Squishmallow Backpacks Guide for Carry-On Friends

Did you know that the squishy, marshmallow-themed plush toys have backpacks? I learned about them quickly once my kids found the Squishmallow backpacks. Let me enlighten you on the new trend in this Squishmallow Backpacks Guide. There are more than 14 choices, all with matching personalities.

Squishmallows are a storm in the world of plush, a good one. I got nearly as excited as my children when I learned about them. The new Squishmallows squad comes with a few return favorite characters, and there are some rare finds for collectors like me. I’ll show you how to match the perfect backpack for your child.

Bottom Line Up Front

As a mom and plush collector, I certainly enjoy the new squad from Squishmallows. Each Squishmallow comes with a unique personality, backstory, and list of hobbies. I can’t see how I would better match a backpack to my children’s interests. What’s more, the Squishmallow backpacks appeal to various age groups.

The Denton the Chameleon backpack suits an older brother who protects his younger sibling. The Kelina the Koala backpack serves a sassy and confident teenager. The Shantira the Dragon backpack fits right into a child’s habit of reading exciting books about explorations and fantastic new ventures.

The Drew the Dragon backpack represents a Squishmallow squad member with dreams larger than himself. Imagine how he can inspire your children to pursue their wildest dreams. The Nicole the Caticorn backpack is a fashionista with a creative mind bold enough to push kids into the experimentation phase (the good one).

I show you the simplest way to match your child’s needs, interests, and personality with the right Squishmallow backpack. The Regina the Corgi backpack suits any child who wants a best friend who doubles as a carry-on. And if you can’t find the character they love, there are Squishmallow backpack accessories to fill the gap.

Squishmallows Backpacks Guide: The Basics

Take a marshmallow and run it through your fingers quickly. That feeling is how a Squishmallow feels, but now there are Squishmallow backpacks with the same feeling. Kids can feel the comfort and friendship from their carry-on buddies anywhere now.

Squishmallow Makes Backpacks?

Squishmallows never expected the love and passion the world showed since they began in 2017. Squishmallows started creating unique marshmallow-feel plush with background stories and personalities. Cameron the Cat Squishmallow was the first creation, the first member of the Squishmallows squad.

Squishmallows entered a new wave of success during the pandemic when Tik Tok users began sharing their collections online. The Squishmallows hashtag earned its Twitter account 100,000 followers. Kelly Toys owns Squishmallows, and the squishiest plush toys officially rank in the top flanks with other collectibles now.

Squishmallows are so popular today that the brand won the 2022 Toy of the Year Award. So when did Squishmallows begin manufacturing backpacks? Squishmallow backpacks launched in April 2021, and the first three members included Monica the Axolotl, Ilene the Pink Unicorn, and Nicole the Caticorn.

Kids love the Squishmallow squads so much that backpacks were the next logical step. Now kids can carry their buddies to school or friends. The backpacks also have the marshmallow feel, and the 14 available options in 2022 come from various squads to appeal to all children.

Squishmallow Backpack Tips

My advice is from one mom to another. Your little ones, sometimes teenagers, love specific squads and members. It’s the first way to choose the best backpack for your kids. However, children can’t always make their minds up. They also tend to want all of them. Let me give you some advice for when your kid wants them all.

Children love plush toys because they provide comfort, become best friends, and teach them many skills. I’d love my kids to have every Squishmallow backpack, but it’s not always an option. I consider the personality of each Squishmallow member and match it to my child’s personality.

I won’t allow my son to walk around with a caticorn backpack unless he feels passionate about his feminine side. Help your children narrow their choice by selecting the Squishmallow backpack that suits them. Small children can also learn from the character booklets with every Squishmallow backpack.

Sure, the Squishmallow characters aren’t always accurate. Monica the Axolotl’s hobbies include playing the drums. The axolotl is a weird underwater creature that doesn’t play the drums. Kids won’t always learn the most practical lessons from their character’s hobbies, but they might inspire kids to pursue their matching hobbies.

I know it all seems confusing, so let me summarize the three tips to select the right Squishmallow backpack:

1. Allow kids to pick their favorite character. If step one fails, move to steps two and three.
2. Match your child’s gender, preferences, and personality to the Squishmallow backpack.
3. Consider whether the backpack character has the same hobbies as your child.

Squishmallow Backpack Examples

Squishmallow backpacks include members from various squads. They’re all 12″ backpacks with the best of the favorite Squishmallow squad members. The brand follows Squishmallow fan trends and turns them into bags for little fans who can’t get enough of their buddies. I’ll show you the regular backpacks.

However, there are also exclusives available in certain countries. Miles the Dragon Squishmallow is a Canadian favorite, so Squishmallows launched an exclusive backpack in Canada. You might get one from a reseller, but you won’t easily find one in the North American stores.

Maybe you can’t find your little one’s favorite Squishmallow as a backpack yet. You can still enjoy a wide range of backpack accessories to soothe the tide until one becomes available. I’ll include as a bonus for Squishmallow backpacks is clip-on keychains.

To summarize the Squishmallow backpack options, there are three types.

1. Regular Squishmallow backpacks
2. Exclusive Squishmallow backpacks
3. Squishmallow backpack accessories

So, how will I pick the best Squishmallow backpacks to share with you? I’ll avoid torturing you and the kids by sharing the available Squishmallow backpacks and accessories. The exclusives are hard to find and pricy from resellers, and I don’t want to break your child’s heart. 

I do share four exclusives later in this article. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll find them from a reseller. 

Squishmallow Backpacks Guide: Buddying Personalities

Now that you know how easy selecting a Squishmallow backpack can be, it’s time to see the personalities, hobbies, and squad members available. I’ll get to the backpack accessories soon enough.

Denton the Chameleon Squishmallows Backpack

Denton is the older brother of Kent the Chameleon Squishmallow. He loves protecting and supporting his baby brother in all ventures. I’d love to see Denton’s attitude in my son because I would melt if my son was as protective over his baby sister. He tries really hard, but kids won’t always be as close as we wish.

Features

• Squad: Squishmallow backpack squad
• Member: Denton Chameleon Squishmallow backpack
• Hobbies: Sketching and supporting his brother’s musical hobbies

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

I can see my son wearing the Denton Chameleon backpack because he loves his little sister. Maybe it would inspire him to be more protective of her. My son’s also creative, always drawing manga.

Pros

• The Denton Chameleon backpack is an adorable option for older brothers (or sisters) with a creative edge
• I love the chameleon scale effects on the back, which is pretty detailed for a Squishmallow plush

Cons

• Kids without siblings might not enjoy the backpack when they read Denton’s story

Drew the Dragon Squishmallows Backpack

Drew is a small, mint-colored dragon with passions larger than life. He loves planes and flying, maybe because he’s a dragon, after all. Drew’s a wildly adventurous type of Squishmallow. I sometimes wonder about the size of my daughter’s ambitions. I’ll do whatever it takes to encourage her dreams, and maybe this backpack works.

Features

• Squad: Squishmallow fantasy, dream, and backpack squads
• Member: Drew Dragon Squishmallow backpack
• Hobbies: Playing baseball, going on adventures, and learning new languages

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

I see boys and girls wearing Drew Dragon backpacks, especially if they share his adventurous spirit. Sporty boys with a lust for new explorations work well. It’s also an incredible backpack for older kids with broad ambitions.

Pros

• The Drew Dragon backpack’s story inspires children to pursue their passions and adventurous sides
• I think the wings, ears, and little horns look fantastic for a soft backpack

Cons

• The nose looks like a pig more than a dragon, but it’s still cute

Ilene the Pink Unicorn Squishmallows Backpack

Ilene is a girl with massive dreams, hoping to become a Broadway star with her latest musical theater skills. She’s as girly as they come, and she acts like a princess who owns the show. My daughter is incredibly musical and does ballet. I think Ilene suits her sometimes overwhelming spirit and energy.

Features

• Squad: Squishmallow fantasy and backpack squads
• Member: Ilene Unicorn Squishmallow backpack
• Hobbies: Music, dance, and theater

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

Little girls with musical spirits suit the backpack. Kids with a diva-like personality and who love the art of music driving their souls in a band, theater, dance, or choir would love Ilene.

Pros

• The Ilene Unicorn backpack reminds younger girls of the magic that exists in their imaginations
• I can see every girl at school wanting the pink unicorn backpack with a rainbow mane

Cons

• Again, the unicorn’s nose also looks more like a pig’s

Kelina the Koala Squishmallows Backpack

Kelina loves being a woman more than a girl. She paints her nails and acts like she has the world at her feet. She’s a blend of spicy and feminine, and she loves giving other girls glamor advice. I wonder how much my daughter will grow into this type of personality. She already tells her friends what to wear.

Features

• Squad: Squishmallow backpack squad
• Member: Kelina Koala Squishmallow backpack
• Hobbies: Dressing up, writing, and giving advice

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

I see Kelina suiting two types of girls. The first type is a shy introvert who needs someone to boost her confidence. The second type of girl is an older tween or teenager who likes sassy Squishmallows.

Pros

• The Kelina Koala backpack undoubtedly suits any girl, even tweens, especially if they need a confidence boost
• I love the rainbow ears and belly, and the furry features certainly tickle my fancy

Cons

• The koala Squishmallow backpack is softer than the others, making me worry whether it can maintain its shape

Luther the Shark Squishmallows Backpack

Luther is a cool guy from down in the deep. Think about a teenager who surprises you with emotional stability and logical decisions. Luther’s tie-die colors also match his peaceful nature. An emotionally stable teenager with super intelligence is any mom’s dream. I hope my son learns to keep his cool as much as Luther.

Features

• Squad: Squishmallow sealife and backpack squads
• Member: Luther Shark Squishmallow backpack
• Hobbies: Experimenting with science and technology

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

Boys will love the Luther backpack if they feel like the know-it-alls at school. The backpack suits kids who also have a calm nature and look for solutions to their challenges.

Pros

• The Luther Shark backpack inspires a sense of calm with the strong blue colors
• I think the tie-die coloration is hypnotic, and the fins are adorable

Cons

• I only wish the facial features were more notable on Luther

Monica the Axolotl Squishmallows Backpack

Monica has a chilled nature and is a social butterfly. You only see her leaving the relaxed zone when she zones into the drums. She’s a creative soul with a passion for beautiful music. She’d also be a good friend for my daughter if only my little girl had a calm nature. She’s still in the frantic stage of her life.

Features

• Squad: Axolotl Squishmallows and Backpack Squad
• Member: Monica Axolotl Squishmallow Backpack
• Hobbies: Playing the drums and singing

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

Boys and girls who share Monica’s passionate social existence and musical soul would suit her perfectly. Children with some emotional control would also befriend this chilled creative Squishmallow member.

Pros

• The Monica Axolotl backpack is an excellent “best friend” for children of any age
• I love the bright purple color and the upturned smile that subtly says, “welcome”

Cons

• Not every child knows an axolotl (unless they love Squishmallows)

Navina the Narwhal Squishmallows Backpack

Navina can sometimes be as mystical as the sea creature that inspired her creation. She’s a profoundly creative Squishmallow, often creating paintings that leave her audiences in awe of her magical talent. She suits me more than my kids because we share a profound love of self-care habits.

Features

• Squad: Squishmallow fantasy, sealife, and backpack squads
• Member: Navina Narwhal Squishmallow backpack
• Hobbies: Painting, meditating, and self-care habits

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

Navina would suit any child who needs a splash of passion in their heart. Her creative and unusual nature can inspire children to try new things and express their deepest feelings through art. She’s a favorite for girls.

Pros

• The Navina Narwhal backpack suits small kids, tweens, teens, and even adults who dare to carry magic on their shoulders
• She has a huge horn, glittery belly, and a rainbow tie-dye effect for next-level glamor

Cons

• People might confuse this backpack with a unicorn Squishmallow

Nebula the Cosmic Space Unicorn Squishmallows Backpack

Nebula is a cosmic wonder and a unicorn. What’s more magical? She has a hint of punk in her, but she’s a sweet girl with her head on straight. Ironically, the space-venturer loves looking into her microscope and studying tiny organisms. I admire the splash of curiosity and creativity from this Squishmallow backpack.

Features

• Squad: Squishmallow space, fantasy, and backpack squads
• Member: Nebula Unicorn Squishmallow backpack
• Hobbies: Art and biology

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

I’m getting the Nebula Unicorn backpack for my daughter when she gets older. Nebula suits tween and teenage girls with endless curiosity, creativity, and a hint of sassiness.

Pros

• The Nebula Unicorn backpack fits any child with boundless energy, a little cheekiness, and curiosity to make a cat shy
• The sparkles, glitter, and tie-dye rainbow effect make her the most magical backpack for girls

Cons

• The nose looks like a pig instead of a unicorn again

Nicole the Caticorn Squishmallows Backpack

Nicole is what you’d call a fashion geek if one existed. She’s perfectly rounded as a hard-working Squishmallow. She loves shoes, clothes, nails, hair, and beauty. However, she’s also one of the bubbliest Squishmallows around. My daughter loves her, but maybe it’s because she’s a caticorn (an unusual unicorn and cat combo).

Features

• Squad: Squishmallow backpack squad
• Member: Nicole Caticorn backpack Squishmallow
• Hobbies: Fashion, working, keeping busy, and brightening her friend’s lives

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

Imagine how Nicole can work for girls who need that push in life. She can inspire them to be more outgoing, work harder, and see the beauty of everything positive in life.

Pros

• The Nicole Caticorn backpack appeals to kids who want more, love working hard, and see the magic in the world
• I think combining a cat and unicorn is the best way to appeal to little girls

Cons

• The rainbow belly is smaller than I’d like to see

Opal the Octopus Squishmallows Backpack

Opal is a rainbow-colored joy who lives with four older brothers. Her brothers would do anything for her, and they’re profoundly protective of their little sister. Growing up with four brothers makes her a bit of a tomboy. My daughter is the opposite of a tomboy, but I hope the bond with her brother becomes this strong.

Features

• Squad: Squishmallow sealife and backpack squads
• Member: Opal Octopus backpack Squishmallow
• Hobbies: Dirt-biking (the perfect example of an illogical hobby because how can an octopus ride a dirt bike?)

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

Opal is a versatile girl who works for boys and girls. She suits someone who isn’t afraid of getting their pretty nails dirty. She also works for little girls who want to remember how much their brothers love them.

Pros

• The Opal Octopus backpack is a dream for ambitious children of all ages
• I love the tentacles hanging from the rainbow tie-dye body

Cons

• The backpack’s body isn’t the best shape

Regina the Corgi Squishmallows Backpack

Regina has a solid motherly personality. She loves bossing other Squishmallows around, but for the sake of theater. Regina would love to run her own Broadway show one day. She’s also a best friend who shares good advice. My kids love puppies, and the corgi backpack appeals strongly to both of them.

Features

• Squad: Squishmallow pet and backpack squads
• Member: Regina Corgi backpack Squishmallow
• Hobbies: Directing, producing, and giving advice

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

Regina is another versatile Squishmallow backpack squad member because she’s always encouraging friends to be their best versions. She also brings a sense of comfort from the pet squad.

Pros

• The Regina Corgi backpack can be your child’s best friend and confidant
• The cute puppy is drinking a Boba tea on the front of the backpack (looks kitsch yet modern)

Cons

• Sadly, the corgi looks a little catty

Shantira the Dragon Squishmallows Backpack

Shantira looks as wise as her prehistoric inspiration. She’s a pterodactyl dinosaur with dragon abilities. Shantira is pretty similar to Regina in that she acts like a best friend, protector, and mother to other Squishmallows. My son has a thing for dragons, and he loves her, even if she’s technically a dinosaur.

Features

• Squad: Squishmallows backpack and fantasy squads
• Member: Shantira Pterodactyl backpack Squishmallow
• Hobbies: Knitting, reading, and silence

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

Shantira suits any child of any age who needs a best friend plush. She’s a wise and calm Squishmallow, always looking out for her friends. She also finds passion in knowing more by reading books.

Pros

• The Shantira Dragon backpack is a wonderful plush friend for all kids
• The massive eyes and tiny wings make the backpack look adorable

Cons

• People mistake Shantira for a dragon, even though she has no horns

Tomara the Penguin Squishmallows Backpack

Tomara has a unique and somewhat eccentric personality. She’s so obsessed with blackberries that she even loves school trips, where they travel to a farm and pick the berries. Tomara can eat blackberry jam on toast every morning before school. She makes me think of my eccentric personality.

Features

• Squad: Squishmallow backpack and sealife squads
• Member: Tomara Penguin backpack Squishmallow
• Hobbies: Picking, thinking, eating, and dreaming about blackberries

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

I’m not sure who Tomara fits because she doesn’t have much personality or hobbies. She’s an adorable penguin backpack kids would love, though. She’d suit boys and girls.

Pros

• The furry fins, tie-dye background, and big white belly make Tomara the Penguin one of the cutest Squishmallow backpacks

Cons

• She doesn’t suit many children, personality-wise
• She gets dirty too easily with her massive white belly

Vickie the Fox Squishmallows Backpack

Vickie is a bit of a diva or a drama queen, but she’s adorable. She’s always watching her favorite shows with every ounce of attention she possesses. If not, Vickie’s in the kitchen to create the most delicious cupcakes. At least her baking skills make me think of my daughter. Okay, maybe my girl’s also still a drama queen.

Features

• Squad: Squishmallow wildlife and backpack squads
• Member: Vickie Fox backpack Squishmallow
• Hobbies: Baking and shows with drama or comedy

Who Should Wear This Squishmallow Backpack?

Vickie is another character I’m not sure suits anyone specific. She most likely fits the girly side better, and she can help kids grow their passion for creating unique foods and bakes in the kitchen. What mom doesn’t want her little girl learning to bake and assisting in the kitchen?

Pros

• Vickies cat mask and ears make her look more realistic than the other backpacks

Cons

• The Vickie Fox backpack doesn’t suit many children
• I don’t like that her eyes are closed

Bonus Squishmallow Backpack Options

I’ll divide the Squishmallow backpack accessories into two categories, with ten samples each. As a bonus, I’ll add one hobby for each keychain. You should have the knack of matching your child’s Squishmallow personality and hobbies now.

Squishmallow Backpack Accessories for Girls

1. Elina the Peacock Squishmallow Keychain (eating)
2. Janet the Jellyfish Squishmallow Keychain (music)
3. Joelle the Bigfoot Squishmallow Keychain (learning)
4. Lizette the Caticorn Squishmallow Keychain (traveling)
5. Lucinda the Llamacorn Squishmallow Keychain (volunteering)
6. Paulita the Tabby Cat Squishmallow Keychain (painting)
7. Rodina the Unicorn Squishmallow Keychain (trying new foods)
8. Shoshana the Unicorn Squishmallow Keychain (dancing)
9. Sunny the Bee Squishmallow Keychain (tracking the weather)
10. Ximena the Mango Squishmallow Keychain (being girly)

Squishmallow Backpack Accessories for Boys

1. Austin the Avocado Squishmallow Keychain (dreaming of space)
2. Bernie the St. Bernard Squishmallow Keychain (mountain-climbing)
3. Fania the Owl Squishmallow Keychain (storytelling)
4. Freddy the Zebra Squishmallow Keychain (video games)
5. Glena the Eggplant Squishmallow Keychain (surfing)
6. Hudson the Unicorn Squishmallow Keychain (socializing)
7. Leonard the Rainbow Lion Squishmallow Keychain (napping)
8. Magela the Crab Squishmallow Keychain (chilling with friends)
9. Paul the Koala Squishmallow Keychain (playing sport)
10. Renne the Latte Squishmallow Keychain (playing lacrosse)

Top Q&A

Squishmallow Backpacks Guide: Conclusion

I was shocked to see how many Squishmallow backpacks exist because I consider myself a plush expert. I can’t wait to find one of the rare exclusives, and yes, I’ll spend some money on them. My kids already chose their favorite backpacks, and I’ll be ordering them soon. Honestly, why should they wait?

What matches your child’s personality and interests? Is your older son protective of his younger brother? In that case, the Denton the Chameleon backpack suits him perfectly. Does your little one need a new best friend they can also take to school? The Regina the Corgi backpack can be that friend.

The Kelina the Koala backpack can inspire teenage girls to be confident, and the Shantira the Dragon backpack can encourage kids to read more books. Do you have a child with many passions in life? The Drew the Dragon backpack fits their personality to the tee. You know how to pick one for your child now.

Maybe I should get to ordering mine while I leave you to do the same.

For more plushy surprises:

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Caroline Lambert

Carol is a plush collector, enthusiast, and mom, and her school friends once called her the luckiest kid alive. Her mom was what we know as a modern-day hoarder, but her passionate hoarding was all things plush and toys. Carol never grew up in a home but rather in a toy store. Her mom was always hunting the latest toy trend, collecting Newborn dolls, and piling up to the ceiling with stuffed animals. Today, Carol piles her expertise and experience into her ultimate passion, writing. She aims to bring you the latest plush trends from the biggest brands. And every so often, she'll throw a special, rare plush into the mix. Carol knows how children and collectors love plushies, and she intends to help you feed that obsession while keeping within reason.

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