By now, your social media feeds may be filled with celebs and your friends showing off their latest anik-anik purchase. Whether it's as small as a crying Buttercup charm hanging on their bag, a Smiski hipper plastered behind their phone, a Sonny Angel housed in their tote bag, or something massive like a Mega 1000% figurine—Marian Rivera's collection of Megas is to *die* for, btw—it's safe to say that everyone is obsessed.
READ MORE: Marian Rivera's Pop Mart Collection Is What Anik-Anik Dreams Are Made Of—But How Much Does It Cost?
Today, we'll be discussing one of the most popular manufacturers of anik-aniks rn—that's POP MART, in case you didn't know—and doing a deep-dive on their most popular blind box series. Read on ahead to be guided (and maybe purchase your own bb right after...):
OK, but first, what is POP MART?
POP MART is a Chinese toy company founded in 2010 that is most known for producing "designer" plushies and other collectibles. Their products are often sold in blind boxes, which means you won't know which figurine or character you'll get until you open the box. All series also have "secret" figurines that are rare and only come by in one out of a hundred boxes. They are highly sought-after by hardcore collectors and are much more expensive than the normal figurines when resold.
Aside from its online store, collectors can also purchase POP MART figurines from the brand's many brick-and-mortar stores in the U.S., U.K., New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Taiwan, France, Singapore, and more. They also have vending machines (called "robo shops") that sell the beloved figurines in places that also have a POP MART store.
Where can I buy POP MART figurines in the Philippines?
You can purchase POP MART figurines on the brand's official site and official Shopee and Lazada stores. The brand also opened its first-ever pop-up store in the country at Level 2, North Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia on November 2, 2024. It will only run for three months.
What is POP MART's most popular blind box series?
1. Labubu
Arguably one of the most popular and sought-after POP MART characters, Labubu was created by Kasing Lung in 2015 as part of The Monsters universe. According to Kasing's story, Labubu is "a kind-hearted character who always wants to help out but keeps accidentally doing bad things." Other characters in his universe include Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, and Pato.
The prices for Labubu items range from P600 to P11,000. Collectibles for Labubu and the other Monsters range from figurines, phone cases, keychains, tote bags, cable protectors, and more.
2. Crybaby
Created by Thai artist Molly Yllom in 2017, Crybaby is often depicted as a little girl with tears in her eyes and a sad expression on her face. Molly shared that she created Crybaby in 2017 as a way of coping when her dog Somchun got sick and passed away. According to POP MART's website, Crybaby "represents a deep emotion from within. Laughter is not the only way to feel better, crying can also heal."
The prices for Crybaby items range from P300 to P11,000 for plush pendants, sticker sheets, scene sets, figurines, phone cases, totes, and more.
POP MART and Crybaby also unveiled their first collaboration earlier this year with The Powerpuff Girls in the form of figurines, vinyl face plush pendants, phone charms, cosmetic cases, and more. We're feeling all sorts of nostalgia rn, ngl—we need 'em all!
3. Molly
Molly has been around for a while—she was created in 2006 by Kenny Wong, a Hong Kong artist and toy designer. Molly is a little girl with blonde hair, emerald eyes, pouting lips, and a cute temperament. She's described to be "stubborn, adorable, smart, proud, and fun," and began dressing up as a variety of characters when Kenny began cooperating with POP MART in 2016.
Aside from the usual small figurines which range from P600 to P5,000, Molly is also available in Mega, the POP MART collection where everything is *supersized*. Available in 100%, 400%, and 1000%, these figures can cost anywhere between P1,700 to a staggering P59,000.
4. Hirono
Hirono was created by Lang, a Chinese contemporary artist. What sets Hirono apart from other POP MART characters is his appearance—he is a little boy who is often depicted with messy hair, puffy eyes, blushing cheeks, and a sullen expression on his face. According to Lang, Hirono was made to highlight the ups and downs of life and is the epitome of growth and human emotions.
Like with other POP MART characters, Hirono is available in a variety of ways: figurines, tote bags, charging cables, phone cases, and keychains. The prices range from P350 to P11,000.
5. Pucky
Created by Hong Kong artist Pucky, the namesake figurine was also named after Puck, the mischievous sprite from William Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream. According to the POP MART website, Pucky creations are "based mostly on the exploration of nature and the spiritual world, like a colorful dream with sensitivity and a dark side." Pucky is often depicted as a baby in whimsical settings, wearing all sorts of headgear and clothing.
Pucky is one of the most popular POP MART characters, but you'll be glad to know that he is also one of the more relatively affordable ones, with its items priced from P350 to P1,700.
6. SKULLPANDA
Xiong Mao, a Chinese artist and art toy studio owner, created SKULLPANDA in 2018. Described as a "universal symbiont," SKULLPANDA freely travels between planets and plays different roles and experiences in different lives. If you find POP MART's other characters to be too cutesy for you, then you'll surely love SKULLPANDA—its edgy design and strong, distinguishable makeup look make it a favorite for collectors and cosplayers!
True to its cool-girl aesthetic, SKULLPANDA items are available in keychains, AirPods cases, shoulder bags, hair clips, scarves, and more. It's also available in Mega, in the sizes 400% (P12,500) and 1000% (P59,000).
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