If you’ve been scrolling on Tiktok, Instagram, or Pinterest lately, chances are you’ve seen the tiny, naked, baby-faced figurines that have taken over social media. These quirky little figures, known as Sonny Angels, have become a viral sensation. Collectors everywhere are showing off their growing collections and unboxing blind boxes in anticipation of the next cute surprise. So, what makes these tiny beings so irresistible, and why is everyone suddenly obsessed with them?
What Are Sonny Angels?
Sonny Angels are small collectable figures that come from Japan. They are not new to the market as they have been around for over 20 years and were created by the Japanese company Dreams Inc in 2005. More recently, these tiny collectables have caught the eyes of young users and have exploded all over social media. Sonny Angels were designed to be a companion – joining their owner on any adventure, bringing happiness and joy to their owners with their sweet, simplistic appearance. Each Sonny Angel is a tiny baby with a cute face, who wears a variety of colorful headpieces ranging from animals to flowers and fruits.
These tiny collectables are perfect to bring around with you everywhere. If you’re in need of a companion or a style buddy, each figure with their colorful headpieces can match any outfit, aesthetic, or style.
The Appeal of Sonny Angels
What really sets Sonny Angels apart from other collectibles is their extensive variety. With over 650 different types, Sonny Angels come in a wide range of series, offering something for every type of collector. Some of the most popular series include the Animal Series, which features adorable figures with hats like pigs, koalas, and foxes; the Fruit Series, showcasing everything from strawberries and grapes to pineapples and apples; and the Flower Series, which includes blossoms like roses, poppies, and sunflowers. Each figurine is sealed in a box, so you won’t know which one you’re getting until you open it. The thrill of not knowing whether you’ll get a rare or common figure is part of what makes them so fun to collect.
The Sonny Angel trend truly took off thanks to social media platforms. Fans from all over the world began sharing their unboxing experiences and displaying their collections on TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. The unboxing trend—where collectors film themselves opening a blind box to see which figurine they got—became hugely popular, with many viewers eagerly watching to see which sonny angel was inside the box..
On Instagram, collectors showcase their Sonny Angels in aesthetically pleasing setups, sometimes arranging them in fun, themed collections. Pinterest is full of inspiration for creative ways to display or use Sonny Angels in DIY projects, further fueling the interest. Many collectors have chosen to display them in creative ways or even attach them to their everyday items. People have added Sonny’s to their phone cases, lip glosses, and keychains. Whether it’s a cute addition to a bag or a quirky embellishment on a makeup product, Sonny Angels have become more than just collectibles—they are a personal style statement for many.
Insights From a Sonny Angel Collector To understand the obsession with Sonny Angels a bit better, I asked my best friend Christine, an avid collector, a few questions. She shared her thoughts on the collecting experience:
“What’s your favorite part about collecting Sonny Angels?”
“I love the surprise!” she replied, emphasizing the excitement of never knowing which figure she’ll get next.
“How do you feel about Sonny Angels becoming so popular? Do you like the hype, or do you miss when they were more niche?”
“I hate the fact that some sellers are marking up the price but also love that people are having fun. It’s a win-lose kinda thing,” she explained, acknowledging the mixed emotions that come with their newfound popularity.
“Do you prefer a specific series over another? Which Sonny is your dream one to own/what’s your favorite Sonny series?”
“I love all Sonny’s—they’re all so cute to me! But my favorite is the Dream Series Hippers!” she added.
Sonny Angels have become more than just collectibles—they’re a fun and exciting way for people to express their creativity and connect with others. While rising prices from resellers have made collecting more challenging, the joy of unboxing and finding a favorite figure keeps fans coming back. With their growing popularity and dedicated community, it’s clear that Sonny Angels are here to stay