Littlest Pet Shop is a toy brand originally released by Hasbro in 1992, but later redesigned to the signature, cartoon style most know today in 2005. These collectible figurines won the hearts of collectors worldwide, with over 3,000 unique, bobble-headed designs scattering the childhood homes of millions. However, the production of the iconic pets ended in 2013, with the brand undergoing a major redesign for the fourth time—one that was only met with underwhelming response from the franchise’s fans.
In 2024, Basic Fun, a company that specializes in reviving nostalgic toy lines, has brought back the iconic 2000s pets that once plagued the toy aisle. Old collectors and later generations of children alike can continue to build their collections or start off fresh with this new era of Littlest Pet Shop coined “Generation 7.”
Known in the U.S. as Calico Critters, these adorable, fuzzy-textured animal characters originated in Japan under the name “Sylvanian Families,” later becoming an iconic 80s toy that has reached over 100 million sales worldwide.
These critters often come in sets of families, individually, or with dollhouses or town buildings, and with various, charming accessories to allow room for dress-up. The 2024 trinket trend has increased the toy’s popularity immensely, with many fans turning the animals into little keychains to adorn their favorite bag.
TikTok skits featuring the animals in various situations have garnered millions of likes, with the creator @sylvaniandrama being the most well-known. A similar trend of creative storytelling has grown popular with Littlest Pet Shops as well, indicating a larger phenomenon of returning back to our favorite childhood toys and experiences as a source of comfort.
Sonny Angel figurines were originally released in 2004 by a Japanese toy company. These cherubs have gained mass popularity in the year 2023, but has still taken over the hearts of millions of collectors in 2024, along with display shelves, phone cases, bags, and much more. The dolls are featured in colorful costumes representing various animals, fruits, and even vegetables—all printed with the same innocent gaze. Despite their youthful appearance, the figures were actually revealed to be targeted more towards young-adult women.
Pop Mart is a Chinese company mainly known for their collectible and charming toy brands. The toys, being sold in blind boxes, contribute to a larger social media trend of unboxing blind boxes. Their most popular collections include Skullpanda, Hirono, The Monsters, Nyota, and Peach Riot.
Social media has spread collective awareness for the movement of “healing the inner-child,” which often influences Millennials and Gen-Z to engage with toys or media reminding them of their childhoods. Many have criticized these toy brands for luring this crowd through purposely appealing their products to them. Overconsumption is contributed to the need consumers have to get the specific design they want, or for collectors to have them all. Additionally, the air of mystery and anticipation consumers get when it comes to purchasing and opening blind boxes has been criticized for promoting gambling-like tendencies.
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