Does Costco Have Squishmallows? Find In-Stock Locations & Current Deals
Costco shoppers often find themselves asking a very specific question when browsing the plush aisles: does Costco have Squishmallows? The short answer is a resounding yes, but the reality is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Finding these popular, ultra-plush creatures requires knowing when to look, where to look, and understanding that stock is incredibly dynamic. This guide cuts through the confusion and gives you the definitive strategy for locating Squishmallows at your local Costco.
Squishmallocks at Costco: The Dynamic Reality
Unlike a big-box retailer with a static inventory, Costco operates on a model of surprise and limited-time offerings. You will rarely, if ever, find a dedicated, permanent "Squishmallow Aisle." Instead, these plush toys appear sporadically, often as part of a broader seasonal or holiday assortment. The key to success is understanding that you are looking for a specific item that might be hiding within a large bin of other trending toys or seasonal decor. Patience and persistence are your greatest tools in this hunt.
The Primary Hunting Grounds: The Toy Aisle
Your best chance of scoring a Squishmallow is to head directly to the store's main toy section. This is where Costco typically rolls out its major seasonal toy assortments, which frequently include national brands like Squishmallows. During peak seasons like the holiday shopping period or back-to-school, the toy aisle transforms into a treasure trove. You might find them mixed in with other plush animals, on lower shelves waiting to be discovered, or even in large, floor-level bins that require some digging. Keep an eye out for the distinctive, round, and incredibly soft packaging that makes these toys so recognizable.
Seasonal and Holiday Surprises
Another prime opportunity to find Squishmallows at Costco is during major holiday seasons. Around Halloween, you might encounter them as part of a spooky plush collection. During the winter holidays, they are frequently bundled into festive gift sets or placed alongside other popular stocking stuffers. The Valentine's Day and Easter seasons can also bring limited-edition, themed Squishmallows to the shelves. If you're wondering, "does Costco have Squishmallows right now?" the best approach is to check their weekly ad or app for the current season's offerings, as they act as a roadmap to the store's hottest items.
| Season | Likely Location | Squishmallow Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday (Nov-Dec) | Main Toy Aisle, Seasonal Displays | High (Often part of large toy assortments) |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Toy Aisle, Near Plush Categories | Moderate to High |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Toy Aisle, Surprise Stock | Variable (Surprise restocks) |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | Toy Aisle, Halloween Sections | Moderate (Themed appearances) |
Beyond the Aisle: The Costco App is Your Best Friend
To truly master the game of finding Squishmallows at Costco, you need to leverage technology. The official Costco app is not just for checking out; it's an essential tool for any serious plush hunter. Before you even leave your house, log in to the app and use the search function to look for "Squishmallow." While it won't always show real-time inventory, it will alert you if the item is part of a current online sale or if there are any related promotions. More importantly, the app gives you a digital version of the weekly ad, which is your most accurate source for knowing what toys are actually available in-store during that visit.
The "Surprise Bin" Strategy
Sometimes, the most successful method is the simplest one: look for the giant bin of discounted or miscellaneous toys. Costco frequently uses these large, bottomless bins to clear out overstock, discontinued items, or mystery bundles. While it's a gamble, these bins are often where you'll stumble upon a forgotten Squishmallow at a deep discount. It requires a willingness to dig through a pile of miscellaneous toys, but the payoff—a brand-new, still-packaged Squishmallow—can be incredibly rewarding and save you a significant amount of money.
What to Do If You Can't Find One
Despite your best efforts, you might walk out of the store empty-pawed. Inventory at Costco is notoriously inconsistent, and a sold-out item can disappear from the shelves in a matter of hours. If this happens, don't get discouraged. Your first course of action should be to ask an employee directly. They have access to backroom inventory systems and might know if a new shipment is scheduled to arrive later in the week. Furthermore, the secondary market is always active. You can check local Facebook Marketplace listings or eBay for brand-new, in-box Squishmallows, though be prepared to pay a slight premium over the original retail price. Finally, signing up for Costco's membership waitlist or email alerts can notify you the moment a new batch of toys, including potentially Squishmallows, hits the warehouse for distribution.