Humans are like crows; they love to collect shiny things and use those shiny items as decorations. That’s how I see the recent trend of trinket collecting.
It’s become the new fad starting from 2024 to early 2026, and the boost was such an interesting twist. Trinket giving used to be a Renaissance Faire tradition where cosplayers, LARPers (Live Action Role-players), or fair enjoyers may give small items to each other.
But it has become a bigger thing with collecting silly cute monsters and sculptured figures in blind boxes being found either at Pop Mart or Miniso.
From the beginning of the trend, I didn’t understand. Well, more or less I didn’t understand the trend with Labubus. They are popular monsters with pointy rabbit ears and sharp teeth, usually in a variety of colors. I thought they were weird, and I never saw the entertainment of them.
Though I was one of those people that refused to hop on a trend just so I could seem cool.
Which failed miserably.
Trinkets Galore
The hype mainly came from TikTok, seeing creators (Vanilla Mace, Kinlymac, Jade Amber, etc.) and random people buying these inexpensive little Labubus through blind boxes. Often people have outlandish and extraordinary reactions to whatever adorable monster was in their blind box.
I won’t shame the blind box part, everyone likes the excitement and anticipation of what could possibly be hidden inside the cardboard box.
I didn’t understand the trend until my TikTok page gave me a glorious picture of well made doll figures called ‘Skull Panda.’ Plastic sculptures that mainly have an edgy aesthetic to them.
(Photo by: Kenneth Fulton)
I was fascinated by the beauty of it. These dolls represented small concepts in such a creative way. That’s what got me so attracted to the idea of them, the aesthetic they had was just so appealing.
Now with this discovery I have accumulated two Skull Pandas and I desperately want to get more in my pocket. But I have not just collected a few Skull Pandas. I have collected one of my favorite Sanrio characters: Hangyodon, this ugly fish character that I just fell in love with when I first collected it at a Japanese gacha machine.
His character just brings me so much joy, and brings in the small nostalgia of being at the aquarium and staring at the fish. Which is an odd comparison, but it brings me that sort of joy in a way. Also one of his silly traits is being a romantic, which reminds me of myself.
Which brings me to the topic of aesthetics; these trinkets became more of a keepsake to have and something simple yet cute to decorate your room and bag with. It was a small hobby that anyone can truthfully pick up if they wish.
But it isn’t just something small.
There are a lot of these trinkets that can really suit one’s personality. For example ‘Sonny Baby’s’ they are cute and they have such an interesting story.
They were originally created in 2005 to be sort of seen as ‘small boyfriends’ like little buddies that watch over you and to reduce your stress when you have them around. This concept originated from the creator himself; Toru Soeya. He designed it as a way for young working women in their mid-20s to have companions in their pocket when stressed.
The concept of it is adorable and I understand if some people have an attachment to that. I think it is wholesome to have a friend in your pocket to relieve stress.
Another trinket I have also seen gain some traction are “Hirono,”detailed figurines that represent emotion and dysfunction. Collectors who may have had similar experiences can connect with each Hirono, which have their personal stories.
I think it’s sweet that these items hold some form of personal connection rather than just being some random obsession people have. It has more meaning to it than just being a simple decorative object.
Economic and Community Trading of Trinkets
Let Me Take A Look trinket shop located off of East Barstow and North Cedar Ave taken on March 17. Photo by Juan Muratalla.
What most intrigues me about this community is their openness and friendliness. There is a shop in Barstow named ‘Let Me Take a Look.’
Once a month they do a trading event where people bring all their trinkets that they don’t want anymore, and exchange goods like they are in a market.
Being in that environment at first, I really love the idea of trading goods. It’s efficient and makes both parties happy at the same time, giving value in both trades.
Being involved in this event was just extraordinary because everyone was so kind and generous. And even when they didn’t want to trade items, they were still really kind. Plus the owners were very social and talkative to everyone at the event, developing that deeper connection with their customer. Which I think is super sweet.
Plus it’s a great place to make friends. I was able to meet some amazing people and even made stronger bonds with the friends that I currently have.
Though it can be slightly overstimulating to be around, the small crowded space is compact with many people wanting to trade. However I would say it is worth it in the end.
Start Collecting
I have found some joy and some envy when it comes to collecting these trinkets. Mainly the ones in blind boxes. I was mainly envious because I could never get the one I actually wanted. And most could. It’s truthfully though just the luck of the draw.
Sadly though as most things get popular, they do get a bit expensive. Do I think that a $35 keychain is a bit much? Yes. Am I still willing to buy it for the aesthetic and desperately wanting a specific design? Also yes.
This sort of reminds me of when I was a kid, and I would see those vending machines with little small prizes in them. I would beg my parents to give me a quarter or two, in order to possibly get whatever silly item I wished for.
But even when I didn’t, I still somehow found some value in the singular item that was bestowed upon me from that vending machine.
I feel like it’s bringing back that same type of joy as an adult, being able to have fashionable trinkets without being judged and showing your true personality and likes.
We are in a day and age where nothing is truly cringey anymore. You have free will to do as you please. And if you like collecting that one silly little fish from Sanrio, then you can do that.
Literally people have made Trinket boxes around Fresno and Clovis, where you can trade items with what’s in the box. Two of my friends and I visited one of these boxes, and there was a lot of effort put in by the people and the community. It really shows how passionate the community is about these trinkets.
In truth, being a part of this community has really opened my eyes to new things. And though my wallet will absolutely be empty due to it, it is still something fun to be a part of.
