Looking for a fun way to keep your hands busy, unwind after a long day, or add something satisfying to your desk? You’ve probably come across squishies, stress toys, fidget toys, putty and slime.
But what’s actually the difference between them?
While these sensory toys can all provide something to do with your hands, each type offers a slightly different experience. Some are soft and squeezable, some are stretchy and tactile, while others give your brain something to focus on.
At Spectrum Store Singapore, our Stress Toys & Fidget Finds collection includes everything from squeezable novelty stress toys and therapy putty to slime and puzzle fidgets.
So, should you get a squishy or a stress toy? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Squishy?
A squishy is a soft, squeezable toy designed to be compressed, squeezed and manipulated with your hands.
The appeal is simple: pick it up, squeeze it, release it, and repeat.
Squishies are particularly popular because they combine a satisfying texture with cute, quirky or food-inspired designs. They can also make fun desk accessories or small gifts for anyone who enjoys tactile toys.
Squishies are great for people who love soft and satisfying textures, keeping your hands busy while working or studying, taking quick sensory breaks, desk or office fidgeting, and anyone who simply enjoys cute novelty toys.
If your ideal stress toy is something you can squeeze without thinking about it, a squishy may be the one for you.
What Are Stress Toys?
Stress toys are a broader category of tactile toys designed to give your hands something repetitive or satisfying to interact with.
They don't necessarily have to be squishy.
A stress toy might be a squeezable animal, stretchy toy, therapy putty, puzzle cube or another type of hands-on fidget. Spectrum Store's collection includes stress toys from Gift Republic and Boxer Gifts, as well as putty, slime and puzzle-based fidgets.
That means all squishies can be considered sensory or fidget toys, but not every stress toy is a squishy.
Which One Should You Choose?
The easiest way to choose is to think about how you like to fidget.
If You Love Squeezing: Try a Squishy Stress Toy
If you like repetitive squeezing and releasing, look for a soft, squeezable stress toy.
The Stress Shroom is a mushroom-shaped squeezable toy designed to be both a stress-relief fidget and a fun desk accessory. Its novelty design makes it particularly fun for anyone who wants something a little more interesting than a traditional stress ball.
It's also an easy option for your desk, home office or as a quirky gift.
Cat lovers, this one's for you.
The Kalma Kitty is a cat-themed squeezable stress toy from Boxer Gifts. It's a playful option for anyone who wants their fidget toy to double as a cute desk accessory.
Spectrum Store's collection currently includes Kalma Kitty alongside other Boxer Gifts designs such as Calma Llama and other animal-themed stress toys.
If You Like Something More Interactive: Try a Fidget Toy
Not everyone wants to repeatedly squeeze the same thing.
If you prefer something that gives your hands a little more to do, try a puzzle or interactive fidget toy.
Gift Republic Puzzle Cube – Banana
This quirky banana-shaped puzzle cube combines physical fidgeting with a little bit of problem-solving.
Instead of simply squeezing, you're twisting and manipulating the pieces — making it a fun option for people who enjoy keeping both their hands and brain occupied.
It's also a fun desk toy or gift for someone who likes puzzles.
If You Like Stretching and Playing: Try Therapy Putty
Prefer something you can stretch, pull and manipulate?
Therapy putty offers a completely different tactile experience from a traditional squishy.
Spectrum Store carries Gift Republic Therapy Putty, which comes in a compact tin and is designed for stretching, squeezing and tactile play.
Putty can be a good choice if you find yourself getting bored with repetitive squeezing and want something more hands-on.
Try putty if you enjoy stretching and pulling it into different shapes, squeezing it for stress relief, exploring its unique tactile texture, manipulating it in creative ways, and keeping your hands engaged and occupied for extended periods.
If You Love Texture: Try Slime
If your favourite part of sensory toys is texture, slime might be your thing.
Unlike a traditional squishy, slime gives you a more immersive tactile experience. You can stretch it, pull it and manipulate it with your hands.
Spectrum Store's collection includes Zimpli Kids Slime Play in different colours, as well as Brainstorm Fun With Slime.
Slime is especially suited to people who enjoy sensory play rather than simply having something to squeeze.
If You Love Cute and Satisfying Squishies: Try a Hachimi Squishy
Sometimes, you just want something soft, cute and satisfying to squeeze. That’s where Hachimi squishies come in.
From adorable food-inspired designs to soft, squeezable characters, Hachimi squishies are a fun choice for anyone who enjoys tactile toys with a cute aesthetic. They’re easy to keep on your desk, beside your bed or in your bag whenever you feel like giving your hands something to do.
For something extra satisfying, try the Hachimi Giant Butter Squishy — a novelty squishy inspired by a stick of butter that makes a fun addition to any squishy collection.
Hachimi squishies are especially great for squishy collectors, fans of cute food-inspired designs, desk toy lovers, anyone who enjoys squeezing and tactile play, and those looking for fun gifts for friends and Secret Santa.
If you’re the type who sees a cute squishy and immediately wants to squeeze it, a Hachimi squishy might be your perfect match.
Squishies and Stress Toys Also Make Great Gifts
Not sure what to buy someone?
A stress toy can be an easy gift because you don't necessarily need to know someone's exact hobbies or interests.
Choose an animal-themed design for a pet lover, a quirky novelty design for someone with a funny personality, or putty/slime for someone who enjoys sensory play.
They're especially suitable for anyone looking for thoughtful, budget-friendly presents that work across many occasions — from Secret Santa exchanges and birthday celebrations to office gift-giving, small "just because" gestures, stocking stuffers, desk additions, and gifts for students who enjoy sensory toys during study breaks.
And because there are so many different designs, you can easily pick something that matches the recipient's personality.
So, Squishy or Stress Toy?
There isn't one answer that works for everyone.
If you want something simple, soft and satisfying, start with a squishy.
If you prefer more variety and interaction, explore different types of stress and fidget toys — from squeezable animals to therapy putty and puzzle fidgets.
And if you're not sure what type of fidgeter you are yet, that's the fun part: try a few different textures and see what you naturally reach for.
Find Your Next Fidget at Spectrum Store
From quirky animal stress toys to therapy putty, slime and puzzle fidgets, Spectrum Store's Stress Toys & Fidget Finds collection has plenty of tactile toys to explore.
Whether you need something for your desk, a small gift for a friend, or simply a fun way to keep your hands busy, there's a fidget for every kind of mood.
Explore the Stress Toys & Fidget Finds collection at Spectrum Store Singapore.