Custom Pet Bobblehead or Figurine? What to Order in Canada
Choose a bobblehead if you want something playful that moves and you have room for a bigger piece (about 15 to 26 cm for sculpted ones). Choose a figurine if you want a small, still keepsake (about 6 to 10 cm) for a shelf, a desk or a memorial corner. Both are made from your photos. In Canada, also compare the price in Canadian dollars and the total delay: some bobblehead makers announce 15 to 25 business days of standard shipping to Canada, on top of production.
In brief
- Bobblehead: the head sits on a spring or a joint and nods. Fun, bigger, more of a "gag gift" or desk mascot.
- Figurine: one solid piece, smaller and quieter. Often chosen for memorials and collections.
- Two families of bobbleheads: plush (soft) and sculpted (clay or resin, painted).
- Before you pay: check the real size in centimetres, whether you see a proof first, and the shipping time to Canada.
What's the difference?
A bobblehead has a head that is made separately and mounted on a spring or a joint, so it nods when you touch it or when the surface moves. The head is usually oversized compared to the body. A figurine is a single solid piece: nothing moves. A chibi figurine also has a big head and a small body, but it stays still.
So the choice is less about the look than about the use: something that makes people laugh and move it, or something you keep in view quietly.
Real examples, with sizes, prices and delays (checked October 7, 2026)
| Product | Type | Size | Price | Time announced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plush bobblehead (large US maker) | Plush bobblehead, dogs and cats; head customized, body colour-matched | About 12 × 9.5 × 19 cm | $187 CAD seen from Canada (129 USD) | 6 to 8 weeks (the product page gives both figures), plus shipping; paid rush options |
| Sculpted pet bobblehead (online maker) | Sculpted bobblehead in polymer clay | 6 to 10 in (15 to 26 cm) | From 69.99 USD (15 cm) | 3 to 5 business days to make (product page; 4 to 5 in its shipping policy), with a proof to approve; standard shipping to Canada 15 to 25 business days |
| Resin 3D pet figurine (online studio) | 3D figurine in full-colour resin | 6, 8 or 10 cm | 69, 119 or 209 USD | 10 to 15 business days of crafting, then 12 to 15 days of standard shipping |
| Chibiyo (us) | Chibi figurine, 3D-printed in matte PLA, up to 4 colours | About 8 to 10 cm | $89 CAD shipping included in Canada (founders' price $79 CAD for the first 100) | 3D preview within 3 business days of the order; ships 2 to 3 weeks after the order; Canada Post 1 to 3 business days in Québec |
Prices in US dollars are charged in US dollars, and an item mailed from abroad worth more than $20 CAD can owe duty and taxes at the border, according to the Canada Border Services Agency. For a wider price survey, see how much a custom pet figurine costs in Canada.
Bobblehead or figurine: how to decide
| If you want… | Better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A funny gift that people play with | Bobblehead | The nodding head is the whole point. |
| A memorial for a pet who died | Figurine | A still piece feels calmer next to an urn or a photo. Some people do like a bobblehead for a playful pet: it's your call. |
| Something small for a desk or a shelf | Figurine | 6 to 10 cm versus 15 cm and up for most sculpted bobbleheads. |
| Something soft for a child to hold | Plush (bobblehead or not) | Resin, clay and PLA pieces are decorative, not toys. |
| A gift by a close date | Whatever is made closest to you | Standard international shipping can take longer than production itself. |
| A collection (one per pet, over the years) | Figurine | Same size and style each time, so they look good side by side. |
Five questions to ask before ordering
- What is the real size, in centimetres? Photos are often close-ups. Compare with an object you know: a coffee mug is about 9 to 10 cm tall.
- Will I see a proof or a 3D preview first? Most makers above show one. Ask how many changes are included and how fast you must answer (one maker asks for a reply within 24 hours to avoid delays).
- What happens if it doesn't look like my pet? Policies differ a lot: a money-back guarantee (one large maker, 30 days), a redo, or no refund once made.
- What's the total delay to my address in Canada? Add production, the proof, and shipping. In December, add a margin.
- What's the price in Canadian dollars, at my door? Include shipping, currency conversion and possible border fees.
Whatever you choose, the result depends on your photos: a sharp photo of the face, at eye level, in daylight. Our guide on how to photograph your pet with a phone explains how, even for a black or white coat.
Where Chibiyo fits
We don't make bobbleheads. Chibiyo makes chibi figurines: big head, little body, nothing moves. Each one is about 8 to 10 cm, printed in Québec and packed by hand in a gift box with your pet's name. You get a free chibi image before paying, then a 3D preview to approve after ordering, with one revision included. AI helps us draw the chibi version and build the 3D model. A person checks every model, and you approve the preview before printing. We ship in Canada only for now.
FAQ
Can you make a custom bobblehead of a dog or a cat?
Yes. Several makers sell custom pet bobbleheads from photos, in plush or in sculpted clay or resin. Most work from one or more clear photos of the face.
How big is a custom pet bobblehead?
Sculpted pet bobbleheads are often sold in 15 to 26 cm (6 to 10 in). One plush bobblehead sold online is about 12 × 9.5 × 19 cm. Custom figurines are usually smaller, around 6 to 10 cm.
How much does a custom pet bobblehead cost in Canada?
On October 7, 2026: from 69.99 USD for a 15 cm sculpted bobblehead (one online maker) and $187 CAD for a plush bobblehead from a large US maker, seen from Canada. Add shipping and possible border fees when the seller ships from abroad.
Is a bobblehead a good memorial gift?
It can be, if the pet was playful and the person has a sense of humour about it. For a quieter tribute, a still figurine or a portrait usually fits better. When in doubt, ask someone close to the owner.
How long does a custom bobblehead take to arrive in Canada?
It depends on the maker. One online maker announces 3 to 5 business days of production plus 15 to 25 business days of standard shipping to Canada. A large US maker announces 6 to 8 weeks of creation, plus shipping.
Sources
- Canada Border Services Agency, buying goods from outside Canada: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Last updated: October 7, 2026. Prices and delays read on the sellers' websites on October 7, 2026; they change often.