The Ultimate Guide: Where to Buy Disney Tsum Tsum
So, you’ve been bitten by the adorable bug and are now on the hunt for Disney Tsum Tsums? Fear not, fellow collector! The world of these stackable plushies is vast and varied, and finding the perfect ones to add to your hoard can be an adventure in itself. Let’s dive into the best places to snag these cuddly characters, both online and in-person.
The Definitive List: Your Tsum Tsum Hunting Grounds
Finding authentic Disney Tsum Tsums requires knowing where to look. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the best places to score your favorite characters:
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Disney Store and ShopDisney.com: This is the mothership, the ultimate source for all things Disney. You’ll find the widest selection of core characters, exclusive releases, and often, special promotions. It’s your first and most reliable stop. Be sure to check ShopDisney.com frequently for new additions and limited-edition sets.
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Target: Target frequently carries a selection of Tsum Tsums, often featuring exclusive designs and seasonal themes. Their affordability and accessibility make them a fantastic option for building your collection without breaking the bank. Keep an eye on their seasonal displays, especially around holidays.
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Walmart: Similar to Target, Walmart offers a range of Disney Tsum Tsums, particularly the smaller sizes. They’re another great option for finding common characters and sometimes, special bundles at competitive prices. Check both their physical stores and their online marketplace.
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Amazon: A treasure trove for Tsum Tsum hunters, Amazon boasts a massive selection from various sellers. Be cautious and check seller reviews thoroughly to ensure authenticity, especially when dealing with rare or vintage Tsum Tsums.
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eBay: For the serious collector, eBay is a goldmine of rare, retired, and vintage Tsum Tsums. Exercise extreme caution here, as counterfeits are prevalent. Verify the seller’s reputation, examine photos closely, and be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. This is where you’ll likely find those holy grail Tsum Tsums that are long gone from retail stores.
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BoxLunch: Known for its pop culture merchandise, BoxLunch often carries exclusive Disney Tsum Tsums related to specific movies or franchises. They also frequently run promotions that can make acquiring these cuddly treasures even more appealing.
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Hot Topic: Another haven for pop culture fans, Hot Topic occasionally stocks Disney Tsum Tsums, often with a focus on edgier or less common characters. This is a good place to check for characters that might not be readily available elsewhere.
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Disney Parks: If you’re lucky enough to visit a Disney Park, you’ll find a fantastic selection of exclusive Tsum Tsums, often themed to the specific park or attraction. This is a fantastic way to get unique additions to your collection that you won’t find anywhere else.
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Claire’s: This accessory store sometimes carries smaller Tsum Tsums, often at an affordable price point. They can be a good option for impulse buys or stocking stuffers.
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Collectible Shows and Conventions: Keep an eye out for collectible shows and conventions in your area. These events often feature vendors selling rare and vintage Tsum Tsums, offering a chance to find truly unique pieces.
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Facebook Marketplace and Other Online Marketplaces: While offering potential deals, these platforms require extra vigilance. Authenticity can be questionable, so scrutinize listings and communicate with sellers before committing to a purchase.
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International Retailers (Depending on Location): Retailers like Toys”R”Us (where available) and certain department stores in other countries may carry exclusive or regional Tsum Tsum releases. This requires a bit of research and potentially international shipping.
Deep Dive: Authenticity and Avoiding Fakes
Navigating the world of Tsum Tsums requires a keen eye, particularly when shopping online. Counterfeit Tsum Tsums are rampant, and nobody wants to end up with a poorly made knockoff. Here’s how to protect yourself:
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Check the Tags: Authentic Tsum Tsums will have a high-quality, properly printed tag with the Disney Tsum Tsum logo and copyright information. Look for misspellings, blurry images, or inconsistencies in the tag design as red flags.
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Examine the Stitching: The stitching on authentic Tsum Tsums is clean, even, and secure. Look for loose threads, uneven seams, or poor-quality stitching as indicators of a fake.
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Assess the Material: Authentic Tsum Tsums are made from high-quality, soft plush material. Counterfeits often use cheaper, rougher fabrics that feel noticeably different.
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Review Seller Feedback (Online): When buying online, always check the seller’s feedback rating and reviews. Look for patterns of complaints about authenticity or product quality.
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Compare Prices: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Counterfeit Tsum Tsums are often sold at significantly lower prices than authentic ones. Research the average price of the Tsum Tsum you’re interested in to get a sense of a fair value.
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Look for the Disney Store Logo: If the seller claims the Tsum Tsum is from the Disney Store, check for the presence of the Disney Store logo on the tag or packaging.
FAQs: Your Burning Tsum Tsum Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your Tsum Tsum knowledge and collecting prowess:
1. What exactly are Disney Tsum Tsums?
Disney Tsum Tsums are collectible plush toys based on popular Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters. They are designed with a distinctive elongated shape, perfect for stacking.
2. What are the different sizes of Tsum Tsums?
The most common sizes are Mini (3.5 inches), Medium (11 inches), and Large (17 inches). However, some specialty Tsum Tsums may come in different sizes.
3. How do I care for my Tsum Tsums?
To keep your Tsum Tsums looking their best, hand-wash them with mild detergent and air dry. Avoid putting them in the washing machine or dryer, as this can damage their delicate features.
4. Are there any rare or highly sought-after Tsum Tsums?
Yes! Certain Tsum Tsums are considered rare due to limited releases, park exclusives, or older designs. Some examples include certain Vinylmation series and specific holiday-themed characters. These can command high prices on the secondary market.
5. How often does Disney release new Tsum Tsums?
Disney typically releases new Tsum Tsums on a monthly or seasonal basis. Keep an eye on ShopDisney.com and other retailers for announcements of upcoming releases.
6. Where can I find information on upcoming Tsum Tsum releases?
Follow Disney Tsum Tsum news websites, social media accounts, and online forums for the latest information on upcoming releases and promotions.
7. How do I start a Tsum Tsum collection?
Start by choosing your favorite Disney characters or franchises. Then, browse the available Tsum Tsums at Disney Store, Target, Walmart, and online marketplaces. Set a budget and gradually build your collection.
8. What is the Tsum Tsum subscription box?
Disney used to offer a Tsum Tsum subscription box that delivered exclusive Tsum Tsums to subscribers on a monthly basis. However, this service is currently discontinued, but sometimes these become available on secondary seller platforms.
9. How can I tell if a Tsum Tsum is a fake?
As discussed earlier, check the tags, stitching, material, seller feedback (online), and compare prices. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
10. Can I trade Tsum Tsums with other collectors?
Yes! Tsum Tsum trading is a popular activity among collectors. Look for Tsum Tsum trading groups online or in your local area. Many Disney Parks also have designated trading locations.
11. Are Tsum Tsums safe for young children?
Tsum Tsums are generally safe for children over the age of 3. However, always supervise young children to prevent them from swallowing small parts.
12. What are some good resources for learning more about Tsum Tsums?
Search online for Disney Tsum Tsum blogs, websites, and forums. These resources can provide valuable information on collecting, trading, and identifying rare Tsum Tsums.
Happy Hunting!
With this guide in hand, you’re now well-equipped to embark on your Disney Tsum Tsum collecting adventure! Remember to be patient, do your research, and most importantly, have fun! May your stacks be ever-growing and your Tsum Tsums ever-adorable. Good luck, and happy hunting!
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