2025 is without a doubt the year of the trinket, at least for adults. What used to be popular for toddlers and tweens is now a status symbol among adults in multiple different phases of their lives. If you look across any of my coworkers' desks, you will likely find plush toys or figurines lined up like trophies.
You have, by now, definitely heard of the Labubu craze, and before that, it was Sonny Angels and Jellycats going all the way back to Beanie Babies. Since Labubus are so hard to get a hold of, we decided to do some digging and find some equally cute and popular plush toys and figurines that you can add to your collection right now. You can use them as bag charms, as decorations or something to squeeze every now and then when you feel like you need it.
Keep reading to discover familiar plush toys and figurines plus new additions to the craze.
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Pop Mart plush toys
Pop Mart is the place most people buy popular plush toys if they are lucky enough to snag them in time. They have a plethora of different characters that they release vinyl series on. Many of their plushies are released in bind boxes where the customer does not know what they are receiving until they open it. Because of this excitement, people have started to record their reactions and post them on social media. While Labubus are probably their most popular blind box release, we have listed some other cute characters below.
If you like the element of surprise from blind boxes, this box from Pop Mart is a great option. This blind box features the Twinkle Twinkle characters, sleepy little creatures shown sleeping, reading and more.
If you need a hug from time to time, then this plushie will be your new friend. It is a blind box, so you can get one of seven huggable characters that have themes of passion, strength and more lovable qualities.
Sanrio and San-X plush toys
Sanrio and San-X are two popular character makers in the toy world. Sanrio is known for characters that are cute, like Hello Kitty while San-X has popular characters like Rilakkuma and other cute characters with quirky personalities.
Cinnamonroll is the mascot of Cafe Cinnamon. He is known to be shy but friendly. The little character looks great on a bag or set of keys.
This Korilakkuma plush toy is the smallest version of the bear, and they are known for being mischievous and high-energy.
This little blind box has Hello Kitty and Friends featured in a little plastic bubble, so you don't have to worry about your plushy getting damaged or dirty.
Rilakkuma is known for being very relaxed and calm with many of the bears' activities, including watching TV and eating delicious meals. This version features Rilakkuma in a denim-style outfit.
If you already have a Cinnamonroll collection, this one from Build-A-Bear is going to be a must in your collection. The plush has super soft fur, and can come with an outfit if you want to dress it up.
Squishmallow plush toys
Squishmallows became popular around 2020 for their huggability and comfort during some pretty stressful times. They are described as being as squishy and soft as a marshmallow and feature a bunch of different characters and sizes.
Joanne has a lot of love to give with this big red heart seen in her paws. Joanne the otter also happens to be friends with mermaids.
This Squishmallow is a strawberry named Scarlett who wears glasses and is a lover of theatre. This plush would be a great one on your bed for its comfort and shape.
If you're a fan of highland cows, this little blue one from Squishmallows is a good one to add to your collection for its uniqueness.
Who doesn't want a squishable pink banana? One customer bought this saying, "We renamed her Nana Banana for my Nana for Mother’s Day. She’s a 77-year-old woman and loves this thing. Just goes to show that it’s perfect for any age."
If you want a couple of squishy buddies, then this mystery box of five Squishmallows will add excitement and more plushies to your life.
Jellycat plush toys
Jellycat plushies had a big following on social media last summer, with many of their styles selling out. Each of their characters has a unique name and purpose. Many people flock to the Jellycat Diner in NYC because they "prepare" the food Jellycats right in front of you for a unique experience. Jellycats first launched in 1999 but became massively popular in 2023 through 2024.
For the outdoorsy adventurer, this duo of marshmallows makes a cute accessory for their bag or backpack. This option would be a great matching gift for friends.
Add some sunshine to rainy days with this sun bag charm from Jellycat. This smiling sun is supposed to give off cozy and golden energy.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when it is a chic egg with sun shades. This egg is part of a wider egg collection on Jellycat.
For the foodie, Jellycat has dozens of delicious characters. One food that screams summer is always a hot dog, especially one that is smiling.
If you like to keep plushies on your bed or couch, this rainbow one is a great addition because it is meant to spread cheer wherever it lands. With cute little arms, you can also hug it.
Monchhichi plush toys
Monchhichi have been around since the 1970s and were made to inspire friendship when gifted. Since the 70s, they have come back into popularity through retailers like Urban Outfitters, and put on bags for their cute look and soft feel.
This Monchhichi is small enough to fit on your shelf or sit on your bed. This collection of Monchhichis is fruit-inspired, with different fruits displayed on their tummies. Grab the whole collection or just one.
This Monchhichi is similar to the original with its pink accessories, like a hair bow and bib. One reviewer notes, "I love the fact that my granddaughter picked this out as something she wanted for her birthday without me ever really talking about me having one as a child so very cute and totally worth every dime."
If you love music, then this Monchhichi is for you. Wearing a comfy sweatshirt and headphones, this rockstar is ready to be on display.
Popular figurines to shop
Little figurines of characters have also been very popular in 2025 and years before, with many of them coming in blind boxes similar to Labubus. From doing activities to wearing costumes, they're loved because they can stand up or sit on a shelf with ease. Several members of Shop TODAY have their desks lined with Sonny Angels, Smiskis and more.
If you are a cat lover, this blind box is a good starter for your next collectible. It features one of five shrimp-loving grumpy cats in various funny positions.
Calico Critters have been around since 1985, but they have been brought back into popularity in their bag charm version for its tiny size and furry touch. I [Shigo] have this bag charm and love how dainty it is.
Miffy is a universally popular figurine, and many brands collaborate with it, like Baggu, to name one. This blind box has Miffy sharing her favorite activities, like tennis or swimming.
If you want something nonchalant, Smiskis are cute little creatures that love to hide in the nooks of your bookshelf, among other areas. They are also glow-in-the-dark, so you can see them peeking out at night. I have given a bunch of my friends Smiskis and received a few. They are so small and cute, they are the perfect decoration.
Like Labubus, Skullpanda figurines have also become super popular with people lining up for them at stores. They are known as a character who travels to different planets and times with their outfits inspired by art and pop culture. This blind box has the character embodying warmth with various character poses.
If you use the brand Kewpie mayo for your home mayonnaise, you might have seen this little figurine on the bottle. Kewpie dolls have been around since the 1900s in many capacities, from cartoons to dolls. Shop TODAY editor Evan Siegel has one on his nightstand for decoration.
Similar to the Kewpie figurine, Sonny Angels are also little cute cherub figures that are meant to bring happiness. This series is animal-themed, so your blind box will contain one of twelve animal-inspired Sonny Angels. I have a couple of Sonny Angels and they are scattered around my house on bookshelves and cabinets.
How We Choose
We selected these products based on reviews from customers and Google search trends for plush toys. We also reached out to Shop TODAY staff to hear about their favorite plush toys.
