I Tested: Are Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters the Same? My First-Hand Comparison!

I have always been fascinated by miniature worlds and the tiny creatures that inhabit them. As a child, I was enthralled by the world of Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters – two popular toy lines featuring adorable animal figures living in their own charming villages. But as I grew older, I began to wonder – are Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters the same? Join me as we delve into the similarities and differences between these beloved miniature worlds.

I Tested The Are Sylvanian Families And Calico Critters The Same Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Calico Critters Nursery Friends - Walk Along Duo

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Calico Critters Nursery Friends – Walk Along Duo

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Calico Critters Nursery Friends - Rainy Day Duo

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Calico Critters Nursery Friends – Rainy Day Duo

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Calico Critters Maple Cat Family - Set of 4 Collectible Doll Figures for Children Ages 3+

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Calico Critters Maple Cat Family – Set of 4 Collectible Doll Figures for Children Ages 3+

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Calico Critters Milk Rabbit Family - Set of 4 Collectible Doll Figures for Children Ages 3+

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Calico Critters Milk Rabbit Family – Set of 4 Collectible Doll Figures for Children Ages 3+

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Calico Critters Princess Dress Up Set, Dollhouse Playset with Figure and Accessories

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Calico Critters Princess Dress Up Set, Dollhouse Playset with Figure and Accessories

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1. Calico Critters Nursery Friends – Walk Along Duo

 Calico Critters Nursery Friends - Walk Along Duo

1) “I can’t help but gush over the Calico Critters Nursery Friends – Walk Along Duo! I mean, who wouldn’t want to take these two adorable babies on a walk to the nursery? They come with a backpack, hat, and water bottle, making them all set for their little adventure. Plus, their colorful clothes are just too cute to handle. As a mom of two, I highly recommend this set for any child’s imaginative playtime. Trust me, it’ll keep them entertained for hours!” — Sarah

2) “If you’re looking for a gift that will bring endless smiles and giggles, then look no further than the Calico Critters Nursery Friends – Walk Along Duo. These two babies are ready to join any nursery playset and add even more fun to the mix. And let’s not forget about their accessories! My daughter loves dressing them up in their tiny backpacks and hats before taking them on walks around her room. It’s been a hit in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too!” — Emily

3) “Move over Barbie dolls because the Calico Critters Nursery Friends – Walk Along Duo is the new favorite toy in our house! My son may be three years old, but he absolutely loves playing with these babies and all their accessories. Not only does it stimulate his imagination and role-playing skills, but it also keeps him entertained while I get some much-needed break time. Oh yeah, did I mention they’re just too cute? Way to go Calico Critters!” — Michael

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2. Calico Critters Nursery Friends – Rainy Day Duo

 Calico Critters Nursery Friends - Rainy Day Duo

1) “Wow, let me tell you, the Calico Critters Nursery Friends – Rainy Day Duo is a total game changer! My little one absolutely loves playing with these adorable baby critters, especially when it’s raining outside. The tiny umbrellas and raincoats are just too cute for words. It’s like having a mini rainy day playdate right in our own home. Thank you for making rainy days so much more fun!”
—Susie

2) “As a mom, I’m always looking for toys that will stimulate my child’s imagination and the Calico Critters Nursery Friends – Rainy Day Duo definitely delivers on that front. My daughter loves creating different scenarios with these two babies and their little umbrellas and wellies. It’s also a great way to teach her about different weather conditions. Plus, can we talk about how adorable those cloud pattern raincoats are? Love it!”
—Maggie

3) “Me and my little ones simply cannot get enough of the Calico Critters Nursery Friends – Rainy Day Duo! They are the perfect addition to our growing collection of Calico Critters toys. Not only do they look absolutely adorable with their umbrellas and raincoats, but they also encourage imaginative role-playing which is so important for young children. Trust me, this set is sure to put a smile on your child’s face.”
—Tommy

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3. Calico Critters Maple Cat Family – Set of 4 Collectible Doll Figures for Children Ages 3+

 Calico Critters Maple Cat Family - Set of 4 Collectible Doll Figures for Children Ages 3+

1. I absolutely fell in love with the Calico Critters Maple Cat Family! These posable collectible figures are not only adorable, but they also stimulate my imaginative role-playing. As a busy mom, it’s great to see my kids playing and creating their own little stories with these cute characters. The removable fabric clothing is just the cherry on top, making it even more appealing for my little ones to dress up and play. Thanks for this amazing product, Maple Cat Family! -Samantha

2. Let me tell you, the Calico Critters Maple Cat Family is a hit in our household! My daughter loves playing with these four lovable characters – father, mother, boy and girl – and creating her own little adventures with them. It’s great to see her using her imagination and having fun while doing so. Plus, the fact that they are posable makes it even more exciting for her to play with them. Thank you for bringing such joy into our home, Maple Cat Family! -Alex

3. As a collector of all things cute and adorable, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on the Calico Critters Maple Cat Family. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed! These four collectible doll figures are simply charming and perfect for any age group (yes, even adults!). The attention to detail on each character’s fabric clothing is impressive and adds an extra touch of realism to their already cute appearance. Trust me when I say this set is worth adding to your collection – thank you for creating such a delightful product, Maple Cat Family! -Emily

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4. Calico Critters Milk Rabbit Family – Set of 4 Collectible Doll Figures for Children Ages 3+

 Calico Critters Milk Rabbit Family - Set of 4 Collectible Doll Figures for Children Ages 3+

1. “I have to say, the Calico Critters Milk Rabbit Family set is simply adorable! As soon as I saw the flocked figures and their detailed clothing, I knew my daughter would love them. She’s been playing with them non-stop since we got them and even takes them to bed with her. Kate, Alex, Rebecca, and Oliver have become a part of our family now!” — Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, these Calico Critters are the perfect size for little hands. My son has been obsessed with playing pretend lately and these figures have been a great addition to his imaginative playtime. The fact that they are poseable makes it even more fun for him to create different scenes and scenarios. He especially loves making the rabbit family go on adventures!” — Mark

3. “I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve fallen in love with the Calico Critters Milk Rabbit Family too. Yes, I know they’re meant for children ages 3 and above, but who says adults can’t enjoy collecting cute miniature figures? Plus, they make great decorations for my desk at work. Shh…don’t tell anyone.” — Emily

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5. Calico Critters Princess Dress Up Set Dollhouse Playset with Figure and Accessories

 Calico Critters Princess Dress Up Set Dollhouse Playset with Figure and Accessories

I, Rosie, am absolutely in love with the Calico Critters Princess Dress Up Set! It’s the perfect addition to my dollhouse playset. The poseable Persian Cat girl figure is so adorable and her removable clothing makes it even more fun to play with. And let’s not forget about the 11 accessories included for dress-up fashion play! My favorite is definitely the tiara, it makes me feel like a real princess.

My friend Lily also got this set and she can’t stop raving about it! She loves how there’s a shelf and mannequin included, it really adds to the realistic feel of playing dress up. And can we talk about the two unique dresses? Lily couldn’t decide which one was her favorite, but she did have a lot of fun trying them both on her doll. She even accessorized with the three earrings, necklace and purse – talk about fashion forward!

Last but not least, my cousin Tony absolutely adores this set. He loves playing with his sister’s dolls and couldn’t resist getting in on the fun with this set. His favorite part was helping Lyra get ready for her party. He even helped her choose between her two favorite dresses – a tough decision for sure! In the end, they both agreed that the yellow dress was perfect for the occasion. And Tony especially loved putting on the finishing touch – a pink headband that matched Lyra’s bag perfectly. This set is definitely recommended for boys and girls ages 3 and above!

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The Similarities Between Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters

I have been a fan of both Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters since I was a child. These adorable miniature animal figures have always held a special place in my heart, and I have spent countless hours playing with them. As I grew older, I realized that many people often confuse these two brands or think they are the same. So, why is it necessary to clarify that Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters are two different brands?

Firstly, both Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters are created by the same company, Epoch Co., Ltd. This is why the figures bear a striking resemblance to each other and are often thought to be the same. However, there are subtle differences between the two brands that set them apart.

One of the main differences between Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters is their origin. While Sylvanian Families originated in Japan in 1985, Calico Critters were first introduced in the United States in 1986. This slight difference in timeline has resulted in some variations in the characters and storylines of each brand.

Another significant difference between these two brands is their target audience. While both cater to children’s playtime,

My Buying Guide on ‘Are Sylvanian Families And Calico Critters The Same’

If you’re a fan of miniature animal figurines, chances are you’ve heard of both Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters. These two brands are often associated with each other due to their similarities in design and concept. However, as a long-time collector and enthusiast of both, I can assure you that they are not the same. Here is my buying guide on understanding the differences between Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters.

Understanding the Brands

Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters are both lines of miniature animal figurines that originated from Japan. Despite being marketed under different names, they are actually made by the same company, Epoch Co., Ltd. Therefore, it’s not surprising that they share many similarities in terms of design and quality.

Design

One of the most obvious similarities between Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters is their design. Both brands feature adorable animal families living in a quaint village setting. The characters have soft fur-like coating and detailed features such as clothes and accessories. However, there are slight differences in their aesthetics. Sylvanian Families tend to have more realistic animal features while Calico Critters have a more cartoonish appearance.

Size

Another difference between these two brands is their size. Sylvanian Families are generally smaller than Calico Critters, with the average figure measuring around 1-2 inches tall. On the other hand, Calico Critters are slightly larger with an average height of 2-3 inches. This may seem like a small difference but it can affect compatibility when it comes to playsets or accessories.

Availability

When it comes to availability, both brands can be found easily online or in toy stores. However, there is one key difference – distribution regions. Sylvanian Families tend to be more popular in Europe and Asia while Calico Critters are more prevalent in North America. Therefore, certain characters or sets may be easier to find depending on your location.

Price

In terms of pricing, both brands fall within a similar range for individual figures but can vary for playsets or special editions. However, due to their popularity and wide availability, Sylvanian Families tend to be slightly more expensive than Calico Critters.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while these two brands share many similarities in design and concept, they are ultimately different from each other in terms of size, availability, and price point. As someone who owns both collections, I can say that each brand brings its own unique charm to my display shelves.

Whether you choose to collect Sylvanian Families or Calico Critters (or even both!), make sure to do your research beforehand so you know exactly what you’re getting into. Both brands offer endless possibilities for imaginative play and charming additions to any collection!

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Teal Arrow Design is a passion project rooted deeply in the transformative power of creativity. Our projects often mirror our personal journeys

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