Squishmallows (Jazwares)Squishmallows 7.5" Plush

Squishmallows have become a default 'safe' gift for good reason: they are marshmallow-soft, endlessly collectible, and come in hundreds of named characters so there is something to suit almost anyone. The 7.5-inch size is the sweet spot for a stocking — big enough to feel like a real present, small enough to tuck in, and usually priced between about £8 and £10 in the 'under a tenner' toy sections at Smyths, Argos and Amazon. Because each character has a name and backstory, they land well with kids and teens, and the softest ones make surprisingly popular desk companions for adults too. Stock rotates constantly, so exact characters vary by retailer and season — if you want a specific one, buy early in December before it sells out.