business
Don’t leave squishy toys in hot cars. Here’s why
By Debra Worley at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 3, 2026
· 2 min read
(Gray News/WXIX) – Squishy toys are all the rage right now, but there are serious concerns about leaving them in the heat.Squishy toys, which can be made from soft plastics, rubber, silicone, or other materials, have surged in popularity, driven in part by viral TikTok videos.One store representa...
Key takeaway One store representative said they receive between 10 and 12 phone calls a day asking about the toys, a volume that has continued for three to four months.
Why this matters in The Midland
The popularity of squishy toys in Midland is likely mirroring the national trend, given the city's active online community and the influence of social media platforms like TikTok. Local parents and caregivers should be aware of the potential dangers of leaving these toys in hot cars, especially during the scorching summer months common in the Permian Basin area. As temperatures soar, the risk of squishy toys exploding and causing burns increases, posing a significant threat to children and teens. Midland retailers may want to consider following the lead of other stores and limiting the number of squishy toys customers can purchase at once, while also educating buyers about the potential hazards. Additionally, local emergency services should be prepared to handle cases of burns and other injuries related to exploding squishy toys, and parents should take precautions to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Gray News/WXIX) – Squishy toys are all the rage right now, but there are serious concerns about leaving them in the heat.Squishy toys, which can be made from soft plastics, rubber, silicone, or other materials, have surged in popularity, driven in part by viral TikTok videos.One store representa...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Debra Worley at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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