If you're a Littlest Pet Shop collector, one of the most important skills you can develop is knowing how to tell a genuine LPS figure from a fake — and how to date the one you're holding. Whether you're shopping online, at a flea market, or digging through a bin at a thrift store, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
A Brief History: Kenner to Hasbro
The original Littlest Pet Shop toy line was produced by Kenner in the early 1990s. These figures had a more realistic, lifelike look compared to the cartoonish style collectors know today. In 1994, an animated TV series was released based on the line. Hasbro purchased Kenner's parent company Tonka in 1991, and Kenner continued producing LPS through 1996. By 2000, Kenner's product lines were fully merged into Hasbro — and in 2004, Hasbro relaunched Littlest Pet Shop with the beloved bobble-head style that defines most collections today.
Key takeaway: Pre-2004 figures with a realistic look are Kenner-era originals. Post-2004 bobble-heads are Hasbro generations.
The Four Hasbro Generations at a Glance
Generation 1 (G1) — Figure Numbers #1–#456
The first Hasbro generation introduced new cartoon-style molds with a bobble-head design (fish figures were static). Key identifiers:
- Eyes: Simple dot iris
- Magnet: Pink magnet on the bottom of early G1s; later G1s had a blue/gray magnet
- Bottom stamp: Hasbro logo, year of the mold, and country of manufacture
- Colors: Relatively natural coloring for the animal type
Generation 2 (G2) — Figure Numbers #460–#968
G2 figures are noticeably bolder and more vibrant in color. The most reliable way to identify a G2 is by the shape of the iris — each series had a unique eye shape:
- Diamond = Fanciest Pets
- Flower = Cuddliest Pets
- Clover = Littlest Pets
- Sweat Drop = Sportiest Pets
- 12-Pointed Star = Happiest Pets
- 4-Pointed Star = Funniest Pets
- Snowflake = Chilliest Pets
- Half Moon / Bitten Cookie = Hungriest Pets
- 5-Point Star = Sassiest Pets
- Heart = Friendliest Pets
Early G2s had a blue/gray magnet; later G2s had no magnet at all.
Generation 3 (G3) — Figure Numbers #969–#2675
G3 kept the bold G2 coloring but switched back to the simple dot iris of G1. Instead of a magnet, G3 figures have only an accessory hole on the bottom. This generation also introduced Blythe dolls and the LPS Fairies sub-line.
Generation 7 (G7) and Later
Later generations moved toward even more stylized proportions and different paint finishes. G7 figures often have a glossier, more plastic-looking finish and slightly different body proportions. These are commonly targeted by counterfeit makers, so authentication matters most here.
How to Spot a Fake LPS Figure
Counterfeit LPS figures are unfortunately common — especially online. Here's what to check:
1. Check the Bottom Stamp
Every authentic Hasbro LPS has a stamp on the bottom with the Hasbro name, the figure number, year of manufacture, and country of origin (usually China or Hong Kong). Fakes often have no stamp, a smudged/illegible stamp, or misspellings like "Hasblo" or "Haabro."
2. Look at the Paint Quality
Authentic LPS figures have clean, sharp paint lines — especially around the eyes, which are the most detailed part of any figure. Fakes typically show:
- Blurry or asymmetrical eye printing
- Paint bleed between colors
- Washed-out or overly bright colors compared to the real figure
- Missing details like inner ear color or paw pads
3. Feel the Plastic
Genuine LPS figures use a specific weight and texture of plastic. Fakes are often lighter, flimsier, or have a slightly "rubbery" feel. The seam lines on fakes tend to be rougher and more visible.
4. Check the Eyes Up Close
The eyes are the giveaway. Real LPS eyes have a defined shimmer/glitter effect and crisp printed details. Fake eyes look flat, blurry, or off-center. The iris shape (for G2s) should match its series exactly.
5. Verify the Figure Number
Every authentic LPS has a figure number stamped on it. Look it up — the number should match the known species, color, and generation for that figure. If a "#994" looks nothing like what collectors report #994 to be, it's a red flag.
6. Compare to Known Authentic Photos
When in doubt, search the figure number in collector communities or databases and compare photos side by side. The color should be a close match — not just the same animal type.
Why Buying from Authenticated Sources Matters
Counterfeit LPS not only devalue your collection — they also feel different, don't photograph the same way, and lack the craftsmanship that makes these figures collectible in the first place. When you buy from a trusted source, you know what you're getting.
At My Cute Cheap Store, every figure we sell is 100% authentic Hasbro LPS, hand-checked before it ships. Browse our collections below:
- Shop All Authentic LPS Figures →
- Top 5 Most Wanted LPS →
- Rare & High-Value LPS Figures →
- Vintage Kenner LPS →
- Brand New In Box LPS →
Quick Reference: Generation Summary
G1: #1–456 | Dot iris | Pink then blue/gray magnet
G2: #460–968 | Shaped iris (series-specific) | Blue/gray magnet then no magnet
G3: #969–2675 | Dot iris | Accessory hole only, no magnet
Kenner originals: Pre-2004 | Realistic style | No bobble head
Happy collecting — and when in doubt, trust your instincts (and the stamp on the bottom)! 🐾
