>>8670674The phenomenon is generally grouped under the "Blind Bag" moniker.
You're right under the assumption that it's appeal is based on the "experience" of getting a surprise rather than a quality toy. There's also some aspects of gambling, as in trying to find that rare character you want and blindly buying the same bling bag over & over again to get it. It's all a bit insidious, seeing as the blind bag phenom is mostly aimed at kids who don't know any better nor have good self control.
I believe the whole thing started with Youtube. Some Youtube influencer opens up a mystery toy or product on camera and marvels at the surprise inside. Kids see that and want to be part of that experience, so they beg mom & dad to buy a blind bag toy that they saw the influencer opening. Mom & Dad buys it because the toy is cheap.
We here at /toy/ generally don't like blind bags. Besides the cheapness and gambling issues, there's also ALOT of wasteful packing materials with these toys. It's all the worst parts of capitalist greed and thoughtless consumerism rolled into one.
