Squishmallows 12-Inch - Medium-Sized Ultrasoft Official Kell

The Verdict

The Squishmallow phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down, and Kell the teal axolotl is one of the more sought-after characters in the lineup. With a 4.9-star average across 245 ratings, this 12-inch plush has clearly won over buyers—but is it worth your money, or is the hype inflated? I dug into the specs, the feedback, and the real-world wear to give you the straight story.

What you actually get: A 12-inch tall, ultrasoft plush made from the signature Squishmallow polyester-spandex blend that gives these toys their distinctive marshmallow feel. Kell features embroidered eyes and gills, a stitched smile, and the brand’s iconic “Squishmallows” tag sewn into the seam. No accessories, no packaging frills—just the plush itself. The 12-inch size is the medium tier in the Squishmallow range, sitting between the 8-inch (which feels more like a desk ornament) and the 16-inch (which is honestly too big for most kids to carry around comfortably).

Performance and build quality: The exterior fabric is genuinely impressive—it’s soft in a way that feels almost liquid when you run your hand across it, and the filling uses a proprietary blend that springs back after compression. In practice, this means Kell survives being used as a pillow, a projectile, and a comfort object without losing shape quickly. The embroidery is the standout durability feature here: unlike cheaper plush toys that use printed faces that crack and peel, Kell’s features are stitched, so they hold up to washing and aggressive toddler love. One buyer noted, “My daughter has slept on this every night for three months and it still looks brand new.” Another praised the size: “Perfect for my 5-year-old—big enough to hug, small enough to take in the car.”

What buyers consistently praise: The overwhelming theme in the reviews is the softness—nearly every positive review mentions it first. Parents also appreciate that these are genuinely huggable, not just decorative. The 12-inch size gets consistent praise for being versatile. And the fact that Kell is an axolotl (a trending animal among kids right now) makes it a hit with the younger crowd who are into the character, not just the brand.

Where it falls short: Honest talk—the filling does compress over time. If you’re buying this for a child who will sleep on it every night, expect it to lose some of its original plumpness within six months. It won’t become flat, but it won’t feel brand-new either. Collectors should also note that there’s no collector card or hang tag, which is a minor miss for a brand that markets heavily to adult collectors. And the price is genuinely volatile—I’ve seen this same character sell for $10 less at Target during sales, so if you’re not in a rush, shop around.

Who should buy this: The 12-inch Kell is ideal for three specific buyers: parents of kids aged 3-10 who want a durable, machine-washable comfort plush; teens and adults who collect specific characters and want the medium size for display or bed use; and anyone looking for a genuinely soft, high-quality plush that isn’t a cheap impulse buy. Skip it if you’re looking for a strictly decorative piece (the 8-inch is better for that) or if you’re on a tight budget and can wait for a sale.

FAQ:

Q: Is this safe for babies or toddlers under 3?
A: The embroidered eyes are stitched securely, but the filling is not designed for heavy chewing. For under-3s, stick with the smaller Jellycat-style options or supervise play.

Q: Can you machine wash it?
A: Yes, but use cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry. The squishmallow filling can clump if you use heat. Multiple buyers confirmed it comes out fine with this method.

Q: Is Kell a rare or limited-edition Squishmallow?
A: Not currently. Kell is a standard character in the regular lineup, which means you shouldn’t pay inflated reseller prices. This is good news if you want one without hunting.

The Verdict:
Buy it if you want a high-quality, genuinely soft plush that will survive daily use from a kid or serve as a comfortable bed companion for an adult. The 12-inch size is the most practical in the lineup, and the construction quality justifies the price over cheaper alternatives.
Skip it if you’re a hardcore collector who needs the card and packaging, or if you’re price-sensitive and can wait for a retail discount.
Rating: 4.6/5 — a solid, well-made product that mostly lives up to the hype, with only minor tradeoffs worth noting.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.