# Holiday Character Collectibles Universal Adds a Light-Up Toothless Loungefly Bag By Amy Duong | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-11-04 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-character-collectibles References: [parade](https://parade.com/news/universal-just-revealed-new-holiday-merch-including-a-light-up-toothless-backpack-and-exclusive-squishmallows)  Universal is expanding its 2026 holiday merchandise with character-led collectibles for park visitors, led by a $95 light-up Toothless Loungefly mini backpack. The first bag of its kind for the dragon character pairs a Santa hat with glowing string lights, turning a basic carryall into part of the holiday outfit. The Toothless line also includes a matching light-up headband. Beyond Snoggletog, Universal is adding a [wreath-shaped Grinch crossbody](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-grinch-x-crocs) and a $30 [Bob & Tim Holiday Squishmallow](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teeturtle-and-nickelodeon), with Bob in a bear suit holding Tim. The holiday products begin reaching Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood this week, with select items also sold online. A $95 Toothless backpack moves [holiday park merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-x-disney-collection) toward the collector end of the category, where a licensed design supports a planned purchase instead of a last-minute souvenir. Image Credit: Universal ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.3/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 75% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Light-up Licensed Accessories:** Character bags and headbands with integrated illumination create premium seasonal wearables that blend fashion, fandom, and park-based spectacle. - **Holiday Collector Merchandise:** Limited seasonal designs tied to beloved franchises shift souvenir buying toward intentional collecting and higher-value gift purchases. - **Character-driven Festive Drops:** Timed releases featuring recognizable mascots can turn holiday merchandise into anticipated events across parks and online channels. ### Who This Affects Most - **Theme Park Retail:** Exclusive festive collectibles give park operators a way to extend guest spending beyond admission while strengthening emotional ties to attractions. - **Licensed Consumer Products:** Franchise-backed accessories and plush items support premium pricing through recognizable characters, seasonal scarcity, and cross-generational appeal. - **Fashion Accessories:** Novelty backpacks and themed crossbodies point to growing opportunities for functional items that double as expressive fandom apparel. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Holiday-Centric Pet Outfits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/petsmart-2.md) - [Magical Hooded Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harry-potter-x-care-bears.md) - [Festive QSR Merch Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-castle-house-of-crave.md) - [Retailer-Branded Holiday Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/7-eleven-2.md) - [Holiday Elf Costume Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-elf-costume-collections.md) - [Snuggly Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giftable-squishmallows.md) - [Plushie-Themed Halloween Offerings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jazwares-3.md) - [Wizard Plush Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wizard-plush-collections.md) - [Whimsical Lawn Holiday Decorations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas.md)