Fingerlings

Fingerlings Review

The Fingerlings craze exploded in 2017, turning these tiny interactive pets into one of the year’s hottest Christmas toys. Produced by Jazwares, Fingerlings were adorable monkey-themed companions that clung to fingers, reacted to sound, and even blinked their eyes. They quickly earned a place on the official Top 10 Christmas Toys 2017 list, proving that small toys can deliver big fun during the festive season.

What Made Fingerlings Special?

At just a few inches tall, Fingerlings weren’t flashy or bulky, but their charm was irresistible. Each monkey reacted to touch, sound, and movement. Kids could hear giggles, squeaks, and even little snoring sounds when their pet was rocked to sleep. This blend of interactivity and cuteness gave children an instant bond with their toy, turning it into both a collectible and a playmate.

The design also stood out. With vibrant colours and expressive faces, each Fingerling had its own personality. Parents loved the affordable price point compared with bigger-ticket items, while children enjoyed swapping and collecting different versions. Many even clipped them to backpacks or displayed them proudly on desks at school.

Why Kids Loved Them

The success of Fingerlings lay in their simplicity. Kids could carry them anywhere, clip them onto school bags, or line them up on desks. Unlike larger toys that needed set-up, Fingerlings delivered instant gratification—open the box, turn it on, and the fun began. This instant play value helped them top wish lists across the UK and made them a talking point in playgrounds.

Another reason for their popularity was the emotional connection. With blinking eyes, head turns, and responsive noises, Fingerlings felt alive in the palm of a child’s hand. Kids treated them as tiny pets, naming them, caring for them, and even tucking them into toy beds at night. That emotional hook is what made the toy so powerful compared with simple figurines.

Christmas 2017 Demand and Hype

Retailers reported that Fingerlings sold out in record time. Parents scrambled to secure them ahead of Christmas, sometimes paying inflated prices online as stock ran dry. According to reports of toy sale surges, the buzz around small, interactive pets dominated the season. Toy specialists credited their popularity to the way social media influencers showcased them in short videos, making them must-have stocking fillers.

Stock shortages became a real story in 2017. News outlets reported queues outside toy shops, with some stores limiting purchases to one per customer. The resale market thrived, with desperate parents paying two or three times the retail price to secure one in time for Christmas morning. This frenzy only fuelled demand, cementing Fingerlings as the “must have” toy of the year.

Age Suitability and Family Appeal

Recommended for children aged 5+, Fingerlings were safe, light, and durable enough to handle everyday play. Parents valued their low-maintenance design compared with larger interactive pets that required constant care or batteries. The toy’s ability to respond to sound and touch also encouraged nurturing behaviour, helping kids build empathy while enjoying silly interactions.

Family appeal extended beyond the children. Many parents admitted to trying the toys themselves, amused by the tiny monkeys’ lifelike responses. Grandparents, too, found them easy to gift thanks to their reasonable price and clear packaging. They quickly became a talking point at Christmas gatherings, where cousins and siblings compared their colours and personalities.

Comparison with Other 2017 Hits

Fingerlings arrived in the same year as Hatchimals Surprise and L.O.L. Surprise Series 2. While Hatchimals focused on hatching and unboxing thrills, and L.O.L. Surprise relied on collectible layers, Fingerlings struck a balance between affordability and replay value. They didn’t need elaborate accessories or add-ons—the toy itself was enough to keep kids entertained.

This combination of affordability, portability, and interactivity helped them carve out their own niche, proving that sometimes the smallest toys make the biggest impact. Parents who couldn’t secure one of the higher-priced toys often turned to Fingerlings as an equally exciting alternative that didn’t break the bank.

Collectibility and Expansion

Jazwares quickly expanded the Fingerlings line with new animals, including unicorns, sloths, and pandas. Collectors loved chasing limited editions, while children enjoyed building small “zoos” of interactive pets. The broad variety kept the toy line fresh long after the initial Christmas rush. Special editions even featured glitter finishes or exclusive colours, fuelling trading between kids.

Their collectibility also meant parents could buy additional Fingerlings for birthdays or other occasions, ensuring the brand enjoyed longevity beyond the festive season. For many households, one Fingerling was never enough, and by mid-2018 toy boxes were filled with a small army of the interactive pets.

Christmas Buzz and Media Spotlight

Fingerlings received heavy media coverage in 2017 as toy experts warned of shortages. They became the face of that year’s Christmas toy scramble, mentioned alongside the biggest names in the market. Shops like Argos and Smyths reported stock disappearing almost instantly, and resale markets thrived. The toy’s popularity highlighted the growing role of viral trends in shaping Christmas demand.

Media stories often focused on the frustration of parents and the glee of children who managed to secure one. This contrast captured the drama of Christmas shopping, showing how a tiny toy could dominate headlines. It also proved that in the modern toy market, hype was just as important as product design.

Legacy of Fingerlings

Even years later, Fingerlings remain a touchstone in discussions about Christmas toy crazes. Their influence carried into future years, inspiring copycats and spin-offs. By expanding into unicorns and dragons, the line tapped into broader trends, showing that the brand wasn’t a one-season wonder. Fingerlings even saw reboots in later years, bringing nostalgia to the children who grew up with them.

This lasting legacy demonstrates the power of simple, affordable toys in creating memories. While technology continues to evolve, Fingerlings proved that innovation doesn’t always mean complexity—it can mean taking something small and making it magical.

Internal Links and Helpful Resources

If you’re looking for today’s festive best-sellers, don’t miss our full archive of Top Christmas Toys 2024. You can also explore the Best Christmas Toys 2025, see our Christmas Toy Predictions 2025, or browse Toys Every Kid Wants 2025. Bargain hunters should visit our guide to Christmas Toy Deals, and those chasing festive classics can check out our roundup of Must-Have Christmas Toys.

For details on our process, see Meet the Team, where we introduce the people behind our reviews.

Final Thoughts

The Fingerlings phenomenon was proof that clever design and social buzz can transform a small toy into a cultural icon. Their interactivity, affordability, and portability made them the perfect stocking filler of 2017. Families still remember the scramble to secure them, and their legacy continues through new versions and spin-offs.

For a closer look at the toy’s long-term appeal, see our dedicated Fingerlings Review. You can also browse more favourites on our Top Jazwares Toys page, which highlights other standouts from the same brand.

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