A beginner's guide to blind box collecting

A blind box is a sealed collectible figure where the exact design stays a surprise until you open it. That single idea has built one of the most active collecting communities in the country.

How a series works

Each series is a themed set — typically six to twelve designs — produced together and sold in identical sealed boxes. Somewhere in the set sits a secret character, produced in far smaller numbers than the rest.

• A series usually contains six to twelve regular designs
• Each series includes at least one rare secret character
• A full case contains a complete set of the regular designs
• Secret characters appear at low odds across the full case

Can you pick which one you get?

No — and that is the whole point. The surprise is the product. What you can do is buy a case break, where every design in a case is guaranteed, which some stores offer for collectors chasing a complete set.

“Collect the series you actually like. Chasing the secret is more fun when you would be happy with any box in the set.”

Where to buy

Blind boxes are available at any MINISO store carrying the current series. Availability varies by store and by series, and popular launches move fast — the store locator lists opening hours for every branch.