Dumpling Squishy: Every Type, the Rarity Chart, and How to Make Your Own (2026)

The dumpling squishy is the toy that broke the internet in 2026. A soft, squeezable, dumpling-shaped stress toy that comes in mystery packaging — you do not know which design you are getting until you open it. The mystery element, the collecting, the unboxing videos, and the sheer satisfying squishiness created a viral loop that turned a simple foam toy into one of the most searched products on the internet, with over 176,000 monthly searches and counting.

This guide covers everything about dumpling squishies: what they are, every type from classic to ultra-rare, how to tell real from fake, the safety recall parents need to know about, where to buy them — and, for the craft lovers, a complete step-by-step tutorial on how to make your own dumpling squishy at home using materials you already have.

A dumpling squishy is a soft, slow-rising foam toy shaped like a Chinese dumpling (bao bun or jiaozi). They are sold in mystery packaging so the buyer does not know which design they will receive until opening. The mystery-box format drives collecting behaviour: common designs are easy to find, while rare designs (golden ticket, glitter, galaxy) become highly sought-after. The most popular brands are TABASQUISHY, RMS, and the designs sold at Five Below and Target. Prices range from $3–8 per mystery dumpling.

What is a dumpling squishy and why did it go viral?

A dumpling squishy is a slow-rising foam stress toy shaped like a dumpling. The outside is a soft polyurethane foam shell that compresses when squeezed and slowly returns to its original shape. Most are 7–10cm across, though mini (3cm keychain) and jumbo (15cm+) sizes exist.

The viral element is the mystery packaging. Each dumpling is sold in a sealed blind bag or box. You cannot see which design is inside until you open it. Different designs have different rarity levels — from common (solid colours) to ultra-rare (golden ticket, holographic glitter). This mystery mechanic is the same psychology behind trading cards, gacha toys, and loot boxes: the anticipation of not knowing what you will get is more exciting than the toy itself.

The trend exploded on TikTok in early 2026, driven by unboxing videos where creators opened dozens of mystery dumplings hunting for rare designs. The hashtag #dumplingsquishy has over 4.7 billion views. Five Below’s golden ticket dumpling promotion — where finding a golden dumpling won a prize package — created a secondary viral wave that sent the search volume from 50,000/mo to 176,000/mo in three months.

Every type of dumpling squishy — the complete visual guide

The variety is what fuels the collecting obsession. Each brand releases new designs regularly, and limited editions create artificial scarcity that drives demand. Here is every major type:

Classic dumpling

The original design: a white, pleated dumpling shape (jiaozi style) with a cute kawaii face — two dot eyes and a small smile. Solid colour, no special effects. This is the most common type and the design most people think of when they hear “dumpling squishy.” Rarity: Common.

Glitter dumpling

A translucent or semi-transparent shell filled with fine glitter that shifts and sparkles when squeezed. The glitter is suspended in the foam or visible through a clear outer layer. These became the most-searched variant in 2026 with 14,000 monthly searches for “glitter dumpling squishy” alone. Rarity: Uncommon to Rare depending on colour.

Galaxy dumpling

A swirled purple, blue and black colour pattern resembling a galaxy or nebula. The colour blending is done during manufacturing so each one is slightly different. Rarity: Uncommon.

Rainbow dumpling

Multicoloured stripes or gradient across the dumpling surface. The most visually striking variant and one of the most photographed. Rarity: Uncommon.

Golden ticket dumpling

A metallic gold dumpling associated with Five Below’s promotional campaign where finding one could win a prize package. The golden ticket promotion drove an enormous spike in search volume and store visits. Rarity: Rare to Ultra-Rare.

Mystery box dumpling

A sealed blind box or bag containing a random dumpling. The mystery is the product — you are buying the anticipation, not a specific design. Some mystery boxes guarantee at least one rare design per box. Rarity: Varies — the whole point is not knowing.

Mini dumpling (keychain)

A miniature version (3–4cm) attached to a keychain clip. Same designs as full-size but pocket-friendly. Popular as backpack accessories and fidget toys. Rarity: Common to Uncommon.

Jumbo dumpling

An oversized version (15–20cm) that takes both hands to squeeze. The slow rise is more dramatic at this scale — it takes 5–10 seconds to fully re-expand. Rarity: Uncommon.

Other variants

Tie-dye (swirled multicolour), shark dumpling (a dumpling with a tiny fin and shark face), bun style (round bao shape instead of pleated jiaozi), animal dumplings (ears, tails and animal faces on the dumpling body), glow-in-the-dark, and scented (food-scented foam). New variants release monthly from different brands.

Dumpling squishy rarity chart — common to ultra-rare

• Common (60–70% of mystery pulls): Solid white classic, solid single-colour designs, plain bun shapes. These are the dumplings you get most often and the ones that fill the bottom of every collector’s box.
• Uncommon (20–25% of mystery pulls): Galaxy, rainbow, tie-dye, animal variants, scented versions. Still findable but not guaranteed in every mystery box. These are the designs people keep rather than trade.
• Rare (5–10% of mystery pulls): Glitter-filled, holographic surface, jumbo size, glow-in-the-dark. Opening one of these on camera is the content that drives TikTok views. These are the designs people post.
• Ultra-rare (<1–2% of mystery pulls): Golden ticket, limited-edition brand collaborations, metallic holographic, manufacturing error prints. Finding one of these is the dumpling squishy equivalent of pulling a first-edition holographic Charizard. Some ultra-rares resell for $30–50+ on secondary markets.

✨ COLLECTOR TIP: Rarity levels are not standardised across brands. What TABASQUISHY calls “rare” may be “uncommon” in another brand’s system. The golden ticket promotion was specific to Five Below. Always check the specific brand’s rarity guide on their packaging or website.

Real vs fake dumpling squishies — how to tell the difference

The popularity of dumpling squishies has created a counterfeit market. Fake dumplings are sold online (especially on marketplaces with third-party sellers) at lower prices but with inferior materials that may not meet safety standards. Here is how to identify a real dumpling squishy:

• Packaging: Real dumplings come in branded packaging from recognised companies (TABASQUISHY, RMS, Top Trenz, Five Below exclusive). Fakes often have misspelled brand names, low-quality printing, or no brand at all.
• Foam quality: Real dumplings use high-quality PU foam with a smooth, consistent texture. Fakes feel lumpy, grainy, or have visible seams and rough edges.
• Slow rise: A real dumpling squishy takes 3–5 seconds to slowly rise back to shape after squeezing. Fakes either spring back instantly (wrong foam type) or do not return to shape at all (too soft).
• Smell: Real dumplings have a mild scent or no scent. A strong chemical or gasoline-like smell is a red flag — it indicates uncured foam or unsafe materials. This is the #1 indicator of a counterfeit.
• Safety certifications: Real dumplings sold in the US should have ASTM F963 toy safety compliance and CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) markings on the packaging. No safety markings = do not buy.

Dumpling squishy safety — what parents need to know

⚠️ SAFETY RECALL INFO: Some dumpling squishy products have been subject to recalls due to choking hazards (small parts detaching) and toxic material concerns (uncured foam releasing harmful chemicals). Check the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) recall database at cpsc.gov for the latest recall notices before purchasing. If a dumpling squishy has a strong chemical smell, dispose of it immediately and do not let children handle it.

The key safety considerations:

• Age recommendation: Most dumpling squishies are recommended for ages 4+. Small parts (keychain clips, detachable accessories) are choking hazards for children under 3.
• Material safety: Legitimate brands use non-toxic PU (polyurethane) foam that meets toy safety standards. Counterfeits may use uncured foam that releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — the gasoline-like smell some parents report.
• Mouthing and chewing: Dumpling squishies are not designed to be chewed or placed in the mouth. The foam can break apart if bitten, creating a choking risk. Supervise young children.
• Buy from reputable retailers: Five Below, Target, Walmart, and official brand websites are the safest sources. Avoid unbranded third-party sellers on marketplace platforms with no safety certifications.

What is inside a dumpling squishy?

A standard dumpling squishy is made from slow-rising polyurethane (PU) foam — the same material used in memory foam mattresses, but formulated to be softer and slower-rising. The foam is poured into a dumpling-shaped mould, allowed to cure, then hand-painted or coated with a printed design.

Glitter dumplings have fine cosmetic-grade glitter mixed into a clear gel or resin layer that sits between the foam core and the outer shell. The glitter shifts when the dumpling is squeezed because the gel layer deforms and moves.

Scented dumplings have fragrance oil added to the foam during manufacturing. The scent is embedded in the foam itself, not sprayed on, which is why it lasts for weeks. Common scents: strawberry, vanilla, melon, and peach.

How to make a dumpling squishy at home — 3 methods

You do not need to buy a mystery box. You can make your own dumpling squishy at home using materials you already have. Three methods, ranked from easiest to most realistic:

Method 1: Paper dumpling squishy (easiest, 15 minutes)

The same technique as a paper squishy but shaped as a dumpling. No special materials needed — just paper, tape and cotton balls. This is the best option for kids and for making a dumpling squishy without buying anything.

• Step 1: Draw the dumpling shape. A half-moon or crescent shape with a pleated/crimped edge along the top curve. Add a kawaii face: two dot eyes, small curved smile, circle blush cheeks. Draw on plain white paper.
• Step 2: Cut two matching shapes. Stack two sheets of paper and cut through both at once so the front and back are identical. Leave a 5mm border around the design for taping.
• Step 3: Colour and decorate. Colour the front with the dumpling design: white body, fold lines along the pleats, a cute face. Colour the back plain white or with a simpler version. For a glitter effect, use glitter glue on the surface before it dries.
• Step 4: Tape the edges. Place front and back together (coloured sides out) and seal the edges with clear packing tape. Leave a 3cm gap at the bottom for stuffing. Press the tape firmly.
• Step 5: Stuff the filling. Push cotton balls through the gap. Pull each cotton ball apart slightly before inserting for an even fill. Do not overstuff — the squishy should compress and spring back, not feel like a rock.
• Step 6: Seal and squeeze. Tape the gap shut. Squeeze it several times to distribute the filling evenly. Your paper dumpling squishy is done.

💡 UPGRADE: For a more realistic feel, use foam sheets (craft foam from a dollar store) instead of paper. Foam is softer, more durable, and compresses more like a real squishy. Cut, glue with hot glue (leave a gap), stuff, and seal.

Method 2: Foam and fabric dumpling squishy (intermediate, 30 minutes)

A more realistic homemade squishy using memory foam and a fabric or felt cover. The result feels genuinely close to a store-bought dumpling squishy.

• Step 1: Cut memory foam into a dumpling shape. Buy a cheap memory foam pillow ($5) or use memory foam scraps. Draw a dumpling outline on the foam with a marker: a rounded half-moon shape about 8–10cm across. Cut with sharp scissors.
• Step 2: Round the edges. Trim the sharp edges and corners until the shape is smooth and rounded on all sides. A dumpling has no hard angles — every surface should curve.
• Step 3: Cover with stretchy fabric. Stretch a piece of white lycra, a white sock (cut the toe section), or white stretchy fabric over the foam core. Pull it tight and smooth, then secure at the back with hot glue or a few stitches with needle and thread. The cover creates the smooth surface texture.
• Step 4: Paint the face and details. Use fabric markers or acrylic paint to add the kawaii face (dot eyes, smile, blush cheeks) and the pleat fold lines along the top edge. Let the paint dry fully before squeezing.
• Step 5: Add optional extras. For a glitter effect, apply a thin layer of clear glitter glue over the surface. For a scented squishy, add a drop of essential oil or food flavouring extract to the foam core before covering.

✨ THE SLOW-RISE SECRET: Memory foam is what gives real dumpling squishies their slow-rise effect. When you squeeze the foam, it compresses and slowly returns to shape over 3–5 seconds. The denser the foam, the slower the rise. A cheap memory foam pillow from a dollar store gives you enough material for 5–10 dumpling squishies.

Method 3: Silicone mould dumpling squishy (advanced, realistic result)

The closest to a factory-made dumpling squishy. This method uses a two-part silicone mould and expanding foam to create a squishy that is nearly indistinguishable from a store-bought one. It requires more materials and patience but produces a professional result.

• Step 1: Make a mould. Press an existing dumpling squishy (or a sculpted clay dumpling) into silicone moulding putty (available at craft stores, $10–15). Let the putty cure according to package instructions (usually 15–30 minutes). Remove the original.
• Step 2: Mix expanding foam. Two-part squishy foam (polyurethane expanding foam designed for squishy toys) is available online. Mix Parts A and B according to the product instructions.
• Step 3: Pour into the mould. Pour the mixed foam into the silicone mould. The foam will expand to fill the cavity and cure over 1–2 hours into a soft, slow-rising squishy material.
• Step 4: Demould and paint. Remove the cured foam dumpling from the mould. Sand any rough edges with fine sandpaper. Paint with acrylic paint (the face, the pleat details, any colour design) and seal with a flexible clear coat.

⚠️ SAFETY NOTE: Two-part PU foam releases fumes during mixing and curing. Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Wear gloves. This method is for teens (with adult supervision) and adults only. The paper and fabric methods above are safer for younger children.

Which DIY method should you choose?

Paper method: Best for kids 6+. No special materials. Done in 15 minutes. Looks like a craft project. Feels like a paper squishy, not a foam one.

Foam + fabric method: Best for tweens and teens. Needs memory foam ($5) and fabric. Done in 30 minutes. Feels genuinely close to a real squishy. The best balance of effort and result.

Silicone mould method: Best for adults and advanced crafters. Needs silicone putty and expanding foam ($15–25 in materials). Done in 2–3 hours including curing. Produces a near-professional result.

Where to buy dumpling squishies

The safest places to buy authentic dumpling squishies, with estimated prices:

• Five Below — $5 per mystery dumpling. The largest in-store selection and the home of the golden ticket promotion. In-store only for most exclusive releases.
• Target — $5–8 per mystery box. Available in-store and online. Carries TABASQUISHY and other major brands.
• Walmart — $4–7. Available in-store and online. Selection varies by location.
• Amazon — $5–15. Wide selection but verify the seller is the official brand before purchasing. Third-party sellers may sell counterfeits.
• Official brand websites — TABASQUISHY.com, TopTrenz.com. Direct from the manufacturer, guaranteed authentic, often exclusive colourways not available in stores.
• Local toy stores and gift shops — Many independent retailers carry dumpling squishies. Check for branded packaging and safety certifications.

For the most current stock availability, the subreddit r/squishies and TikTok #dumplingsquishy track which stores have received new shipments. Five Below restock days (typically Tuesday/Wednesday) are the most reliable times to find in-store availability.

Dumpling squishy: FAQ

What is a dumpling squishy?

A dumpling squishy is a soft, slow-rising foam stress toy shaped like a Chinese dumpling. They are sold in mystery packaging so you do not know which design you will receive until opening. The mystery-box format drives collecting behaviour, with rarity levels ranging from common solid-colour designs to ultra-rare golden ticket and holographic variants.

What is inside a dumpling squishy?

Slow-rising polyurethane (PU) foam — the same material family used in memory foam. Glitter variants have a clear gel layer with cosmetic-grade glitter between the foam core and the outer surface. Scented variants have fragrance oil mixed into the foam during manufacturing.

Why does my dumpling squishy smell like gasoline?

A strong chemical or gasoline-like smell indicates uncured foam — the polyurethane was not fully cured during manufacturing. This is most common in counterfeit or low-quality dumplings that did not undergo proper quality control. Uncured PU foam can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are potentially harmful. If your dumpling squishy has a strong chemical smell, stop using it, ventilate the area, and dispose of it. Authentic dumplings from recognised brands (TABASQUISHY, RMS, Five Below exclusives) should have a mild scent or no scent at all.

Are dumpling squishies safe for kids?

Authentic dumpling squishies from recognised brands that meet ASTM F963 and CPSIA toy safety standards are safe for children ages 4 and up. The risks come from counterfeits (uncured foam, toxic materials) and from very young children who may chew or bite the foam (choking hazard). Buy from reputable retailers, check for safety certifications on the packaging, and supervise children under 6.

What is the rarest dumpling squishy?

The rarest widely-available dumpling squishies are the golden ticket variants from Five Below’s promotional campaigns, holographic metallic finishes, and limited-edition brand collaborations. Manufacturing error prints (misprinted faces, unusual colour combinations) are also considered ultra-rare by collectors. Rarity varies by brand and release — check the specific brand’s rarity guide on their packaging.

How do you tell if a dumpling squishy is real?

Check for: branded packaging with the company logo and name spelled correctly, smooth and consistent foam texture, slow-rise time of 3–5 seconds, mild or no chemical smell, and safety certification markings (ASTM, CPSIA) on the label. Fakes typically have unbranded or misspelled packaging, lumpy foam, no slow-rise, a strong chemical smell, and no safety markings.

How do you make a dumpling squishy at home?

Three methods: 1) Paper method (draw, cut, tape and stuff with cotton balls — 15 minutes, free, best for kids). 2) Foam + fabric method (cut memory foam into shape, cover with stretchy fabric, paint a face — 30 minutes, $5, feels close to real). 3) Silicone mould method (make a mould, pour expanding foam, demould and paint — 2–3 hours, $15–25, near-professional result). Full step-by-step tutorials with images for all three methods are in the DIY section above.

Can you wash a dumpling squishy?

Surface-clean only. Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not submerge in water or put in a washing machine — the foam absorbs water and may not dry completely, leading to mould growth inside. Do not use harsh chemicals or hand sanitiser on the surface as they can degrade the foam material.

Squeeze it, collect it, or make your own

The dumpling squishy craze is equal parts toy collecting, stress relief and internet culture. Whether you are hunting for the golden ticket at Five Below, building a rare collection, or making your own dumpling squishy at home with your kids on a Saturday afternoon, the appeal is the same: it is a small, soft, satisfying thing that makes you smile when you squeeze it. And in 2026, 176,000 people a month are searching for exactly that.

For more DIY squishy projects, our paper squishy ideas guide has 50 designs with free templates. For other hands-on crafts, air dry clay ideas has 50 no-kiln projects, perler bead ideas has 60 pixel-art patterns, and things to do when bored is the master list for when the dumplings are squeezed and you need the next thing.