How to Tell Which LPS is in the Blind Box?

How to Tell Which LPS is in the Blind Box?. Collecting Littlest Pet Shop (LPS) figures can be a thrilling hobby, especially with the mystery element introduced by blind boxes. Yet, for many collectors, the excitement is heightened by finding out exactly which figure is inside each blind box before purchase. Whether you’re after a specific pet or just trying to complete your collection, learning how to tell which LPS is in the blind box can make a huge difference. In this article, we’ll dive deep into reliable strategies and tricks to help collectors make better choices and enhance their LPS collecting experience.

How to Tell Which LPS is in the Blind Box: Tips and Techniques for Collectors

Understanding Blind Boxes and Why Identifying LPS Inside Matters

Blind boxes have become incredibly popular in recent years, not just with LPS but across many collectible brands. Blind boxes contain random items that are part of a specific collection. In the case of Littlest Pet Shop, each blind box holds a single pet figure, and while the box design might hint at a theme, the exact character remains hidden until opened. This adds an element of surprise, but for collectors, especially those with specific goals, this surprise can be both exciting and challenging.

For an LPS collector, identifying which pet is inside a blind box can be crucial for several reasons:

1. Completing Collections Efficiently: Blind boxes can lead to duplicates, especially if you are looking to complete a specific series. Knowing how to tell which LPS is inside a blind box can help avoid the frustration of unnecessary repeats.
2. Saving Money: Purchasing multiple blind boxes in the hopes of finding a specific pet can become expensive. Understanding tips to identify LPS figures inside can save collectors from making endless purchases.
3. Trading and Selling: Some LPS pets are rarer and more sought after. Knowing what’s inside can help collectors find valuable pieces to trade or sell, enhancing the collection’s value.
4. Gift Purchases: If you’re buying LPS blind boxes as gifts, knowing what’s inside can help you select pets the recipient is most likely to love.

Blind Box Identification Challenges

Manufacturers make it intentionally difficult to tell what’s inside blind boxes to maintain the surprise element. However, by understanding certain patterns and techniques, collectors can still maximize their chances of finding specific pets.

In the next section, we’ll cover popular methods for determining which LPS is inside a blind box to improve your chances and collecting experience.

Proven Techniques to Identify Which LPS is in the Blind Box

Although blind boxes are designed to be a mystery, there are several clever ways collectors have found to determine their contents with a high degree of accuracy. These techniques may not guarantee identification, but they do help narrow down the possibilities. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective methods:

1. Check the Blind Box Code or Serial Number

Many manufacturers include unique codes or serial numbers on the blind boxes. For LPS collectors, this detail can be a game-changer.

• What to Look For: Often, you’ll find a small serial code printed on the box or on the plastic wrap. This code can contain a letter or number combination that corresponds to a specific character.
• How to Use the Code: Experienced collectors sometimes share code patterns and correlations online in forums, social media groups, or dedicated LPS collector websites. By following these codes, you can often pinpoint the exact LPS figure within each box.
• Example Case Study: In one popular series, collectors noticed that each LPS pet had a unique serial suffix, helping them predict which pet they’d receive with impressive accuracy. Using this technique, many have saved time and money by avoiding unwanted duplicates.

2. Weigh the Boxes

Some LPS figures are noticeably heavier or lighter than others, especially when factoring in larger or more intricate accessories. Although this method may require a small digital scale for precision, it can be a helpful tool for serious collectors.

• Method: Bring a small, portable digital scale when purchasing blind boxes, and weigh each box individually. Record each weight and compare them with weight charts shared by other collectors or even your own data if you’ve already opened several boxes from the same series.
• Common Findings: In many collections, rare or ultra-rare LPS pets tend to have distinct weights, often due to added accessories or unique figures. Comparing these can help in narrowing down what’s likely inside.

3. Feel for Shape and Size

For those willing to take a gentle approach, feeling for shape and size differences through the packaging is another viable method. Since LPS blind boxes often have pliable plastic or thin cardboard packaging, you may be able to detect certain traits.

• Steps to Follow:

• Lightly squeeze the sides of the box or bag, feeling for specific shapes.
• Note the shape and texture; larger or distinct parts like ears, tails, or accessories can hint at a specific character.
• Compare the feel of different boxes if you are purchasing multiple at once, and look for unique physical traits that align with specific LPS pets.

4. Reference Visual Cues on the Box Design

In some LPS series, the design on the box itself may provide subtle hints. These can include themes, colors, or small symbols associated with particular pets within the series.

• What to Observe: Pay close attention to any recurring symbols or colors that might be present in other products from the series. Some packaging includes small icons or colors that may represent certain groups or themes within the LPS line, helping you narrow down the options.

5. Use Online Resources and Communities

The power of community and shared knowledge can be invaluable for LPS collectors. Many collectors post unboxing videos, photos, and tips on identification in online communities, providing an excellent resource for predicting blind box contents.

• Where to Look: Consider joining LPS fan groups on social media, browsing collector forums, or even checking online marketplaces where sellers provide details about serial numbers or patterns they’ve observed.
• Popular Resources: Websites like Reddit and Facebook groups dedicated to LPS collecting often have threads where users share up-to-date serial codes and identifying factors for the latest LPS series. YouTube unboxing channels are also useful for those wanting to watch and learn from experienced collectors.

Each of these techniques offers unique insights and improves your chances of identifying LPS characters in blind boxes. Using one or a combination of these methods can make your collecting experience both satisfying and more cost-effective.

Tips for Enhancing Your Blind Box Identification Skills

For many collectors, identifying the contents of a blind box isn't just about saving money or avoiding duplicates; it becomes a skill that makes the hobby even more enjoyable. Improving your identification techniques can help you make more confident choices and may even lead you to uncover rare or limited-edition LPS figures. Here are some effective tips to hone your blind box identification skills:

1. Build a Record of Past Purchases

One of the most valuable tools for collectors is their own experience. Keeping a detailed record of past blind box purchases can offer valuable insights and patterns over time.

• How to Track: Use a simple spreadsheet or a dedicated notebook to log the serial codes, weights, and any identifying features of each LPS figure you acquire from a blind box.
• What to Record: Make a note of the box code, weight, any unique symbols on the box, and the specific LPS pet inside. Over time, patterns will likely emerge, and these records can serve as a guide for future purchases.
• Benefit: This personalized data allows you to approach new series releases with a database that gives you an edge over relying solely on generic identification tips.

2. Invest in a Small Digital Scale and a Caliper

If you’re serious about collecting and have trouble identifying LPS figures in blind boxes, a small portable scale and caliper can be helpful tools. While it may sound technical, weighing and measuring blind boxes has proven effective for many collectors.

• Scale Benefits: A digital scale helps distinguish between heavier and lighter figures. As mentioned, some rare figures come with unique accessories that make them slightly heavier than standard figures.
• Using a Caliper: A caliper, a precise measuring tool, can be used to determine slight differences in packaging size or thickness, which may correlate to specific pets or accessories within.

Pro Tip: Keep a small digital scale in your bag if you’re visiting a store to shop for LPS blind boxes. It’s discreet, easy to use, and can offer that extra layer of identification accuracy!

3. Engage with LPS Community and Exchange Tips

Being active in LPS collector communities is not only a great way to meet like-minded collectors but also to stay up-to-date on the latest blind box codes and trends.

• Join Online Collector Groups: Look for Facebook groups, Reddit communities, or online forums dedicated to LPS and blind box collecting. Many collectors share information about their latest finds, including updates on specific codes or weights for each new series.
• Attend Collector Events: Sometimes, you can find local or virtual events where LPS collectors meet up to trade, sell, or share tips. It’s a great way to expand your network and gain firsthand tips from other experienced collectors.
• Watch Unboxing Videos: YouTube is full of unboxing channels that specialize in blind boxes, including LPS. Watching these videos can reveal unboxing details you might miss and provide more insight into how others are successfully identifying blind box contents.

4. Use Deduction Techniques with Series-Specific Patterns

Each LPS series often comes with its own unique set of design elements and patterns, which can sometimes help deduce what may be inside a particular blind box. By studying the series’ themes, characters, and packaging, you can develop a sense of which items may likely correspond to each box.

• Series Themes: Look for recurring themes or groupings within a series. For example, some series group LPS pets by color schemes, themes (e.g., ocean, forest), or sizes. Knowing the series theme can help narrow down the possibilities for what’s in a specific box.
• Recognizing Limited Editions: Limited-edition pets may come in unique packaging styles or include small icons on the box to denote rarity. Familiarizing yourself with these specific markers can prevent you from missing out on rare finds.

5. Practice Patience and the “Trade” Method

Sometimes, no matter how well you prepare, you may still end up with duplicate LPS figures. One effective way to get around this is through trading. Patience can be a virtue in collecting, especially if you’re part of a community where trading is encouraged.

• Set up a Trade Network: Many LPS collectors are open to trading duplicates, especially if they’re looking for specific figures. Look for online groups or forums where collectors post “trade lists” to find people interested in exchanging figures.
• Benefit of Trading: Trading is a cost-effective way to complete your collection without having to constantly purchase new blind boxes. It also connects you to others in the hobby, opening up opportunities for future trades.