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If you’re new to collecting blind boxes, POP MART is one of the best places to start. With characters such as THE MONSTERS, SKULLPANDA, CRYBABY, MOLLY, DIMOO, and HIRONO, there is a huge variety of collectible art toys to discover.
But with so many series and characters available, choosing your first blind box can feel overwhelming.
This beginner’s guide explains what POP MART blind boxes are, which collections are worth exploring, what to consider before buying, and how to start your collection without making unnecessary purchases.
What Is a POP MART Blind Box?
A blind box is a sealed collectible package containing one figure from a particular series. You know the series before purchasing, but you generally don’t know which specific character or design is inside until you open it.
This element of surprise is one of the biggest attractions of blind-box collecting.
POP MART offers a wide range of art figures, plush pendants, accessories, and other collectibles. Its official store currently features characters and collections including THE MONSTERS, SKULLPANDA, HIRONO, CRYBABY, DIMOO, MOLLY, and many others.
Why Are POP MART Blind Boxes So Popular?
There are several reasons collectors enjoy them:
1. The element of surprise
You don’t know exactly which design you’ll receive, making every opening an exciting experience.
2. Collectible characters
Different POP MART characters have distinctive artistic styles, personalities, and collections. This makes it possible to build a collection around the character you personally enjoy.
3. Different series to explore
POP MART regularly introduces new collections and collaborations. Its current catalog includes new releases alongside established characters and series.
4. Display value
Many collectors enjoy displaying their figures at home, at work, or in dedicated display cabinets.
5. Community
Blind-box collecting has developed into a social hobby, with collectors sharing unboxings, collections, trades, and recommendations online.
The Best POP MART Characters to Start With
1. THE MONSTERS / LABUBU
THE MONSTERS is one of POP MART’s best-known character lines, with Labubu becoming especially recognizable among collectors. The official POP MART catalog currently includes numerous THE MONSTERS products and Labubu-related releases, including blind boxes, plush pendants, dolls, and other collectibles.
Best for: Collectors who like playful, expressive, mischievous-looking characters.
Beginner tip: Start with a regular series rather than immediately chasing expensive limited or rare pieces.
👉 Labubu Blind Boxes: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
2. SKULLPANDA
SKULLPANDA has a distinctive artistic style that tends to appeal to collectors looking for something more fashion-oriented and dramatic. POP MART continues to release SKULLPANDA collections, including current figure and plush releases.
Best for: Collectors who prefer sophisticated, artistic designs.
👉 SKULLPANDA Blind Boxes: Complete Collector’s Guide
3. CRYBABY
CRYBABY has a highly recognizable emotional aesthetic and offers a different style from many traditional cute-character collectibles.
Best for: Collectors who enjoy expressive and unconventional character designs.
👉 Labubu vs. CRYBABY: Which Should You Choose?
4. MOLLY
MOLLY is one of POP MART’s established collectible characters and has appeared in many different series and collaborations.
Best for: Collectors who appreciate classic designer-toy aesthetics.
5. DIMOO
DIMOO is another popular character with a dreamy and imaginative visual style. POP MART currently lists DIMOO among its major character collections and continues to introduce new DIMOO releases.
Best for: Collectors who prefer softer, fantasy-inspired designs.
6. HIRONO
HIRONO offers a more introspective and artistic character style.
Best for: Collectors looking for something different from the typical cute or colorful blind-box aesthetic.
How to Choose Your First POP MART Blind Box
Before purchasing your first box, consider these five things.
1. Choose the character you actually like
Don’t buy a series simply because it is trending. Look through several characters and choose the designs that you would genuinely enjoy owning. Your collection should reflect your taste rather than what everyone else is buying.
2. Check the entire series
Before buying, look at the available designs in the series. Ask yourself:
- Do I like most of the designs?
- Would I be happy with several possible pulls?
- Is there a particular design I’m hoping to get?
- Is the price reasonable for my budget?
If you only like one figure in a series, buying individual figures may sometimes make more sense than repeatedly buying blind boxes.
3. Set a budget
Blind boxes are designed around surprise and collecting, so it’s easy to keep buying another box in the hope of getting a particular design. Set a spending limit before you start.
- Beginner budget: Choose one or two boxes from a series you really like.
- Regular collector: Consider buying several boxes while keeping a fixed monthly collecting budget.
- Advanced collector: Explore complete sets, limited releases, and individual figures.
The most important rule is simple: collect for enjoyment, not pressure.
4. Understand rare and secret figures
Some blind-box series include particularly rare designs, often called secret figures. However, don’t assume that buying more boxes guarantees you’ll receive a secret figure. Blind-box distribution can vary by series, and the exact odds should be checked against the information provided for the specific collection.
5. Buy from trustworthy sources
Counterfeit collectibles can be a concern in the designer-toy market. Before purchasing, check: seller reputation, product description, packaging, return policy, reviews, and whether the seller is an authorised or reputable retailer. When possible, use established retailers or official channels.
👉 How to Spot Fake Labubu: 10 Things Collectors Should Check
Blind Box vs. Buying an Individual Figure
Blind box
Pros: Exciting opening experience · Fun for collectors · Opportunity to discover an unexpected design
Cons: You don’t control which figure you receive · You may receive duplicates · You may spend more trying to find a specific design
Individual figure
Pros: You know exactly what you’re buying · Better for completing a specific collection · No surprise duplicates
Cons: Some rare figures can be more expensive · You lose the surprise of opening a blind box
For beginners, blind boxes are usually best when you genuinely like several designs within the series.
Are POP MART Blind Boxes Worth It?
For many collectors, the value isn’t simply the resale price of the figure — the experience itself is part of the hobby. A blind box can provide a fun unboxing experience, a collectible display piece, a way to discover new characters, a hobby to share with friends, and a starting point for a larger collection.
However, blind boxes aren’t a guaranteed investment. If you’re buying purely because you expect a figure to increase in value, you’re approaching the hobby differently from someone collecting for enjoyment.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying only because something is trending. Popularity doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll enjoy the character.
- Overspending to get one specific figure. If you only want one design, consider whether purchasing that individual figure would be more sensible than repeatedly buying blind boxes.
- Ignoring authenticity. Be cautious about unusually cheap listings and sellers with questionable reviews.
- Buying too many at once. Start small. You can always expand your collection later.
- Forgetting storage and display space. Before building a large collection, think about where you’ll keep your figures.
Best POP MART Blind Boxes for Different Types of Collectors
| Collector Type | Character / Collection to Explore |
|---|---|
| Cute & playful | THE MONSTERS / Labubu |
| Artistic & dramatic | SKULLPANDA |
| Emotional & expressive | CRYBABY |
| Classic designer style | MOLLY |
| Dreamy & imaginative | DIMOO |
| Artistic & introspective | HIRONO |
These are starting points rather than rankings. POP MART’s catalog changes frequently, so new series and collaborations can quickly become interesting options.
POP MART Collecting in Singapore and Southeast Asia
For collectors in Singapore and other Southeast Asian markets, availability, shipping costs, currency conversion, and local seller reputation can all affect the final cost of a collectible.
Before ordering internationally, check the seller’s: shipping charges, estimated delivery time, return policy, import or tax considerations, currency conversion, and product availability. Don’t judge a deal by the product price alone — the total cost is what matters.
👉 How to Buy POP MART in Singapore: Ultimate Local Collector Guide
👉 Top 5 Places to Buy POP MART in Southeast Asia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best POP MART blind box for beginners?
There is no single best choice for everyone. THE MONSTERS, SKULLPANDA, CRYBABY, MOLLY, DIMOO, and HIRONO are all worth exploring. Choose a character whose designs you genuinely like.
Are POP MART blind boxes random?
Generally, yes. You know the series but don’t know which specific design you’ll receive until opening the box.
What is a secret figure?
A secret figure is a rarer design included in some blind-box series. Availability and rarity vary by collection.
Should beginners buy a whole set?
Not necessarily. If you’re new to collecting, starting with one or two boxes can help you determine whether you actually enjoy the series.
Are POP MART figures worth collecting?
They can be, particularly if you enjoy the characters, artwork, and collecting experience. Their future resale value is not guaranteed, so don’t treat blind boxes as a guaranteed investment.
Final Thoughts
The best POP MART blind box isn’t necessarily the rarest or most expensive one — it’s the one you’ll actually enjoy owning. Start with a character that matches your personality, set a reasonable budget, learn about the series before buying, and enjoy the surprise of collecting.
If you’re just starting, THE MONSTERS, SKULLPANDA, CRYBABY, MOLLY, DIMOO, and HIRONO are excellent characters to explore. And remember: collecting should be fun. You don’t need every figure to have a great collection.
Explore More Blind Box Guides
- Labubu Blind Boxes: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
- How to Spot Fake Labubu: 10 Things Collectors Should Check
- Labubu vs. CRYBABY: Which Should You Choose?
- SKULLPANDA Blind Boxes: Complete Collector’s Guide
- Labubu Complete Collection Guide: Every Series Explained
- Best Places to Buy POP MART in Southeast Asia