Collecting designer toys used to be a niche hobby for people with way too much shelf space and a specific love for vinyl. Then came Pop Mart. Specifically, then came Skullpanda. If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Lemon8 lately, you’ve probably seen a tiny, thick-legged figure with spherical hair ornaments and a look of total, unbothered chill. That’s the Skull Panda Lazy Panda, a standout piece from the "The Mare of Animals" series that basically became the poster child for the "soft girl" and "cozy gamer" aesthetic overnight.
It’s weirdly relatable.
Honestly, most of us feel like that panda. The figure depicts the signature Skullpanda character—created by the artist Chenhui Xiong (better known as SKULLPANDA)—merged with the vibe of a giant panda who has absolutely zero plans to be productive today. It isn't just a toy. For many, it’s a tiny $15 to $20 investment in dopamine.
The Design Language of the Skull Panda Lazy Panda
What makes this specific figure from "The Mare of Animals" collection hit different? It’s the contrast. Skullpanda is usually known for being somewhat edgy, avant-garde, and a bit cold. The "Mare of Animals" series took those high-fashion proportions and softened them into something tactile and comforting.
The Skull Panda Lazy Panda features a matte finish that feels premium. You’ve got the classic black-and-white panda color palette, but it’s elevated with those signature translucent "bubbles" or bells on the side of the head. It looks heavy. It looks expensive. Even though it’s mass-produced by Pop Mart, the quality control on the "Lazy Panda" specifically has been noted by collectors as being particularly high, with fewer visible seam lines than earlier series like "Ancient Castle."
It sits there. It’s slumped. It’s basically all of us at 3:00 PM on a Tuesday.
Why "The Mare of Animals" Series Changed the Game
Before this series dropped, Skullpanda was leaning heavily into the "cyberpunk" and "gothic" aesthetics. Think "Hypepanda" or "City of Night." Those were cool, sure. But "The Mare of Animals" brought in a vulnerability. The Skull Panda Lazy Panda is the anchor of that shift.
The series explores the idea of humans finding their animal counterparts in a dream state. While the "Elephant" is majestic and the "Polar Bear" is sort of lonely, the "Lazy Panda" is the one everyone wants. It represents a rejection of hustle culture. You aren't just buying a piece of plastic; you're buying a tiny monument to the idea that it is okay to just exist and be cute.
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The Resale Market and the "Blind Box" Struggle
Let’s talk about the logistics because it’s not always easy to just go out and buy one. Pop Mart operates on the "blind box" model. You walk into a store, see a wall of identical boxes, and pray to the gacha gods that you pull the panda.
If you don't? You're heading to the secondary market.
On platforms like eBay, Mercari, or specialized Facebook trade groups, the Skull Panda Lazy Panda often commands a premium. While a standard box retails for around $16, the "Lazy Panda" can go for $25 to $40 depending on the day. It’s not "Secret" level rare (the secret "Unicorn" figure in this set is the real white whale), but its popularity makes it a "confirmed" favorite.
Kinda frustrating, right?
You’ll see people using "weighting" techniques—literally bringing pocket scales to the mall—to try and figure out which box contains the panda. Because of its sitting posture and solid build, the Skull Panda Lazy Panda tends to feel denser and doesn't rattle as much as the "Butterfly" or "Fox" figures in the same series.
Spotting a Fake: What You Need to Know
Because Skullpanda has exploded in popularity, the market is flooded with "reproduction" figures. If you see a Skull Panda Lazy Panda on a random site for $5, it’s a fake. Period.
Real Pop Mart figures have a specific weight. The paint shouldn't smell like chemicals. Look at the feet. Authentic Skullpanda figures have crisp branding on the bottom. The "eyes" are the biggest giveaway. On a genuine "Lazy Panda," the gradient in the eyes is smooth, almost like a nebula. Fakes usually have flat, blocky colors that look like they were painted in a rush.
How to Style Your Collection
People aren't just putting these on bookshelves anymore. The Skull Panda Lazy Panda has found its way into "desk setups."
If you look at the "Mechanical Keyboard" community, you'll see this panda perched next to custom-built boards. It fits the "thocky" keyboard aesthetic perfectly. Others use it as a "travel companion," taking photos of the panda in real-world settings—cafes, parks, or even on airplanes.
It’s small enough to be portable but detailed enough to look great in a macro photo.
The Artist Behind the Magic: Chenhui Xiong
We can't talk about the panda without talking about the creator. Chenhui Xiong is a powerhouse. She started as a concept artist in the gaming industry, and you can see that influence in the world-building of her toys. She doesn't just draw a character; she creates a universe.
The "Skullpanda" persona is an alien being who can travel through different dimensions and take on various forms. This "Lazy Panda" form is just one stop on her journey. It’s this bit of lore that keeps fans coming back. You aren't just collecting dolls; you're following a story.
Practical Steps for New Collectors
If you're looking to grab your first Skull Panda Lazy Panda, don't just dive in blindly. You’ll waste a lot of money.
- Check the Pop Mart Global site first. They often restock "The Mare of Animals" series, and buying at MSRP is always better than paying scalper prices.
- Join a community. Groups on Reddit or Discord are great for trading. If you pull a "Penguin" but wanted the "Panda," someone out there is almost certainly looking to swap.
- Invest in a display case. These figures are dust magnets. Because of the matte finish on the panda, dust shows up easily and can be a pain to clean without scratching the paint.
- Use the Pop Mart App. It has a "virtual box opening" feature that can sometimes give you clues or rewards for your physical purchases.
The Skull Panda Lazy Panda is more than a trend. It’s a design icon in the making. It captures a specific feeling of 2020s burnout mixed with a desire for high-end aesthetic. Whether you’re a hardcore collector or just someone who wants a cute desk buddy, this little panda is the gold standard of the designer toy world right now.
Stop thinking about it and just get one. Your desk will thank you. For cleaning, stick to a dry microfiber cloth; never use alcohol or harsh soaps, as they will strip the matte coating and ruin that "velvet" look that makes the figure so special. If you're buying second-hand, always ask for a photo of the original card that comes inside the box, as that's the best way to verify it's the real deal. High-quality designer toys like this are meant to be handled, but keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent the white plastic from yellowing over time.
Once you have your first one, you'll likely find yourself looking at the rest of the series. Just be careful—it's a slippery slope from one "Lazy Panda" to a whole shelf of vinyl friends. It happens fast. Trust me. Keep an eye on local "Toy Cons" or Pop Up shops in major cities like New York, LA, or London, as these are the only places where you might find the rare oversized versions of these characters. These larger 400% or 1000% versions are the true grails of the collection world. For now, the small "Lazy Panda" remains the most accessible and arguably the most charming piece of the entire Skullpanda legacy.