Apparently LaBuBu’s have moved over and made room for the newest obsession in our house: NeeDohs!

If you have kids, you probably already know exactly what I’m talking about. If you don’t, let me explain. Kids are now on a mission to find the “right” NeeDohs. Not just any squishy ball—the rare ones, the authentic ones, the ones that supposedly feel different than all the others.

Somewhere along the way, my 5-year-old and my 13-year—found common ground. Hunting for squishy toys.

It all started at a gas station.

You know… the place where you run in for a drink and somehow walk out $18 poorer because your child spotted a display of colorful squishy balls near the register.

“Mom! It’s a REAL one!”

Now, I’m standing there wondering… How can you tell?

Is there a secret NeeDoh certification process? A squish inspector? Are there fake NeeDoh crime rings operating out there?

Apparently yes… according to TikTok.

So now we’re squeezing, comparing, inspecting logos, debating colors, and trying to determine if the gas station version is authentic or just a really convincing imposter.

I never imagined this would be part of parenting.

Then came the squishy food.

Squishy toast.

Squishy ramen.

Squishy dumplings.

Squishy everything.

They’ve somehow multiplied around my house like socks that actually don’t disappear.

Unfortunately, my dogs think these toys are gourmet appetizers.

More than once I’ve heard that unmistakable…

POP.

If you’ve never cleaned up the inside of a burst squishy toy after your dog has claimed victory, consider yourself lucky. It sticks to everything, and somehow there are little pieces hiding for weeks. Including the time it popped on the top bunk when someone should have been sleeping. Oh that was some drama. 

Here’s the funny part, though.

As ridiculous as I think this trend is, I’ve watched my 5-year-old and 13-year-old laugh together while comparing squishies, trading them, planning the next purchase. 

In a world where siblings often fight over the TV remote, I’ll take a shared obsession with stress balls if it means they’re spending time together.

Will this trend last forever?

Probably not.

Will there be another must-have toy next month?

Without a doubt.

But for now, if you see me standing in the checkout line of a random gas station, squeezing brightly colored blobs while my kids passionately debate authenticity…

Just know I’m simply trying to survive another parenting trend.

And yes…

I still have absolutely no idea how to tell if it’s a real NeeDoh BUT I will assure you we have a squishy butter.