Squishmallows vs. Bumz: Comparing the Softest Collectible Plush Lines

If you’ve been browsing plush aisles or scrolling collectible toy groups, you’ve likely seen both Squishmallows and Bumz. Both are ultra-soft, squishy, and designed for hugging and collecting, but they come from different brands with distinct personalities. Understanding the squishmallows vs bumz differences can help you decide which line fits your style—or whether to mix both into your collection.

Squishmallows, made by Kellytoy, are famous for their marshmallow-like feel, round shapes, and hundreds of characters with unique names and bios. Bumz, created by the same parent company (Jazwares), share a similar squishy texture but have a more compact, egg-like shape and often feature food, animal, or pop-culture themes. Let’s break down the key factors so you can pick your perfect plush.

Size and Shape: Round vs. Egg-Like

Squishmallows are known for their classic round, pillow-like silhouette. They come in a wide range of sizes, from 5-inch clip-ons to 24-inch jumbo plush. The shape is consistent across the line: a soft, squishy ball with stubby limbs. This makes them ideal for hugging, using as a pillow, or displaying on a bed or shelf. For example, the 8-Inch Select Series Caedyn the Strawberry Milk Scented Cow keeps the signature round form while adding a gentle strawberry scent.

Bumz, on the other hand, have a distinct egg-like or teardrop shape—wider at the bottom and slightly pointed at the top. They are typically smaller than most Squishmallows, with sizes ranging from about 4 to 7 inches. This compact, stackable shape makes Bumz great for desk decor, car displays, or fitting into small cubbies. If you prefer a more uniform, stackable collection, Bumz might appeal to you.

• Tip: Measure your display space before choosing. Squishmallows take up more horizontal space, while Bumz stack neatly.

Texture and Squish Factor

Both lines use super-soft polyester fiber filling, but the feel differs slightly. Squishmallows have a marshmallow-like squish that slowly rebounds after squeezing. The fabric is velvety and plush, often described as 'silkier' than standard plush. The 14-Inch Morlai the Coral Manatee exemplifies this cloud-like texture, perfect for cuddling during movie nights or napping.

Bumz are also very soft but tend to be slightly firmer and more structured due to their smaller size and egg shape. They hold their shape better when stacked or displayed upright. Some collectors find Bumz easier to grip for one-handed squeezing. The Hello Kitty and Friends Hello Kitty Milk Plush, while technically a Squishmallow, shows how the brand can incorporate character designs into the classic squishy feel. Bumz like the 'foodtruckbumz' series offer similar character appeal in a denser, stackable form.

• For maximum squish, go with Squishmallows. For a firmer, stackable plush, try Bumz.

Themes and Character Variety

Squishmallows boast an enormous library of characters—over 1,000 at last count—covering animals, fantasy creatures, food, holidays, and licensed collaborations like Hello Kitty and Disney. Each character has a unique name, bio, and sometimes a scent or special feature. The 5-Inch Eleanor the Yellow Grapefruit with Flower Hairpin shows how Squishmallows add personality through accessories and themes. This variety makes it easy to find a plush that matches your interests or room decor.

Bumz focus on a smaller, curated selection of themes: food, animals, and pop-culture tie-ins. The 'foodtruckbumz' series includes tiny food trucks with plush characters inside, blending playset and plush. Licensed collaborations like 'hello kitty bumz' bring familiar faces into the egg-shaped format. If you enjoy themed sets or limited-edition drops, Bumz can feel more exclusive. However, the character count is much smaller than Squishmallows, so you may run out of new options faster.

• Collectors who love variety and character bios should lean Squishmallows; fans of curated, limited series may prefer Bumz.

Price and Collectibility

Squishmallows range from about $5 for 5-inch sizes to $50+ for jumbos, with special editions like the Select Series costing more due to rarity and scents. They are widely available at major retailers and online, making them easy to start collecting. The 12-Inch Willoughby the Sage Green Possum is a standard retail release, while limited drops can become sought-after on resale markets.

Bumz are generally priced lower, around $8 to $15 for a single plush, and often sold in blind boxes or mystery packs. This makes them more affordable for building a collection quickly. However, their smaller size means you get less plush per dollar. The resale market for Bumz is less active than for Squishmallows, so they are easier to find at retail price. For budget-conscious collectors, Bumz offer a lower entry cost.

• If you want a large, huggable plush, Squishmallows offer better value per inch. For small, affordable collectibles, Bumz win.

Both Squishmallows and Bumz deliver the soft, squishy satisfaction that plush fans love. Squishmallows excel in size variety, character depth, and cuddle factor, while Bumz offer a compact, stackable, and budget-friendly alternative. Your choice depends on whether you want a pillow-like companion for your bed or a tiny, collectible friend for your desk. Many collectors happily own both—so don’t feel you have to pick just one.