business
Don’t leave squishy toys in hot cars. Here’s why
By Debra Worley at KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
The surge in popularity of squishy toys has significant implications for Laredo consumers, particularly during the city's scorching summer months. With temperatures often reaching extreme highs, the risk of these toys exploding and causing injuries is heightened. Local parents and caregivers should be aware of the potential dangers of leaving squishy toys in hot cars, as the cases reported in other states could easily occur in Laredo. The fact that dozens of reports have been submitted to the Consumer Product Safety Commission describing squishy toys bursting and causing injuries is a clear indication that this is a widespread issue. As local stores continue to sell these popular toys, it is crucial that they also provide warnings and guidance to customers on how to handle them safely, especially during the summer season when the risk of explosion is greater.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Debra Worley at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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