# Blind Box Restaurant Charms These Panda Express Bag Charms Play on the Brand's Pei Pei Mascot By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-08-04 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panda-express-bag-charms References: [qsrweb](https://www.qsrweb.com/news/panda-express-releases-blind-box-bag-charms-featuring-mascot/) & [pandaexpress](https://www.pandaexpress.com)  These new [Panda Express](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panda-express-and-comparts) bag charms have been debuted as a series of blind box products to help the restaurant brand promote its newly updated branding and capitalize on the viral popularity of keychain-style toys. The range includes the Pei Pei mascot character as the focal point who is seen in three different variations, each packaged into [blind box-style packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-caesars-big-big-blind-box) and available for $15 each at more than 100 locations while supplies last. Each of the boxes come with either the Good Fortune Pei Pei, Waving Pei Pei and the Joyful Pei Pei, and will each see 100% of the net proceeds from the sales donated to the band's Panda Cares organization. Chief Brand Officer Andrea Cherng spoke on the Panda Express bag charms saying, "Pei Pei has long represented the warmth and comfort that are central to the Panda Express experience. That is why Panda Cares Day was the perfect moment to introduce this special blind box collection, which helps support [Panda Cares'](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panda-express-x-uprisers-cozy-collection) mission to improve the health and education of youth in our communities. We are excited to pair this launch with a new digital series featuring Pei Pei that will bring this beloved character to life in new ways for fans of all ages." Image Credit: Panda Express ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.0/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 84% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Blind Box Mascot Merch:** Restaurant brands can turn recognizable mascots into collectible mystery products that deepen fan engagement while creating limited-time retail buzz. - **Cause-linked Collectibles:** Charitable tie-ins embedded into merchandise drops add emotional value to purchases and connect brand fandom with community impact. - **Viral Keychain Culture:** The popularity of bag charms and mini accessories creates space for foodservice brands to enter fashion-adjacent collectible markets. ### Where This Applies - **Fast Casual Dining:** Fast casual chains are expanding beyond meals by using branded merchandise to reinforce identity, drive visits, and build youth-focused loyalty. - **Toy Collectibles:** Mystery-packaged character goods offer cross-category potential for brands seeking scarcity, surprise, and repeat-purchase behavior. - **Brand Licensing:** Mascot-led product extensions provide licensing opportunities that transform restaurant IP into lifestyle merchandise and digital content ecosystems. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Crossover Charm Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/labubu-sanrio.md) - [Athlete-Inspired Cereal Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Alysa-Liu-and-Lucky-Charms.md) - [Limited-Edition Collectible Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skullpanda-my-melody.md) - [Onesie Character Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onezzz.md) - [Asian Cuisine-Inspired Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panda-express-and-comparts.md) - [Emotive Plush Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/care-bears-caring-cuties.md) - [Blind Box Cosmetic Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squishmallows-x-drpawpaw.md) - [Phone Case Blind Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-blind-box-sale.md) - [Exclusive Cartoon Beverage Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peanuts-surprise-cups.md)