Here at Reader’s Digest, we believe in the power of play—and not just for kids. In fact, the popularity of “kidult” brands like Jellycat and Warmies proves that if there’s one thing both Millennials and Gen Z can agree on, it’s that toys no longer have an age limit. For folks proudly collecting and enjoying these little pieces of fun, nothing is more alluring than the joy of cracking open a blind box. However, these sweet surprises aren’t cheap.
Take the cuddly cult phenomenon Labubu, for instance, which can cost upwards of $40 based on rarity. Even something like Sonny Angel—a cherub-like character available in cute poses and outfits, for those out of the loop—is priced at $30 or more, depending on the series.
I like adorable little treats just as much as the next person. Sometimes splurging on a fun little toy is all it takes to flip my mood. But I also have a mortgage to pay, and these purchases add up fast. That’s why, when I get the itch to indulge, I opt for the detailed, inexpensive boxes from Smoko. This under-the-radar blind box and toy brand brings a little light to your day—and for under $18 a pop!
Smoko Blind Boxes
Detailed, inexpensive and full of surprises, these Smoko blind boxes are our favorite little treat to give and receive.
What are Smoko blind boxes?
Smoko blind boxes are part of the small-but-mighty Smoko store. Based in L.A., Smoko is a lifestyle brand committed to both work and whimsy. It offers adorable desk adornments like lights, mochi plushies and bag charms for adults who never quite feel like fully growing up.
But honestly, the most tempting trinkets on the brand’s website are the numerous blind boxes. Smoko offers over 40 different blind box options, from bespoke characters like Hank Yeti to figures made in partnership with Kewpie, Miffy and more. And—this is the best part—they all retail for under $20, with some priced as low as $7.
How we tested Smoko blind boxes
I’m not new to the blind box rodeo, so I know a thing or two about these trinkets. As a self-described collector and part-time crafter (i.e. my home is bursting with fandom items and cutesy minis), blind boxes are probably my favorite way to find new figurines to incorporate into my projects. When it comes to indulging in a new blind box, I typically look for:
- Price: This is a given. I don’t have kids, so my budget is a little more flexible than some. Even still, these days, value is always at the top of my mind. Anything over $20 is, in my opinion, too much for a toy—unless it’s really, really high quality or rare. One exception to this rule is my collection of Nommi keychains, which are enormous, cuddly and consistently cute. We all have our vices.
- Detail and Quality: When looking at blind boxes, I tend to gravitate towards those that offer consistently high quality and amazing attention to detail. You can tell a good quality product from a not-so-good one by how it feels in your hand and looks like up close. Typically, more detail and weight equals a higher quality surprise.
- Authenticity: Buying blind boxes from a random seller online or a pop up mall store is a surefire way to secure counterfeits and dupes. Whenever possible, I always buy directly from the brand’s online store or a trusted reseller like Urban Outfitters.
For me, Smoko’s blind boxes check all of these off. Not only is it genuinely nice to support a smaller brand, but the recurring one-of-a-kind characters and incredible quality always keep my coming back for new releases. For this piece, I received and reviewed four of the most popular picks from the website: Kewpie in Cups, Peanut Familia, Smoko Friends Sleeping and Tayto Treats.
Kewpie in Cups Blind Box
As a Kewpie collector, I might be biased, but this is my favorite of Smoko’s current offerings. The Kewpie in Cups blind box offers five different designs, each featuring an adorably posed Kewpie. Unbox Kewpies in bowls, teacups, kettles or a cupcake liner. I received the cupcake Kewpie, and I can’t get over the amazing detail in its precious, angelic face. As a bonus, the plastic pouch sports classic Kewpie illustrations inspired by the timeless designs of cartoonist and early women’s rights advocate Rose O’Neill.
Peanut Familia Blind Box
The nutty members of the Peanut Familia are well worth displaying! Each blind box cracks open to reveal one of six family members, spanning Papa Peanut, Harold Peanut, Momma Peanut, Auntie Peanut, Uncle Peanut and Cousin Peanut. I unboxed the adorably bespeckled Uncle Peanut, whose weighty vinyl material feels soft in my hands. I can’t wait to try again for Momma Peanut, who opens up to reveal two peanutling babies!
Smoko Friends Sleeping Blind Box
Perhaps the most popular of Smoko’s current selection, the Smoko Friends Sleeping blind box highlights some of the brand’s best loved buddies. Tayto Potato, Lil B Dumpling, Billie Beets and Midori Daikon arrive nestled on snooze-worthy pillows, while Elodie Unicorn curls up on a cozy star. Hank Yeti, the figurine I unboxed, spreads out right on the floor with a copy of How to be a Yeti resting on his chest.
Tayto Treats Mini Blind Box
Mini but mighty, these tiny Tayto Treats blind boxes sport all the charm of their bigger cousins. Available at a budget-friendly $7 price point, each box contains one of eight sumptuous snacks. I received the pancake stack, complete with a charming pat of butter. Other possibilities include Roll Cake, Fruit Sando, Cinnamon Roll, Chocolate Croissant, Donut, Flan and Matcha Cake.
Where to buy Smoko blind boxes
Smoko Blind Boxes
Whether you gravitate towards in-house characters like Hank Yeti and Lil B Dumpling or opt for well-known friends like Miffy, Smoko offers adorable blind boxes for kids and adults alike.
Those who can’t resist the pull of these whimsical characters can find all the latest releases directly on the Smoko website. While these cuties can also be found on some other sites like Amazon and eBay, we recommend sticking with the direct-to-consumer site to avoid picking up counterfeits. Trust me—you want the real deal, even if you’re getting them at a serious bargain!
The post Say Lubyebye to Labubu—Try This Inexpensive Blind Box Brand Instead appeared first on Reader's Digest.
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