicone) filled with gel, water, or gel beads.
- How it feels: Smooth, cool to the touch. Firm push-back. Fast rebound (1-2 seconds).
- Durability: Moderate — outer shell can puncture.
Material Comparison Table
| Material | Feel | Rebound Time | Durability | Safety | Smell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food-grade silicone | Soft, tacky | 3-5 seconds | Years | Excellent | None |
| TPR | Firm, smooth | 2-6 seconds | Months-years | Good | Minimal |
| PU Foam | Very soft, spongy | 5-10 seconds | Weeks-months | Variable | Strong (scented) |
| Gel-filled | Smooth, cool | 1-2 seconds | Moderate | Good | None |
| ## Why Material Matters | |||||
| For longevity, safety, tactile experience, and sensory reliability — silicone wins across all categories. Read more about how squishies help manage ADHD and stress. | |||||
| ## Frequently Asked Questions | |||||
| ### What are squishy toys made of? | |||||
| Four main materials: food-grade silicone (most durable, odorless), TPR/thermoplastic rubber (mid-range), polyurethane foam (cheap, degrades quickly), or gel-filled (firm, fast rebound). | |||||
| ### What is the best material for squishy toys? | |||||
| Food-grade silicone. It's durable (lasts years), safe (non-toxic, BPA-free), odorless, and maintains consistent slow-rise quality indefinitely. | |||||
| ### Are foam squishies safe? | |||||
| Safety varies widely. Many foam squishies are not food-safe and may contain harmful chemicals. Food-grade silicone is safer, especially for children. | |||||
| ### How can you tell if a squishy is silicone or foam? | |||||
| Silicone: smooth, slightly tacky, odorless, substantial. Foam: very soft, spongy, often scented, lightweight. | |||||
| ### Why do foam squishies smell? | |||||
| Often scented with artificial fragrances. As the foam degrades, scents fade and are replaced by chemical smells. | |||||
| ### What does TPR mean in squishies? | |||||
| Thermoplastic rubber — a blend of plastic and rubber. Firmer than silicone, more durable than foam, generally safe. | |||||
| ## Where to Find Quality Squishy Materials | |||||
| Browse the Silicone Squishy Collection to find durable, safe options. |