They’re tiny, adorable, and they seem to be taking over your household! If you know exactly what I’m talking about, your home is likely engulfed in Shopkins mania, a phenomenon that can feel more intense than any fictional apocalypse. If you’re unfamiliar, brace yourself—your kids are about to become obsessed with these miniature collectible toys, and things are about to spiral into an adorably chaotic realm. Here are some tell-tale signs that you’re caught up in Shopkins mania, and if you identify with any of these, it might already be too late for you.
1. You’ve started inventing your own Shopkins names.
Shopkins are quirky little plastic figures that resemble everything from fruits to appliances—basically, anything you might find in the aisles of a store. Each character has its own charming expression and a whimsical name like Bella Banana or Choco Lava. Even my toddler has memorized dozens of Shopkins names, and I’ve found myself spending way too much time creating my own. How about Vicky Vegetable or Sally Sandwich? The creativity is endless! (Shopkins HQ—give me a call!)
2. You’d go to great lengths to find an ‘ultra-rare.’
Each Shopkins comes packaged in a tiny shopping basket, and the surprise of opening it is part of the fun. A collector’s guide helps keep track of your collection, showcasing how some are rarer than others. Naturally, the ultra-rares are the most sought after, leading to some questionable decisions in the quest to acquire them. My kids are practically salivating at the thought of getting their hands on these elusive treasures—it’s a little concerning how invested they are!
3. You’ve memorized the delivery days for your local toy store.
With Shopkins flying off the shelves, availability can be a challenge. I’ve even caught myself circling the toy store in my car, eagerly awaiting the delivery truck’s arrival… just kidding! But I wouldn’t be surprised if I spotted another parent doing just that—maybe in a sleek black sedan?
4. Your YouTube feed is cluttered with Shopkins unboxing videos.
An unexpected aspect of this craze is the sheer volume of unboxing videos on YouTube, where people simply unwrap their Shopkins to reveal what they’ve received. These simple videos have garnered millions of views, many of which can be attributed to my own children. It’s amazing how entertaining watching someone open toys can be!
5. You find yourself a bit envious of your kids.
Despite the love-hate relationship with Shopkins, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of jealousy towards your children. What did we collect as kids? Garbage Pail Kids cards? Troll dolls? I’d much prefer a cute little Pecanna Pie or Silly Sausage over a neon-haired troll any day!
In summary, if you’re recognizing these signs, it’s likely that Shopkins have woven themselves into the fabric of your daily life. For more insights on parenting and navigating the world of toys, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re interested in exploring other topics, you might find this post on home insemination kits insightful, and don’t forget to visit Make a Mom for authoritative information.