If you're new to the world of designer toy collecting, the sheer variety of blind box types can be overwhelming. Figure boxes? Plush boxes? Bean bags? BJD blind boxes? Each type is a completely different experience — different feel, different display style, different collector community. This guide breaks down every major type so you can find the one that's right for you.
What Is a Blind Box?
A blind box is a sealed package containing a randomly selected collectible. You know the series — you can see all the possible designs on the outside — but you don't know which one is inside until you open it. That mystery is the core of the experience. Each series typically contains 6 to 12 standard designs plus one or more rare "secret editions" with much lower odds (often around 1-in-144 or 1-in-72).
Type 1: Figure Blind Boxes
Figure blind boxes contain a hard plastic collectible figure, typically made from PVC and ABS. These are the most "traditional" blind box format and the type most associated with POP MART brands like Labubu, HIRONO, SKULLPANDA, DIMOO, and MOLLY.
Best for: Collectors who love detailed sculpts, shelf displays, and brand-name IP collecting.
Typical size: 7–12cm tall
Price range: $12–$25 per box
Browse DidaPop's figure collections: Labubu | HIRONO | SKULLPANDA | DIMOO
Type 2: Plush Blind Boxes
Plush blind boxes contain a soft fabric stuffed figure rather than a hard plastic one. They're tactile, huggable, and tend to have a warmer, cuter aesthetic than figure boxes. Plush blind boxes have surged in popularity since 2023 — largely driven by brands like BabyThree, NOMMI, and YOOKI.
Best for: Collectors who prefer soft, displayable, or giftable pieces. Great as gifts for children and adults alike.
Typical size: 10–20cm (regular series) up to 33cm+ (400% editions)
Price range: $10–25 per box; $40–$120 for large-format plush
Browse DidaPop's plush collections: BabyThree | NOMMI | YOOKI | EMMA
Type 3: Bean Blind Bags (Mini Bean Series)
Beans are a newer format that has taken the collector world by storm. Bean figures are compact, rounded collectibles — typically palm-sized or smaller — with a signature chubby silhouette and soft-touch finish. They come in blind bags rather than boxes, often containing a single bean or a small set.
What makes beans special is their tactile appeal. The rounded form factor is satisfying to hold, and the tiny scale makes them perfect for keychains, bag charms, and desk accessories. Bean collectors often focus on completing full sets to line up in a row — which, frankly, is extremely satisfying.
Best for: Collectors who love miniature formats, bag charms, and completing sets.
Typical size: 4–8cm
Price range: $8–18 per bag
Browse all Bean blind bags at DidaPop →
Type 4: BJD / MJD Blind Boxes
BJD stands for Ball-Jointed Doll. Unlike figure and plush boxes, BJD blind boxes contain a fully poseable doll whose limbs and head can be repositioned using ball-jointed connections held together by internal elastic cords. MJD (Mechanical Jointed Doll) is a variation that uses mechanical joints instead of elastic cords, allowing for even more dynamic posing.
BJD blind boxes combine the excitement of the random reveal with the interactivity of a poseable art doll. They're popular with collectors who enjoy photography, creative display setups, and character storytelling — as well as those who appreciate the craftsmanship of each hand-painted face and detailed costume.
Best for: Collectors who enjoy posing, photographing, and displaying art dolls. Also great for fashion-oriented collectors.
Typical size: 12–25cm
Price range: $20–60 per box
Browse all BJD/MJD blind boxes at DidaPop →
Which Type Should You Start With?
Here's a simple starting guide based on what you're looking for:
- "I want the most iconic blind box experience" → Figure blind box. Start with Labubu or HIRONO.
- "I want something soft and giftable" → Plush blind box. Start with BabyThree Good Baby series or NOMMI.
- "I want something small for my bag or desk" → Bean blind bag. Check out the full Beans collection.
- "I want to pose and photograph my collectibles" → BJD blind box. Start with the BJD/MJD collection.
Can You Mix Types?
Absolutely — and many collectors do. A common setup is a large plush as a centerpiece (like a NOMMI 400% or BabyThree 400%), surrounded by matching figure and bean series from the same brand. The different scales and textures create a layered display that's much more visually interesting than a single type alone.
If you have questions about which series to start with, feel free to reach out to our team. We're collectors ourselves and happy to give personalized recommendations.