L.O.L. Surprise Series 2

L.O.L. Surprise Series 2 Review

L.O.L. Surprise Series 2 was one of the defining toy crazes of 2017, building on the success of the original wave with even more dolls, accessories, and layers of excitement. Produced by MGA Entertainment, this collectible series captured the unboxing phenomenon perfectly. It secured a place on the official Top 10 Christmas Toys 2017 list and became one of the most talked-about gifts of the season.

Why Kids Loved the Surprise

The magic of L.O.L. Surprise lay in its layers. Children peeled back wrapping after wrapping, uncovering stickers, outfits, accessories, and finally the doll itself. Each reveal brought a fresh burst of anticipation. With Series 2, MGA expanded the line-up, introducing new characters, fresh designs, and rarer finds that kept collectors coming back for more. Parents reported that kids squealed with joy at every discovery.

Beyond the thrill, the dolls had real personality. Each character came with themed outfits and quirky details. Some cried, others spat, and a few changed colour in cold water. These little gimmicks encouraged repeat play, making the dolls more than just a one-time surprise.

Unboxing Meets Collectibility

Series 2 emphasised collectibility. With more dolls to chase and rarer “ultra-rare” characters in circulation, children swapped with friends to complete their sets. The pocket-money price point for single balls made them accessible, while larger packs encouraged gifting. For families, that flexibility was key—parents could buy one ball as a treat or several for birthdays and Christmas morning.

The trend also tapped into a bigger cultural moment. Unboxing videos on YouTube were exploding in popularity, and L.O.L. Surprise fit that format perfectly. Kids loved filming themselves opening the layers, sharing the thrill, and comparing collections. This link between toy and digital media amplified the craze, much like Fingerlings did through social buzz.

Christmas 2017 Retail Buzz

By November, L.O.L. Surprise Series 2 was hard to find in many high street stores. Retailers scrambled to keep up with demand, and resale prices soared. Parents often compared the hunt to the scramble for Hatchimals in 2016, except this time the toys were smaller, cheaper, and often bought in multiples. Our Christmas Toy Deals page has tracked similar patterns since, showing how fast-moving collectibles dominate the run-up to Christmas.

Media coverage reinforced the hype, with outlets declaring the toy “this year’s must-have.” The dolls appeared in gift guides across supermarkets, toy chains, and department stores, with stock alerts sparking frantic dashes to Argos and Smyths. It became a Christmas story in its own right.

Age Suitability and Play Value

Recommended for children aged 3+, L.O.L. Surprise appealed to a wide age group. Younger kids loved the thrill of peeling back layers, while older children enjoyed completing collections and trading duplicates. Parents praised the affordability compared with big-ticket items like Hatchimals Surprise, saying they could stretch their budgets without disappointing their children.

The dolls also offered strong imaginative play. Kids mixed and matched outfits, created tiny storylines, and built entire worlds around their collections. For many families, Series 2 wasn’t just a Christmas gift—it became a year-long hobby.

Comparisons with Other 2017 Toys

L.O.L. Surprise shared shelf space with plush pets like FurReal Roarin’ Tyler and interactive gadgets like Fingerlings. Unlike those toys, which each offered a single type of interaction, L.O.L. provided ongoing discovery and collectibility. Every new ball was a fresh experience. That replayability helped sustain the craze long after Boxing Day.

Educational and Social Benefits

While primarily a fun collectible, L.O.L. Surprise Series 2 also encouraged sharing, negotiation, and patience. Children traded with friends, discussed collections, and set goals for which doll they wanted next. Parents noted the toy’s role in teaching basic social skills like fairness and compromise. Some even tied the experience to rewards and milestones, using the small price point to motivate kids positively.

Retailer and Authority Endorsement

When big toy stores spotlight their top picks, it helps shape demand across the UK. For a trusted retail perspective, see John Lewis’s Best Christmas Toys, which often feature creative, collectible, and play-driven favourites. The 2017 season proved that small, affordable toys could sit alongside premium products and still dominate wish lists.

Practical Notes

Each ball was compact, easy to wrap, and perfect for stockings. Parents appreciated that the packaging doubled as a play case or display stand, reducing waste. However, the series wasn’t without criticism—some families pointed out the amount of plastic involved. MGA responded by experimenting with new formats in later series, showing how responsive the brand could be to feedback.

Longevity and Legacy

L.O.L. Surprise didn’t just peak in 2017; it sparked a global franchise. Series 2 proved the concept had staying power, and subsequent waves introduced new gimmicks like glitter finishes, pets, and playsets. The dolls continue to appear on Christmas lists years later, confirming that MGA created not just a one-season wonder, but a long-term brand.

Support & Review Method

We update our toy archive pages to reflect both historical trends and current SEO checks. Curious about how we test toys and decide what makes the list? Visit our How We Review Toys page for a behind-the-scenes look.

Final Thoughts

L.O.L. Surprise Series 2 delivered excitement, collectibility, and value in a single package. Its mix of surprise reveals, creative play, and social buzz made it one of the most memorable toys of 2017. Whether you were chasing ultra-rare dolls or simply enjoying the thrill of peeling back another layer, this series defined what modern collectibles could be.

For a closer breakdown of everyday play and collectibility, don’t miss our full L.O.L. Surprise Series 2 Review. You can also check our Top MGA Toys page for more brand favourites, or jump ahead to Top Christmas Toys 2024, Best Christmas Toys 2025, Toys Every Kid Wants 2025, and Christmas Toy Predictions 2025 to see today’s festive stars.

Some links on our site are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. 🎄