Stress balls have been around forever, but most of them are, frankly, boring. The SLIMYGLOOP Squishmallows Gelli Gel takes the idea and makes it something kids actually want to show their friends: a pocket-sized squishy in the shape of a Squishmallow, filled with sparkly glitter gel that slowly swirls every time you squeeze it.

It's currently #5 in all of Toys & Games and #3 in Squeeze Toys on Amazon, with a 4.4-star average from more than 1,100 ratings. Here's what makes it popular, and what to know before you buy.

Who it's for

Squishmallows fans of any age who want a small collectible they can carry around.
Kids who fidget in class or on the bus. It's quiet, small and satisfying.
Teens and adults who want a desk toy for focus breaks during homework or work.
Gift shoppers looking for a stocking stuffer, classroom reward or birthday add-on under the price of a full plush.

What we liked

Slow-flow glitter is genuinely mesmerizing. Squeeze it and the glitter gel drifts around inside. It's the kind of thing you keep watching.
Shape memory. Pull, flatten or twist it and it returns to its Squishmallows shape. The listing calls this "never loses its shape."
Pocket size. At roughly 2.8 x 3.6 inches, it fits in a backpack pocket, a pencil case or a desk drawer.
Collectible. It comes in blue, pink and purple, so kids who like to collect can build a set.
Works for all ages. It's labeled for ages 4 and up, and the design isn't so babyish that teens or adults feel silly using it.

What could be better

It's a single toy. For the price, some buyers might expect a multi-pack. This is one Gelli Gel.
Gel toys can be punctured. Any gel-filled squishy can leak if it meets scissors, sharp pencils or a determined pet. Keep it away from sharp objects.
Not for little ones who bite. If a child still chews toys, a gel squishy isn't a good match.
Lint and dust. Like most soft squishy surfaces, it can pick up fuzz in a pocket. A quick rinse and pat dry helps.

Key specs explained

Slow-flow glitter gel: a thick, clear gel filled with glitter. It moves slowly when squeezed, which is what makes it so satisfying to watch.
Shape memory: the outer material springs back to its original shape after being stretched or squished.
Squishmallows license: this is an official Squishmallows product made by Horizon Group USA, the company behind SLIMYGLOOP.

Tips for getting the most out of it

Keep it away from pens, scissors and pets' teeth. Punctures are the main way gel squishies fail.
Give it a pocket of its own in a backpack so it doesn't collect crumbs and lint.
Rinse with plain water if it gets dusty, then pat it dry.
Use it as a focus tool. A few slow squeezes during reading or homework is a quiet way to reset.
Collect the colors. Pink and purple make easy follow-up gifts.

How it compares

Versus a classic foam stress ball: a foam ball is cheaper and tougher, but it doesn't have the glitter or the Squishmallows character that kids love.
Versus a full Squishmallows plush: the plush is for cuddling; the Gelli Gel is for fidgeting. It's a smaller, cheaper way into the collection.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How many come in the pack? One blue Gelli Gel.

Q: What age is it for? The manufacturer recommends ages 4 and up.

Q: Does it keep its shape? Yes. It's designed to bounce back into its Squishmallows shape after squeezing and stretching.

Q: What other colors are there? Pink and purple are also available.

Before you buy

Check the color you're ordering. This listing is the blue one.
Think about who'll use it. It's great for ages 4 and up, but not for a toddler or a pet that chews.
Gift idea: pair it with a Squishmallows plush for a fan's birthday.

Should you buy it?

If your kid (or you) loves Squishmallows and fidget toys, the Gelli Gel is an easy, affordable treat. The glitter effect and shape memory make it more fun than a standard stress ball. Just treat it gently around sharp objects, and know that you're buying one toy, not a set.

Buy on Amazon

Squishmallows Gelli Gel Review: A Glitter Stress Ball That Always Bounces Back

Key specs