If you've scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve come across Smiski and Sonny Angel. These two adorable little figurines popping up on your feed have taken the collector community by storm, each offering its own unique charm.
As someone who may have "accidentally" started collecting both (oops), I thought I'd break down what makes each of these miniature companions special and help you decide which might be right for your shelf— Smiski or Sonny Angel. If you're like me, maybe you'll end up with both!
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Meet the Contenders: Sonny Angel Vs. Smiski
Smiski: The Glow-in-the-Dark Mystery Figure
Smiski are small, ghostly, glow-in-the-dark creatures that love to hide in unexpected places. Each figure features a whimsical, slightly mysterious little character in different poses—sitting, stretching, peeking around corners, or curling up for a nap. The charm of Smiski lies in their subtlety; they’re designed to be placed in nooks and crannies, bringing a playful surprise to any space.
- Features: Glow-in-the-dark, minimalist design, soft pastel color
- Themes: Everyday life poses, funny and relatable expressions
- Mystery Box Factor: Each series has a hidden secret figure
Sonny Angel: The Adorable Mystery Angel
Sonny Angel, on the other hand, is all about charm and nostalgia. These tiny, baby-faced figures wear whimsical headgear inspired by animals, fruits, and seasonal themes. Originally designed as a "little angel who makes you happy," Sonny Angel figures are widely loved for their cute, collectible appeal.
- Features: Kawaii design, wide variety of themed series
- Themes: Animals, fruits, flowers, seasonal outfits, collaborations
- Mystery Box Factor: Limited editions and secret figures increase the thrill
The Origins: How It All Started
Sonny Angel and Smiski both come from the Japanese company Dreams Inc., which is known for creating adorable and quirky collectible figures. Sonny Angel made its debut in 2005, quickly becoming a hit with its sweet baby-faced characters and endless themed collections. Smiski, on the other hand, arrived a bit later, in 2015, bringing a fun, glow-in-the-dark twist to the collectible world with its shy, ghostly figures. Both have since captured the hearts of collectors worldwide with their charming designs and mystery box surprises!
The Collecting Experience
Both brands use the fun "blind box" concept, but they each do it a bit differently:
Smiski releases are grouped into themed series that feature everyday scenarios like toilet, work, or bedtime. Each series has around 6 different figures, plus 1 or 2 rare "secret" ones. The excitement isn’t just about which figure you’ll get, but also about discovering fun new poses and situations.
Image credit: Pinterest
Sonny Angel collections, on the other hand, tend to be seasonal or based on fun themes (think Christmas, Valentine's, fruit series, animal series, etc.). While they stick to the signature baby body, and the same pose, the real fun is in the different headgear, making each figure easy to spot as part of a cohesive collection. Each series has 12 different figures, as well as a Secret Angel and a Robby Angel. And with limited editions and special collaborations popping up now and then, the excitement for collectors just keeps growing!
Price Point and Availability
Both collections run about $10-15 per blind box, making them relatively accessible collectibles (though that adds up quickly when you're trying to complete a series!).
Sonny Angels tend to be more widely available in mainstream stores these days, while Smiski sometimes need a bit more hunting. Both have developed vibrant trading communities online where collectors swap duplicates to complete their sets.
Popularity Contest: Who's Winning Hearts?
When it comes to popularity, Sonny Angel easily takes the crown. They have a much bigger fanbase, tons of themed series, and a steady stream of limited editions that keep collectors coming back for more. Plus, their slightly “controversial” design (the whole naked baby thing) gets people talking—whether they love them or find them a little creepy.
Sonny Angel collectors often point to the character's consistent face but wildly varied headwear as the main attraction. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a row of identical angel babies wearing everything from a watermelon hat to a panda costume. The contrast is both adorable and oddly aesthetic, making them a dream to display.
Sonny Angel Dinosaur series. Image credit: Sonny Angel official website
Scrolling through the r/smiskis subreddit, it's clear that while Smiski collectors acknowledge they're the underdogs in the tiny figurine world, they're pretty passionate about their glowing little friends. Fans consistently point out that Smiskis have this understated charm that Sonny Angels can't match.
Many collectors appreciate that Smiskis aren't "naked babies with carved out butts" (as one fan bluntly put it) and prefer their androgynous, blob-like appearance with that signature blank expression that somehow manages to convey a sarcastic, aloof attitude.
What really sets Smiskis apart is their interactive quality – fans love hiding them around their homes and watching them glow when the lights go out, creating this magical starlight effect throughout their space. Unlike Sonny Angels, which mostly just stand there, Smiskis can be posed in different ways to interact with their surroundings and with each other, making them feel more dynamic.
While Sonny Angels might have more variety and marketing reach (with usually 12 characters per series compared to Smiskis' 6-7), Smiski enthusiasts appreciate how these little figures blend into decor while still adding personality. As one collector put it, "Despite the neutral face, Smiskis have more personality" – proving sometimes less really is more when it comes to these quirky collectibles.
Image credit: Smiski USA official Instagram page
Smiski vs. Sonny Angel: A Head-to-Head Comparison
|
Feature |
Smiski |
Sonny Angel |
|
Aesthetic |
Minimalist, glow-in-the-dark |
Kawaii, colorful, nostalgic |
|
Themes |
Everyday scenarios, Different poses |
Animals, food, flowers, seasonal |
|
Collectibility |
Series-based, mystery figures |
Series-based, mystery figures |
|
Display Appeal |
Fun for hiding in small spaces |
Cute decor for shelves & desks |
|
Rarity Factor |
Secret figures in each series |
Rare and limited editions + secret figures |
|
Target Audience |
Fans of subtle, quirky décor |
Lovers of cute, nostalgic collectibles |
Which One Should You Collect?
💛 Go for Smiski if…
✔ You love glow-in-the-dark figures.
✔ You enjoy quirky collectibles.
✔ You prefer subtle, minimalist design.
✔ You like to “hide” little surprises in your home.
💖 Go for Sonny Angel if…
✔ You enjoy themed collections with variety.
✔ You love kawaii aesthetics and nostalgic characters.
✔ You prefer more detailed facial expressions
✔ You love the thrill of hunting rare figures.
Final Verdict: Why Not Both?
Here's my humble take: there's no wrong choice here. Both collections capture that special Japanese charm that makes miniature collecting so addictive. Many collectors (myself included) end up with both! They actually complement each other really well on a shelf. Smiskis bring the nighttime magic, while Sonny Angels bring daytime cheer.
The truth is, the joy of these collections isn't really about which one is "better"—it's about the little spark of happiness they bring to your day. Whether it's a Smiski glowing from your bookshelf at night or a Sonny Angel wearing a ridiculously cute strawberry cap watching over your workspace, these tiny figures have a remarkable ability to make ordinary moments a little more magical.
If you're just starting out, I'd recommend picking whichever aesthetic speaks to you more. Or do what many of us did - buy one of each and see which one steals your heart faster!
Are you team Smiski or team Sonny Angel? Or have you fallen down the rabbit hole of collecting both? Let me know in the comments!
