Complete Guide to Buying Calico Critters

Your Guide to buying the best Calico Critters

Overview

Calico Critters are a popular line of collectible figures that have been around for decades. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and offer a unique way to bring imaginative play to life. This buying guide will provide an overview of the Calico Critters line, as well as provide helpful tips and advice on what to look for when purchasing Calico Critters. We'll also discuss safety, price points, and other important factors to consider before making your purchase. With this guide, you'll have the information you need to make an informed decision and find the perfect Calico Critters for your family.

Key features

  1. Price: Calico Critters come in a range of prices and shoppers should consider their budget when selecting a Calico Critters set.
  2. Size: Calico Critters come in sets of varying sizes and the size should be considered depending on what type of play surface is available.
  3. Theme: Different Calico Critters sets offer different themes and shoppers should consider what type of stories they would like to tell.
  4. Accessories: Some Calico Critter sets come with additional accessories that can help to enhance the play experience.
  5. Durability: Calico Critters are made from durable materials and are designed to last for many years.
  6. Age Range: Calico Critters are suitable for a range of age groups and shoppers should check the age range for each set before making a purchase.

See the most popular Calico Critters on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Variety of Sets - Calico Critters offer a range of fun play sets, from houses and furniture to shops and vehicles. There are also special edition sets to collect.
  • High-Quality Craftsmanship - Calico Critters are made with high-quality materials and intricate details, making them extremely durable and attractive.
  • Encourages Creativity - Calico Critters are designed to spark imagination and open-ended play. They can be used to create stories and explore different scenarios.
  • Collectible Figures - Many Calico Critters come with collectible figurines that children can add to their collections, or display in their rooms.
  • Safe for Children - Calico Critters are made from non-toxic materials and are safe for children of all ages.
  • Educational Benefits - Calico Critters can help children develop fine-motor skills, encourage early literacy, and teach them about responsibility and problem-solving.

Cons

  • Possible Allergies: Calico Critters are made with a mixture of small parts, synthetic fibers, and plastics, so they could potentially cause an allergic reaction in some people.
  • Not Recommended for Small Children: Calico Critters are small, and may pose a choking hazard for small children.
  • Customization is Limited: There are only a few items and accessories available for each Critter, so customization options are limited.
  • Expensive: Calico Critters can be quite expensive for what you get.

Best alternatives

    Strawberry Shortcake Berrykins - Small sized dolls with themes of friendship and adventure. Lalaloopsy - Stuffed dolls that magically come to life when you open the box. My Little Pony - Iconic line of toy ponies and other animals with accessories and playsets. Fur Real Friends - Plush animals with realistic features and sounds. Shopkins - Collectible dolls, with accompanying playsets and accessories. My Friend Cayla - Interactive and talking dolls that respond to commands. Littlest Pet Shop - Collectible pets and playsets, which can even be used online. Polly Pocket - Compact dolls and playsets, which fit into a pocket-size container.

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Common questions

  1. What are Calico Critters? Calico Critters are a line of adorable collectible animal figures and accompanying playsets, furniture, and accessories from International Playthings.
  2. What ages are Calico Critters appropriate for? Calico Critters are intended for children ages 3 and up.
  3. How many different sets and figures are available? There are over 150 figures and 40 sets to choose from.
  4. Are Calico Critters gender-specific? No, they are not gender-specific.
  5. Are Calico Critters compatible with other toy lines? They are compatible with other toy lines, such as Sylvanian Families.
  6. Are Calico Critters safe for children? Yes, Calico Critters are made from durable, high-quality materials and have been safety tested for the age range they are intended for.
  7. What other accessories are available? Accessories for Calico Critters include furniture, clothers, vehicles, and interactive playsets.

Trivia

A fun fact about Calico Critters is that they feature a unique blend of animals and human qualities, with their animal characteristics being based on real life animals. For example, the Playful Pups are based on a mix of foxes and puppies, while the Calico Critters themselves are based on a mix of guinea pigs and rabbits. This gives the critters a unique charm and appeal to kids and adults alike. The Calico Critters have also been featured in several movies, including the 2020 Disney/Pixar film "Onward".Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.