Latest news with #plushToys
The Sun
38 minutes ago
- General
- The Sun
Thousands of plush toys sold in UK are urgently recalled & ‘rejected at border' over ‘serious' health risk
THOUSANDS of plush toys across the UK have been urgently recalled after they were flagged over a serious health risk. Locisne has pulled its Hamster Plush Toy from store shelves - with conerns it could present a serious risk to life. The item has been removed from online marketplaces including from Amazon. "This product presents a serious risk of choking as the eyes of the hamster can detach and fit wholly in a small parts cylinder," a government report said. "If a child under 3 were to use and mouth the toy, the small parts may become detached and cause the child to choke. "The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys [Safety] Regulations 2011." Other recent product recalls While the laws around toys are stringent, products still make it to market that present a danger to children. The Nail Art Studio kit, by the brand Girls Creator, is a nail art set that includes nail varnish, a battery-operated nail dryer and a range of nail accessories. However, a warning was issued after a product safety report found a risk of suffocation for children. Another recent example was the Joycat Baby Float, sold on Amazon. The blue and yellow sea-themed swim seat, intended for babies and toddlers, was blocked from entering the country at the border. The float was branded a safety risk after authorities found that its attachable canopy could lift the float from the water in windy conditions, putting children in danger. Ford Recalls Over 1 Million Vehicles: Rearview Camera Glitch Explained The report also raised concerns that the float's colours do not provide enough contrast with the water, making it harder to spot in an emergency. What are my product recall rights? Product recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods. As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action. But it's often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk. If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer's website to see if a safety notice has been issued. When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you - the customer - to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don't there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault. If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer. They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice. In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Honestly a bargain': The Reject Shop is selling a popular item for $6
A popular item loved by both adults and kids has been spotted in a budget retailer – and the affordable price tag has everyone talking. Squishmallows — a brand of soft, plush toys known for its 'marshmallow-like' texture — have landed at The Reject Shop and are selling for just $6. The retailer confirmed on Instagram that the products were not a dupe, saying: 'Don't pay $15 elsewhere for these cuddly characters – our price: just $6!! 'These will be snapped up quickly. Run, don't walk!' Fans were stunned by the fact that Squishmallows had hit the shelves at the discount variety store chain for such a low price. 'I saw these today and can confirm – they're REAL,' one social media user said. 'Great bargain,' another commented. One person, who claimed to work at the retailer, said they had a customer buy 21 of the toys, calling it a 'steal'. 'Of course I see this after my The Reject Shop closes down,' one lamented. Another commented: 'I got three of them for my girls from Beenleigh The Reject Shop. Pretty sure they are real feels the same as the real ones.' 'You're feeding my addiction,' one added. Another said: 'Honestly a bargain! I might need that frog.' 'Well I guess my cat needs a new one now, omg this is amazing,' one person wrote. 'Spreading childhood joy to Aussies' A spokesperson for The Reject Shop said the range has proven wildly popular. 'With nostalgia trends on the rise, adults are embracing their inner child with kids toys more and more. Our Squishmallow range is giving kids, and adults alike, the chance to get their hands on these soft fuzzy friends for a fraction of the price they're seeing in other retailers,' the spokesperson said. 'At $6 each, The Reject Shop believes in spreading childhood joy to Australians at an accessible price, making birthdays, gifts and bed decor an affordable option for customers nationwide. 'The Reject Shop customers are as excited about the Squishmallows as they have been for our rubber duckies, bringing fun, affordable products for all ages.' The Reject Shop isn't the only brand cashing in on the Squishmallows love, with Macca's announcing a mini range as part of its Happy Meal toy collection. The brand has 14 characters available with expressions that were exclusive to the fast food chain. These include Rossi, the purple cheetah with pink spots, and Charles, the winking green pickle. But, there are even new characters who are debuted as part of the Macca's range, including Halley, the intergalactic axolotl, and Theotto, a monster with dragon wings. Theotto is only available in Australia and New Zealand. Gerhard Runken, the executive vice president of brand and marketing for the company that makes Squishmallows, said: 'Our first McDonald's Happy Meal collaboration received such a massive global response that we're bringing it to Australia for the very first time. 'We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate our fans than with a Happy Meal featuring character favourites with unique, never-before-seen happy expressions and the debut of our newest Squishmallow Squad member Halley, making the search exciting as ever for fans worldwide.' The 'kidult' trend It's no surprise that retailers such as Macca's and The Reject Shop are touting Squishmallows as the next big thing, given the rise in popularity among kids, teens and adults alike. The 'kidult' trend — items designed for kids but popular with all ages — has taken off in recent months. Footage has shown Aussies lining up at 3am for Labubus, a furry plushie featuring a bizarre grin and sharp teeth. The cult item has become the ultimate status-boosting accessory after celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa were pictured showing off their own dolls. Designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, the product is sold by Chinese toy company Pop Mart following a collaboration with Lung on his story series book The Monsters, released in 2015. Aussies were first able to get hold of the now-viral toy following Pop Mart's arrival Down Under in mid-2023. Fast-forward two years, and there are now 11 Pop Mart stores in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, all of which regularly draw huge crowds with the hopes of snagging an in-demand plushie. But, as one recent video filmed in Melbourne shows, it's not children who are frantic for the Labubu – it's adults. Jellycats are having a moment A similar item — Jellycats — has also been a hit item with all ages. The more traditional stuffed animals (bunnies and bears in particular) have emerged as wildly popular gifts for newborns in recent years. But these days, the designs are nothing short of whimsical, fantastical and even food-orientated. This is where the food-themed experiences come in. Customers can nab soft toys that look good enough to eat, such as Birthday Cake, Fran Pancakes, Egglatine Egg On Toast, Go To Coffee or ab Irresistible Chocolate Ice Cream, among others. David Jones, one of Australia's largest sellers of Jelly Cats, told 'We've seen strong demand for the brand and an increase in sales in not only their iconic bunny which they are best known for but also more niche/unique styles. 'There has also been a noticeable shift in the consumer who is buying this product, traditionally bought for children we have seen demand from Gen Z thanks to social media driving the trend among this group.'
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Reject Shop is now selling a hugely popular item for the price of a large coffee: 'Parents, run!'
Shoppers are rushing to The Reject Shop after spotting a major bargain: authentic Squishmallows for just $6. The cult-favourite plush toys, which typically retail for $15 or more at department stores, have quietly landed in select Reject Shop locations across the country, prompting a frenzy from fans eager to grab the cuddly creatures on a budget. 'Why pay $15 for Squishmallows when you can get them for $6 at The Reject Shop?' one savvy content creator posted online, alongside footage of a shelf full of the ultra-soft toys. Squishmallows, known for their marshmallow-like texture and ultra-huggable filling, have developed a massive following among children, teens and even adults. With hundreds of designs - from frogs and butterflies to food-themed creatures – each Squishmallow comes with a name and backstory, making them collectible as well as comforting. The toys first surged in popularity on TikTok during lockdowns, with fans filming 'Squish hunts' in-store and showing off growing collections. Their appeal has often been compared to Jellycat plush toys, another popular brand known for its soft textures and high price point - though Jellycats tend to target a more luxury, boutique audience. Now, fans are flocking to The Reject Shop to score the budget-friendly toys. 'I got three of them for my girls from Beenleigh Reject Shop,' one mum wrote. 'Honestly a bargain! I might need that frog,' another shopper said. 'I bought six today,' one fan simply admitted. Others joked about their timing: 'Of course I see this after my Reject Shop closes down.' The surprise drop appears to include a variety of characters, with many confirming purchases of butterflies, frogs, and cats. While The Reject Shop hasn't officially confirmed the full range or whether the plushies are a permanent addition, demand is already surging online - and stock is moving fast. So if you've got a Squishmallow-lover at home (or just need one for yourself), it might be time for a quick dash to your local store. The The Reject Shop isn't the only Aussie outlet buying into the trend. Squishmallows were also recently announced as the latest toy addition in McDonald's Australia Happy Meals. The fast-food giant confirmed in an announcement in May that their signature kid's meal is 'about to get even happier with the launch of Squishmallows Happy Meals'. In huge news for fans of the toy collectibles, one of the 14 mini plushie characters in the Macca's Happy Meals range will be a world-first exclusive. The new Squishmallows Squad character set to debut is Halley, the Intergalactic Axolotl. Among the new collection are also two characters that will only be available in Australia and New Zealand: Avery, the green and brown mallard duck and Theotto, the Cthulhu monster with dragon wings. Collectors will be hoping to get their hands on all 14 Macca's Happy Meals Squishmallows characters, with some of the classic characters included in the collection set to feature exclusive new expressions. Among the collection are perennial favourite characters Rossi, the purple cheetah with pink spots and Charles, the winking green pickle with a moustache. McDonald's Australia Marketing Director of Menu and Brand Amanda Nakad said they were excited to have secured a collaboration with the 'squishable plushies [that] are all the rage right now'. 'This limited-time Happy Meal brings a taste of the viral toy sensation to Macca's, with the first McDonald's Squishmallows Squad,' Amanda said. 'Whether you're joining the hunt to collect them all or just looking for a dose of happiness, there's a Squishmallow for every kind of fan with this new Happy Meal.' Squishmallows Happy Meals will be available with a choice of 3 or 6-piece chicken mcnuggets, a hamburger, cheeseburger or grilled chicken snack wrap. They're also served with a side of small fries or apple slices and a small drink. Each of the Macca's Happy Meals Squishmallows will also come with a scannable code to unlock an exclusive digital game featuring the lovable characters. Like Beanie Babies did decades earlier, Squishmallows attract an enthusiastic community of collectors, particularly since certain exclusive characters are available in limited numbers or sizes. One of the rarest Squishmallows is Jack the Black Cat, which only has 500 in circulation. Rare and in-demand Squishmallows attract higher prices and are often re-sold online. There are numerous social media videos of Squishmallows collectors showcasing their toy haul. Celebrities like Charli D'Amelio and Lady Gaga are also reportedly amongst those that collect limited edition Squishmallows.
CNN
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Rare Labubu sells for more than $150,000 at auction
A rare, first-generation Labubu figure has sold for $150,000 in Beijing at an auction held exclusively for the toys that have taken the world by storm. The 131-centimeter (51-inch) mint green figurine with a gremlin-like appearance, sharp teeth and puckish grin went for 1.08 million yuan ($150,325) at the Yongle International Auction house that normally specializes in selling jewelry and modern art. 'Congratulations to the online buyer on collecting the world's only such one,' said the auctioneer at an exhibition center in downtown Beijing on Tuesday afternoon. Labubus are currently the trendiest plush toys on the planet, created by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung and retailed by the Chinese toy giant Pop Mart. In recent months, the bunny-bodied, elf-faced creatures — equal parts grotesque and adorable — have soared in popularity, sparking buying frenzies around the world, and in some cases, brawls among fans outside shops selling them. Even in China, where Pop Mart is based and most of its toys are made, people are struggling to get their hands on Labubus. A total of 48 Labubus were auctioned at the special event, billed as the 'World's First' auction of first generation collectible Labubus. A brown, 160-centimeter (63-inch) Labubu figure, sold for $114,086, the second highest hammer price at the event. The company said only 15 such figures exist around the world. Other figures went for more than $1,000 each. 'As a trendy toy in China, Labubu is now becoming a global artwork as it has truly sparked a craze around the world,' Zhao Xu, the founder of Yongle Auction, told state-owned outlet The Beijing News. Zhao said the company plans to hold monthly livestream auctions for Labubu and other trendy artworks. A pair of Minions-like Labubus sold at auction for 10,000 yuan ($1,391). Buyers at the auction also had to pay an additional 15% brokerage fee on top of the hammer prices. And it's not rare to see a price inflation of Labubus due to the crazy demand in China. For instance, a blind box from the latest Labubu 3.0 series, originally priced at around $81, has been selling for up to $278 on the second-hand market, state-owned outlet Cover News reported. Labubu's viral popularity has been a booster for Pop Mart. Annual results show that the Chinese company's global gross profit surged by over 125% last year, while its revenue in mainland China reached more than $1.09 billion, 34% higher than 2023.
CBC
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Labubus are everywhere. So why are they so hard to get?
Watch out for fake 'Lafufus' The latest viral trending product is a plush elf-like creature with pointy teeth that can fit in your hand. Labubus, which are sold by Chinese retailer Pop Mart, aren't just hot collectibles. They're also a fashion accessory. The dolls feature keychains that let people hang them on bags and outfits. With 1.4 million videos that feature Labubus on TikTok and drops that sell out in seconds, the Labubu craze has become a global phenomenon. But getting hold of one can be an expensive challenge. How they went viral The little monster creatures were created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung in 2015. Lung made a deal with Chinese toy store Pop Mart in 2019 to license Labubu toys. The first plush keychains were released in October 2023 as part of the Exciting Macaron series. They come in blind boxes, meaning the doll is hidden so you don't know which one of the series you will get when you buy it. However, if you buy a full box set you are guaranteed not to get any duplicates. In the past year, they have been spotted on the luxury bags of stars like singers Lisa from Blackpink, Rihanna and Dua Lipa. The new Stanley x Olivia Rodrigo mug is $72. Is it worth it? Labubus helped drive $1.8 billion US ($1.7 billion Cdn) in revenue for the Chinese retailer at the end of 2024, a 100 per cent increase over the previous year, according to the company's annual report. The hype is intense. In the United Kingdom, Pop Mart announced on its Instagram account on May 23 that it was temporarily stopping in-store sales amid long lines. There were also reports of at least one physical fight. Under that Instagram post, commenters criticized the company for not making enough and for not selling them more broadly. They also complained that people were intentionally buying them all up only to resell them later at a higher price. How to get them in Canada Getting hold of a Labubu can be a challenge. There are no physical Pop Mart stores in Canada, but there is an online shop. As of June 5, all the Labubus on the Pop Mart Canada online store were sold out. Labubus can also be found at a variety of stores, both official and unofficial, and through online resellers. On Pop Mart's website, a regular Labubu plush costs around $30 Cdn but they often go for much more. At Canadian retailer Showcase, for example, one Labubu plush blindbox will run you at least $90 Cdn. Buyers need to be careful because there is an entire market of fake Labubus known as 'Lafufus.' Social media videos show the differences between the real and fake dolls, with some of the fake ones having upside down faces and eyes that easily pop out.
