The other day, I was explaining buoyancy to my niece. Little Chloe, all wide-eyed, wanted a tactile demonstration. “Like, really float?” she’d asked, clutching her own miniature shark. That’s when it hit me: the educational potential hiding within the soft, fluffy realm of… stuffed animals. Specifically, Squishmallows.

Gordon the Shark, from Amazon, arrived in a compressed state. Initially, I was skeptical. Sixteen inches seemed ambitious. My experience with plushies runs deep, stretching back to my undergrad days, when I filled a thermodynamics lab with various, meticulously stuffed creatures for heat transfer experiments (don’t ask). This, however, was something different. The materials felt incredibly soft; almost… yielding. The label promises “marshmallow-like” texture, and honestly, they’re not far off.

The defining characteristic, of course, is the squish. That’s what sets a Squishmallow apart. Instead of the usual granular filling, these use a foam-like material. It’s truly satisfying. Squeeze him and Gordon morphs, deforms, then bounces back. This also means, hypothetically, he would not be good for heat experiments.

One thing I noticed: the stitching, while generally secure, seems slightly stressed near the dorsal fin. A determined toddler could probably pick at it. However, a quick reinforcement stitch with some matching thread – a common fix for any well-loved plush – would readily solve that.

Competing plush brands like Ty’s Beanie Boos tend to focus on different aesthetics; hard plastic eyes, more rigid structures. These feel comparatively… dated. Gordon’s simple, rounded shape and the minimal detailing – those sweet, vacant eyes! – are pure, unadulterated comfort.

Despite my initial doubts, I believe Gordon has considerable educational merit. Chloe, for example, loves to cradle him while learning. This would be a great item for parents teaching their kids about marine life. Plus, it’s a perfect companion for long car rides. In short, if you are looking for a gift that will be enjoyed by a child or an adult who needs comfort, Gordon is the way to go. Consider that if you want a conversation starter or a cuddle buddy, this is it. Go ahead and get one. You won’t regret it.