collectible toys

From Miffy To Sonny Angels: Why Does Gen Z Love Collectible Toys So Much?

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Highkey obsessed.

We might be growing up, but our inner child will always come through when it comes to loving toys.

Related: Is Labubu The Next Anik-Anik To Find A Space In Your Collection?

Chances are, you probably have one of the following: Sonny Angels, Smiskis, or Labubus. Maybe you also love characters like Snoopy, Miffy, or any of the cuties from Sanrio. I’m also willing to bet that you’ve got a bag charm of one of these characters—let’s face it, you probably have multiple (hey twin!). Now, Jellycats have been making the rounds online as one of Gen Z’s new toy obsession with people running to their stores to pick out their own plushie. The toy craze has been and still is in full swing.

So, in the era of social media and endless doom scrolling, why does Gen Z love toys so much? I mean, we’re not kids anymore, so why are we obsessed with collecting them so much? From simply being cute to helping us escape the real world, here are a few reasons why we love collecting them. 

A FUN FASHION & DECOR STATEMENT

Like mentioned earlier, tons of people have been wearing bag charms of their fave toys. Anik-anik culture (though let’s remember that having a Labubu collection does not automatically make you an anik-anik girlie) has set the stage for this to be huge amongst Gen Z. They’ve also been a popular accessory for phones recently, with Sonny Angel Huggers as a popular example. They add a fun bit of personality to everyday outfits while showing off our favorite characters. 

@sophie.phamm reorganizing my sonny angel ladder display 👼🏼✨ & changing out the babies @sonnyangel.usa #sonnyangel #sonnyangeltok #sonnyangeldisplay #laddershelf #fireescapeshelf #miniturefurniture #sonnyangelcollection #amazonfinds #amazonhomedecor #foryou #fypシ゚viral #organization #satisfying ♬ origineel geluid – .⋆୨୧⋆.

Beyond outfits, toys have been making their way as part of our homes as well. With collections becoming popular, they have cemented themselves as perfect pieces of decor. Whether you use your plushies as statement pieces, or keep your collectibles on a shelf, toys are Gen Z’s way of making a space their own.

FINDING COMMUNITY 

Another factor why toys have become so popular is the communal aspect of them. With so many people now having this shared interest, there is a big chance you will have something to bond over. I have found myself talking to complete strangers (and becoming fast friends with them!) after asking about their bag charms or their blind boxes. If you’re not so keen on meeting random people IRL, social media is the perfect place to find others who love toys as well.

@unhingedaf finally a sg sonny meetup!!! #sonnyangel #sonnyangeltok #sonnyangelcollection #fyp #foryou #smiski #sonnyangelmeetup ♬ original sound – d✩nielle ☆⋆。𖦹°‧★

In fact, some people have even done meet-ups dedicated to hanging out with other people to trade, sell, or just bond over their shared interests.

ESCAPISM IS EVERYTHING

Many of us are in our final years in college or entering the workforce—these are big changes in our lives that can be overwhelming. We’re entering our adulting era at full force (scary, we know). If you’re already feeling swamped with these changes, you probably have been nostalgic about the “good old days”. If you’re also chronically online, you might have doom-scrolled more often than you should, leading you to feel worried about the world. This combination of experiences makes for one nervous generation.

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When dealing with stressful life shifts, escapism provides a bit of relief-and in this case, it comes in the form of toys. When life starts to feel a bit gray, the cute and colorful nature of collectibles and plushies can make us feel better. 

Even if it feels trivial to look deeply into it, toys have been able to bring out a side of us that maybe have not been present since childhood, especially now that most of us have disposable income to use on what we want. Being able to enjoy the whimsical nature of these toys and incorporating them into our everyday lives makes for a fun experience overall.

Toys and collectibles have allowed us to enjoy collecting as a hobby, make friends, and heal our inner child along the way—and for that, I am eternally grateful. Let’s just remember to not let these collectibles lead us to making bad decisions. Do not go in debt or forgo paying your bills bestie trying to secure the newest collection. As is most things in life, moderation is key. So have fun, but be responsible.

Related: 6 Celebrities and Idol Groups Embodying What It Means To Be Anik-Anik Girlies