Top 10 Designer Toys of 2026: The Most Popular Collectibles
From viral plush pendants to street art legends, these are the figures dominating the global market right now.
In 2026, the designer toys and art toy market has exploded into a global phenomenon, blending blind box excitement, street art legacy, and emotional collectibles. From POP MART's viral Labubu plush pendants to timeless icons like KAWS Companion, these figures dominate resale platforms like StockX, TikTok trends, and collector shelves worldwide.
Whether you're a seasoned collector hunting rare editions or a newcomer diving into blind boxes, this 2026 edition ranks the top 10 designer toys based on current sales momentum, resale value, social media buzz, and cultural impact. Labubu remains king, but rising stars like Crybaby and Hirono are closing in fast.
Labubu (The Monsters Series by POP MART)
The undisputed ruler of 2026 designer toys. This mischievous, snaggle-toothed monster with pointed ears has turned into a full-blown cultural obsession. Plush pendants, bag charms, and blind box series like "Big into Energy" and "Wacky Mart" sell out instantly, with resale prices soaring on StockX. Celebrities and influencers keep fueling the hype—Labubu is the must-have accessory of the year, even inspiring luxury collaborations with brands like Moynat, Loewe, Tiffany, and Omega.
Molly (Kenny Wong x POP MART)
The eternal queen of blind box collectibles. With her big eyes, pouty lips, and endless fashion variations, Molly appeals to everyone from beginners to hardcore collectors. 2026 highlights include metallic, clear, and mega-sized editions that fetch premium prices. If you're starting your designer toy collection, Molly is the perfect entry point.
Crybaby (POP MART)
The emotional breakout star of recent years. Crybaby's tearful, heartbroken expressions capture raw feelings in the cutest way possible—perfect for Gen Z collectors. Plush pendants and "Tears Launch Project" series have driven massive growth, making Crybaby one of the fastest-rising designer toys in 2026, with emerging popularity rivaling Labubu in blind box trends.
Skullpanda (POP MART)
Dark, cute, and utterly addictive. Skullpanda blends gothic vibes with adorable panda features, dominating among female collectors. Series like "Paradox" and "Lazy Panda" plush pendants see triple-digit sales spikes, with limited editions breaking resale records regularly. As part of the post-Labubu wave, Skullpanda exemplifies the shift toward stronger emotional narratives in 2026 collectibles.
Sonny Angel (Dreams Inc.)
The healing Japanese classic that never fades. Tiny angels with animal or themed heads offer endless variety and shelf-perfect aesthetics. New animal series and limited capsules keep Sonny Angel in high demand worldwide—pure comfort collecting at its best.
Smiski (Dreams Inc.)
The glowing mystery figures that light up dark rooms. Smiski's quirky poses and phosphorescent magic make them ideal for adult collectors seeking subtle, atmospheric decor. 2026 "Glowing" editions have boosted their status as the ultimate hidden-gem designer toy.
Dimoo (POP MART)
Gentle fantasy vibes with soft colors and whimsical stories. Dimoo appeals across age groups, especially with movie tie-ins and larger figures. It's a stable, feel-good addition to any blind box lineup.
Hirono (POP MART)
The 2026 emotional underdog. Created by artist Lang, Hirono's childlike innocence and playful outfits represent your inner child. "Back to Play" and plush doll pendants are gaining serious traction as collectors seek fresh alternatives to Labubu, signaling a broader trend toward diverse, narrative-driven IPs in the Pop Mart ecosystem.
Pucky (POP MART)
Forest fairies and tap-tap babies deliver pure whimsy. Pucky's mid-tier popularity is climbing thanks to addictive designs and strong core fan support—ideal for collectors who want something unique yet accessible.
KAWS Companion
The street art legend that bridges designer toys and fine art. With signature X-eyes and skull motifs, Companion embodies loneliness and pop culture critique. 2026 sees renewed buzz from exhibitions like "KAWS: Art & Comix" at Vienna's Albertina Modern and "Almost Spring" at Whitestone Gallery, alongside strong auction performance where Companion-based works have driven average returns of 16.8% over the past decade. Companion remains the investment-grade icon for serious collectors, contrasting the blind box frenzy with enduring artistic value.
2026 Designer Toys Trends: Market Insights
The global market is expected to hit $15.62 billion, fueled by China's influence and a 20% annual growth rate. Pop Mart's $40 billion valuation underscores how "ugly-cute" designs have evolved into luxury status symbols.
Blind Boxes & Plush
Mainstream dominance led by POP MART, expanding to 40+ U.S. stores.
Emotional Luxury
Adult collecting focuses on display, emotional value, and high resale potential.
Everyday Carry
Glow-in-the-dark and bag charm formats transforming toys into fashion accessories.
Investment Value
KAWS and rare editions showing strong liquidity and auction returns.
(Prices fluctuate wildly—check official stores or trusted resellers. Always buy authentic.)