The latest craze in the Gen Z lifestyle comes in the form of a male cherub doll wearing nothing but a quirky hat.
Sonny Angels, made by Japanese toy maker Toru Soeya, were first released in 2005, but thanks to social media, the dolls have seen a boom in popularity.
TikTok fans have begun unwrapping the quirky figures online and showing off their impressive collections, which are marketed as “little sweethearts” that can “bring healing moments to your everyday life,” rather than being aimed at children.
The brand operates through blind box packaging, meaning consumers don’t know what they will receive until they purchase one, with over 650 variants available.
Prices start at £10, but ultra-rare and highly sought-after dolls, such as the ‘Golden Pig’, can sell for over £2,000 on second-hand retail sites such as eBay.
Founded by Japanese toy maker Toru Soeya, Sonny Angels are the latest toy craze for the younger generations.
Japan, Taiwan, the United States, Hong Kong and Korea all have Sonny Angel stores, while British fans purchase the nude dolls online or in retail stores.
While the designs of the dolls vary, they are all distinguished by fun hats that resemble fruits, vegetables, animals or flowers.
The trend also extends to celebrities. Supermodel Bella Hadid previously shared a photo of the dolls on her Instagram Story, while Iris Law did the same.
The website describes Sonny Angel as a “little angel wearing a headdress, who will continue to care for you, bring you healing, and bring more smiles to all of us in the world.”
He continues: ‘He is always by your side to make you smile. Sonny Angel will bring you healing moments in his daily life.
“It’s a welcome sight in the entryway of your home, next to your bed, on your desk, and in many other places.”
UK-based content creator Kimberly (pictured) started a series on TikTok where she unboxes the dolls.
Sonny Angels was founded by Japanese toy maker Tory Seoya (pictured above) in 2005.
Japanese eBay seller @kodache-0 has listed a used ‘Sonny Angel Gold Pig Character’ doll for £2,048.96
The Instagram-friendly element of the toys means it’s no surprise that the brand has gained a presence on social media, with people going online to share their love for them.
And on TikTok, #sonnyangel has 41.7 million views, with fans flocking to the platform to show off their extensive collections.
A woman named Kayla, a 24-year-old student from New York, has 65 Sonny Angel dolls and has an account dedicated to them on instagram.
The social media star, who attends doll swap meets in the Big Apple, said Nylon who help others ‘escape the mundane’.
“Loving Sonny Angels has become especially publicly accepted because, while yes, they are silly little toys, there seems to be a common understanding: They bring us happiness,” he explained.
Kayla, who goes by @sonnygram on Instagram, has dedicated her social profile to miniature dolls.
Iris Law placed a Sonny Angel in her headphones (pictured) and shared a photo of them with her followers on Instagram.
Content creator and Sonny Angel fan Destiny, from California, took to TikTok to share her collection of Sonny Angels.
Elsewhere, another fan called Destination19-year-old from California took to TikTok to share her collection.
In the clip, where she refers to the dolls as her “babies,” she praised her cohort, which spans more than 50 dolls.
Another enthusiast, KristyShe took her love for Sonny Angels to the next level and bought clothes for her dolls.
Kristy bases much of her content on dolls and, in one clip, she showed off the ‘jorts’ and shoes she was looking for for them.
Student Kyra Maxine Gomez, 22, from the Philippines, said republicasiamedia.com who discovered the dolls through TikTok and Pinterest, and feels they represent her baby.
“I thought, ‘Hey, wouldn’t it be so cute if my boyfriend and I had a little version of ourselves and we took him on dates?'” she recalled.
Meanwhile, kimberlyfrom the United Kingdom, has started a Sonny Angel series on TikTok, where he shows off his new items.
Kristy, from the US, bought clothes for her Sonny Angel at the toy store, including a pair of shoes.
Viewers took to the comments section of Kimberly’s video to share their thoughts on Sonny Angels.
Altogether, the series of his first Sonny Angel dolls has received more than 140,000 views.
Viewers took to the comments section to share their opinions on Kimberley and Sonny Angels’ videos, with some even claiming they are “spending their savings on them.”
“The apple one is my dream. I love it so much,” added another.
“Stop, that’s so cute,” expressed a third. ‘Look at the tummy!
“No, I’m obsessed,” one added.
“Now I want one,” insisted another. ‘They are so cute!’