What Is POP MART? A Beginner’s Guide to Blind Box Toys

POP MART is a global designer-toy company that connects artists and character-based intellectual properties with collectors through blind boxes, fixed figures, plush pendants, large-format sculptures, accessories, exhibitions and immersive experiences. Its popularity is often reduced to “mystery toys,” but the larger system is about visual storytelling: an artist creates a recognizable world, and each product turns one part of that world into a physical object.

This beginner’s guide explains how POP MART works, what blind boxes and secret figures mean, how major characters differ, and how to choose products without confusing a random box with an identified item. Ri-son’s current selection is available through IP Collectibles and New Arrivals.

What Is POP MART?

Founded in 2010, POP MART developed from a pop-culture retailer into an international designer-toy business. Its official brand introduction describes a company connecting artists and fans through characters, collectibles and immersive experiences. Beyond products, the ecosystem includes POP LAND, the INNER FLOW art platform and POP TOY SHOW.

POP MART Australia explains that the company’s advantage combines designers, manufacturing, distribution and retail channels. Artists can focus on characters and visual ideas while the wider organization handles product development, factories, stores, online channels, Robo Shops and exhibitions.

What Is a Designer Toy?

A designer toy is a collectible in which the artistic concept and character identity are central. Unlike a conventional action figure built mainly around an existing film scene or play feature, a designer toy may begin with an illustrator, sculptor or independent character world. Costume, color, expression and symbolism can matter as much as narrative canon.

That distinction is flexible because POP MART also creates licensed collaborations. A familiar global property can be reinterpreted through a designer-toy format, while original IP such as HIRONO or SKULLPANDA can expand into plush, jewelry and lifestyle accessories.

How Does a POP MART Blind Box Work?

A blind box is sealed packaging that conceals the exact design until opened. The outer package normally shows the possible regular lineup, while a rarer secret may appear only as a silhouette. POP MART’s official blind-box explanation says that a set includes non-repeating basic figures and that a secret, when found, replaces one basic edition.

Three terms are especially important:

• Blind Box / Random: one sealed box with an unknown design.
• Whole Set: the regular number of boxes, normally without duplicate basic designs; it does not guarantee the secret.
• Identified or Opened Box: the outer box has been opened to confirm the character, with the inner bag sealed when stated.

Blind boxes are best for surprise. Whole sets suit collectors who want the regular visual story. Identified options are best when only one character will satisfy you or when choosing a specific gift.

What Is a Secret or Chase Figure?

A secret—also called a hidden or chase edition—is rarer than the regular lineup. Odds vary by series and should not be assumed from another product. A secret is not an extra figure added to a whole set; it normally replaces one regular design.

Rarity can be exciting, but it does not automatically create better design or lasting value. A regular character connected to a personal memory may be more meaningful than a secret pursued only because it is scarce. Set a budget before chasing repeated random boxes.

Major POP MART Characters to Know

LABUBU and THE MONSTERS

Created by artist Kasing Lung, THE MONSTERS is a fairy-tale world of elves and creatures. LABUBU is recognized by pointed ears and a mischievous serrated smile. The character appears across figures, plush pendants, fixed dolls, trading cards, accessories and jewelry. Explore Ri-son’s LABUBU collection.

HIRONO

Created by Lang, HIRONO explores vulnerability, loneliness, identity and the distance between inner emotion and public appearance. Costumes and props often work like protection or symbolic memories. Browse the HIRONO collection.

SKULLPANDA

SKULLPANDA moves between identities, worlds and highly styled visual roles. Releases often combine fashion, surrealism and emotional ambiguity. The character works especially well for collectors who enjoy dramatic silhouettes and concept-led series. See Ri-son’s SKULLPANDA collection.

NYOTA

NYOTA uses a star-headed child to explore wonder, small discoveries and emotional warmth. The softer visual language suits collectors who prefer gentle seasonal and everyday themes. Current products are organized in Ri-son’s NYOTA collection.

PUCKY, CRYBABY and Peach Riot

PUCKY combines nature, fairy imagery and a cute-but-dark emotional tone. CRYBABY, created by Molly Yllom, treats tears as emotional honesty rather than weakness. Peach Riot centers a group of young characters whose music, fashion and friendship create a rebellious coming-of-age world.

POP MART Products Beyond Standard Figures

The brand now operates across several formats:

• PVC/ABS blind-box figures
• Vinyl-face plush pendants and larger plush dolls
• Fixed-design figurines and limited resin sculptures
• MEGA 400% and 1000% art pieces
• Jewelry, bags, phone accessories and home goods
• Trading cards and character collectibles
• Licensed collaborations with entertainment, fashion and cultural properties

Always read the exact material, dimensions and purchase format. A plush pendant, resin sculpture and standard blind-box figure require different care and cannot be compared only by character name.

How to Choose Your First POP MART Collectible

Start with the character world, not the secret odds. Ask which theme fits you: mischief, introspection, fashion, comfort, music or nostalgia. Then choose the format. A fixed figure removes random risk; a blind box makes discovery part of the experience; an identified box gives control; a whole set creates the fullest narrative.

Check available space, material, size and total budget. Small figures are easier to group, plush pendants can travel, and large sculptures require stable display surfaces. Do not assume a high resale price is permanent or guaranteed.

How to Read a Product Listing Correctly

Confirm the exact option before checkout. “One Box” is not a whole set. “Opened Box” does not mean factory sealed. A whole set does not guarantee the secret. Check whether measurements exclude a hanging loop and whether materials refer to shell, filling or molded components.

Save the listing and order confirmation. Clear records make it easier to resolve shipping, condition or authenticity questions.

Authenticity and Safer Buying

Compare the exact product name, packaging, card, sculpt, paint and materials with official references. POP MART provides an official authenticity-check process, but a code should be considered alongside the physical product and seller. Ri-son’s detailed LABUBU packaging guide explains why QR codes are not a complete one-step test.

Review POP MART’s FAQ and returns guidance. The FTC online-shopping guide provides general seller and payment safeguards.

Display and Care

Keep collectibles away from prolonged direct sunlight, heat and humidity. Dust hard figures with a soft dry brush or microfiber cloth. Spot-clean plush conservatively and protect attachment hardware. Avoid alcohol, acetone and abrasive cleaners on painted or printed surfaces.

Use risers to create height, leave negative space around strong silhouettes and organize by story, color or character rather than crowding every item together.

FAQ

Is POP MART a character or a company?

POP MART is a global designer-toy company. It develops, licenses and distributes many different characters and collaborations.

Does one blind box contain the full set?

No. One blind box contains one random design. A whole set contains the regular number of boxes specified for that series.

Does a whole set guarantee the secret?

No. A secret is random and normally replaces one regular design when found.

What should I buy if I want one exact figure?

Choose an identified or opened-box option when available, or buy a fixed-design product. Do not choose a sealed random box.

Are POP MART products only hard plastic figures?

No. Products include plush pendants, dolls, resin sculptures, large MEGA figures, jewelry, accessories, cards and home goods in addition to PVC/ABS figures.

Sources and Further Reading

• POP MART official brand introduction
• POP MART Australia company overview
• POP MART Australia: company history and formats
• POP MART authenticity check
• POP MART FAQs
• POP MART returns guidance
• FTC online-shopping guidance