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Why are there concerns about popular dumpling squishy toys?

Pink Squishy dumpling toy and case

The food shaped toys can be squashed, stretched, pinched or rolled

From Labubu dolls to fidget toys - social media can play a powerful part in toy trends.

Currently lots of young people are wanting to get their hands on 'dumpling squishies'. Particularly the glittery ones.

But, warnings are being shared that some of these toys could be unsafe.

Read on to find out more about the toys and why there are concerns about them...

Other toy trends throughout the years:

What are dumpling squishies?

Dumpling squish out of box, in box and closed box

They can be used for stress relief and focus - and are in demand for both kids and adults

Dumpling squishies bring together two of the internet's most popular trends - blind unboxing toys and squishy fidget toys.

The food shaped toys can be squashed, stretched, pinched or rolled.

They can be used for stress relief and focus - and are in demand for both kids and adults.

Because the toys come in a blind box, customers don't know which colour or type they are getting, and part of the trend has become finding a rare glitter filled one.

Where has the trend come from?

Photo showing some versions of the dumplings Amazon

The glitter dumpling - glittery ones are considered to be very rare

Like many other toy trends, a lot of the hype around dumpling squishies has come from social media platforms, like TikTok and Youtube.

A lot of the excitement comes from the blind box element of the toy.

Lots of people enjoy the excitement that comes with opening up a package and not knowing what exactly is inside.

When you open these blind boxes there are a variety of dumplings you might get:

  • The regular, solid-coloured dumplings - the most common type

  • A rainbow or a holographic dumpling - these are less common

  • The glitter dumpling - these are considered to be ultra rare

What are the concerns about dumpling squishies?

Due to high demand, lots of companies are now making and selling these toys and now a Welsh council has warned parents that some of these toys could be unsafe.

It follows an investigation by Trading Standards officers at Swansea Council, after they received reports of some dumpling squishies having a strange smell.

They said that tests found some hazardous chemicals in products that were seized from shops in Swansea.

The Trading Standards officers also say some of the toys they examined failed to meet basic UK safety standards.

Emma-Louise went to find out what happens to counterfeit toys

Rhys Harries, Trading Standards Officer at Swansea Council, said: "These products are clearly attractive to children because they are being driven by online trends, but that does not mean they are safe."

Last year, the government warned against counterfeit Labubu toys, which officers said highlighted the speed at which social media-driven trends can spread unsafe or fake products.

Mr Harries said: "Social media platforms such as TikTok can accelerate the spread of toy crazes almost overnight, but they can also help point Trading Standards towards the latest fake, unsafe or non-compliant products entering the market.

"We would urge parents to be cautious, to buy from reputable retailers, and to check for the correct safety markings and supplier details."