How to spot between real and fake Nommi: A Buyer’s Guide

The quickest way to spot a fake Nommi is to check the eyes and skin texture: genuine dolls feature a 3-stage movable eye mechanism and a soft matte face, whereas counterfeits almost always have fixed eyes and a shiny, oily plastic finish.

While this is the most obvious giveaway, high-quality replicas are getting better, so checking just one feature isn't always enough.

This guide covers the complete 6-Point Inspection Checklist—from the hidden skeleton details to the confusing "Sure Fun" vs. "TOP TOY" logos—to help you verify your collection with 100% certainty.

1. The Eyes: Three-Stage Changeable Mechanism

The eye mechanism is one of the most sophisticated parts of the Nommi doll and is a strong indicator of authenticity.

• Authentic: Genuine Nommi dolls feature a specialized internal mechanism. The eyes are not fixed; they are designed to be rotatable. By gently twisting the eye area with your fingers, you can switch between three different eye expressions or states. This interactivity is smooth and deliberate, giving the doll changeable moods. (Note: The Mini Pendant/Keychain nommi naturally have fixed eyes due to their smaller size.)

• Counterfeit: Fakes almost always lack this complex rotating mechanism due to production costs. The eyes are usually fixed in a single position—glued tightly into the sockets or printed as flat stickers. If the eyes cannot be rotated or changed with reasonable effort, the product is very likely a counterfeit.

2. The Face Material: Matte vs. Shiny

The texture and finish of the vinyl face is a significant quality indicator.

• Authentic: The face is made of high-grade soft-touch vinyl with a matte or semi-matte finish. It feels smooth, dry, and slightly velvety to the touch, diffusing light softly without harsh reflections.

• Counterfeit: Fakes often use cheaper PVC or low-grade vinyl that appears oily, glossy, or overly shiny. Under direct light, these faces tend to have a harsh plastic glare or reflections. The texture may feel slightly sticky, greasy, or overly smooth in a cheap way, and the skin tone can appear unnaturally pale, yellowish, or greyish.

3. The Skeleton: Articulation

One of Nommi's defining features is its internal armature, which allows for posing.

• Authentic: The internal skeleton is made of sturdy, flexible metal wire (often covered in soft foam or fabric) and is designed to hold poses firmly. When limbs are bent, they stay in position with smooth friction and a quiet mechanical feel. The doll should be able to sit upright or hold dynamic poses without collapsing.

• Counterfeit: Fakes often use thin, weak wire or very thin plastic rods. Many omit a proper skeleton entirely, relying only on stuffing. If the limbs are limp, floppy, collapse easily, or feel like they have no resistance when posed, the internal structure is likely incorrect or missing.

4. Plush Quality and Details

• Authentic: The plush fur is dense, silky, and high-quality (often described as “minky” or premium short-pile fabric). It should not shed easily. Embroidery details on the stomach window, paws, or clothing are tight, symmetrical, and clean.

• Counterfeit: The fur often feels rough, thin, sparse, or cheap. In some cases, parting the fur reveals the mesh backing or uneven filling. Stitching is frequently uneven, with loose threads, crooked seams, or visible glue residue.

5. Foot Rotation: Posable Feet

• Authentic: The feet have a built-in joint that allows them to rotate smoothly 360 degrees. This feature lets the doll stand more naturally or be posed in different ways, and the rotation feels firm yet fluid without being loose.

• Counterfeit: Fakes usually have fixed or non-functional feet. They either do not rotate at all or rotate too loosely with no resistance or clicking feel.

6. QR Code Scanning: Box and ID Card Verification

• Authentic: Every genuine Nommi box and ID card (scratch-off card) has a legitimate QR code printed on it. Scanning it with your phone leads to the official TOP TOY / Hi Toy / Sure Fun website or a verification page showing product details, series info, and authenticity confirmation.

• Counterfeit: Fakes often have fake QR codes that either don’t scan, lead to unrelated websites, broken links, or generic pages with no real product information.

Summary of Differences

Understanding the Branding: TOP TOY, Hi Toy, and Sure Fun

A common source of confusion for collectors is the variation in logos found on the packaging and tags. These variations do not necessarily indicate a fake product.

There are three main entities associated with authentic Nommi dolls:

• Hi Toy: Original design studio and IP owner. ©Hi Toy stamp appears on tags/ID card/box.

• TOP TOY: Parent company under MINISO Group. Invested in Hi Toy in 2025, becoming the controlling/holding entity. Handles manufacturing and main publishing.

• Sure Fun: Joint venture company formed by TOP TOY and Hi Toy in 2025. TOP TOY holds majority shares (~51%). Sure Fun operates and distributes Hi Toy IPs (like Nommi) globally—many newer/international boxes use the Sure Fun logo.

Verdict: Hi Toy / TOP TOY / Sure Fun logos on the same product are normal (due to investment + joint venture). If the doll passes the physical checks above, it's authentic.

Recommended Purchasing Channels

To ensure authenticity, it is advisable to purchase from established retailers rather than unverified third-party sellers.

1. Authorized Specialized Retailers Retailers like Calembou are verified distributors for brands like Hi Toy and TOP TOY. They stock the current Nommi series (such as Loveliness Never Ends and Forest Melody) and guarantee authenticity. This is often the safest route for international collectors.

2. Official Brand Stores For those in regions with access, TOP TOY physical stores or their official online flagship stores (Temu/JD) are direct sources.

3. Platforms to Approach with Caution

• Unverified Marketplaces (eBay/AliExpress): Be wary of listings using stock photos with prices significantly below market value (e.g., $15 USD).

• Social Commerce (TikTok Shop): While legitimate sellers exist, there is a high volume of dropshipping involving unauthorized replicas. Always check reviews specifically for product authenticity before purchasing, especially from personal sellers or individual shops.

Conclusion

Spotting a fake Nommi ultimately comes down to the eyes and the finish. If your doll lacks the signature 3-stage movable eyes or has a shiny, oily face, it is a counterfeit.

Don't risk your money on unverified listings—stick to authorized retailers like Calembou to ensure you get the genuine, high-quality collectible you deserve.

FAQs

1: Do all Nommi dolls have movable eyes? 

Most do, but there is an exception. The Standard Blind Box dolls (like the Loveliness Never Ends series) feature the signature 3-stage rotatable eyes. However, the Mini Pendants/Keychains have fixed eyes due to their smaller size. If you have a standard-sized doll with fixed eyes, it is likely a fake.

2: Is "Sure Fun" a real Nommi brand? 

Yes. Sure Fun is the official international distributor for Hi Toy (the creator of Nommi). It is common to see the Sure Fun logo on newer boxes or batches sold outside of China. As long as the doll inside has a matte face and the correct eye mechanism, it is authentic.

3: How do I clean my Nommi doll? 

Do not put Nommi in a washing machine. Because they have an internal skeleton and a vinyl face, they should be spot cleaned only. Use a damp cloth for the face and a soft brush or masking tape to remove dust from the plush body. Soaking the doll can rust the skeleton.

4: Can I check authenticity using the QR code? 

Yes. Genuine boxes and ID cards usually include a QR code that scans directly to the official Hi Toy / TOP TOY verification page. Fake codes often lead to broken links or error pages.