Since its global debut on Nickelodeon in 1999, Spongebob Squarepants has remained one of TV’s most popular shows to this very day. As such, it comes as no surprise that Spongbob merch sells extraordinarily well and is consistently desired by children all over the world.
Kids love Spongebob merch for clear, easy-to-understand reasons. First, it allows children to connect further with their favorite sea-dwelling character. By bringing Spongebob merch into the home, it effectively acts as an extension of the show itself. Second, Spongebob merch is fun! Offered in an incredibly wide-ranging assortment of collectibles, Spongebob toys come in the form of t-shirts, plush toys, posters, stickers, and so much more. In essence, there is something for every child, no matter the preference.
In what follows, we’ll explore in-depth the reasons behind the unabated love that children have for Spongebob toys. We’ll also present various options of some of the hottest Spongebob merch available.
Why Do Kids Like Spongebob?
Truth be told, it is nearly impossible not to like Spongebob Squarepants, and it is certainly understandable why children find him (and his show) so appealing.
For starters, Spongebob himself embodies the ideal of a loveable TV character. His physical appearance - a literal sponge imbued with human characteristics - promptly elicits feelings of goodwill. Furthermore, Spongebob’s overall demeanor is that of innocence and pure happiness - mirroring that of the children watching his show. Spongebob’s seemingly permanent, upbeat facade brings joy and pleasure to those observing his wacky underwater adventures.
Moreover, Spongebob is, by nature, a truly good and upstanding individual. He cares deeply about his underwater friends and continuously seeks to be the best friend that he can be. Such good intentions resonate with children, who, themselves, are beginning to explore the meaning of friendship and how to function in a group of friends.
Also, the general aesthetic and “vibe” of the show is lighthearted, endearing, and funny. Spongebob is a show that certainly does not take itself too seriously, and is firmly grounded by the spectacular, enjoyable adventures of its core characters. The underwater world in which Spongebob takes place is presented as safe, familiar (Spongebob lives in a house, dines at a burger restaurant, and wears a shirt and tie), and comforting to the children watching the show. There is never any sense that anything catastrophic will happen, and any “adversaries” Spongebob encounters are void of serious threats. Accordingly, children who watch Spongebob are provided with feelings of safety and comfort, which no doubt play a large role in their desire to return for continued viewing.
Is Spongebob Still Popular with Kids?
Yes, very much so! In fact, Spongebob is the world’s most popular TV show among children. To add further context to the show’s continued dominance in ratings, it is necessary to note that the show is a whopping 47x more popular than the “average” TV show and far surpasses any other children’s show.
In addition, Spongebob has aired over 200 episodes, which makes it the longest-running show on Nickelodeon. In a report published in 2021 by Parrot Analytics, Spongebob Squarepants stood as the 18th most in-demand show worldwide, regardless of genre. This is the hallmark of a show that has captured the love and adoration of its audience and keeps them coming back year after year. And, as a result of the show’s enormous success, Spongebob Squarepants has spawned two spin-off shows: Kamp Koral (exploring Spongebob’s early childhood) and The Patrick Star Show (Patrick and his family host a talk show).
Clearly, Spongebob Squarepants is a global phenomenon and has infused itself into popular culture over the course of its 23-year run (with more seasons to come!). As a result, the market for Spongebob merch is absolutely massive and continues to be an economic boon for all those involved.
What Age is Considered Appropriate to Play with Spongebob Toys?
A wonderful benefit of Spongebob merch is its availability to nearly every age. Spongebob toys for kids are available to children as young as three years old! Examples at this age include plush toys, figurines, lunch boxes, and so forth. Please note that toys intended for children as young as three should not include any small objects which could get lodged in a child’s throat.
As children get older, Spongbob toys become more engaging. For example, older children can engage with Spongebob puzzles, video games, storybooks, and more.
One of the unique aspects of Spongebob Squarepants lies in its appeal to such a wide range of ages. Given the show’s multi-decade existence, a large portion of its audience has literally grown up with the show. As such, it is not uncommon to see older children, teenagers, and even young adults with Spongebob memorabilia, including clothing, posters, and stickers.
Why Kids Love Spongebob Toys
They foster the imagination
Spongebob is by nature a fantastical creature. Not only is he an anthropomorphic sponge, but he also lives underwater and wears human clothing. As such, viewing Spongebob requires children to engage their imaginations and recognize that the world in which the show takes place is indeed similar, yet also starkly different from their own. To that end, Spongbob merch reinforces the need for children to use their imaginations as they play with the toys.
They appeal to a wide range of interests and ages
As mentioned before, Spongebob toys are available in incredibly diverse offerings and are targeted to children of all ages. Consequently, children can continue to play and engage with Spongebob toys as they grow and develop new interests and hobbies.
They’re downright fun!
In order for a toy to be effective, it must present as an enjoyable experience that encourages repeat encounters. A quick scan of Spongebob toys available for purchase will no doubt prove that the toys are fun by design and wonderfully engaging.
Widespread availability
It is nearly a guarantee that Spongebob merch will be available at nearly every major retailer. In fact, as of 2009, Spongebob merch had already accumulated over $8 billion in sales. As such, they remain readily available for purchase and children do not need to extend an unnecessary effort to find their next favorite Spongebob toy.
Incredibly Fun and Engaging Spongebob Toys Available for Purchase
Do you wish you could take Spongebob with you everywhere you go? Today’s your lucky day because this fantastically soft Spongebob plush toy makes the perfect companion for any adventure. You can carry him with you or easily pack him in your bag to make sure that Spongebob doesn’t miss out on all the fun!
The Spongebob Plush 9-inch Toy is easily transportable, allowing your child to take him all over. Priced competitively, this awesome plush toy makes an ideal gift for any occasion and will bring a smile to any Spongebob-loving fan.
Get ready to cruise around with Spongebob in this amazing remote-control Krabby Patty! Speed forward, drive in reverse, and shine the real headlights on this decked-out Krabby Patty. You’ll have a blast steering Spongebob around your house and will spend hours mastering all the best driving techniques.
Appropriate for children ages 3+, this Spongebob remote control set is sure to entertain your child for hours on end. This Spongebob toy is a fantastic idea for a birthday or holiday gift.
Are you always looking for a new, fun game to play? Well, lucky you, your search is over! This Spongebob Squarepants box set has 100 games to explore and play. Take your game skills to Bikini Bottom and start playing today!
With over 100 unique games contained in this set, your children are guaranteed to be occupied and entertained! Including dice, checker pieces, double-sided playing boards, and more, your children will be challenged, and they’re sure to learn something in the process.
Spongebob may live under the sea, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t skilled with a skateboard! Grab this awesome Spongebob remote control skateboard and have your favorite sea-dwelling Sponge riding rails and shredding all over your house. Plus, Spongebob puts safety first and has a helmet, so no worries if he takes a spill.
Is your child interested in skateboarding? Foster that budding passion with this Spongebob skateboard remote control set. This toy is ideal for children 3+.
Do you love sweets? Do you love Krabby Patties? Good news—these incredibly delicious treats turn your favorite burger into a sumptuous, sweet treat! These unique Krabby Patties are watermelon flavored and sure to put a satisfied smile on your face. What are you waiting for? Order yourself a Watermelon Krabby Patty and feast on this tasty treat.
Watermelon Krabby Patties come in 12 per-box and are gummy-based. These delectable treats are guaranteed to be popular and rewarding treats for your children and their friends. Perfect for birthday parties, snacks, and desserts.
What do you and Spongebob Squarepants have in common? You both love Krabby Patties! In this twist on the iconic burger, the classic Krabby Patty has been gum-ified! These mouthwatering Krabby Patty Gummies will satisfy any sweet tooth. Dining in Bikini Bottom has never tasted so good!
These individually wrapped gummies are the ideal treat to offer to your Spongebob-loving kids and their friends. Perfect for birthday parties, sleepovers, playdates, or daily delicacies. 36 Krabby Patties come in a box. Do yourself and your children a favor and add these fantastic Krabby Patties to your grocery list.
Spongebob is ready to burn some rubber and needs your help! Take to the speedways with this awesome Spongebob racer. Wind up the Jellyfish racer by pushing it back and forth and then let it fly across the floor. Compete with your siblings and friends to see who can get Spongebob to travel the furthest.
This cost-effective Spongebob toy is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all children., the Spongebob Jellyfish racer will no doubt be a hit during everyday life, parties, and playdates. Plus, it makes a wonderful gift for all Spongebob fans!
These fun balls are decorated with your favorite Spongebob characters. Soft in feel, these foam balls are the perfect toy to bounce around the house, toss back and forth with your friends, or even play fetch with the family dog! No matter the activity, you’re guaranteed to have a ball!
The Spongebob Foam Ball mix comes with 50 balls in total, ensuring that your children will always have balls in reserve should some go missing. Ideal for playtime or fun games during playdates, these foam balls will no doubt entertain all the Spongebob-loving members of your family.
Featuring all the Spongebob heroes - Patrick, Squidward, Spongebob, Mr. Krabs, Sandy, and Gary the Snail - these inflatable balls are the perfect addition to your Spongebob collection. These balls are awesome for playing wall ball, catch, and many other games. Hurry up and grab your set today and get started with all the Spongebob action!
This set included 10 inflatable balls and will bring limitless enjoyment to all Spongebob Squarepants fans. Throw these into the mix for parties and get-togethers, and watch the fun ensue!
Show off your love for Spongebob with these fun, colorful tattoos. Easily applied, these tattoos feature the biggest stars of Bikini Bottom. You can also combine them and cover your arms and legs with all your favorite characters!
These Spongebob tattoos are applied with water and are easily removed with warm water and soap. With 250 tattoos contained in each set, there are more than enough to go around, making these the perfect addition to a fun-filled party. Your children are sure to love them!
Spongebob Merch - Loved by Children the World Over
Spongebob Squarepants is undeniably popular and remains one of the world’s most viewed and in-demand shows. As a result, there exists a voracious and consistent appetite for Spongebob merch. No matter a child’s age, there is guaranteed to be a Spongebob item that appeals to their desires and interests. Bring joy to all the Spongebob fans in your life and pick up some merch today!
