Kids love trends. Sometimes, a toy will gain great popularity among children, and it spreads like wildfire. Furthermore, kids are natural collectors. So, it’s no surprise that the latest craze from Japan is trending. The squishies are not only adorable but perfect as collectibles, as well.

 

Kawaii Squishies

 

Squishies are the epitome of the Japanese Kawaii culture. Kawaii means “cute” or “adorable”. And, we must say, that describes squishies to a T. They come in many shapes and sizes. The most popular ones have the form of famous cartoon and anime characters. However, food squishies and animal squishies aren’t far behind in popularity, either.

 

Squishies are oh-so-soft. Fans of squishies usually describe them as “bread-like.” They even come scented, so you can smell the freshly-baked bread while you are playing with them. Squishies are the perfect tactile toy not only for kids but also adults.

 

Squishies come from Japan. Not a surprise, as Japan is known for cute trends. But, their cuteness isn’t their only positive trait. Squishies are also safe for use and have no age limitations. Finding a safe, fun toy for your child isn’t easy, but squishies check all the marks.

 

Material properties

The materials are non-toxic, and there are no worries about choking hazards. Because each year thousands of children get hurt by poorly manufactured toys, a safe toy is heaven-sent to most parents. That is why parents tend to buy big, soft toys for their young children. And, squishies fall into both those categories. Because of this, it is common to find squishies in family day out. They tend to make kids busy while everyone hangs out.

 

Toys with sharp edges, toys that shoot parts into the air or noisy toys might seem fun, but they can be dangerous. Especially if you don’t use them correctly. So, choose softer toys. However, even stuffed animal toys can be a bit tricky. If they aren’t appropriately sewn or have loose parts, they can become a hazard.

 

When choosing toys for your children, check what materials manufacturers use, to see if they are safe. They have to be non-toxic and without any chemicals. Furthermore, avoid plastic toys made from a weak material that can easily break.

 

The safest toy around

Keeping all this in mind, it seems that squishies really meet the high standards of worried parents. They aren’t a choking hazard. Furthermore, they are composed of a practically indestructible material. The foam that squishies are made out of will not break down quickly. Just make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight. Otherwise, it might lose the coloring.

 

Squishies might be the safest toy around. They rate very high amongst parents when it comes to safety. The fact that children of all ages can use them is a nice bonus. It’s rare that one toy is so versatile.

 

No kid can resist a squishy! The bright colors, pleasant texture and intoxicating scent will keep even the most active children entertained. Rather than letting kids play Angry birds app on gadgets, better let them play Angry Bird squishies. Not to mention that the adorable shapes attract kids’ attention. As for the parents, they can rest assured of their child’s safety.

 

 

 

Ah, the season of love has arrived yet again, giving couples a reason to tell cheesy pick-up lines and gush about how utterly in love they are with each other. Usually, couples will spend their money on loads of chocolate and flowers, which is completely fine, but why not do something different this year and create a little something I call a “Love Basket”? The basket you create can be as expensive or inexpensive as you want, and will be sure to surprise the one you love this season. Also, I guarantee you will have fun putting your Love Basket together!

1. You’re no impasta; you’re the one I love.

Create a git that will make for a nice Valentine’s Day dinner for two. Use a metal/plastic noodle strainer as your basket; then fill with a jar of spaghetti sauce, your favorite type of noodle, bottle of wine and a loaf of bread. Remember to be creative, I would for sure add Parmesan cheese to this one.

2. I won the lottery when I fell in love with you.

Here is a tall glass vase used to hold the lottery tickets (you can find at Walmart or craft store). The bottom is loaded with a favorite candy and then wooden sticks are used to arrange the lottery tickets at different levels in the vase. Use tape or a hot glue gun to stick the lottery tickets to the wooden sticks. So easy and such a fun idea! You could win big bucks, too!

3. I love you to pieces.

With the same idea as the lottery tickets, hot glue the candy bars to wooden sticks. You can find large boxes of Reese’s Pieces at your nearest gas station or Walmart to create the base. In this case you would need to get a block of styrofoam to keep the sticks in place and those can be found in Walmart or a craft store. Keep in mind this idea can be used with any type of candy!

4. You’re a natural at being sweet.

A perfect gift for someone that would rather have fruit than chocolate. The basket here was created with a simple cardboard box and you can decorate it up with ribbon, or use a sharpie and write cheesy words or draw cool designs. Use fresh fruits, nuts and even sauces like jams or honey to make up this naturally sweet box!

5. You’re such a hot-tea.

If your sweetheart requests coffee or tea first thing in the morning, this is the perfect gift. The basket is a nice fabric tote that can be found at your nearest Walmart or Target. And you’re in luck because the coffee and tea can be found at the same place! Something I think that would make a great addition to this basket would be some coffee syrups and sugar cubes.

6. Now’s the time to play games with my heart.

Create a fun game night basket that is perfect for just you and your loved one or for the entire family! Get a large bucket from Target or Walmart and fill to the top with snacks and games. This will only give you a better reason to purchase those games you’ve been meaning to buy for awhile now!

7. I’m so glad I got to meat you.

Such a cool idea for the jack and jerky lover in your life. Find a wooden basket at your nearest Walmart or Target and fill with beef jerky sticks (or packs), whisky shooters and a jar of nuts (I would also add coke). You will be loved forever.

8. You make my heart pop.

Plan a night in with your valentine with a movie night basket! Reusable popcorn buckets can be found at your nearest Bed, Bath and Beyond, but if you don’t have one close by, you can always use a big glass/plastic bowl as the base of your basket. Fill with movies, popcorn, candy and pop. I’ve made one of these before, and I added in a nice pair of pajama pants since this was a “movie night” idea. Everything you would need for this basket can be purchased at your nearest Walmart.

9. Let’s fire up some love.

For the one who loves to grill in the relationship, make them a grilling basket! Spring is on its way and this is perfect to get in the mood and make some burgers to celebrate your Valentine’s Day. Use a wooden basket for the base and fill with seasonings, barbecue sauce, pop/booze and utensils. This will be sure to win over your grilling lover’s heart.

Another idea with the similar cooking concept could be to make a baking basket and call it “baking up some love.” You can get a big mixing bowl and fill with cupcake mix, frosting, sprinkles, towels, a spatula and a little muffin tin!

Check out 15 Amazing Valentine’s Day Gift Baskets.

10. No need to make up your mind babe, I’m right here.

Surprise your valentine with a basket filled with her makeup and beauty needs. Here they used a small fabric basket, but you could use a makeup box/bag. You can fill it with makeup brushes, an eye shadow palette (one with colors you like so she knows what to wear), an eyelash curler, nail polish, nail filer, nail clippers and much more.

This is a basket that you can even turn into a spa day at home and fill with face masks, nail polishes, soaps, sugar scrubs, wine and chocolate. All can be found in the same area at Walmart or Target.