Sanrio released merchandise featuring Hello Kitty in 1976, and she has been their #1 character ever since. But she's had plenty of cool, cute, fun friends in that time!
You can still find merchandise from these characters (Sanrio releases retro sets from time to time) but they have, for the most part, fallen off the radar.
Tuxedo Sam is an adorable, quirky, blue penguin. He is usually seen wearing a sailor hat, or sometimes a top hat. He was first released in 1978.
Born in 1987, Keroppi is a cute, green frog. He is also known as Kero Kero Keroppi ("kero" is the sound frogs make in Japanese.) Keroppi is still well-loved, but it's getting harder and harder to find him.
Japanese for "Pekkle the Duck", this character is also known simply as Pekkle. Born in 1989, Pekkle didn't stick around long, but is still fondly remembered by vintage Sanrio collectors.
Pochacco is a chubby puppy, also born in 1989. He is usually depicted surrounded by little baby chickens. His favorite food is banana ice cream!
Born in 1990, Spottie Dottie is a hip, fashion-obsessed Dalmatian who lives in New York City. Spottie Dottie is usually seen wearing a pink bow on her head.
Sanrio has released tons of characters, but not all of them sold well. That doesn't mean they weren't cute and loveable!
select one here...