Top Designer Toys & Art Toy Characters 2026 – Ultimate Guide to Labubu, Sonny Angel, Smiski & More
Discover the stories, characters, and magic behind the world's most beloved art toys. From Labubu to Sonny Angel, explore the creative frontier.
In 2026, designer toys have evolved from niche art pieces to global cultural phenomena, led by blind box innovators like POP MART. Characters like Labubu (the mischievous monster with pointy ears), Molly (the iconic big-eyed girl), and Sonny Angel (cherub-headed mini-figures) dominate collections worldwide...
Smiski
Dreams Inc.Featured Character
Mysterious, glow-in-the-dark miniature figures that love hiding in corners. By day they blend in; by night they emit a soft magical glow.
Sonny Angel
Dreams Inc.Featured Character
A beloved Japanese collectible mini-figure series featuring a cherub-like boy with a gentle smile and signature themed headgear, designed to bring emotional comfort and happiness.
BE@RBRICK
Medicom ToyFeatured Character
An iconic Japanese designer toy series created by Medicom Toy, serving as a blank canvas for endless artistic reinterpretations.
Azura
POP MARTFeatured Character
A serene, ethereal designer toy series featuring a graceful character who converts tears into captivating magic, blending sadness with beauty and wonder.
Crybaby
POP MARTFeatured Character
A deeply emotional designer toy character created by Molly Yllom, representing raw, universal emotions and the healing power of tears.
Dimoo
POP MARTFeatured Character
A gentle, introspective designer toy character created by Ayan Deng, known for his fluffy cloud hair and dreamy adventures.
Dracco
POP MARTFeatured Character
A refined, culturally infused designer toy series by Ziyuli, blending traditional Chinese elegance with modern blind box magic.
Hirono
POP MARTFeatured Character
A deeply introspective and narrative-driven designer toy character created by artist Lang, exploring the "changeable nature of the Self" through minimalist, emotional storytelling.
Labubu
POP MARTFeatured Character
One of the most iconic and globally adored characters in the modern designer toy and blind box scene. Created by Kasing Lung and produced by POP MART.
Molly
POP MARTFeatured Character
One of the most enduring and beloved characters in the global designer toy world, celebrating her 20th anniversary in 2026. Created by Kenny Wong and produced by POP MART.
Pucky
POP MARTFeatured Character
A whimsical, fairy-tale-inspired designer toy character created by Pucky, embodying playful fantasy and childhood wonder.
Satyr Rory
POP MARTFeatured Character
A charming, fantasy-inspired designer toy series reimagining the mythological satyr as an adorable, mischievous boy with a "kawaii" twist.
Skullpanda
POP MARTFeatured Character
A bold, enigmatic designer toy character created by Xiong Miao, known for her edgy, fashion-forward style and signature skull helmet.
Sweet Bean
POP MARTFeatured Character
An adorable, heartwarming designer toy character evoking childhood wonder, innocent curiosity, and the simple joys of life.
Kubo
POP MART & Meow StudioFeatured Character
A cool, understated designer toy character with a stoic expression hiding a warm heart, blending urban cool and gaming culture.
Designer Toys & Blind Boxes FAQ (2026 Edition)
1. What are the most popular designer toy characters in the U.S. right now in 2026?
In 2026, Labubu (POP MART's mischievous monster with pointy ears and sharp teeth) leads due to viral TikTok/social media hype and high resale value on hidden editions. Molly (classic big-eyed girl) remains timeless for fashion collectors, while Sonny Angel (tiny cherub mini-figures with themed hats) dominates as affordable, giftable items. Smiski (glow-in-the-dark hiding figures) appeals to niche fans, and Crybaby/Skullpanda gain traction for emotional/healing aesthetics. Plush bag charms/pendants from these lines are the hottest accessory trend.
2. Are blind boxes from POP MART, Sonny Angel, and Smiski worth collecting in the U.S.?
Yes—especially for fun, surprise element, and display. POP MART blind boxes (Labubu, Molly, Dimoo) offer strong resale potential on hidden/rare editions, Sonny Angel excels as low-risk entry (around $12–$15 per blind box) with endless themes (animals, snacks, holidays), and Smiski provides unique glow-in-dark appeal. In 2026, U.S. kidults drive demand—many treat them as desk decor or stress-relief items. Start small; resale isn't guaranteed but popular series often appreciate.
3. How can I tell if my Sonny Angel, Labubu, or Smiski is authentic in the U.S.?
- Official packaging with holograms, QR codes (POP MART scan via app), or clear copyright stamps.
- Bottom/base has crisp branding/engraving (e.g., "Dreams Inc." for Sonny Angel/Smiski, POP MART logo + year).
- Even paint, no sharp plastic smell, consistent weight.
- Buy from trusted U.S. sources: Pop Mart official stores/online, sonnyangelusa.com, Amazon (authorized sellers), Strangecat Toys, or Miniso. Avoid suspiciously cheap eBay listings—fakes often have blurry details or invalid QR codes.
4. Where is the best place to buy authentic designer toys in the U.S. in 2026?
- Pop Mart official U.S. stores (major cities) or popmart.com (fast shipping, exclusives).
- Sonny Angel USA official site (sonnyangelusa.com) for direct mini-figures.
- Specialty shops like Strangecat Toys or online retailers (BigBadToyStore, Entertainment Earth).
- Amazon (check "Sold by Pop Mart" or authorized sellers).
Avoid gray-market resellers for new releases—stick to official channels to guarantee authenticity and warranty support.
5. What's the average price range for these designer toys in the U.S.?
- Single blind box: $10–$20 (Sonny Angel/Smiski ~$12–$15, POP MART standard ~$10–$18).
- Full case (12 blind boxes): $120–$220 (best for hunting hidden editions).
- Rare/hidden figures or plush pendants: $30–$150+ on resale (Labubu hidden can hit $100–$500+).
- Larger BE@RBRICK collabs: $50–$500+.
In 2026, entry-level collecting starts under $50; serious displays run $200–$1,000+.
6. Should I buy a full blind box case or single boxes in the U.S.?
Almost always buy a full case (12-pack) if you're chasing hidden/rare editions—official probability is ~1/72 to 1/144 for secrets, but a case gives near-guaranteed no duplicates on commons and better odds (~1/12 hidden). Singles are fine for specific commons or low-risk fun. In the U.S., cases are widely available on Pop Mart site or stores—many collectors report it's the smartest way to build a complete set without overpaying resale.
7. Which designer toy series have the best resale value in the U.S. in 2026?
- POP MART Labubu hidden editions (especially wedding/space/forest themes) – often 3–10x retail.
- Molly 20th anniversary or limited collabs.
- Sonny Angel rare/limited themes (e.g., seasonal exclusives).
- Smiski large glow-in-dark or event editions.
- BE@RBRICK × POP MART 400%/1000% sizes.
Value comes from scarcity + social hype—track eBay/StockX trends, but collect for joy first; market can fluctuate.
8. Why is Labubu so popular in the U.S. right now?
Labubu's mix of cute-yet-edgy (fuzzy body, sharp teeth, pointy ears) creates strong "反差萌" appeal, amplified by TikTok/Instagram virality and celebrity sightings. In 2026, plush bag charms/pendants make it a fashion accessory, while blind-box rarity drives FOMO. The Monsters series storytelling adds emotional depth—U.S. kidults love the "mischievous but kind-hearted" vibe, leading to high demand and resale spikes.
9. What are common beginner mistakes when collecting designer toys in the U.S.?
- Chasing hype blindly → overspending on fakes or overpriced resale.
- Poor storage → figures fade/oxidize without UV protection or dust covers.
- Treating it purely as investment → ignoring personal taste, leading to regret when trends shift.
Pro tip: Start with $50–$100 budget on Sonny Angel or Smiski (low risk), display in a cabinet, and only buy from official U.S. sources.
10. Are designer toys like Sonny Angel and Smiski good gifts in the U.S.?
Absolutely—Sonny Angel is one of the most giftable (cute, affordable, themed series for birthdays/holidays/baby showers/office Secret Santa), while Smiski appeals to quirky/niche fans (glow-in-dark + hiding concept). In 2026, they're popular for adults too (kidult trend)—many buy for desk decor or self-gifting. Opt for blind boxes for surprise fun or assorted sets for guaranteed variety.