Sonny Angel: What you need to know about these cherub-like dolls

What exactly are these cute little dolls that have everyone smitten? Here’s what you need to know about Sonny Angel.

The Labubu craze is still going strong but alongside it is yet another doll that has captured the delight of many people. The Sonny Angel dolls can be seen all around whether it’s on phone cases, laptops, or shelves, and if you think you haven’t seen them around, you probably just weren’t aware that those were Sonny Angels. These adorable baby figures have become a bit of a sensation but what actually are they, what’s their story, and why in the world are they so popular? Here’s what you need to know about Sonny Angel.

[Hero image: SonnyAngel.com]

Sonny Angel FAQ: Where to buy, the story behind it, and why it’s popular

What is Sonny Angel?

Sonny Angel is a line of small plastic dolls instantly recognisable by their cute angelic faces and their lack of clothing aside from the various headgear each of them has. They’re three inches tall, and ever since they were released, people have delighted at their whimsical child-like design. 

What’s the story behind it?

Sonny Angels were created Toru “Sonny” Soeya. Originally released 20 years ago, the doll’s official website says that the doll is there “to make you smile”. In fact, the tagline for the doll is “He may bring you happiness”. That “may” sounds ominously threatening though.

Allegedly, Soeya made the dolls to bring some comfort to the working women of Japan while the country was undergoing a recession. In an interview with Vox, the director of marketing for the doll’s US distributor, Dreams, said, “He referred to them as a ‘pocket boyfriend’ which I think may have gotten lost in translation a little bit.” Bonheim also said that people are drawn to their cuteness. 

Why is it so popular?

It seems to fulfill what its tagline promises and makes those who buy it happy. Those who collect it enjoy seeing the cherub-like figures displayed around their house much like Dua Lipa in the Saturday Night Live sketch that parodied the dolls (and Challengers).

How much does it usually cost?

It depends on the series you buy, but they can go as low as THB 50 to as high as THB 1,000—for the regular ones. The rarer ones can be priced as high as THB 100,000.

Where can I buy one?

You can go to the official Sonny Angels website to order. You can also head to Kinokuniya and Loft here in Thailand. Online retailers like Lazada and Shoppee also sell them but be wary of fakes.

Are Sonny Angels rare?

Certain models are rare and can also be very expensive. But if you’re not a stickler for rarity then it’s easy to find them.