FAQ: Squishy Sensory Toys

Do squishing sensory toys actually help relieve stress or anxiety?

Research suggests they can — particularly for mild, situational stress. Several peer-reviewed studies have found that squeezing a stress ball can reduce anxiety and stress levels:

• A 2023 randomised controlled trial published in Hemodialysis International found that stress ball use significantly reduced stress scores compared to a control group. 
• A 2025 study published in Scientific Reports found that stress ball squeezing reduced both pain and anxiety in children during medical procedures compared to a control group. 
• A 2024 study in Human Movement Science found that squeezing a stress ball reduced anxiety and physiological arousal, suggesting that repeated hand squeezing triggers inhibitory alpha rhythms that protect the nervous system against overarousal. 

It's worth noting that the effectiveness of stress balls varies among individuals and depends on the specific situation and the underlying causes of stress or anxiety — they are generally better suited to mild, situational stress rather than long-term anxiety management. If you're experiencing significant anxiety, we always recommend speaking with a health professional.

What are the different types of squishy sensory toys?

Not all squishies feel the same — the filling and outer material completely change the sensory experience. Here's a guide to the main types:

Firm squishies These are filled with a dense, putty-like compound (like a thermoplastic rubber) that gives a firm, stretchy, deeply satisfying squeeze. They return to their original shape after being pulled and stretched. Great for those who need stronger sensory input. Example: NeeDoh Nice Cube.

Gel squishies Filled with a thick, smooth gel or jelly-like material. The squish is softer and more fluid than dough-filled toys, with a satisfying slow resistance. Often translucent and visually appealing when squeezed. Example: Smoosho's Jelly Cube.

Gel bead balls Contain hundreds of small gel beads inside a stretchy outer shell. When squeezed, the beads shift and create a colour explosion effect. The texture is bumpy and tactile on the outside, and the movement of the beads adds a visual sensory element. Example: Smoosho's Jumbo Gel Bead Ball.

Snow bead / dual-texture balls A variation on gel bead balls that combines larger gel beads with fine white microbeads (sometimes called "snow" beads) for a dual-layered texture. The two different bead sizes create a more complex, interesting squish. Example: Smoosho's Jumbo Snow Bead Ball.

Foam squishies Filled with soft foam or memory foam-like material. These give the lightest, gentlest squish — slow-rising and very soft to the touch. Best for light fidgeting and younger children. Not recommended for those who need intense sensory input. Example: Discovery Zone Earth Stress Ball

Orb / water bead balls Contain small, round water-absorbing polymer orbs (similar to Orbeez). The beads are smooth, cool to the touch, and create a unique rolling sensation when the ball is squeezed. Popular for tactile exploration.

Sand & grain-filled balls Filled with fine sand, kinetic sand, or similar granular material. These mould and hold their shape when squeezed rather than bouncing back, giving a very different — calming, grounding — sensory experience. Often used in occupational therapy.

Microbead / polystyrene balls Filled with tiny polystyrene beads (like a miniature bean bag). Lightweight, flexible, and quietly satisfying. The beads create a gentle crunching sensation and the ball holds its shape loosely after squeezing.

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Which type is right for me?

It really comes down to the level of sensory input you're looking for:

• Need a firm, deep squeeze? → Dough/TPR filled (NeeDoh style)
• Want something soft and gentle? → Foam or microbead filled
• Love visual stimulation too? → Gel bead or snow bead balls
• Prefer a calming, moulding feel? → Sand or grain filled
• Want something in between? → Gel or jelly filled

If you're buying for a child with sensory processing needs, it's worth trying a few different types to find what works best for them — every child responds differently to tactile input.

Why are squishy sensory toys labelled "not suitable for children under 3"?

There are two reasons — safety and developmental readiness.

Safety: choking hazards

The primary reason is choking risk. Children under 3 years old naturally explore the world by putting objects in their mouths. The ACCC mandates that toys for children under 36 months must not be smaller than a certain size, because children under 36 months of age tend to place small parts into their mouths and can choke on or swallow them. ACCC

Squishy sensory toys like Smoosho's and NeeDoh present two specific risks for very young children:

• Small parts from damage: If a squishy toy is pulled apart or ruptures (by being bitten / chewed on), pieces of foam, gel beads, or filling material can become small enough to be a choking hazard.
• The filling itself: The internal gel, beads, or dough-like compound inside these toys is non-toxic but not food-safe and should never be ingested.

This is why the Australian Government, following advice from the ACCC, has introduced a mandatory safety standard requiring all toys marketed at children under three to adhere to strict design and testing requirements ensuring toys do not contain small parts.