Summary
When you think of animated mascots known the world over, the names and faces that spring to mind are Mario, Mickey Mouse, and Pikachu, among others. One that doesn’t get mentioned in that list of commercial heavyweights often enough isHello Kitty. Not only can millions around the world instantly recognize Sanrio’s Hello Kitty mascot, but the character first appeared half a century ago and is still as popular, if not more so, than she has ever been before.
Hello Kitty turns 50 this year, and one way Sanrio is celebrating is via a brand new Squishmallow. Hello Kitty’s 50th-anniversarySquishmallowputs the character into a pink outfit adorned with pink bows and two shiny silver buttons. The iconic character’s eyes, nose, and whiskers and gold instead of black, and the finishing touch is a pink bow on the Squishmallow’s right ear with a shiny number 50 on it as a reminder of how long Hello Kitty has been around.
The birthday Squishmallow is available now on Amazon for $24.99. Only pre-orders for now though, ready for the Squishmallow to be released on June 28, 2025. It’s 14 inches tall and, for now at least, there’s been no word on whether the Sanrio Squishmallow will be available in other sizes. Other branches of the Squishmallow tree, like thePokemonrange of plushes, include bigger and smaller options, usually appearing online and in stores months after the OG size is released.
Hello Kitty Looks Great For 50
50th Anniversary Pink Embossed Hello Kitty Squishmallow
Celebrating 50 years of Hello Kitty, Sanrio’s birthday Squishmallow puts the iconic merch mascot in a pink outfit covered in Hello Kitty bows. The bow on the Squishmallow’s head is also pink and has a shiny number 50 on it.
Speaking of Pokemon Squishmallows, Jazwares and The Pokemon Company have confirmed which two designs will be the next in the range - Fuecoco and Bellibolt.A quick look at the plush pair was sharedahead of last month’s North America International Championships. No word yet on when either of them will be available to buy, but should the usual Pokemon Squishmallow formula be followed, pre-orders for them will be available through the Pokemon Center before they appear anywhere else.
Back to Hello Kitty, and even though the Sanrio mascot started life as a character that exclusively appeared on merch, and has continued that trend for 50 years, she has become so much more since then. Starring in shows, movies, and video games, a new addition to that last category coming in 2025. Hello Kitty Island Adventure, which is currently anApple Arcadeexclusive, will be released onNintendo SwitchandPCnext year.
