Junolyn's Top 10 Hello Kitty Plushes

When you think of Hello Kitty plushes, does a few of your favorites come to mind? For me, I used to think that I was too picky to be called a plush collector. I had only bought one Hello Kitty puffalump (or Nylon) type of plush when I was a child and unfortunately, ended up leaving it in a McDonald's location on one morning. Like how every story goes...

I came back within 20 minutes and the beloved plush was gone. Since then, there weren't many plushes that captured my attention as years passed. Until now.

Here is a list of my favorite plushes, but in a variety of designs. I wanted to highlight the very best plushes to be designed over the years with style. Vintage 1976-1989s plushes are in a different category and are not part of this list. As well as Momoberry, which is excluded because it has earned it's own featured article.

Most likely down the road, I will do another plush article, but with a designer or series collection. I will announce it on my Twitter account when I narrow it down to one collection or so. There are just way too many Hello Kitty plushes out there. I will also do a Little Twin Stars/My Melody version, but not until I have 10 favorite special plushes or dolls to complete the list. 

Junolyn's TOP 10 Plushes for Hello Kitty

1.   Vivitix

When I first started collecting, I have never heard of the store called Vivitix located in Japan. Much like Momoberry, Vivitix was a brand invented by Sanrio to target teenagers, who are more into trendy, cute, and cool goods. 

Out of all Vivitix, this one plush has captured my heart and soul. It's designed in a silver theme dress and with a silver crown to match. It's like she stepped out of the pages from a storybook, where there are fantasy fairytales told in detail.

A remarkable beauty that transcends through time and age. A classic in my mind.

2.   Japan Wedding Bride

This second plush is one of my all time favorites. It is a weight doll, which means that if you have a baby, you can have the doll weigh the same amount as your newborn. Also, it comes with an engraved birthdate and the name of your child. Unless it's for you, then you can get it customized to your information. I had my name engraved on it's foot. It made the plush even more special in my mind. It was personalized just for me.

This plush is my first wedding bride that I have owned. With her beautiful pink and white wedding gown and the material of the plush--- it was all quality that I liked. 

3.   Steiff

There are only 1500 dolls made for this 2010 Steiff Collaboration plush. It is made of top quality mohair angora. This is the type of plush that would add quality to a collection of plushes. The design and material are the main factor in what I like about this plush. It's a classic red theme Hello Kitty with a bear.

4.   Japan Birthday Plush 2016

Cr: SUZY POP93

There are very few Birthday plushes from Japan that has caught my eye. The bow and design on the dress sealed the deal for me once I saw it. The pretty roses on the bottom with the pink bow in the middle of the dress are visually appealing to my aesthetics. I'm definitely what you call a girly girl.

5.   Sanrio Puroland Plush

I saw this by chance on Youtube in a glass display case by just itself. I knew I had to have one of my own when I saw her on a Hello Kitty fan Youtube Channel. I believe it comes in 3 sizes as a plush. The third size is a keychain, I believe. The formal gown and pastel pink gloves are what makes Hello Kitty so very charming. She can dazzle you in all type of outfits. As you can guess, I love fancy styles of Sanrio.

6.   Puroland's Birthday Plush 2018

This plush earns a special spot in my heart. I love the ruffles on the dress. I like the little stones and accessories on the plush. This is another girly girl type of plush that always gets my attention. The baby pink gloves just adds class to it. Again, I am a goner for another special made plush. Also, another pleaser, it has only 100 pieces made. I am one of the lucky owners. :p

7.   Hong Kong Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant

Cr: The Nanfang

This souvenir was created for a Chinese teahouse style Hello Kitty restaurant. It debuted in 2015 to mix reviews. Unfortunately like many of Asia's gimmick character cafes, they were not able to entice back their first-time customers-- nor able to get new customers. It was reported that it closed it's doors. One good thing that came from this theme restaurant was the plush. Dressed in the beautiful classic red and gold Chinese style, it is a plush that stands out with it's own beauty. 

8.   HK Go Around 

Cr: carousell

This carnival themed plush was created for a special Hello Kitty event that took place in Singapore and Malaysia. What I liked about the plush is that it's dressed in a cute carnival theme. The white polka dot and red bow with it's jumper suit and tie bow makes it one-of-a-kind plush. 

9.   Japan HK Crochet Plush

All I have to say are Pink and Black. Those two colors are a match made in heaven. Seriously, baby pink crochet with a sparkly black bow. Enough said. It's all mine. ;)

10.   Pottery Barn Teen Bluetooth Speaker Plush

Cr: PBteen

It's something special, isn't it? Instead of the normal color scheme of red and white-- the colors are gold and black. The plush is to die for in such classy colors. It screams "POSH!!" in capital letters. It's like it was made especially for an adult Hello Kitty Collector. I love love mine to death.

This concludes my Favorite Plush List for 2019, but I know I'll end up with more favorite plushes in the future. I'll most likely update the list in the next 10 years if there is any change to this list. Until next time!

Junolyn's Top 10 Hello Kitty Figurines

Figurines have always been a favorite type to collect, especially when it comes to Sanrio. With so many variety of figurines out there, I wanted to highlight the best of the best. There is something magical to see how much creativity is put into each figurine. As Collectors, we're lucky to witness this amazing era.

Below is a list of different types of figurine concepts that has been released to the general public. These are a must-have collectibles to add to your collection. 

Junolyn's TOP 10 Figurines for Hello Kitty

1.   Kittypatra

Cr: WEB

Like the vintage classic Hello Kitty coin purse pouch, Tokidoki's Kittypatra figurine has become one of the most iconic collectibles in Hello Kitty history. It is the Holy Grail to any Collector's treasures. As a center piece to your Shrine, it will be a showstopper. Your visitors will be mesmerized with astonishment. 

Thank you for sharing this incredible masterpiece with the fandom, Tokidoki and Sanrio.

2.   Robot Kitty SRI Labs

This figurine is definitely one of a kind and very unique. As a gaming device, it sets it apart from the rest of the figurines out there in the world. With the RFID chip embedded inside the device, you are able to partake in the Interactive Gaming Departments. You can earn "points" or "coins" to be able to redeem them for accessories like shown above. 

You can dress your Robot in either black, white, or rose gold wings. There are silver or rose gold shoes for your robot, as well as helmets. There are a lot of fun combinations to play with your Robot, which makes it into the #2 spot on this list.

3.   Swarovski

Who wouldn't love Swarovski? As a high end decorative object, it stands out with crystals. Not just the usual porcelain or ceramic that we usually expect from figurines. This particular figurine has to be one of the most precious collectibles to be coveted. Just transporting it to anywhere would be worrisome to any Collector. It has to be handled with reverence like a crown is to a royal descendant. 

4.   Nao by Lladro

Cr: Macys

Coming into our next spot on our list are figurines crafted from porcelain. These figurines remind me of Precious Moments because they are designed in a way of celebrating a moment in time. Made in Spain, they have become a favorite to collect in the Hello Kitty community. I haven't collected it all, but I can see how each figurine would be treasured forever. 

Love it with care. 

5.   HK Go Around 

Please take a moment to appreciate the beauty here...

I have always thought that I have seen it all, heard it all, and appreciated it all. I was wrong. When these figurines came out, I was shocked. I thought Sanrio and their team of designers couldn't top the last adored collaboration release. I'm glad to be proven wrong. It's surreal to add these amazing treasures to my collection. I really, really, really, REALLY love this Hello Kitty era.

6.   Japan Figurine 2012

It's one of the most fragile Hello Kitty collectible to own. The dress is so very delicate that it can chip off easily if you don't take extreme caution. What can I say about this porcelain figurine? It is just simply beautiful. To me, there is no other word to better describe this figurine. Beautiful.  

7.   HK x Mazinger Z Chogokin

Cr: White Rabbit

From the manga collaboration through Bandai's Chogokin series, this special figurine is another showstopper. Constructed with metal alloy, the design is an eye pleaser. With the tiny Hello Kitty figure hidden inside, it makes other figurines look tame in comparison. There are times that I want something different and this one meets it.

8.   2014 Japan Figurine

It's the golden strawberry that did it for me.

I have a thing for beautiful gold tone decorative objects. It's not something that I usually get in my Sanrio figurines. I'm fascinated with the color and how it plays beautiful with the darker blue color. I'm so used to seeing a red Hello Kitty. White with blue and a hint of gold tone equals perfection for my aesthetic needs. 

9.   Exclusive JANM by Precious Moments

Hand-painted of porcelain bisque, this unique signature figurine is modeled after a kokeshi doll likeness. It has a limited edition of 1200 pieces made. With the big red bow paired with short black hair, this figurine distinguishes itself from the rest of the pack. A keeper.

10.   HK Orchid Garden Cafe

Cr: Web

One of the first Hello Kitty figurine that was created to promote Singapore's Hello Kitty cafe. Is it the very first HK figurine from a cafe restaurant? Normally, I do not like too many bows  or clutter on top of Hello Kitty's head. The design for this figurine kept it at two, one bow being the larger size of the two. The bow being front and center-- carrying beautiful flowers are a kawaii factor on making it to this list. 

I've reached the end of my list of favorite figurines. I am looking forward to adding even more figurines to my Sanrio collection. Isn't it wonderful?

There Are Days I Hate Hello Kitty

I think I have a love and hate relationship with Hello Kitty. Even though she's my favorite Sanrio character, I have days where I can't stand the sight of her.

I'm betting that I'm not alone in this feeling.

Hello Kitty can be extremely cute, cool, pretty, and iconic-- all things that I love about the character. Then, there's the ugly side of her that I can't ignore.  No matter where I look, I can't escape the ugliness of Hello Kitty. You know what I am talking about. I don't have to spell it out for you.

Sometimes, I wonder what makes me love this cute white cat and in the next instant, feel such a strong dislike towards the character. I guess the phrase: "on the flip side of love is hate" is true.

Recently, I read an online article stating that Hello Kitty was not on top #1 spot on the Sanrio Character Ranking Contest and my gut reaction? Good.

Yeah, I know, I should be rooting for my favorite character, but let's face it-- the character ranking list is most likely rigged by Sanrio to promote their new characters. Like longtime fans are going to forget those beloved classic characters that have been pushed aside to make room for their "food" characters just so Sanrio can compete with San-X for the #1 title of Best Character Branding company.

Maybe part of my dislike for Hello Kitty has to do with how Sanrio treats their many classic characters for newer characters and how they favor their money maker in America. Yeah, I understand from a business point of view that Hello Kitty is their cash cow, but to lose sight of what makes their company so special seems very unfair. 

Hello Kitty is great-- we all know this. Pochacco can be just as great. Keroppi can be just as special as Hello Kitty with the right amount of attention and promotional activities. Same can be said for Spottie Dottie, Pippo, Tuxedo Sam, Chococat, etc. 

Do you think Sanrio listens to the fans? What do they do? In recent years if you had walked into a Sanrio boutique store, you find the store nearly filled with everything Hello Kitty and not one big section of different characters. In the 90's, I remember going into a Sanrio store and being extremely giddy at seeing the different sections (S-E-C-T-I-O-N-S not tiny ones) of My Melody, Little Twin Stars, Pochacco, Keroppi, Tuxedo Sam, and Spottie Dottie. Going into a store like that was like stepping into a different world. A fantasy world of cuteness.

Now, they sell mainly Hello Kitty and items that are non-Sanrio, instead of bringing back the classic beloved characters. Great marketing job, Sanrio. Well done. And, another home runner-- they take away the many Sanrio boutique stores in favor of putting their character merchandise in chain stores like Target and Wal-Mart. Yeah, way to be classy and unique. 

I have a feeling that I'll be entering Disney stores more often to get back the feeling of being in a dream world full of imagination and love.

At the end of everything, I think the main factor in my hating Hello Kitty has to do with the fact that she's too overexposed. She's too kitsch. It's why I can relate to those who are not fans of kawaii -- hello, world!

But hey, it's just me. Loving or hating Hello Kitty, I'm still here blogging about my favorite hobby.