Fugglers are plush monsters with human-like teeth that have built a loyal following among Fuggler fans since 2010. What started as one woman's bizarre discovery of miscellaneous false teeth on eBay has become a worldwide phenomenon that continues to cause chaos in the toy industry. Here's everything you need to know about where these funny, ugly monsters came from and why they matter to collectors.
Key Takeaways
- British artist Louise McGettrick created the first Fuggler in 2010 after finding false teeth on eBay and sewing them onto a handmade teddy bear — the result made her husband laugh and cringe at the same time.
- The brand has changed hands three times — from a handmade Etsy shop to Spin Master (2018), to Addo Play (2021), and then to ZURU (late 2024).
- Every authentic Fuggler features a signature BUTT-on hole on its back, with rare gold BUTT-on variants appearing in approximately 1 in 24 units according to collector estimates.
- Over 200 Fuggler characters exist across themed series like Laboratory Misfits and Vacay Vibes, as well as collaborations with iconic characters from franchises like Gremlins, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
- Fugglers range from 3.5 inches to 17+ inches — knowing the size differences helps first-time buyers avoid surprises when these ugly monsters arrive.
What Is the Origin of Fugglers?
The Fuggler origin story begins with an unexpected eBay purchase. In 2010, British artist Louise McGettrick was browsing listings when she stumbled upon a ziplock bag of miscellaneous false teeth. The fake teeth were cheap and strange, sparking an idea that would eventually change her life and launch a worldwide brand.
Louise McGettrick purchased the teeth and decided to sew them onto homemade teddy bears. The result was disturbing, funny, and unlike any other toys on the market. Her husband's reaction to the first Fuggler was reportedly disgust, which only made her laugh harder and motivated her to make more of these mischievous monsters.
The name "Fuggler" combines "funny" and "ugly" to describe these intentionally unsettling creatures. McGettrick leaned into the weirdness rather than trying to make her creations look cute like conventional plush toys. This approach struck a chord with people who appreciated humor that pushed boundaries.
What makes the Fuggler origin unique:
- Completely unplanned — Louise McGettrick wasn't trying to launch a business.
- Personal creative project — She made something weird that made her laugh.
- Authentic from the start — Not focus-grouped or market-tested
- Handmade oddities — Each one was unique before mass production began
That authenticity shows in every Fuggler design to this day, and Fuggler fans around the world appreciate that these creatures have always been about causing havoc with charm.
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Who Created Fugglers?
Louise McGettrick is the sole creator of Fugglers. She's a British artist who worked from her home, hand-sewing each original Fuggler before the brand went mass-market. Mrs McGettrick dived headfirst into creating these funny, ugly monsters without any formal background in the toy industry.
Key facts about the creator:
- Background: Not from the toy industry — just a creative person who enjoyed making unusual things that made people laugh
- Process: Made Fugglers by hand for years before any major company noticed these ugly toys
- Materials: Used real teeth — denture-style false teeth sourced from various suppliers
- Design philosophy: If it didn't disturb her husband but make her laugh, it wasn't weird enough
According to industry interviews, each handmade Fuggler had human-like teeth with an unsettling realism that mass-produced versions now try to replicate with plastic alternatives. Louise McGettrick sold hundreds of these original fugglers before Spin Master came calling.
How Did Fugglers Start as a Business?
McGettrick began selling her handmade Fugglers on Etsy, where they quickly developed a cult following. The early Etsy era represents the brand's purest form — each Fuggler monster was unique, handmade, and featured real denture teeth.
What made the Etsy era special:
- Premium pricing due to the labor involved in each piece
- Unique teeth — different false teeth on every Fuggler
- Varied stitching — no two creatures looked exactly alike
- Pieces of brand history that are impossible to replicate in today's world
Word spread through social media as people shared photos of these bizarre plush creatures. The contrast between a soft, adorable exterior and disturbing human-like teeth created a visual that demanded attention. People either loved these ugly monsters or hated them — but nobody ignored them.
The business grew organically through word of mouth rather than marketing campaigns. Fuggler fans became advocates, showing off their Fugglers to friends and posting them online. This grassroots growth proved there was genuine demand for something different in the world of plush toys and teddy bears.
When Did Fugglers Become a Major Toy Brand?
2018 marked the turning point when Spin Master bought the Fuggler brand. The transition from a handmade Etsy shop to a major toy manufacturer brought Fugglers to mainstream retail stores worldwide and changed Louise McGettrick's life forever.
Spin Master invested in mass production while trying to preserve what made Fugglers funny and special. Plastic teeth replaced real teeth for safety and consistency, but the signature weirdness remained. Character lineups expanded dramatically, with Spin Master introducing dozens of named Fuggler monsters with distinct personalities and backstories that made children and adults laugh alike.
In 2021, Addo Play took over the licensing rights from Spin Master. This transition continued the brand's evolution without major changes to the product line, and Addo Play sold millions of these creatures to eager Fuggler fans.
The most recent ownership change came in late 2024 when ZURU acquired global distribution rights. ZURU has announced plans for over 150 new Fugglers in 2025, signaling that these funny, ugly monsters will continue to expand rather than fade away.
Here's the ownership timeline:
|
Year |
Owner |
Significance |
|---|---|---|
|
2010-2017 |
Louise McGettrick (Handmade) |
Original Etsy era, real teeth |
|
2018-2020 |
Spin Master |
Mass production begins, retail expansion |
|
2021-2024 |
Addo Play |
Licensing continuation, sold worldwide |
|
2024-Present |
ZURU |
150+ new Fugglers planned for 2025 |
What Are the Signature Features of a Fuggler?
Every authentic Fuggler shares specific design elements that make these ugly monsters instantly recognizable. Understanding these features helps collectors identify genuine products and appreciate the design details that set these creatures apart from other plush toys.
Human-Like Teeth
The teeth are the defining feature of the Fuggler. Original handmade versions used actual fake teeth from denture suppliers, while mass-produced Fugglers use high-quality plastic teeth designed to look disturbingly realistic. Each Fuggler has a unique dental arrangement — some grin, some grimace, and some look ready to bite. The human-like teeth give these monsters their disturbing demeanour that collectors love.
Button Eyes
Large button eyes give Fugglers their expressive, vacant stare. Many characters have mismatched eyes in different sizes or colors, adding to the intentionally imperfect aesthetic. The button eyes range from cute to unsettling, depending on the character, and some feature weird markings around them.
The BUTT-on Hole
Every Fuggler features a BUTT-on hole on its back — this signature design element has become a collector's focus because rare variants feature gold BUTT-on holes instead of standard colors. Gold BUTT-ons appear in approximately 1 in 24 Fugglers, making them chase variants that dedicated Fuggler fans hunt for at their own risk.
Soft Plush Body
Despite their scary appearance, Fugglers are made from soft plush material designed for hugging. The contrast between cuddly exterior and disturbing features creates the "funny ugly" effect these creatures are known for — perfect for children who want adorable monsters.
Unique Personalities
Each named Fuggler character has a backstory and a set of personality traits. Characters like Gaptooth McGoo, Rabid Rabbit, and Sasquoosh have distinct looks and described behaviors that Fuggler fans reference. This character development adds depth beyond simple plush dolls or generic teddy bears.
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How Many Types of Fugglers Exist?
Over 200 different Fuggler characters exist across multiple series and size categories. The variety gives collectors plenty of Fuggler monsters to pursue while allowing casual Fuggler fans to find characters that match their personal style.
Size Categories
Fugglers come in several standardized sizes, from miniature versions to giant creatures:
- Baby Fuggs (approximately 3.5-4 inches): The smallest and most affordable entry point for kids and adults alike
- Clip-On (approximately 5 inches): Portable versions with clips for bags or keys, like the Gaptooth McGoo Clip-On or Annoyed Alien Clip-On
- Standard (approximately 9 inches): The classic collectible size most Fuggler fans start with
- Big Fugg (approximately 12-17 inches): Larger format for maximum display impact
- Bigg Fugg XL (17+ inches): The biggest available for serious collectors who want to find online the most impressive specimens
Themed Series
Fugglers release in themed waves that give collections a cohesive look:
- Vacay Vibes: Tropical and vacation-themed Fugglers like Reek-O and Rabid Rabbit — perfect for creatures tired of city life
- Laboratory Misfits: Mad scientist aesthetic with unique colorways, including the Limited Edition Indecisive Monster and Sasquoosh — monsters that emerged from experiments gone wrong
- Love Fugg: Valentine's and romance-themed creatures for adorable chaos
- Festive Fuggs: Holiday and seasonal designs
- Hairy Fuggs: Extra fuzzy monsters with wild hair
- Fart Face Fugglers: Motion-activated sound features that emit fart cloud noises — these cause more chaos than any other series
- Fugglow: Glow-in-the-dark variants, though we strongly advise you to avoid bright light to preserve the effect
What Fuggler Collaborations Have Been Released?
Fugglers have partnered with multiple major franchises, creating crossover plush toys that appeal to Fuggler fans of both brands. These collaborations typically feature standard Fuggler construction with character-specific designs based on iconic characters.
Current and Recent Collaborations
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: These New York City sewer dwellers—Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo—return in Fuggler form, bringing their familiar chaos with a monstrous twist.
- SpongeBob SquarePants: SpongeBob and Patrick versions with signature Fuggler teeth, bringing Bikini Bottom creatures to life as ugly toys
- DC Comics: Batman, Joker, and other iconic characters transformed into Fuggler monsters
- Gremlins: Gizmo and Stripe designs that blend the Fuggler aesthetic with classic characters
- The Lord of the Rings: Tolkien-themed Fugglers for fantasy fans who appreciate creatures with disturbing demeanour
- Jaws 50th Anniversary: Special edition for the film's milestone — a joke about teeth that writes itself
Collaboration Fugglers typically cost $5-15 more than standard versions due to licensing fees. They also tend to have limited production runs, making them more collectible but harder to find online after initial release windows. Some discontinued collaborations now sell for 2-4x retail on secondary markets.
Fuggler Lore: The Story Behind These Mischievous Monsters
Part of what makes Fugglers special is their developed backstory. According to official brand lore, these creatures aren't just toys — they're mischievous monsters with rich histories and questionable habits.
Many original Fugglers reportedly spent their earlier lives as city-dwelling cousins of more respectable plush toys, living in places ranging from the York City sewers to behind washing lines in suburban neighborhoods. Some made their ill-gotten gains by selling falsified treasure maps to gullible teddy bears, while others enjoyed stealing from street pigeons.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collaboration makes particular sense when you consider that both franchises feature creatures from the New York City sewers causing chaos. The TMNT Fugglers capture that underground monster energy perfectly.
Different Fuggler characters have different origin stories:
- Some emerged from a little old lady's basement experiments using basic templates
- Others were city dwellers who fled sky-high rent to live in children's bedrooms
- The Laboratory Misfits series features monsters who escaped scientific facilities
- New Fuggs and Baby Fuggs are supposedly younger versions, still learning to cause more chaos
This lore gives Fuggler fans something to engage with beyond simple collecting. Children especially enjoy imagining the strange lives these creatures led before arriving at their homes.
Why Did Fugglers Become So Popular With Collectors?
Fugglers hit a sweet spot in the collectibles market by being weird enough to stand out but accessible enough to collect affordably. Several factors drive their collector appeal:
- The "ugly-cute" trend — Fugglers arrived as consumers embraced intentionally imperfect aesthetics, similar to Huggy Wuggy and revivals of Garbage Pail Kids.
- Chase variant excitement — The gold BUTT-on hole variants create a treasure hunt element with every purchase
- Crossover appeal — Children enjoy the soft plush toys and silly designs, while adults appreciate the dark humor and funny aesthetic
- Character depth — Named characters with personalities let Fuggler fans develop preferences and focus areas.
- Display value — These ugly monsters photograph well and make conversation starters on shelves or desks
The gold BUTT-on hole hunt in particular drives community engagement. Fuggler fans share their finds online, creating excitement around the hunt that keeps people buying. Some collectors decided to purchase entire cases, hoping for gold variants.
What First-Time Collectors Should Know When Buying Fugglers
Starting a Fuggler collection requires understanding a few key factors that can save money and frustration for parents buying for kids or adults collecting for themselves.
Authentication
Counterfeit Fugglers exist on marketplace sites. Knockoffs typically have thinner fabric, incorrect tooth spacing, poorly attached fake teeth, incorrect BUTT-on hole placement, and spelling errors on tags. Purchase from authorized retailers to guarantee you're getting real Fuggler monsters.
Signs of fake Fugglers:
- Teeth that look obviously plastic or poorly attached
- Tag misspellings or wrong fonts
- BUTT-on hole in the wrong location or missing entirely
- Significantly lighter weight than authentic versions
- Price far below market value
Chase Variants
Gold BUTT-on hole odds are approximately 1 in 24 — meaning you could theoretically buy two dozen Fugglers without finding one. Experienced collectors recommend a "one case test": buy a retail case of 6-12 units and, if no gold appears, decide whether continuing the hunt is worth the cost. Proceed at your own risk and never assume the next purchase will have it.
Completing a full set with gold BUTT-on variants can cost 3-5x the base collection price. Set realistic expectations before starting to avoid the joke being on your wallet.
Sizes
Product photos often lack scale reference, leading to surprised parents and collectors. Always check the size designation before purchasing:
|
Size |
Height |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
Baby Fuggs |
~3.5-4 inches |
Budget entry, desk display |
|
Clip-On |
~5 inches |
Portable collecting for kids |
|
Standard |
~9 inches |
Primary collecting |
|
Big Fugg |
~12-17 inches |
Statement pieces |
|
Bigg Fugg XL |
17+ inches |
Dedicated display space |
The 9-inch Standard size offers the best balance of detail, display presence, and price for most Fuggler fans.
Are Original Handmade Fugglers Valuable?
Original handmade Fugglers from the pre-2018 Etsy era are collectible but rarely available. These original Fugglers represent brand history that mass production can't replicate.
Factors affecting handmade Fuggler value:
- Authenticity verification — Proving an Etsy-era origin requires documentation
- Condition — Handmade construction may show wear differently than mass-produced plush toys
- Teeth material — Real false teeth vs. plastic teeth
- Provenance — Direct purchase from Louise McGettrick's shop adds significant value
However, some collectors argue that mass-produced Fugglers sold by Spin Master and later companies are actually higher quality and more consistent than early handmade versions. This comes down to preference — some value handmade uniqueness while others prefer manufacturing consistency.
For most Fuggler fans, focusing on current releases makes more practical sense than hunting vintage creatures. The aesthetic remains similar, availability is better, and prices are predictable.
FAQs
Why Do Fugglers Have Human Teeth?
The human-like teeth are the signature feature because they create the "funny ugly" contrast that defines these monsters. Louise McGettrick originally used real fake teeth from eBay because they were the strangest material she could find. The teeth transform an ordinary teddy bear into something that demands a reaction — not cute, not entirely scary, just weird enough to make you laugh.
Mass-produced versions use realistic-looking plastic teeth for safety and manufacturing consistency. The teeth are securely attached to prevent choking hazards for children while maintaining the disturbing visual effect.
What Does a Fuggler Monster Do?
Fuggler monsters are plush collectibles — they don't have electronic features or interactive functions in most versions. The Fart Face Fugglers line features motion-activated fart cloud sounds, while standard Fugglers are traditional plush toys meant for display and collecting.
The brand lore suggests Fugglers are mischievous monsters causing chaos wherever they go, but this is purely fictional character development rather than functional features.
What Age Are Fugglers Suitable For?
Fugglers are designed and safety-tested for children, despite their creepy aesthetic. They meet standard toy safety requirements and don't contain small parts that pose choking hazards.
That said, the collector market includes many adults who appreciate the dark humor. Horror-themed collaborations like Gremlins and Jaws clearly target adult nostalgia while remaining child-safe plush toys.
Parents should use judgment about whether the "scary" appearance suits their individual kids. Some children love the weirdness, while others might find these ugly monsters genuinely frightening.
Are Vintage Handmade Fugglers Worth Collecting?
Vintage handmade Fugglers hold historical value but present practical challenges. They rarely appear for sale, authentication is difficult, and prices are unpredictable when they do surface.
For most Fuggler fans, the recommendation is to focus on current releases while staying alert for vintage opportunities. Building a collection of new Fugglers provides more immediate satisfaction than waiting for rare vintage finds.
Are Certain Fuggler Characters Being Retired?
No official retired list exists, but older characters from the Spin Master era (2018-2020) have become harder to find at retail. These discontinued creatures often sold out quickly and now command 2-4x their original retail price on secondary markets.
ZURU's announcement of 150+ new Fugglers for 2025 suggests that character lineups will continue to evolve. Popular characters tend to persist across series, while less popular designs naturally phase out.
Collectors who want specific Fuggler monsters should purchase them when available rather than assuming future availability.
In Summary
The Fuggler origin story shows how an unplanned creative experiment can become a global brand. Louise McGettrick's 2010 eBay purchase of false teeth launched a phenomenon that has survived Spin Master, Addo Play, and now ZURU ownership, while continuing to grow.
For Fuggler fans, these funny, ugly monsters offer accessible entry points with clip-ons and Baby Fuggs, satisfying depth through themed series and collaborations with iconic characters like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and chase excitement through gold BUTT-on hole variants. The key is buying from authorized sources to ensure authenticity and understanding size options before purchasing.
Explore the full Fuggler collection to find your first — or next — funny ugly monster. And if you enjoy the "ugly-cute" aesthetic, check out other fan-favorite plush toys like Hello Kitty and Adventure Time for more collectible options.
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Citations:
[1] https://www.mojo-nation.com/fugglers-creator-louise-mcgettrick-ebay-listing-bag-false-teeth-inspired-line-plush-monsters/
[2] https://toyworldmag.co.uk/zuru-takes-over-fuggler-plush-licensing-rights-from-addo-play/
