Did I buy a knock off toy?

Hey folks, thanks in advance for any wisdom you can share.

My gf is a lifelong sanrio/HK fan, and her favorite character by far is Badtz-Maru.

The other day I happened upon a store offering all kind of different 'licensed' merchandise, with a heavy emphasis an anime and etc. I popped in and picked up a few little gifts for my sweetie.

When I got home, I realized that it may be knock offs. Which isn't the end of the world I guess, I'm sure Sanrio is doing fine financially, but I wanna be prepared if I got it all wrong.

I bought a Badtz-Maru toy of the lil guy in an airplane, since my gf is about to go on a trip to visit family back home. However, the toy instead of saying Badtz-Maru, just says 'Penguin'.

Does BM ever go by Penguin? Or is this a clear case of a cheap knock off? I'm a bit worried she's going to perceive the gift as me being a brokeass who didn't find her worthy of spending a little more for the real thing. To be fair, I am a brokeass, but my baby is worth the world to me.

Whaddya thinkin?

Thanks!

Posted Nov 14, 2025, 7:03 PM UTC

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