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Blind boxes are here to stay. Mystery collectibles are nothing new—from the fukubukuro “lucky bags” and gashapon machines of Japan to vinyl Funko Pop figurines and packs of mysterious cards—one facet of this era of capitalism is the urge to spend your money on something, even if you don't know what it is, exactly. Blind boxes are undeniably popular, and sometimes hard to buy online.
If you don't want to trek to the nearest Pop Mart or Miniso, but you do want to see what all the fuss is about, you're in the right spot. I hunted down several blind boxes that you can get online, for yourself or someone else. And even though I don't quite understand the human urge to unwrap presents, or hunt for the “secret” editions of various blind boxes, I can confirm that the contents are cute and make me happy staring at me from my desk. And I didn't have to wait in line or go in-store to get them!
Be sure to check out our other gift guides, including the Best Desk Accessories, Best Gifts for Book Lovers, and Best STEM Toys.
The Requisite Labubu
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Pop Mart
The Monsters Pin for Love Series Labubu Blind Box
Let it be known that I tried to get my hands on the most popular Labubu figures—the Big Into Energy series—and as of press time a month later, my order has yet to arrive. But these newer, miniature Labubu figures are still cute. There's one that corresponds to each letter of the alphabet, plus two secret editions (one for the A-M box, and another for the N-Z box). The figures are small and mischievous, with swiveling feet, a soft furry texture, and a vinyl face. I like that they're small and that the colors are so bright. I got the letter I, a turquoise little fella with a bright green nose and a sort-of-scary expression. I love him.
Available Versions 26 (plus two secret) Height 4.13 inches (excluding loop) Materials Polyester, PVC, zinc alloy Secret Edition Ratio 1:168 Additional Features Built-in keychain. Comes with matching sticker. For Nature Fans
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Pop Mart
Dimoo Shapes in Nature Series Blind Box
These pretty figures have elegant, organic shapes that make them feel a bit more grown up than some other blind boxes I checked out. A few of them have neat quirks—some figures can be connected by their bases, and there are others with glow-in-the-dark elements, embossed details, or magnetic parts. I like the interesting textures and the freestanding designs. I got Withering Flowers, a melancholy Dimoo figure with a wilting rose head and a shimmery purple finish.
Available Versions 12 (plus one secret) Height 2.7–3.9 inches Materials PVC, ABS Secret Edition Ratio 1:144 Additional Features Some figures have interactive elements. Includes a character card.
Sad but Cute
Hirono vinyl figures are often somber. Pop Mart's description of the character says the artist behind Hirono, Lang, “aims to highlight the subtle fluctuations of life.” Most of the figures depict some sort of melancholy feeling or another, and most of them have detachable bases. They're gorgeous. I got Parasite, a Hirono figure that's got scratches, mushrooms growing out of him, and a bandage on his foot. Maybe a little morbid, sure, but also a little whimsical and cottage-core. It feels heavy and high-quality, and its detachable base is sturdy.
Available Versions 9 (plus one secret) Height 3.3–4 inches Materials PVC, ABS Secret Edition Ratio 1:108 Additional Features Some figures have detachable bases. Includes a character card. Bright and Whimsical
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Pop Mart
Care Bears Colorful Hugs Series Blind Box
My God, this blind box series is adorable. Even if you aren't a fan of Care Bears, but doubly so if you are. They're heavy and freestanding, not squishy at all, and each figurine has its own special touches. Every bear has its own Belly Badge emblazoned over its glittery, bead-filled stomach. You can shake the bear like you would a shaker charm. The fur is flocked, and the “tag” on the back of each bear is made of sturdy plastic (though it looks like paper initially). Of all the blind boxes I tested, these were some of the sturdiest. I got Always There Bear, a cheery red figure holding a star, with hearts on her belly.
Available Versions 9 (plus one secret) Height 2.3–3.5 inches Materials PVC, ABS, PET, nylon, glass Secret Edition Ratio 1:108 Additional Features The secret figure has a detachable element. Includes a character card.
For Little Prince Fans
Hirono is usually a melancholy and wistful character, making him the perfect counterpart to The Little Prince. Each figurine depicts a character or scene from the famous children's book, and like the other Hirono figure I tried, they're well-made and sturdy with high-quality details and finishing touches. They have detachable displays and some have interactive elements. I got The Rose, a stunning figure with a thorny stem twined around him and a rose hat on. He's standing on the moon. I also liked the quote on my character card, which comes directly from the book: “Of course I love you.”
Available Versions 12 (plus one secret and one super secret) Height 3.1–4.7 inches Materials PVC, ABS, hardware, magnets (some figures) Secret Edition Ratio 1:72 (secret) ; 1:144 (super secret) Additional Features Some figures have detachable bases or interactive details. Includes a character card. Best Bag Charm
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Pop Mart
Hacipupu Gummy Bear Series Blind Box
A few weeks ago, if you had told me I would be excited to open a box with “Hacipupu” emblazoned on the front of it, I would have called you a liar. But this figure is, for better or for worse, right up my alley. The box contains a blind bag, and the bag contains your bear. I got Blueberry. It's soft, it's not too big or too small, its facial expression is adorable, and it smells like blueberries. The smell does dissipate quickly, but it made the unboxing experience even more fun than it would have been otherwise. There's a high-quality keychain loop built in, and the stitching and painted details are solid, too. If you want a bag pendant that isn't a Labubu, this is a good option.
Available Versions 6 (plus one secret) Height 5 inches Materials PVC, polyester, TPE Secret Edition Ratio 1:72 Additional Features Figures are scented and have a keychain loop. Includes a character card.
Ethereal and Stunning
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Pop Mart
Skullpanda the Paradox Series Blind Box
Skullpanda was created by artist Xiong Miao. The character is meant to represent possibilities and uncertainty. I've always found it visually arresting since an unboxing for a different blind box came across my TikTok feed, and these figures are no exception. This series has a gorgeous color palette and plenty of organic, interesting shapes and details. Some figures are freestanding and some have detachable bases. I got The Cyclical Path, an off-kilter figure that almost looks like a spinning top. It took a few tries to get it to stand correctly in its base, but it's the most interesting-looking figure I unboxed, complete with a glittery texture.
Available Versions 12 (plus one secret) Height 2.9 – 4.3 inches Materials PVC, ABS Secret Edition Ratio 1:144 Additional Features Some figures have detachable bases or elements. Includes a character card. A Dress-Up Plush
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Incredible Group
Kimmon You're the Protagonist Series Vinyl Plush Blind Box
These giant plush figures come with their very own outfits, and they look a little manic overall, but I love them nonetheless. They're super soft and bright, with rotatable hands and feet and frenetic face paint. I like the markings on their hands and feet, and I think they look just as cute dolled up as they do without the optional clothes. If you want a plush character with lots of fun details, this is an option worth considering. I got the Neon doll, complete with a detachable crown and collar, and I think she's worthy of displaying.
Available Versions 6 (plus one big secret and one small secret) Height 6–7 inches Materials “Plush fabric,” PVC Secret Edition Ratio 1:48 (small secret) ; 1:96 (big secret) Additional Features Includes an outfit and a character card.
A Kimmon Pendant
If you like the look of the Kimmon figure above, but you want a built-in keychain, the Spring New Growth series offers exactly that. The fabric is soft and plush, and the details are incredible, from unique stitching on the clothes and ears to high-quality face paint and dynamic, expressive eyes. My doll looks like a sunflower and has a built-in cape with little metal adornments. The built-in keychain loop is durable as well.
Available Versions 6 (plus one big secret and one small secret) Height 6–7 inches Materials “Plush fabric,” PVC Secret Edition Ratio 1:48 (small secret) ; 1:96 (big secret) Additional Features Built-in keychain loop. Includes a character card.
Blind boxes are mystery collectibles, often in the form of vinyl figures or plush bag pendants. They're similar to trading cards or grab bags. They're sealed and opaque, so you don't know what's inside until you open it. Some blind boxes also have plastic weights inside to keep resellers from being able to guess what figure is inside based on how heavy it is. Some boxes are so popular that they sell out within seconds, often appearing on marketplaces with an artificially inflated price.
Why Are Blind Boxes So Popular?
Mystery collectibles are nothing new—remember Pokémon and Beanie Babies?—but unboxing videos on TikTok and other social media platforms skyrocketed the popularity of blind boxes in recent years. Some celebrities have taken to wearing bag charms like Labubu and Hacipupu which drove up the demand and popularity as well. Blind boxes are also designed to be addictive, thanks to the variable dopamine reward that could be compared to gambling and the FOMO (fear of missing out) factor.
What's a Secret Edition Blind Box?
Many blind boxes have at least one “secret” or “chase” design that has smaller odds of being opened than other designs in the same series. Since they're rarer, collectors “chase” that secret design, even though it likely means buying multiple boxes or full sets in an effort to get it.
How Did WIRED Choose Blind Boxes?
I researched blind boxes to find the most popular options that have wide availability. I factored in price, quality, uniqueness, and design into my recommendation decisions. Would I like it? Would my little sisters? Would my friends? I tried to find options that appealed to a wide variety of collectors. Next up I'll be testing blind boxes from Sanrio (and Hello Kitty), Crybaby Sad Club, Smiski, Sonny Angel, The Monsters, Tokidoki, and Disney.

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