The mini sponge cake squishy looks like a small round cake from a bakery counter: a pale golden sponge with a deep golden-brown baked top, a little cluster of crumb topping in the middle and a faint line where the layers meet. It sits in a white mesh net that ties off at the top with a tassel and a plastic hanging loop.

Press the top and the mini sponge cake squishy sinks under the fingers, the baked top creasing like a real sponge, then it slowly puffs back up. Its round, flat-topped shape means it sits upright on a table and can be pressed with one finger as easily as squeezed in a fist.

It is a palm-sized cake, smaller than the braided bread squishy and about the size of a real individual sponge cake. Children put it on toy plates, serve it at pretend tea parties and use it in play kitchens alongside the sesame bun and bread loaf squishies.

The net stays on to protect the soft surface, gives a textured grip and lets it hang from a hook or a bag. It makes no noise, so it is an easy fidget for homework time.

Keep it out of the sun and away from sharp objects. It looks good enough to eat, so keep it away from toddlers who put things in their mouths; it is for children aged three and above.

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