Squishy toys have become enormously popular with children thanks to their vivid colors, tactile textures, and engaging play mechanics. However, a new wave of federal warnings and recalls has put some versions of the sensory toys under intense scrutiny.
Amazon had already begun removing certain products from its marketplace in August. Now, federal regulators have announced recalls involving more than 15,000 additional squishy toys, specifically over hazards linked to the water beads inside them.
On Aug. 17, People reported that Amazon was removing some squishy toys because of safety concerns and failures to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or the online retailer’s own policies. That followed an Aug. 5 warning from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) about counterfeit versions.
The warning started broad, and the federal action has since narrowed. On Sept. 3, the CPSC recalled about 8,000 Squeezy Dumplings sold on Amazon and another 7,200 Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys sold through third-party stores nationwide.
Some Squishies Never Met Federal Safety Rules
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#Recall: OKK Trading Recalls Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys; The squishy bun toys violate the mandatory safety standard for toys because the water beads inside the dumplings expand larger than permitted. Get refund. www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026…
— U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (@cpsc.gov) September 3, 2026 at 10:54 AM
On Aug. 5, the CPSC said that counterfeit squishies may fail requirements covering water beads, small parts, lead, phthalates and other hazardous substances. Some also lack mandatory age labels, tracking information or manufacturer identification.
By the time of that warning, the agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection had identified 55 shipments of noncompliant squishy toys and stopped 355,683 units from entering the country.
The Sept. 3 recalls followed. The CPSC says the roughly 8,000 recalled Squeezy Dumplings contain water beads that can expand if swallowed, creating the risk of choking and even intestinal blockages. They were sold on Amazon from May through June for roughly $20.
Another Sept. 3 recall covers about 7,200 Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys whose water beads expanded beyond the limit allowed under the federal toy standard.
As of Sept. 7, no injuries had been reported in connection with either recall.
What Parents Should Look for Before Buying
With counterfeit and noncompliant squishy toys turning up online, the CPSC recommends buying from reputable retailers or verified sellers that provide both clear contact and return information. An unusually low price can serve as a red flag that a product may be counterfeit or substandard, and thus unsafe for children.
Packaging can provide clues of its own. The CPSC advises shoppers to avoid toys with misspelled words, poor-quality printing, no manufacturer or importer information, or missing age recommendations and safety warnings.
Parents should also routinely check squishy toys after they have been purchased and played with. The CPSC says to stop using one if it becomes torn, punctured, unusually sticky, discolored, or starts leaking. Damaged toys can expose children to water beads or other filling materials.
To preserve the integrity of any squishy toys purchased, monitor their heat exposure. The CPSC warns against microwaving squishies or leaving them in hot cars. Avoid exposing them to sunlight for prolonged periods of time and keep them away from heaters because some can become extremely hot or burst.
For any product involved in a recall, parents should follow any specific disposal or refund instructions from the CPSC and avoid gifting or selling them to anyone else.