As an avid collector of squishies, I've come to appreciate the thrill of the hunt just as much as adding new items to my collection. Recently, while my usual stop at Target didn’t have any new squishies in stock, I was pleasantly surprised by a visit to Smart & Final. They came through with some unique finds, including Gumdrop and Highland Cow squishies, which are perfect examples of the varied designs collectors crave. Squishies, particularly ones that boast features like stretchiness and satisfying textures, have a huge following thanks to their stress-relief benefits and fun, tactile interaction. The 'Mega Squish Bear' mentioned on packaging I found hints at a market for not your ordinary bear designs — an important aspect if you want to keep your collection fresh and interesting. From my experience, stores like Smart & Final can be unexpected gold mines. These places often receive products that big-box stores might overlook, making visits worthwhile for squishy enthusiasts. My tip: always check the packaging details, like the type of stretch and softness — these define the quality of squishies, making them more enjoyable to collect and use. Also, pay attention to age recommendations and safety certifications listed, as some squishies are better suited for collectors or older users given their materials. For parents, this is crucial to ensure safe play. In sum, diversifying where you shop – including specialty grocery chains like Smart & Final – can lead to delightful discoveries and help you build a collection that’s uniquely yours. Happy squishy hunting!