Sonny Angel figures. Ashley Flores/TikTok

In a world full of distractions, some of Gen Zs have found comfort and joy in an unexpected hobby – collecting Sonny Angel mini figures.

With its concept, "He may bring you more happiness," Sonny Angel is an adorable dolly created over 20 years ago and features various headgear and surprise-filled blind boxes.

Ashley Flores, a 23-year-old content creator and a Filipino graphic designer, is a prime example of how Sonny Angels have resonated with Gen Zs.

For her, collecting these figures is more than just a pastime – it’s a form of self-expression and a way to connect with like-minded individuals. 

"I started collecting Sonny Angels around last year, November. I had a classmate in one of my college subjects that has [had] one Sonny Angel and that started my interest in collecting," Flores recalled.

What makes Sonny Angel so appealing to collectors like Flores is the "blind box" concept – each figurine is sold in a sealed box, leaving the buyer in suspense until they open it to reveal which Sonny Angel they’ve received. 

"The joy of collecting them comes from not knowing what’s inside the box," she said. 

"It's the excitement and thrill of not knowing what you're getting."

For a generation that values community and connection, the social aspect of Sonny Angels cannot be overstated.

This love of collecting has led to the building of an active community of people who trade figures, bond through shared experiences, and enjoy a sense of purpose.

"I made so many friends through collecting… From there, I was also able to make money by reselling my other angels," Flores said.

Since Gen Z-ers are known for their desire to stand out and make their mark, Flores shared that the appeal lies in the ability to put together a collection that reflects her personal tastes and preferences. 

She now has over 40 angels in her collection, which is proof of her interest in anything purple.

"I had 140 angels, and I had to sell the other ones when I started collecting only purple/violet angels," she said.

Among her prized possessions is a rare figure from the "Cats Life" series — a purple secret angel.

"I lined up before the Fully Booked opens and I pulled it from a whole box I bought," Flores recalled. 

For many Gen Z collectors, Sonny Angels are more than just figurines — they are a source of comfort and healing.

"It (collecting Sonny Angels) did heal my inner child," she said.

"I was deprived of these things firstly because of money issues when I was a kid, so being able to get them with my own money is such a win for me," she added.