Fugglers are here to freak you out (in the cutest way possible)

If you like your toys a little weird and a whole lot of wonderful, brace yourself – Fugglers have officially landed in South Africa, and they’re here to steal your heart (and possibly your sanity).

Brought to our shores by ZURU, these Funny Ugly Monsters have already won over fans around the globe with their human-like teeth, blank stares, and cheeky ‘butt-on hole’ (yes, really). They’re the kind of toy you didn’t know you needed until one is staring at you with those weird little eyes – and then suddenly, you need five.

Sales of Fugglers have exploded over the past year – up a whopping 247%! They’re now the third most purchased plush brand in the world, and experts reckon they’re on track to take the top spot this year. That’s a lot of creepy-cute monsters finding new homes.

But what is it about these oddballs that has everyone from five-year-olds to fully grown adults utterly obsessed? “Fugglers are not your typical cuddly plush, they’re cheeky, mischievous, and utterly unforgettable,” says Glenn Ambrose, Country Manager at ZURU South Africa. “Their offbeat charm has made them a massive hit, not just with kids, but also teens and adults who love their collectability and sheer silliness.”

And he’s not wrong. A quick scroll through TikTok reveals a full-blown Fuggler fandom, with fans blinging up their monsters with rhinestones, accessories and entire outfits. It’s like Squishmallows, but with more teeth.

“These funny-ugly monsters will warm your heart and take over your life with their mischievous antics and straight-up bonkers appearance,” Ambrose adds.

ZURU is clearly buzzing to bring the global Fuggler frenzy to South Africa, and there’s no doubt local fans will embrace the madness.

“A viral trend has also propelled the brand into cult status, with fans obsessively hunting down rare Fugglers, sharing collections online, and even ‘blinging’ them up with rhinestones, accessories, and custom outfits, much like the Squishmallows craze,” Ambrose says.

And just in case these freaky little fellows weren’t fabulous enough on their own, Fugglers have teamed up with some pretty iconic pop culture names.

“Collaborations with beloved franchises such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Lord of the Rings have further amplified Fugglers’ popularity, demonstrating a robust demand for humorous and unconventional toys in the market,” explains Ambrose. “There are over 150 different Fuggler designs and we’re set to launch the first three ranges through retailers nationwide later this month.”