Trends

Bunnings, Blind Boxes and the Mystery-Box Boom Explained

Bunnings' Mini Bears and $2 shoe charms show how blind boxes went mainstream. We break down prices, odds, the Labubu connection and what's actually confirmed.

Mara Quinn
Mara Quinn · Editor, TroveDrops
August 7, 2026 · Updated October 31, 2026
Bunnings, Blind Boxes and the Mystery-Box Boom Explained

What is the Bunnings blind box trend?

Bunnings, the Australian hardware giant, has embraced the blind-box format with low-priced collectibles: Mini Bears plush key chains and $2 shoe charms. These sealed packages hide a random design from a set, turning a hardware store aisle into a collectible hunt. The trend mirrors the global rise of blind boxes popularised by Pop Mart and its Labubu characters.

The retailer launched its original Mini Bears in December 2025 at AUD$12.50 each, according to Man of Many. A second series followed in July 2026, initially at $12.50 and later listed at $9.50. In October 2026, Bunnings added a $2 blind-box charm range with six designs, including a rare sausage-sanga charm. The charms fit Crocs-style footwear and are aimed at children and adults alike.

These products are part of a wider boom in sealed mystery packages with random collectible contents, a format that has spread from toy stores to mainstream retail. For a broader look at how the trend is moving beyond toy aisles, see our guide to blind boxes beyond toys.

How much do Bunnings mystery boxes cost?

Bunnings Mini Bears currently list at $9.50, down from the $12.50 launch price for both the original and second series. The shoe charms are $2 each. Prices and availability can vary by store, and the retailer has not guaranteed nationwide stock levels for every design.

The table below summarises the confirmed and reported pricing for Bunnings' blind-box collectibles.

ProductLaunch datePriceKey details
Mini Bears (original)December 2025$12.50Plush key-chain collectibles in blind boxes
Mini Bears Series 2July 2026Initially $12.50; later $9.50New designs, interchangeable outfits, reported Secret Bear
Mystery Box Shoe CharmsOctober 2026$2Six designs, including rare sausage-sanga charm

These prices are low compared with many collectible blind boxes, which is part of their appeal. But low prices can encourage repeat purchases, a dynamic familiar to anyone who has chased a rare figure. Our article on whether blind boxes are worth it explores that trade-off in more detail.

What are the odds of getting a rare Bunnings charm?

One report states the rare sausage-sanga charm appears approximately once in every 12 boxes. That figure is reported product information, not an independently audited probability, and Bunnings has not published a full rarity schedule for the charms or the Mini Bears.

The “one in 12” rate does not mean a 12-box purchase guarantees the rare charm. Each box is an independent draw, so the chance of missing the rare charm in 12 boxes remains significant. Buyers should treat any stated rate as a guide, not a promise. For a deeper explanation of how odds work, see our guide to how mystery box odds work.

The Mini Bears Series 2 reportedly includes a “Secret Bear,” but a complete official rarity schedule was not established by available sources. That means the true odds of pulling the secret design are unknown.

Are Bunnings Mini Bears Labubu dupes?

No. Bunnings Mini Bears are Bunnings products, not Labubu items, and there is no verified corporate relationship between Bunnings and Pop Mart, the Chinese company behind Labubu. The “Labubu dupe” label is an informal comparison, not a confirmed partnership or licensing deal.

Pop Mart's Labubu characters became a global phenomenon, driving blind-box sales and social-media unboxing videos. Bunnings' entry into the format shows how far the trend has spread, but it does not imply copying or association. The available sources do not establish that Bunnings copied Labubu designs or partnered with Pop Mart.

For a closer look at the Labubu phenomenon and its odds, read our analysis of Labubu odds and value.

Is the blind-box boom cooling?

There are signs of a slowdown. Pop Mart reported that total third-quarter 2026 sales fell 45% to 50% year over year, according to Sedaily. Regional declines were steep: 70% to 75% in the Americas, 65% to 70% in Asia-Pacific, 50% to 55% in Europe and other markets, and 25% to 30% in China. Those figures cover Pop Mart's total business, not Labubu sales alone.

A separate report says Pop Mart's first-half 2026 revenue fell 7.5% to RMB4.45 billion, while Labubu's share of sales declined to 26% from 34.7% a year earlier. The same report says Pop Mart increased Labubu production roughly tenfold and that resale prices for many models fell by more than half, with some below retail. Those claims should not be generalised to Bunnings products.

The cooling of the Labubu craze does not necessarily mean Bunnings' low-priced collectibles will follow the same path. But it does illustrate the risk of assuming blind-box items will appreciate. Our article on whether mystery boxes are rigged examines how odds and outcomes are determined.

How do you shop blind boxes without getting sucked in?

Set a budget before you open, check the stated odds, and judge whether you would be happy with a common item, because that is the most likely result. Transparency is the best safeguard: look for sellers that publish odds and offer a way to verify results.

Bunnings does not appear to publish full odds for its Mini Bears or charms, beyond the reported one-in-12 rate for the rare charm. That makes it harder to assess value. Online mystery-box platforms can do better by showing odds up front. Our guide to whether online mystery box sites are legit covers what to look for.

Another key lesson: a blind box is a probability, not a guarantee. The “sucked me in” moment usually comes when curiosity outruns a budget. Decide your spend before you open, not after a near-miss.

Where can you buy Bunnings mystery boxes?

Bunnings mystery boxes are sold in participating stores, and Series 2 has been available online with Click & Collect and delivery, according to The West Australian. Stock and regional availability may vary, and some reports note a catch for WA shoppers.

The shoe charms launched in October 2026 and are available while stocks last. Bunnings has not confirmed a nationwide stock guarantee or that all stores carry every design. Buyers should check with their local store or online for current availability.

For a sense of how other retailers handle mystery boxes, see our guide to Disney Springs mystery boxes.

What does TroveDrops offer for mystery-box fans?

TroveDrops is play-for-fun: you open boxes with free virtual coins, with no real money and no real prizes. Every box lists its contents and odds before you open, and results are provably fair, so you can verify each outcome.

You can browse the full range on the boxes page and read how verification works on the provably-fair page. Items stay in your collection or can be traded in for more virtual coins. Nothing ships, and there are no withdrawals. It is a way to enjoy the reveal without spending real money.

Trends FAQ

How much are Bunnings Mini Bears?

The current reported price is $9.50, down from the $12.50 launch price for both the original and second series. Prices can vary by store.

How many Bunnings shoe charms are there?

Six designs are reported, including a rare sausage-sanga charm. The rare charm is said to appear about once in every 12 boxes, but that rate is not independently audited.

Are Bunnings Mini Bears connected to Labubu?

No. They are Bunnings products, and there is no verified corporate relationship with Pop Mart or Labubu. The comparison is informal.

Can you choose which Bunnings mystery box you get?

Blind-box packaging generally prevents choosing the exact item, and the available reports do not confirm any official method for identifying boxes in-store.

Is the rare Bunnings charm guaranteed after 12 purchases?

No. The “approximately one in 12” rate is a reported figure, not proof that every 12-box purchase contains the rare charm.

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Mara Quinn
Mara Quinn · Editor, TroveDrops

Mara covers mystery boxes, drop odds and consumer protection — translating how these platforms actually work into plain English so readers can play smart and avoid scams.

Before you open a box: legit checks & reviews

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