Blind box releases not to be missed this summer
By Léna, co-founder & Art Director at swap-iit
⏱️ Reading time: ≈ 5 mins
Summer is the season for new releases. 🌞 New series, collaborations, limited editions: this is when the community is at its most active. Here are the blind box releases not to be missed this summer of 2026 and, most importantly, how to make sure you don’t miss out when they sell out in a matter of minutes.
(A quick word of honesty: drop dates and availability are constantly changing. Always check the official channels before you go ahead.)
Contents
- The highlight of the summer: Labubu × 2026 FIFA World Cup
- IPs to watch out for beyond Labubu
- Sonny Angel and Smiski
- How not to miss out on a drop
- And after the drop, what about your duplicates?
- FAQ: Summer releases
The highlight of the summer: Labubu × 2026 FIFA World Cup
This is THE big one. The FIFA World Cup is taking place this summer of 2026 (in the United States, Canada and Mexico), and Pop Mart has launched a The Monsters × FIFA collection to mark the occasion: figurines, plush pendants in blind boxes, collector’s items… In short, a football-themed version of Labubu. Given the combined hype surrounding both worlds, expect highly sought-after releases and restocks that sell out fast. Keep a close eye on this if you’re a fan.
IPs to watch out for beyond Labubu
Labubu dominates, but 2026 confirms the rise of other Pop Mart ranges. If you want to capitalise on what’s on the rise (and often find them more easily than Labubu), keep an eye on:
Crybaby
Driven by the trend for bag charms (pendants you attach to your bag), with emotive designs and fairly affordable entry-level prices. One of the community’s current favourites.
Skullpanda
The more ‘edgy’ and arty world of Pop Mart, which remains highly sought-after on the secondary market. New series are often among the most eagerly anticipated.
Hacipupu and Hirono
Two rapidly rising IPs, driven by compelling storytelling and a gentle aesthetic. Hirono, in particular, has a real community building up around it (Team Hirono, we see you 💛).
Sonny Angel and Smiski
At Dreams, summer often means seasonal ranges and themed editions (the famous summer, nautical and food-themed collections, etc.). The Sonny Angel HIPPERS (the versions that clip onto anything) also continue to be released in new themes. As always with these brands, it’s best to keep an eye on official announcements and authorised retailers to find out the exact release dates for your region.
How not to miss out on a drop
It’s all very well knowing what’s coming out, but you still have to manage to get hold of it. Here’s what the community does instinctively.
Follow the official channels
Turn on notifications for official accounts and apps (Pop Mart, Dreams) and authorised retailers in your area. Most drops are announced there in advance, with specific dates and times.
Get ready before the big moment
For major releases, be ready a few minutes beforehand: account logged in, payment method saved, page open. The most sought-after editions sometimes sell out in a matter of minutes, or even less.
Keep an eye out for restocks
Missed the first drop? Don’t panic: brands often restock (the famous ‘restocks’). Keep an eye on the announcements, and be wary of prices soaring on the secondary market between restocks.
And after the drop, what about your duplicates?
When it’s drop season, it’s also… duplicate season. 🙃 You’re bound to come across figures you already own. That’s where we come in: swap-iit lets you swap your duplicates for the pieces you’re missing, safely, rather than leaving them gathering dust in a drawer.
We’re launching in September 2026, just after the summer drop season. The waitlist is open: the first 500 to sign up will receive a Lifetime Founder badge and priority access. 💛
FAQ: Summer releases
What are the big blind box releases for summer 2026?
The highlight is the Labubu × 2026 FIFA World Cup collection. Also worth keeping an eye on: the new Crybaby, Skullpanda, Hacipupu and Hirono series, as well as the Sonny Angel and Smiski summer editions. Check the official channels for exact dates.
How can I be notified of Pop Mart drops?
Turn on notifications for the app and the official Pop Mart accounts, as well as those of authorised retailers in your area. Drop dates and times are usually announced there in advance.
Why do blind boxes sell out so quickly?
Because trendy series and limited editions attract huge crowds all at once. That’s why it’s worth being ready before the drop, and keeping an eye out for restocks if you missed the first round.