TL;DR
A WIRED editor bought and unboxed a range of blind-box collectibles available online and rounded up nine favorites across Pop Mart and Incredible Group lines. The selections span small vinyl figures, scented plush bag charms, and multi-piece plushes, many with secret-edition rarities and built-in keychain or display features.
What happened
A WIRED reviewer purchased multiple blind boxes from online retailers and evaluated them for build quality, design, and novelty. The roundup focuses on nine products, predominantly from Pop Mart (including Labubu, Dimoo Shapes, Hirono, Care Bears Colorful Hugs, Hirono x Le Petit Prince, Hacipupu Gummy Bear, and Skullpanda) plus two offerings from Incredible Group (Kimmon plush series). Prices in the tested list range roughly from $20 to $33 per box, and many entries include technical details such as height, materials (PVC, ABS, polyester, TPE, etc.), and secret-edition rarity ratios. Common extras across the picks include character cards, detachable bases or interactive parts, and built-in keychain loops; one scented pendant is mentioned. The writer also noted they bought online to avoid in-store lines and experienced at least one delayed Labubu shipment as of press time.
Why it matters
- Blind boxes remain a popular option for collectors and gift buyers who want a surprise element without visiting specialty stores.
- Many online blind-box offerings include collectible mechanics (secret editions, varying rarity ratios) that drive repeat purchases and trading.
- Products vary widely in materials, sizes, and features (keychain loops, detachable bases, scented elements), so online shoppers can match items to use—desk decor, bag charms, or display pieces.
- Availability online can ease access but may still involve delayed shipments for high-demand items.
Key facts
- The WIRED roundup covers nine blind-box series from Pop Mart and Incredible Group priced about $20–$33 each.
- Pop Mart Labubu Monsters Pin for Love set: 26 main variants plus two secret editions; height about 4.13 inches; materials polyester, PVC, zinc alloy; secret-edition ratio 1:168; includes a keychain and sticker.
- Pop Mart Dimoo Shapes in Nature: 12 variants plus one secret; heights 2.7–3.9 inches; PVC/ABS; secret-edition ratio 1:144; some pieces have connectable bases, glow elements, embossing, or magnets.
- Hirono Reshape series: 9 variants plus one secret; heights 3.3–4 inches; PVC/ABS; secret ratio 1:108; some figures have detachable bases and come with character cards.
- Care Bears Colorful Hugs series: 9 variants plus one secret; heights 2.3–3.5 inches; materials include PVC, ABS, PET, nylon, glass; secret ratio 1:108; flocked fur, bead-filled belly badges, and sturdy tags.
- Hirono x Le Petit Prince: 12 variants plus one secret and one super secret; heights 3.1–4.7 inches; secret ratios 1:72 (secret) and 1:144 (super secret); some figures include magnets or detachable displays.
- Hacipupu Gummy Bear series: 6 variants plus one secret; height about 5 inches; materials PVC, polyester, TPE; secret ratio 1:72; figures are scented and have a keychain loop.
- Skullpanda the Paradox: 12 variants plus one secret; heights 2.9–4.3 inches; PVC/ABS; secret ratio 1:144; some items are freestanding with detachable bases.
- Incredible Group Kimmon vinyl/plush series: 'You're the Protagonist' plushes are 6–7 inches with included outfits; secret-edition ratios for small/big secrets listed as 1:48 and 1:96; 'Spring New Growth' offers built-in keychain versions.
What to watch next
- Shipping and restock timing for highly popular figures—one Labubu order was still delayed a month after purchase, per the reviewer.
- Whether individual series maintain the same secret-edition ratios in future production runs: not confirmed in the source.
- Long-term availability of specific lines across retailers and resale-market fluctuations: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Blind box: A sealed product sold without revealing which variant is inside, creating a surprise for the buyer.
- Secret edition: A rarer variant within a blind-box series, typically produced at a much lower ratio than standard figures.
- Pop Mart: A company known for producing designer blind-box toys and collectible figures; referenced as the maker of several tested series.
- Character card: An informational card included with many blind-box figures that identifies the specific character and sometimes includes artist notes or quotes.
Reader FAQ
Are these blind boxes available to buy online?
Yes—the reviewer purchased these items online from retailers including Pop Mart and Amazon as noted in the source.
Do blind boxes include extra pieces or features?
Many in the roundup include extras such as character cards, detachable bases, keychain loops, or scented elements, depending on the series.
How rare are secret editions?
The article lists specific secret-edition ratios for each series (for example, Labubu 1:168, Dimoo 1:144), varying by line.
Were there delivery problems for these purchases?
The reviewer reported a delayed Labubu order that had not arrived as of press time.
Can I return or exchange blind-box items if I get duplicates?
Not confirmed in the source.
LOURYN STRAMPE GEAR JAN 15, 2026 8:04 AM The Best Blind Boxes You Can Buy Online In the market for a mystery treat? There's more out there than Labubu. We…
Sources
- 9 Best Blind Boxes—Bag Charms, Plush Pendants, and More (2026)
- Cute Blind Box
- 24 Best Bag Charms Starting at $5, From Plushies to Chains
- Blind Box Keychain
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