What is the secret of Ugly Dolls’ success? It’s not just the handmade styles, or the gruesome, teethy cuteness. The real secret is that Ugly Dolls have captured an elusive toy market: dolls that boys like.
Think about it: when was the last time an eight-year old boy could be seen walking down the street with a doll clutched in the hands? Not an action figure, mind you, a doll.
The closest trend coming to mind here is Garbage Pail Kids, which were not even dolls, but trading cards popular in the 1980s.
Boys love Ugly Dolls for the same reason they loved Garbage Pail Kids: self-identification. The toys reflects back to them that being gross is part of being a boy. But Ugly Dolls go further, really capturing the essence of childhood. Practically every Ugly Doll is a happy-go-lucky young male who pretty much just wants to eat snacks and hang out.
Ugly Dolls are also clumsy, good-natured, and well-aware they are in an awkward stage. Also, for both Uglys and boys, girls are few and far between, and they all are brainy and somewhat sophisticated (comparatively speaking!). Sound familiar? It does to the thousands of boys who are proudly bringing their Ugly Dolls to show-and-tell.
It’s no secret that boys are called, almost on a daily level, “little monsters.” Ugly Dolls is a way for boys to own that label and find social acceptance. Just like Garbage Pail Kids, Ugly Dolls show boys that it’s okay that they are a little rough around the edges. And that they like snacks.
Ugly Dolls are soon to take over! These plush pets are one of the most original stuffed animals we have seen in a long time. And they are growing in popularity every month.
Chuckanucka is one of the first Uglys. He worries a lot and has a lot of questions about things that can drive most of us nuts. Worrying has never been so adorable.
Tray is the brainy Ugly. She is also obsessed with blueberry pie and is always hungry. But her three brains keep her busy, usually with schemes of finding more pie!
Icebat lives in the freezer, inside a secret ice cave. He’s pretty chill, and only wants to hang out (and preferably upside down). Like all Ugly Dolls, of course, Ice Bat loves children.
Babo has a heart of gold but not much self-control. It’s best to keep an eye on him when he is around. Babo loves to do favors for people, although the end results are usually not what his friends had in mind. Babo tries hard, so give him a hug.
Moxy is a high energy Ugly with a lot of moxy. The best place to find Moxy is jumping off the walls and racing circles around the house. She also has the ability to find a party that is miles away, thanks to her gigantic mis-shapen ears.
Ugly Dog is the ultimate ugly pet. He’s sort of lazy, but really enjoys helping his friends out… by sitting around and being Ugly. It’s not a bad life.