Discover the enduring appeal of these cute, woodland creatures that continue to capture hearts worldwide.

Sylvanian Families, or Calico Critters as they’re known in the US, are a beloved range of miniature animal figurines that embody the charm of a countryside paradise. First introduced in 1985 by the Japanese company Epoch, these endearing characters initially had a lengthy name: ‘Pleasant Friends of the Forest Epoch System Collection Animal Toy Sylvanian Families.’ At that time, the figurines were made from porcelain, while the furniture and accessories were crafted from wood.

However, after launching in North America, the brand underwent several changes. The lengthy title was shortened to simply ‘Sylvanian Families,’ with the term ‘Sylvanian’ deriving from Silvanus, the Roman god of the forest. This perfectly reflects the imaginary woodland world where these adorable creatures live, often referred to as ‘Sylvania’ or ‘Great Nature.’

Sylvanian Families are a refreshing twist on traditional dollhouses, offering a magical vision of rural life filled with anthropomorphic animal characters. It’s no surprise that the figures have been so successful, as humans have long had an affinity for anthropomorphised animals, ever since Mickey Mouse first charmed audiences in 1928. This sense of nostalgia and innocence has ensured that the creatures’ fictional lives are set in a timeless, rural world resembling North America’s past.

Despite enjoying significant popularity, the Sylvanian Families line was temporarily discontinued in the 1990s. However, the brand made a strong comeback in 1999 when Italian toy company Flair began producing the figurines again, reigniting their charm across Europe and Japan.

In the UK, many 90s kids will fondly remember the dedicated Sylvanian Families shop in Finsbury Park, which closed its doors in March 2023 after three decades of operation. However, the brand’s appeal extends beyond children, as collectors—especially those nostalgic for their childhood toys—have embraced the figurines. Sylvanian Families has also gained traction among Gen Z, leading the brand to introduce collectable blind mystery bags to cater to this new audience.

The rise of @SylvanianDrama on TikTok has further boosted the popularity of these figurines, with fans sharing creative stories about their miniature residents. In addition, Etsy has become a hub for fans who customise their critters with new costumes and accessories, adding to the growing community of Sylvanian enthusiasts.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the most beloved Sylvanian Families sets that have continued to captivate both collectors and new fans alike. Before you shop, remember that these delightful animals are intended for children aged three and older.