What are Sonny Angels and Why Are They Going Viral?
Sonny Angels have become a viral phenomenon, especially on social media. These little dolls are most noted for being both nude and anatomically correct. They have wings which give them an appearance like a cherub painted in antiquity. Their adorable look ad minimalist design have captured the attention of collectors of all ages. The popularity of Sonny Angels has grown rapidly, with multiple communities on the internet dedicated to sharing and collecting these iconic little dolls. Understand more about this global phenomenon as oneHOWTO asks what are Sonny Angels are and why are they going viral?
What is a Sonny Angel?
Sonny Angels are vinyl dolls which originated in Japan where they were created by the company Dreams Inc. They are recognized by their small and simple design. While there are different variations, they are presented as a sort of naked baby with wings. Since they are known as angels, they are best compared to a cherub as depicted in many famous artworks by various masters. These heavenly helpers are depicted as winged babies and are nude.
The dolls are actually all of the same character known as Sonny Angel, but he comes in various forms. Each Sonny Angel has its own special characteristic hat. This can be in various shapes, including different fruits, food, animals or objects. With a height of 3" (c. 7.5 cm), the purpose of the Sonny Angels is to be a lucky charm for whoever owns them. The accompanying slogan for Sonny Angel is ‘may he bring you happiness’.
Sonny Angels are sold in packaging known as blind boxes. This means the consumer doesn't know which Sonny Angel figurine will be inside until they are opened. This adds a level of excitement to the purchase, as well as increasing both the collectability and tradability of the figures. This surprise format has been a huge draw, with many fans trying to get their hands on the different series and limited editions of these dolls.
Sonny Angels have released themed collections ranging from farm and forest animals to fruits, flowers and even commemorative editions for different seasons of the year. For this reason, there is something for everyone who wants to buy one of these dolls.
There are also the Sonny Angels Hippers series of collectables. These provide the same dolls with different hats, but their format is smaller and they have been made attachable. This means it is possible to attach them to your mobile phone, backpack, laptop or other accessories you would like to make cuter.
Why are Sonny Angels going viral?
Sonny Angel figures are not new. They were first launched over 20 years ago in 2004 with the original figure being much larger in size. For something which was introduced so long ago, it may seem strange that their popularity has grown exponentially in the past couple of years. We can thank social media for this.
Especially on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, collectors love to share photos of their dolls. This has helped to generate a global community of fans. The kawaii design of Sonny Angels has also resonated deeply with current fashion and culture, especially among generation Z and millennials. The pastel colors and cute characters predominate, which has captured the attention of Japanese pop culture lovers.
Another reason behind their popularity is the excitement of not knowing which doll you will get when you buy one. This feature has generated a collecting phenomenon in which fans are encouraged to buy more units in the hope of completing their favorite series or getting special pieces. Sonny Angels have also become popular decorative items in places such as desks, bookshelves and work spaces, increasing their value as collectibles and decorations.
This rise of Sonny Angel collecting and the popularity of mystery or blind box toys has grown in recent years. It appeals to both nostalgic adults and young people who love anything cute. Like other collectible dolls such as Funko Pop or Toki Doki, Sonny Angels have managed to capture the interest of people looking for figures with an artistic and original touch.
Learn more about using social media to your advantage with our article explaining how to make money on TikTok.
Where can I buy Sonny Angels?
Sonny Angels can be purchased in various online and physical stores around the world. Popular platforms include Amazon, AliExpress and stores specializing in Japanese toys and items. You can find complete series and individual Sonny Angel Hippers figures. Dreams Inc. has also created its own online store where you can buy current and special Sonny Angels collections.
How much do Sonny Angels cost?
As for Sonny Angel prices, these vary depending on the rarity and demand of the figure. On average, each Sonny Angel figure costs between $10 and $15 individually, although some limited editions can exceed $20. A complete series usually contains between 12 and 15 figures, and can reach prices of between $120 and $150.
While these are the prices for new Sonny Angel figurines, the prices can vary greatly when you want to buy a secondhand doll. On the resale market, prices can rise significantly, especially for rare or discontinued figures. These are highly valued by collectors.
Sonny Angels have proven to be much more than just dolls. Thanks to their design and the element of surprise when purchasing them, they have positioned themselves as an item that offers both sentimental and aesthetic value. In addition, the cultural phenomenon they have generated has led to more and more people seeking out. Sharing their experience with these dolls online has consolidated them as an international trend.
While some see Sonny Angels as the ultimate collectible, others see them as needless plastic toys. For the more ecologically minded, you can learn how to make homemade recycled toys with our related article.
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