A Guide to Sylvanian Families: Pick Your Favorite Sylvanian Family

Understanding the basics

But first, let’s explore the question: What exactly are the Sylvanian Families? Well, the Sylvanian Families is a beloved line of collectible anthropomorphic animal figures that was started in Japan in 1985 and created by a company called Epoch. These figures are made from flocked plastic and feature a variety of woodland creatures, including rabbits, bears, and hedgehogs. However, over the years, the range has expanded to include more animals like elephants and meerkats.

The name “Sylvanian” comes from the Latin word sylvanus, which means “of the forest.” The figures are known for their charming designs and detailed accessories, as each character typically represents a family unit, often consisting of a father, mother, and children, each character characterized by their unique name, birthday, and personality. This level of personalization allows you to create your own stories and scenarios within the idyllic setting of Sylvania, a fictional village that mirrors a rural, middle-class lifestyle.

Not only toys!

Since their launch, Sylvanian Families have had amazing success around the world, particularly during the late 1980s, when they won multiple “Toy of the Year” awards in the United Kingdom. Plus, the franchise has grown beyond just toys, expanding into books, animated series, and even themed attractions.

Specifically, collectors are drawn to Sylvanian Families for their nostalgic value and the wide variety of figures and sets available, with figures often coming in different outfits and with various accessories. In fact, some limited editions or unique variants have become highly sought after as the community of Sylvanian Families collectors has grown thanks to the internet and online forums dedicated to sharing information and trading rare items.

The brand has also expanded its reach globally, with fans and collectors from different countries contributing to the popularity of these miniature animal figures! Now, let’s get into the collections themselves.

Fun Hair Series

Starting with the “Sylvanian Families Baby Fun Hair Series,” an adorable collection of collectible baby dolls, each designed with a unique hairdressing theme. This series features a variety of charming characters, including eight distinct baby figures:

• the Silk Cat baby with a stylish French plait wig,
• the Chocolate Rabbit baby with a high ponytail wig,
• the Milk Rabbit baby (crawling) with cute plaited pigtails,
• the Brown Rabbit baby with a unicorn Alice band,
• the Koala baby (sitting) with a hairbrush,
• the Kangaroo Small baby with a stylish ribbon,
• the Sheep baby (crawling) with a star mirror, and
• the mysterious Secret figure.

Finally, the figures are sold in a blind bag format, adding an exciting element of surprise for collectors, as each bag contains a different character!

Baby Forest Costume Series

Next, we have the “Sylvanian Families Baby Forest Costume Series,” which is a charming collection of baby figures, each designed with a whimsical forest theme. This series features a total of eight unique characters, including one unknown secret figure, all adorned with costumes and accessories inspired by nature.

Each figure is paired with a distinctive outfit that reflects elements of the forest, adding a unique touch to the collection. The characters included in the “Baby Forest Costume” series include:

• the Deer Baby with an adorable apple hat,
• the Silk Cat Baby with a mushroom hat,
• the Walnut Squirrel Baby with an acorn hat,
• the Marshmallow Mouse Cradled Baby with a little leaf boat,
• the Koala Baby with ladybug wings and a headband,
• the Husky Cradled Baby with a leaf umbrella,
• the Chocolate Rabbit Cradled Baby with a beautiful lily of the valley, and
• the secret figure.

Like the “Baby Fun Hair Series,” the “Baby Forest Costume Series” is also packaged in blind bags, making it a fun surprise, as each bag reveals a different character. These figures are also compatible with other Sylvanian Families sets like the “Secret Forest Falls” set.

Seashore Friends Series

The final “Sylvanian Families” set to highlight is the “Sylvanian Families Baby Seashore Friends” series. This set is a cute collection of ocean-themed baby figures, perfect for both play and collecting.

Each figure in the series is dressed in a unique costume and comes with an accessory that complements the seaside adventure theme. The “Seashore Friends” series includes a range of lovable characters, such as:

• the Bear Baby with a fun lobster headband and gloves,
• the Splashy Otter Cradled Baby with a crab hat,
• the Persian Cat Baby with a cute turtle rucksack,
• the Milk Rabbit Cradled Baby with a whaleboat,
• the Sea Otter Baby with a pretty shellfish pouch,
• the Snow Rabbit Baby with a fish handbag,
• and the Husky Baby (sitting) with a fantastic fish wand.
• A special secret character adds an element of surprise to the collection.

Sold in blind bags, each figure comes with one ocean-themed accessory and costume. What’s more, like the “Baby Forest Costume,” these figures can be integrated with other Sylvanian Families sets, such as the “Baby Mermaid Castle” set.