Squishies have graduated from playground fad to serious collectible, and Singapore's FYP-fed shoppers are discovering they don't need to pay Singapore prices to join in. Just across the Causeway, Johor Bahru has built up a small but dedicated squishy scene, with everything from RM2.70 (about S$0.90) mystery minis to scented collector pieces pushing RM100 (S$31).

Budget hunters should start with Mr. Dollar, the value chain with outlets in popular JB malls. Assorted mini squishy packs go from RM2.70, while quirkier picks include a bubble-blowing squishy toy (RM6.90) and a flipping pet that deforms and reshapes as you play. Also at Angsana Johor Bahru Mall is ToySpark, worth a visit for its supermarket-style selection: cheese blocks, soda cans, steamed buns and butter blocks mostly between RM14 and RM23 on sale, plus a giant chocolate bar and a NeeDoh Kitty Burger at RM23.31 each.

Zila Beauty Shop sounds like a cosmetics stop but hides shelves of scented, crunchy, butter and slow-rising squishies, with dumpling, butter and banana designs at RM10 and strawberry versions at RM12. Alternative Stuffs Supply keeps things affordable too, with fruit squishies (durian, orange, grape) around RM13 and snack replicas including cake and ice cube designs from RM7. At Paradigm Mall, IT accessories shop Umi5 doubles as an unlikely squishy stop, selling jumbo cheese, fried chicken and crunchy waffle designs from RM5.

Texture obsessives have options as well. 10 Cent Vibe in Mount Austin carries cheesecake cats, penguins, donuts and even a cabbage squishy, with prices from RM6.90 to RM19.90 — ideal if the squeeze matters as much as the look. Heyysquishy in Bandar Jaya Putra specialises in brand-name designs, notably the Hachimi line (dumpling RM26, jumbo butter RM28) plus crunchy butter sticks and soap squishies; it opens 12pm-6pm and closes Wednesdays. Box Hunt at KSL City Mall mixes blind boxes with food-themed squishies at roughly RM25 each, though promos like 3-for-RM50 or buy-2-get-1-free pop up regularly. For collectors, Pi Puffy Store deals in premium Lisa squishies — slow-rising, scented foam toys from RM45.80 up to RM98.80 — and operates mainly online, so you'll need to DM its Instagram to confirm stock before making the trip.

The practical takeaway: a squishy run pairs easily with a regular JB day trip since several stores sit inside major malls like Angsana, KSL City and Paradigm. With the ringgit at roughly RM1 to S$0.31, even a haul of half a dozen toys usually costs less than one or two pieces back in Singapore. Just be realistic about bag space — slow-rising butter blocks and jumbo cheese add up fast.