If you’re ready to splurge, commissioning a handmade plush made by a dedicated fan like yourself is the way to go! There are dozens of talented fan artists producing many different sizes and styles of pony plush for you to pick from. It is highly encouraged that you take some time asking around in plush-dedicated spaces such as our own Discord server.

Commission tips:

•     Timing matters. Many premium artists [especially for larger or intricate plushies] work with long queues, sometimes a year or more. Responsible plush artists in high demand may only open their queue briefly, so it's up to you to follow them for updates.

•     Do your homework. Ask around in plush spaces like our Discord server. The pony plush community has had its share of scammers, so it’s always wise to get testimonials about an artist before committing. Even perfectly legitimate and trustworthy artists may have quirks or limitations to be aware of, like international shipping challenges or polarizing design choices.

•     Research tools. Use resources like the plush artist spreadsheet at the bottom of this page. This can help you explore different creators and find one whose style and price range match your needs. You can also search artist names in our Discord server to find previous discussions, testimonials, and listings if you're feeling too [Flutter]shy to ask us directly.

•     Payment tip: Avoid paying upfront unless the artist has already started work and sent progress photos. Full payment should typically be made before shipping, but be cautious with anyone requesting 100% upfront without evidence of progress. Multiple formerly-reputable sellers have pulled exit scams this way, stealing tens of thousands of dollars. It's an unfortunate reality to be aware of, but with this tip in mind and regular communication with credible artists you should have a smooth experience! Also be aware that scams work both ways and plenty of artists have been burned too, so reputation as a buyer also matters.

Looking for something quicker?

•     Check Etsy, eBay, social media, or artist auction sites for pre-made new plushies. These ready-to-ship options offer less customization but much faster turnaround and reliability since you will probably have a better idea of what you're getting.

•     Look for plush vendors at pony conventions! You’ll be able to inspect plushies in-person and take one home right away. This is probably the most expensive option, but it's certainly the most convenient if you're already attending a con.

You’ve got two solid options here:

1.     Hunt for deals! Stay tuned to our #Trading-Post on the Discord server to potentially snag a bargain or set up eBay saved searches using well-known artist names. Keeping an eye on the pre-owned market is a great way to find quality plushies, but you have to be very patient and sometimes take risks.

2.     Opt for an affordable official plush. Symbiote Studios offers licensed factory-made plushies with a wide selection of characters. These are great if you want something decent without waiting. Other licensed brands worth exploring include Aurora, TY, Build a Bear, and 4th Dimension Entertainment, though all of these are probably only available secondhand anyway. Be wary of official plushies directly from Hasbro as they tend to be lower quality and aren’t really designed with adult fans in mind.

Believe it or not, you can still score a pony plush on a super-tight budget! Bootleg plushies from China can cost as little as $15 including shipping. However, navigating Chinese marketplaces [like AliExpress or Taobao] require patience, and there’s always a risk of scams or poor quality. Remember: you get what you pay for! 

While less common, sometimes the brony community will work with these Chinese factories directly to produce fandom OCs in batches. 4Chan's /mlp/ has done this for various characters for no profit and at-cost, so if you're lucky enough to catch one of these campaigns in progress or find someone selling a mass-produced character from a previous run these can also be very affordable options. Good luck!