Slow-Rising Steamed Bun Stress Relief Ball

Why we shortlisted it. 50,000-plus orders at a 4.90 marketplace rating. Slow-rise squishies are the higher-quality end of the squishy category – the slow recovery is a property of better foam, not a gimmick.

What it is

A moulded polyurethane foam toy, styled as a steamed bun, that compresses under a squeeze and takes several seconds to return to shape. That delayed rebound is what people are buying: it is more satisfying than a fast-snapping foam, and it is a genuine indicator of the foam’s density and quality.

What to check before you buy

• Rise time. A good slow-rise takes three to five seconds to recover. Cheap imitations snap back instantly and the appeal is gone.
• Surface coating. Squishies are finished with a paint or skin layer. Poor coatings crack, flake and go tacky, and once torn the foam picks up dirt permanently.
• The smell. Fresh PU foam commonly arrives with a strong chemical odour. It usually airs out over a couple of weeks, but it is the most consistent complaint in the category.
• Age suitability. Small squishies are a choking hazard for young children, and the coating can be picked off in pieces. Check for a stated age range.

Where to buy one in Brandon today

Toymasters on 18th Street is Brandon’s independent toy shop and the best local source for squishies and fidget toys. Miniso, Spencer’s and Showcase in Shoppers Mall all carry them, and Showcase in particular specialises in this kind of novelty. Walmart Supercentre and Dollarama cover the cheap end, and Michaels at Corral Centre has craft foam and sensory materials.

Food-styled toys and small children

One thing worth flagging with this specific style: it is a toy designed to look convincingly like food. That is the charm for an older child or an adult with it on a desk, and a genuine consideration for a toddler or for a household with a dog. Realistic food replicas get bitten. For under-threes, a larger sensory toy that looks like nothing edible is the safer choice.