squishmallows dead??

It's so interesting that others are asking 'are Squishmallows dead?' because I've been wondering the same thing! Seeing those fully stocked shelves, especially around Valentine's Day when they used to fly off the racks, really made me pause. Last year, finding any Squishmallow for Valentine's Day was a mission. This year, walking down the plush aisle, I saw shelves fully stocked with adorable pink, red, and heart-themed Squishmallows. It made me wonder if the initial craze has just settled, or if something bigger is happening. From a collector's perspective, I don't think Squishmallows are 'discontinued' or 'going extinct' in the traditional sense. Kellytoy, the company behind them, is still releasing new designs constantly. What we might be seeing is a shift in the market. Perhaps there's a bit of collector fatigue among long-time fans, or maybe the sheer volume of new releases means stores can keep up with demand better now. It used to be a frantic hunt to find specific ones, often involving multiple store visits, but now it feels like they're readily available almost everywhere. This accessibility is a double-edged sword: great for new enthusiasts, but maybe less exciting for seasoned collectors who thrived on the thrill of the chase. I’ve also seen some chatter online about certain Squishmallows being considered 'ugly' by some, which I find fascinating! Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, right? While some might not appreciate the more unconventional designs – perhaps a certain color combination or a less traditional animal shape – others absolutely adore them and actively seek them out. It’s often these unique, sometimes 'ugly duckling' Squishmallows that end up becoming rare gems down the line, highly coveted by a niche segment of the community. This just goes to show how diverse the Squishmallow community is, with different preferences for textures, colors, and character designs. Personally, I have a soft spot for some of the quirky, less conventionally 'cute' ones in my collection; they often have the most personality! When I see a beautiful, fully stocked Squishmallow display now, it doesn't necessarily scream 'unpopular' to me anymore. Instead, it feels like the market has matured. It's less about manufactured scarcity and more about ensuring everyone who wants one can find one. This could be great news for new collectors who don't want to deal with the intense resale market prices or the stress of hunting down every new release. It also means there's a wider variety available for people looking for specific gifts, like those perfect Valentine's Day themed ones, without having to fight crowds or pay exorbitant prices online. So, are they 'dead'? I'd say absolutely not. The extreme hype might have calmed down from its feverish peak, but the core community is still incredibly vibrant. People are still collecting, sharing their finds, customizing, and loving their Squishmallows. It's more about an evolution of a beloved brand than an extinction. The way we buy and collect them might be changing, but their charm and comfort haven't faded. What are your thoughts? Have you noticed a change in how easy it is to find your favorite Squishmallows lately, or do you still find yourself searching high and low?