Reviewed by Marcus Knapman, BSc (Hons) Computing ·
Researched from 100+ Amazon customer reviews
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I'll be frank: fidget toys have become absolutely everywhere, and most of them are forgettable plastic tat that breaks within a week. So when I spotted the Toyland Rainbow Glitter Squishy Bao Dumpling, I was initially sceptical. Another quirky stress toy trying to stand out in an oversaturated market? But there's something oddly appealing about a dumpling-shaped squishy that comes in its own little steamer box. At £11.95, it's not exactly pocket change for what's essentially a stress ball with a face. After digging into the specs and user feedback patterns across similar products, I've found this little bao has more character than your average fidget toy. The question is whether that translates to actual value for parents dealing with stressed kids or adults looking for desk-friendly stress relief.
The packaging here is genuinely clever. Whilst most squishy toys come in boring blister packs that you immediately bin, the Toyland bao arrives in a proper plastic steamer box that looks like something from a dim sum restaurant. It's not just marketing gimmick either - the box serves as proper storage and display. At 10cm when packaged, it sits nicely on a desk without looking like you've scattered children's toys around your workspace.
The dumpling itself measures 8cm in length, which is a good size for most hands. Too small and it's fiddly; too large and it becomes unwieldy. Toyland seems to have hit the sweet spot here. The rainbow glitter effect catches the light nicely, though I suspect this might be the first thing to wear off with heavy use.
The squishy texture is satisfying enough - it's got that slow-rise foam feel that's become standard in this category. The cheerful face on the front adds personality, which matters more than you might think with fidget toys. Kids respond to character, and adults appreciate the whimsy on stressful days.
However, I've noticed a pattern with similar glittery squishy toys based on user feedback from comparable products: the glitter coating tends to become sticky or start flaking after extended use. The 'Ages 3+' rating suggests Toyland expects this to handle some rough treatment, but I'd be surprised if the pristine appearance lasts more than a few months with daily squishing.
This is where things get interesting. For context, basic stress balls cost £2-5, whilst premium fidget cubes run £15-20. The Toyland bao sits awkwardly in the middle. You're paying extra for the novelty factor and that steamer box, which some will find charming and others will see as overpriced nonsense.
The 'suitable for ages 3+' claim is worth examining. Whilst the size prevents choking hazards, very young children might be frustrated by the slow-rise foam texture. This works better for school-age kids who understand the concept of gentle squishing rather than aggressive pulling and stretching.
Storage is brilliantly solved by the steamer box, but cleaning could be problematic. The glitter coating means you can't simply wipe this down like a plain squishy toy. If it picks up dirt or gets sticky (which squishy toys inevitably do), your options are limited.
The dumpling shape is more than aesthetic - it actually provides different squishing experiences depending on where you grip it. The rounded bottom offers a different feel to the pleated top, which adds some variety to the fidgeting experience.
The Toyland Rainbow Glitter Squishy Bao Dumpling succeeds as a charming desk accessory and conversation starter, but struggles to justify its price as a pure fidget tool. Buy it if you want something cute that makes you smile, skip it if you need serious stress relief on a budget.
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