It’s hard to believe that SpongeBob SquarePants has been a part of American pop culture for 25 years now. Yes, on July 17, 1999, we made our maiden voyage to Bikini Bottom via that iconic “pineapple under the sea,” and the past two and a half decades have only cemented Nickelodeon’s long-running animated series as a television staple for generations of parents and kids alike.
With 14 seasons, a pair of spin-offs, and four full-length features (with two more currently in production), it’s easy to see how SpongeBob, Sandy, Patrick, and the gang have endured, but even this longevity pales in comparison to the might of SpongeBob SquarePants‘ true secret weapon—merchandising.
From neckties to valentines to video games, SpongeBob has done it all, but my favorite new addition to our family’s growing pile of undersea memorabilia has come from the internet’s one-stop shop for t-shirts, plushies, and accessories, TeeTurtle.
TeeTurtle’s new SpongeBob SquarePants Plushie Collection includes not just the principal cast but secondary characters like Mermaid Man, Barnacle Boy, and Gary the Snail. Best of all, these perfectly huggable, infinity squashable toys pull double duty with each reversible plush turning inside-out to reveal another character, expression, or item from Bikini Bottom.
The marquee product is obviously the full-sized 6-inch plush line (currently priced $12-18), with Patrick/Sandy, SpongeBob/Gary, Mr. Krabs/Krabby Patty, and the aforementioned Mermaid Man/Barnacle Boy combos sure to please even the most discriminating fan.
My personal pick, however, is the happy Gary/mad Gary that is even now scowling at me from across the office.
However, for those who’d prefer a little added mystery in their life, TeeTurtle also offers a wonderfully portable 3-inch line available blind box-style ($6-8). The kids and I were thrilled to discover a tiny Squidward (featuring his patented pained grin on one side and his regular annoyed expression on the other) in our mystery box.
Though I didn’t get to check them out directly, TeeTurtle even has a set of four SpongeBob Plushie Tote Bags ($16-20)—think those reusable grocery bags but with extra cuddliness—which are available alongside the six-inch reversables and mystery boxes at both TeeTurtle.com and via their official Amazon shop.
So, if you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate SpongeBob’s big anniversary, are in need of an ideal gift for that special kid in your life, or simply want to relive your favorite Bikini Bottom memories with your family—my kids are both teens now, but we still quote the show religiously—look no further than TeeTurtle’s SpongeBob SquarePants Plushie Collection.
Review materials provided by TeeTurtle. This post contains affiliate links. Are you feeling it now, Mr. Krabs?
