Squishmallows Dante the Red Devil Review: A Snuggly Halloween Plush
When the trick-or-treat bucket is empty and the sugar high has worn off, what’s left? Usually just wrappers and a bit of a tummy ache. That’s why this year, we’re excited to share something a bit different: the Squishmallows Dante the Red Devil, a Halloween plush that’ll still be getting cuddles long after the decorations come down.
We were gifted this little red demon in exchange for sharing our honest thoughts with you, and honestly? The kids haven’t put him down since he arrived. If you’re after a Halloween gift that’s more hug than sugar rush, keep reading.
What Is Squishmallows Dante the Red Devil?
Dante is a 7.5-inch plush from the Squishmallows Halloween Squad, and he’s been a popular character since joining the Select Series back in October 2022. New for Halloween 2025, Dante comes wearing a stylish black bucket hat, which the kids think makes him look properly cool.
According to his bio, Dante is the tour manager for a metal band (his mate Vlad’s the lead singer), and he loves ghost pepper hot wings. Every autumn, he hosts a hot wing cook-off with his secret sauce called “Dante’s Fire.” Would you try it? The kids reckon they would, though I’m not sure their taste buds are ready for ghost peppers just yet.
Dante’s a bright red demon with bat-like wings, two black horns on each side of his head, and a fluffy black belly. His round black eyes are rimmed with white, and he’s got a cheeky little smile complete with two white fangs. He’s spooky enough for Halloween but friendly enough that even younger children aren’t fazed by him.
Why Choose a Plush Over Sweets This Halloween?
Halloween doesn’t have to mean a mountain of chocolate and sweets and we think Dante is perfect for some imaginative play, which we love.
If you’re shopping for a child who already has plenty of sweets coming their way, or if you’re trying to cut back on sugar without being the “boring” grown-up, a soft toy like this hits the sweet spot (pun intended). It’s thoughtful, it’s practical, and it won’t leave anyone bouncing off the walls at bedtime.
First Impressions: Unboxing Dante
When Dante arrived, the kids were straight in there. With no excessive plastic or fiddly ties to tackle, so you can get him into little arms pretty quickly. That’s always a win in my book.
The first thing everyone noticed was just how soft he is. Squishmallows are made with ultrasoft, high-quality material, and Dante lives up to the hype. The red plush feels lovely and smooth, the black belly is properly fluffy, and that black bucket hat has got a velvet-like finish that the kids keep stroking. But the real star of the show is the squish factor. You can squeeze him, hug him, sit on him (we’ve tested this), and he bounces right back.
At 7.5 inches, he’s a great size. Not so big that he takes over the toy box, but chunky enough for proper cuddles. He fits nicely in a backpack too, which is handy for car trips or sleepovers.
How Dante Fitted Into Family Life
Since Dante arrived, he’s been everywhere. He’s been a pillow during telly time, a co-pilot in imaginary spaceship games, and according to our youngest the “official Halloween mascot” of our house. His backstory about the metal band and hot wings has sparked loads of funny conversations too. Apparently, Dante and his band are now touring our living room.
One thing we didn’t expect was just how much the bucket hat would add to his appeal. The kids love that he’s got a bit of personality and style. It’s not just a generic Halloween plush, there’s character there, and that seems to make all the difference when it comes to which toy gets picked up at bedtime.
The softness and squishiness genuinely can’t be overstated. We’ve had a cuddle ourself (purely for research purposes, obviously), and we totally get why Squishmallows have such a loyal following. They’re comforting in a way that’s hard to put into words, just really, really nice to hold.
Parent’s POV
From a parent’s point of view, Dante ticks a lot of boxes. He’s easy to look after, no batteries to replace, no small parts to lose, no complicated instructions. He’s also easy cleaned if needed, though ours hasn’t required a wash yet.
At around the same price as a large bag of sweets, he feels like great value for money. You’re getting something that’ll be loved for ages, not just scoffed in one sitting. If you’re buying for a birthday, a Halloween party, or just because, this is a solid choice.
Storage-wise, he’s easy to tuck away on a shelf or bed, and he doesn’t take up much room. The quality feels sturdy too, no loose stitching or flimsy bits that might not survive enthusiastic play.
We would absolutely recommend him to other families. He’s sweet without being babyish, fun without being overwhelming, and he just makes people smile.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Super soft and squishy, genuinely lovely to hold
- Great size, perfect for cuddles but not too bulky
- Fun character backstory that sparks imaginative play
- The bucket hat adds extra personality
- Good value for money compared to bags of sweets
- Suitable for ages 3+, but honestly appeals to older kids (and grown-ups) too
Cons:
- If your child’s already got loads of Squishmallows, you might be running out of shelf space
- Not the best choice if you’re specifically after something spooky and scary, as Dante’s more cute than creepy
Final Verdict: Is Dante Worth It?
If you’re after a Halloween gift that’ll still be around come Christmas (and beyond), the Squishmallows Dante the Red Devil is a winner. The kids absolutely adore him, and we love that he’s an alternative to the usual sugar overload. There’s something really lovely about giving a gift that offers comfort, cuddles, and a bit of imaginative fun.
Dante’s perfect for younger children who want something Halloween-themed but not too scary, and older kids who just love a good squishy plush. He’d make a great addition to a Halloween gift bag, a thoughtful present for a party, or even a “just because” surprise.
You can grab your own Dante the Red Devil here on Amazon. Trust us, those autumn evenings feel a lot cosier with a soft, squishy demon by your side.
Need more Halloween ideas? Our Halloween section has you covered with local pumpkin patch listings, Halloween events in your area, free printables, and plenty of spooky inspiration for the whole family.