Struggling to track down those adorable, hat-wearing little cherubs? the Sonny Angel blind boxes that everyone’s raving about on social media? You’re definitely not alone! These charming Japanese collectible figures, often found in blind boxes, have absolutely exploded in popularity, captivating collectors and casual fans alike with their tiny, whimsical outfits and the thrill of not knowing which one you’ll get. With over 650 unique models spanning various themed collections like animals, fruits, and flowers, Sonny Angels have become a global phenomenon, selling millions worldwide. In fact, the #sonnyangel hashtag has racked up over 95 million views on TikTok, solidifying their status as a must-have collectible.
Hunting for Sonny Angels can feel like a real treasure hunt, whether you’re new to collecting or a seasoned pro. The excitement of unboxing a new figure, hoping for a rare secret edition which, by the way, can sometimes resell for significant amounts, with some rare ones even hitting over $2,600!, is a huge part of their appeal. People are constantly seeking comfort in these cute little collectibles, and it’s easy to see why they’ve become such a beloved part of many people’s lives. So, if you’re ready to start your own collection or add to an existing one, I’m here to give you the inside scoop on exactly where to buy Sonny Angels, both online and in physical stores, making sure you get the real deal. Let’s get you set up to find your next little “pocket boyfriend” or “pocket girlfriend”!
Your Best Bets: Official Online Destinations
When you’re looking to score some authentic Sonny Angels, going straight to the source or an authorized online retailer is usually your safest bet. This way, you’re pretty much guaranteed to get genuine figures and often have access to the latest series releases.
Sonny Angel USA Official Store
For collectors in the United States, the Sonny Angel USA official website is hands down one of the best places to start. They’re managed by Dreams USA, Inc., which means you’re buying directly from the official distributor. You’ll find a wide range of current series, sometimes even exclusive items, and important updates on new releases or restocks. Plus, buying directly from them gives you peace of mind regarding authenticity. They offer various Sonny Angel mini figures, including regular and limited series, along with other fun merchandise.
Sonny Angel Official Online Store Japan
If you’re looking for an even broader selection or maybe some items that are released in Japan first, the Sonny Angel Official Online Store Japan is worth checking out. They ship to Japan and many other countries via Express Mail Service EMS, though shipping options might vary depending on your location. Just keep in mind that prices will be in Japanese Yen ¥, and international shipping costs can add up. However, for a truly comprehensive selection, this is a fantastic resource, especially for newer series like the SMISKI Hippers or other exclusive items.
Major Online Retailers: Convenience at Your Fingertips
Beyond the official sites, several large online marketplaces also carry Sonny Angels. While these can be super convenient, it’s always smart to be a little extra cautious to ensure you’re buying from reputable sellers to avoid fakes. Where to buy ro sparks
Amazon
Of course, Amazon is a go-to for pretty much anything, and Sonny Angels are no exception. You can often find a good selection of different series, from the classic Animal and Fruit series to newer limited editions. Just make sure to always check the seller reviews and product descriptions carefully. Look for listings that specifically mention “official” or “authentic” and have clear photos of the packaging. Sometimes, you’ll find great deals or even older series that are harder to locate elsewhere. It’s a convenient option, but definitely be diligent about who you’re buying from.
Walmart & Other Large Retailers Online
You might also spot Sonny Angels on other big retail websites like Walmart.com. Similar to Amazon, these platforms host various sellers, so the same advice about checking seller reputation applies. While these aren’t always official distributors, they can sometimes carry authentic figures through third-party vendors. Other large online retailers or toy stores might also occasionally have them in stock, so it’s worth a quick search if you’re looking for a specific series.
Hunting in the Wild: Finding Sonny Angels In-Store
There’s something uniquely satisfying about finding Sonny Angels in person – that moment of picking up a blind box, feeling its weight, and wondering who’s inside. Physical stores are often where the real “treasure hunt” experience comes alive!
The Official Sonny Angel App is Your Best Friend
Seriously, one of my go-to tricks? Download the official Sonny Angel app! Many Reddit users and collectors will tell you this is the best way to find authorized retailers near you. The app usually provides a list of authorized dealers by state, which is incredibly helpful for planning your local Sonny Angel adventures. Since stores can sell out quickly, especially for popular series, it’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm stock before you make a trip. Where to buy roblox gift cards
Types of Stores to Look For
Sonny Angels tend to pop up in a variety of shops that cater to collectibles, unique gifts, and sometimes even plants or books:
- Boutiques and Gift Shops: Many independent boutiques and gift shops, especially those with an eclectic or “kawaii” aesthetic, often carry Sonny Angels. They fit right in with other trendy trinkets and cute items.
- Specialty Toy Stores: Dedicated toy stores, particularly those that focus on unique or imported toys, are prime locations. Think places that sell designer toys or art collectibles.
- Bookstores with Gift Sections: Larger bookstores like Kinokuniya often have extensive gift and stationery sections where Sonny Angels can be found.
- Comic and Hobby Shops: Sometimes, you’ll find them nestled among other collectible figures in comic book stores or hobby shops.
- Plant Stores: Interestingly, some plant and houseplant shops have started stocking Sonny Angels, perhaps seeing them as cute companions for your green friends. One example is Peace, Love & Happiness Club in Seattle.
Sonny Angels Across the USA: A City-by-City Guide
Let’s get specific! Based on what other collectors are saying and official listings, here are some spots to check out in major US cities. Remember to always use the Sonny Angel app and call ahead, as inventory changes fast!
Where to Buy Sonny Angels NYC New York City
If you’re in the Big Apple, you’re in luck! NYC has a vibrant scene for collectibles, and Sonny Angels are definitely part of it. Many places are in Manhattan, but don’t forget to check out Brooklyn too.
- PIQ: These stores, with locations in Grand Central and Rockefeller Plaza, are known for carrying Sonny Angels, though stock can be random.
- Kinokuniya: The famous Japanese bookstore in Manhattan is a popular spot, but like many high-demand locations, they might sell out quickly.
- An.me East Village: This modern boutique in the East Village caters to babies, kids, and families, and they specialize in hip brands and nostalgic items, including Sonny Angels.
- Friends NYC Brooklyn: Located in Brooklyn, Friends NYC is a fantastic spot to build your Sonny Angel collection, carrying both regular figurines and Hippers. They even offer in-store pickup.
- Toy Tokyo Brooklyn: Another spot in Brooklyn that collectors often mention.
- myplasticheart Brooklyn: If you’re in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, this is a great place to check for Sonny Angels and Hippers.
Where to Buy Sonny Angels Chicago
Chicago collectors have a few excellent places to hunt for their favorite figures.
- Rotofugi: This designer toy store and art gallery on 2780 N. Lincoln Ave is a highly recommended spot. They’re an authorized seller and even have a trade-in policy, which is a neat perk. The staff are super friendly and helpful!
- Strange Cargo: You can find them at 5216 N. Clark St, and they’re listed as an official retailer.
- GALT Toys & GALT Baby: Check out their locations at 900 N. Michigan Ave in Chicago and in Northbrook.
- XING RUN Chinatown: Reportedly carries some Asia-exclusive Sonny Angel merchandise, right across from MINISO.
- MINISO: While not always official Sonny Angel retailers, some MINISO locations might carry them.
Where to Buy Sonny Angels Las Vegas
Heading to Sin City? You can definitely find some angelic company there too! Where to Buy Raw Milk Near Me: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Fresh, Unpasteurized Dairy
- KPOP 1004 South Premium Outlets: This is one of the authorized sellers in Las Vegas.
- Kuma Co Shanghai Plaza: Another authorized spot, known for having Sonny Angels and Smiskis.
- Kappa Toys Area 15 and Forum Shops @ Caesar’s Palace: These locations are also on the list of authorized sellers.
- Zia Records Rainbow and Eastern locations: This record store chain also carries Sonny Angels in its Las Vegas branches.
- Cutie Design Studio Shanghai Plaza: A place mentioned by collectors where you might find them.
- Fashion Show Mall: This mall has also been noted as a place to find Sonny Angels.
Where to Buy Sonny Angels in Los Angeles
The City of Angels lives up to its name with many spots to find Sonny Angels.
- JapanLA 233 S La Brea Ave: This store is a known hotspot for Sanrio, Smiski, and Sonny Angel merchandise. They even host trading events!
- Little Tokyo: This area is a goldmine. You can check out Neko Stop, Kinokuniya Bookstores, Kimono Ya, and Monkey Pants here.
- Black Market 2060 Sawtelle Blvd: An official retailer listed in LA.
- Giant Robot 2015 Sawtelle Blvd: Another official retailer worth checking out.
- Cake House 3250 W. Olympic Blvd. Ste 103: Also listed as an official retailer.
- Lakewood Mall: Look for Tokyo Japanese Life Style and Konami Cafe inside the mall.
- Koreatown LA 301 S Western Ave Ste 106: A newly opened clothes store here has stocked the cherry blossom series and other Sonny Angels.
- Other official retailers across Southern California include Paper Cola San Gabriel, MARZ gifts South Pasadena, SIDECCA Altadena, Pixie Toys Long Beach, and Knock Knock Toys & Gifts.
Where to Buy Sonny Angels in Seattle
For those on the West Coast, Seattle offers a few notable spots for your Sonny Angel hunt.
- Uwajimaya: This Asian marketplace, particularly the Seattle location, has been known to have Sonny Angel restocks. Keep an eye out there!
- De’core of Seattle: A shop mentioned by TikTok users as a place to find them.
- Peace, Love & Happiness Club Fremont: This unique plant store has been noted for consistently carrying Sonny Angels.
- Red Balloon and Retrofit: These are also mentioned by collectors as places to check.
- The Miniature Car Dealer Pike Place: While they might be out of stock sometimes, it’s a hidden gem worth checking in Pike Place Market.
Where to Buy Sonny Angels in Houston
Houston collectors have a few key places to search.
- Kim’s Cosmetic 11205 Bellaire Blvd b4: This store in the Hong Kong area of Houston has been mentioned as a place to find Sonny Angels.
- Seiwa Market 1801 S Dairy Ashford Rd Unit 116: Located in Westheimer, this market is another spot where collectors have had luck.
- Ellicor 9889 Bellaire Blvd Unit 216: Found in Bellaire, Ellicor is a place to check for blind boxes and other cute items.
- Houston Galleria: Some TikTok users have shown finding Sonny Angels at stores within the Galleria.
- Keep an eye on social media groups, like Texas Sonny Angel Facebook groups, as these can provide real-time updates on local stock and even host meetups for trading or selling.
The Ultimate Hunt: Where to Buy Sonny Angels in Japan
If you ever find yourself in Japan, the birthplace of Sonny Angels, you’ll be in for a treat! The selection is incredible, but even there, popular series can be hard to find in tourist hotspots.
- Loft: With multiple locations like Shibuya Loft and Ginza Loft, these stores are popular choices for their extensive selection, including limited editions and seasonal items.
- HANDS formerly Tokyu Hands: You’ll find HANDS stores all over Tokyo and Japan, like in Ginza, Shibuya, and Shinjuku. They offer a variety of choices.
- Village Vanguard: Known for its quirky and unique goods, Village Vanguard stores like the Shibuya Main Store or Shimokitazawa location are great places to find Sonny Angels.
- Kiddy Land: A must-visit, especially Kiddy Land Omotesando in Tokyo, known for its wide array of character goods. They often have a rich selection from basic series to limited editions.
- Yamashiroya Toy Store Ueno: This long-established, multi-floor toy store is a treasure trove, often carrying rare items that are hard to find elsewhere.
Pro Tip for Japan: Instead of just sticking to the super touristy areas like Shibuya or Harajuku, consider venturing into slightly less crowded neighborhoods. You might have better luck finding them, and it’s a fun way to discover hidden gems. Where to Buy Quail Eggs: Your Ultimate Guide
The Secondary Market: Buying from Resellers
Sometimes, the online stores are sold out, or you’re desperately hunting for a specific rare figure or an older series. That’s when the secondary market comes into play.
- eBay: This is a classic platform for buying and selling collectibles, including rare Sonny Angels. You can find both individual figures and entire sets. Be sure to check seller ratings, read descriptions carefully, and ask for additional photos if needed.
- Mercari: A popular app for buying and selling pre-owned items, Mercari is a great place to find deals on Sonny Angels. Like eBay, good communication with the seller and checking their reviews are key.
- Depop: Similar to Mercari, Depop is popular for fashion but also has a thriving community for unique collectibles, including Sonny Angels.
- Facebook Marketplace & Dedicated Facebook Groups: There are many Facebook groups specifically for Sonny Angel collectors, where people buy, sell, and trade. These communities can be fantastic for finding specific figures and connecting with other enthusiasts. Just make sure the group has clear rules about transactions and proof of authenticity.
- Etsy: While primarily for handmade goods, Etsy’s collectible section can sometimes feature unique or rare Sonny Angels, especially if sellers are highlighting their rarity or special editions.
- Local Collectible & Toy Shows: Keep an eye out for local events! These can be great opportunities to find figures in person and connect with other collectors.
Important Note: When buying from the secondary market, always be aware of the risk of counterfeits and inflated prices for very popular figures.
How to Spot a Fake Sonny Angel: Stay Alert!
The popularity of Sonny Angels, especially with millions of sales annually, has unfortunately led to a rise in counterfeit figures. Nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money on a fake, so here’s how you can tell if a Sonny Angel is the real deal:
- Packaging Quality: Authentic Sonny Angel packaging is usually bright, colorful, and crisp with clear images and text. Look for the official website listed and the Dreams company logo. Fakes often have dull colors, blurry images, misspelled words, or grammatically incorrect text.
- Opaque Foil Bag: Real Sonny Angels come in opaque foil bags inside their blind boxes. If you see a figure packaged in a transparent plastic bag, it’s almost certainly a fake. This is a huge giveaway!
- Paint Job and Details:
- Real: Clean paint job with soft colors and smooth transitions. Details are crisp, and eyes are usually perfectly aligned.
- Fake: Splotchy paint, specks of wrong colors, messy lines, and often crooked or inconsistent eyes. The “eyeliner” and eyelashes might appear too thick. However, sometimes real figures can have minor paint defects due to high demand, so look for a combination of signs.
- Material and Feel:
- Real: Made from matte PVC that feels sturdy and solid.
- Fake: Tends to be made from shinier, flimsier, or softer plastic that’s easier to bend. They might also feel unusually light.
- Foot Stamps: Authentic Sonny Angels have printing on the bottoms of their feet, which usually includes the brand name, series year, and a “Made in China” stamp. Fakes often lack these stamps entirely.
- Price: If a Sonny Angel is being sold for significantly less than its typical retail price usually around $10-$15 for a regular blind box, be very suspicious. While a good deal is nice, an unbelievably low price is a major red flag for a counterfeit.
When in doubt, it’s always best to buy from an authorized retailer or a trusted seller. Unveiling the Ocean’s Treasure: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Oysters Near You
Tips for a Successful Sonny Angel Hunt
Ready to embark on your quest? Here are a few final tips to help you succeed:
- Patience is Key: Seriously, these little guys are popular, and sometimes finding a specific series or a full restock requires a bit of waiting. Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts come up empty!
- Call Ahead: Before traveling to a physical store, give them a quick call to check their stock. This can save you a wasted trip, especially if you’re looking for a popular or newly released series.
- Join Online Communities: Reddit like r/SonnyAngel and Facebook groups are goldmines for information. Members often share tips on where to find Sonny Angels, discuss restocks, and even organize trading events. Connecting with other collectors can make the hunt much more fun and fruitful.
- Know Your Series: Have an idea of which series or specific figures you’re hoping to find. This helps narrow your search and makes asking store employees easier.
- Be Ready to Buy: When you find them, especially in person, don’t hesitate too long! Popular series can disappear from shelves incredibly fast.
With this guide in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to expanding your adorable Sonny Angel collection. Happy hunting, and may your next blind box be exactly what you’re wishing for!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Sonny Angels so popular?
Sonny Angels are super popular for a few reasons! First off, they’re adorable, tiny, and fit into a “blind box” format, which means you don’t know which one you’ll get until you open it. This “surprise effect” creates a fun, almost “gambling” thrill for collectors. They’ve also seen a massive surge in popularity thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, where unboxing videos and displays of collections go viral. For many, these cute little figures offer a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
Are Sonny Angels worth collecting?
Absolutely, if you enjoy them! Their value is really in the joy they bring. From a monetary perspective, some rare or “secret” editions can resell for much higher than their original retail price, with some reaching thousands of dollars. But for most collectors, it’s about the fun of the hunt, the aesthetic appeal, and being part of a vibrant community.
What’s the difference between a Sonny Angel and a Smiski?
Sonny Angels and Smiskis are both collectible figures produced by Dreams Inc., but they have distinct differences. Sonny Angels are the naked, cherub-like boys with various hats animals, fruits, etc., designed to bring happiness. Smiskis, on the other hand, are little glow-in-the-dark figures that pose in different ways like hiding, stretching, or meditating and are meant to be secretly discovered in your everyday life, like on a bookshelf or desk. They both come in blind boxes, but their concepts and appearances are quite different. Where to Buy Nicotine Gum: Your Ultimate Guide
How often do new Sonny Angel series come out?
New Sonny Angel series, including regular and limited editions, are released fairly regularly throughout the year. The official Sonny Angel websites both USA and Japan and their social media channels are the best places to stay updated on upcoming releases. Limited series, like seasonal or collaborative collections, are often highly anticipated and can sell out very quickly.
Can you really find “secret” Sonny Angels?
Yes, absolutely! Each Sonny Angel series usually includes one or more “secret” figures that are much rarer than the regular ones. The packaging for a blind box will often show silhouettes of the possible figures, including a silhouette for the secret one. Finding a secret is a huge thrill for collectors and adds to the excitement of unboxing! These secret figures are often the ones that command higher prices in the secondary market due to their rarity.
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