If you are new to POP MART, the easiest mistake is thinking the hobby begins and ends with a viral plush pendant. LABUBU bag charms and plush dolls are fun, but many long-term collectors actually begin with the format that made POP MART so addictive: the blind box minifigure. A small figure is easier to display, easier to compare across series, and often gives you a clearer sense of an IP's design language before you move into larger dolls, plush pendants, MEGA figures or collaboration pieces.

POP MART's official store organizes its world around recurring character IPs, formats and series, which is why a beginner should collect by character first, not only by product type. You can browse current official releases through POP MART's official U.S. online store, then compare available confirmed boxes and blind boxes through Ri-son's curated POP MART collection.

Quick Answer: What Should a Beginner Buy First?

Start with one character world and one format. If you love playful fantasy, start with LABUBU and THE MONSTERS. If you prefer emotional storytelling, try Hirono. If you like darker fashion, surreal makeup and dramatic color, SKULLPANDA is a strong first lane. For budget and display control, a minifigure blind box or opened confirmed box is usually more beginner-friendly than chasing only rare plush pendants.

LABUBU and THE MONSTERS: Mischief, Fantasy and High Collectability

LABUBU comes from artist Kasing Lung's THE MONSTERS universe. POP MART's own public IP information traces LABUBU back to a fairy-tale world created in 2015 and frames the character as curious, mischievous and kind-hearted. That combination explains why the character works in so many formats: vinyl face plush, blind box figures, magnets, seasonal editions and fashion collaborations.

For beginners, LABUBU is attractive because the silhouette is instantly recognizable: pointed ears, a wide grin and a cheeky facial expression. A good starting path is to compare a soft-format series like LABUBU Big into Energy with a more display-focused line like LABUBU Wacky Mart Series Figures. You will quickly learn whether you collect for daily styling, shelf display or the thrill of completing a full series.

Hirono: Emotional Storytelling in Small Figures

Hirono is created by contemporary artist Lang. POP MART describes Hirono as a character that captures the subtle ups and downs of life and the feelings that reveal who we are. That is why Hirono figures often feel quieter than LABUBU: the facial expressions, poses and props do the storytelling.

A beginner can start with Hirono The Other One Series because the lineup makes it easy to understand Hirono's emotional range. If you prefer soft accessories, the Hirono Road Journal Plush Doll Pendant Blind Box gives the same character mood in a more lifestyle-friendly format.

SKULLPANDA: Fashion, Mystery and Surreal Detail

SKULLPANDA is ideal for collectors who like fashion-editorial energy. The IP is known for sculpted hair, dramatic styling, fantasy makeup and series concepts that feel closer to art direction than simple cuteness.

If you are searching for 'Sky Panda,' you probably mean SKULLPANDA. Ri-son currently carries precise SKULLPANDA product pages such as SKULLPANDA You Found Me Series Plush Doll Pendant and SKULLPANDA L'impressionnisme Series Plush Doll, so this is a good IP to explore once you already understand blind box basics.

How to Build a POP MART Collection Without Feeling Lost

First, choose one IP and learn its recurring visual cues. Second, decide whether you want sealed blind boxes, opened confirmed boxes or larger statement pieces. Third, keep a small wish list instead of buying every trend. For collectors who want fewer duplicates, confirmed opened-box options on Ri-son are especially helpful because you can choose a specific character while still collecting within the official series.

Beginner FAQ

Are POP MART blind boxes good for beginners?

Yes. Blind boxes are affordable, compact and easy to display. They also teach you how a full series is structured, including regular figures and secret editions.

Should I buy plush pendants or minifigures first?

Choose plush pendants if you want to style bags or keys. Choose minifigures if you want a clean display shelf, a lower entry point and a stronger feel for the IP's original design.

What is the safest first POP MART IP?

LABUBU, Hirono and SKULLPANDA are all strong. LABUBU is the most instantly recognizable, Hirono is the most emotional, and SKULLPANDA is the most fashion-driven.

Resources and Image Credit

References include POP MART's official U.S. online store and Ri-son product pages linked throughout this guide. Product image courtesy of Ri-son product media.