The Rise of Art Toy Plush Pendants: Why Collectors Can't Stop Clipping Labubu, CryBaby & Skullpanda to Everything

From Shelf Figurines to Everyday Carry: The Plush Pendant Phenomenon

Sometime in 2024, something shifted in the art toy community. Collectors who used to keep their figures safely behind glass started wearing them. Plush pendants and vinyl plush accessories — those soft, squeezable versions of your favorite Pop Mart characters — went from niche accessory to full-blown cultural moment. Walk through any major city and you'll spot Labubu dangling from a Birkin, CryBaby clipped to a backpack strap, or Skullpanda swinging from a set of car keys.

This isn't just a trend. It's a fundamental shift in how people interact with art toys. And the selection has exploded.

Labubu Plush Pendants: The One That Started It All

If one character is responsible for the plush pendant craze, it's Labubu. The toothy little monster from Pop Mart's THE MONSTERS series went mega-viral when celebrities were spotted with Labubu plush clipped to designer bags, and the rest is history.

Big Into Energy Series — The Icon

The Labubu Big Into Energy Series Vinyl Plush Pendant ($24) is arguably the single most popular plush pendant ever made. The vinyl face gives it that signature Labubu expression while the plush body makes it soft and huggable. At $24, it's an impulse buy that quickly becomes an addiction — most people end up collecting multiple colorways.

The Labubu Big Into Energy plush pendants — the ones that started a global trend.

Forest Fairy Tale Series — Premium Plush

For collectors wanting something more elevated, the Labubu Forest Fairy Tale Series Vinyl Plush Pendant ($60) steps up the detail with a fairy tale theme. These are larger, more intricately designed, and have become a favorite among collectors who treat their plush pendants as wearable art rather than just bag charms.

Wacky Mart Series — Food-Themed Fun

Pop Mart's creative team had way too much fun with the Wacky Mart Series Vinyl Plush ($80 for the blister pack) — imagine Labubu dressed as convenience store snacks. The Seafood Balls Plush Pendant ($25) is particularly ridiculous and I mean that as the highest compliment.

Timber Workshop Series

The Timber Workshop Playing On The Swing Plush Pendant ($36) adds a kinetic element — the swinging motion gives it personality when it's hanging off your bag. It's the kind of design detail that makes you appreciate Pop Mart's product team.

Beyond Labubu: Plush Pendants From Every Major IP

CryBaby Plush Pendants

CryBaby's plush pendants bring that signature tearful aesthetic into wearable form. The Cheer UP, Baby! Series Plush Doll Pendant ($35) is the perfect introduction — soft, expressive, and with enough variety in the blind box to make collecting them addictive. The Crying For Love "Love You Cherry Much" Vinyl Plush ($55) is the romantic option — gifting this says "I know you" in a way that flowers just can't.

Skullpanda's L'impressionnisme plush pendants — impressionist art you can clip to your bag.

Skullpanda Plush Pendants

Leave it to Skullpanda to make plush pendants moody. The L'impressionnisme Series Plush Pendant ($26) draws inspiration from impressionist painting — the color work on these is genuinely artistic. If your personal style leans more dark academia than kawaii, Skullpanda plush is your lane.

Hirono Plush — The Art-Forward Choice

The Hirono Living Wild "Fight For Joy" Plush Doll ($60) is less of a pendant and more of a plush companion piece. Hirono's edgy, contemplative design translates surprisingly well to plush form — the slightly oversized head and brooding expression make it stand out from the cuter options.

Angry Molly — For When You're Not Feeling Cute

The Angry Molly Angry Energy Series Plush Pendant ($30) is the anti-kawaii option. Sometimes you don't want a smiling face on your bag — sometimes you want a furious little Molly radiating chaos energy. The full set of 6 confirmed designs covers a range of rage that's both hilarious and oddly relatable.

Angry Molly plush pendants — for days when cute just isn't cutting it.

Dimoo Plush — Dreamy and Huggable

Dimoo's plush range goes beyond pendants into full-size companions. The Dimoo Elephant In Moonlight Vinyl Plush ($75) is a gorgeous moonlit elephant design, while the Dimoo Rolling Plush Doll ($163) is a premium desk companion that rolls and wobbles. It's less "clip to your bag" and more "keep at your desk and squeeze when stressed."

Why Plush Pendants Took Over: The Practical Appeal

Here's the thing about art toys on a shelf — you see them at home. Plush pendants go everywhere with you. They're conversation starters, they're self-expression, and they're a signal to other collectors: I'm one of you. At $20-$60, they're also the most accessible way to start collecting. No display case needed. No shelf space debate. Just clip and go.

The vinyl plush format — hard vinyl face, soft plush body — is a genuine material innovation. It gives you the character detail of a figurine with the tactile satisfaction of a stuffed toy. It's the best of both worlds, and it's why this category keeps growing.

Building a Plush Pendant Collection: Tips

• Start with one IP: Pick Labubu, CryBaby, or Skullpanda and go deep before going wide
• Rotate them: Match your pendant to your outfit or mood — that's half the fun
• Mix formats: Combine a vinyl plush pendant with a standard plush for texture variety
• Gift strategically: Plush pendants are the perfect gift for someone art-toy-curious — low commitment, high charm

Whether you're a veteran collector looking to take your favorites off the shelf and into the world, or a newcomer wanting your first art toy without the display commitment, plush pendants are where it's at. Clip one on and see what happens — strangers will compliment you, collectors will nod knowingly, and you'll probably order three more before the week is out.