Chommie Toys: Why you’ll probably never own these rare plush toys

Chommie toys, or chommies (slang for friends or buddies), might be one of Southern Africa’s rarest plush toys.

You won’t find these weird, cute plush animals in stores. You’ll just never see them on the shelves – locally or abroad.

That’s because they’re seriously limited editions.

Chommie toys were created in 2008.

They’re the creations of Max Normal (Watkin Tudor Jones) and partner Yolandi Visser. Only a few were ever made.

Here’s more about the exclusive toy you’ll only get to see once.

CHOMMIE TOYS: MAX NORMAL AND YOLANDI VISSER

Watkin Tudor Jones (MaxNormal) and Yolandi Visser created Chommies.

Picture Pokemon, but cooler.

The band created them in 2008, selling them via the Blogspot website. A special price lists them for R300 (usually priced at R500).

Each character is different, with its own ‘unique personality and special powers’.

According to the description, they measure about 16 to 22 cm.

The website says: ‘These boutique toys hand-made by Max Normal and Yo-landi Visser are all numbered, limited-edition collector’s items. Each CHOMMIE TOY has its own unique personality and special powers.’

This was just before launching their brand as Die Antwoord.

CHOMMIE TOYS: WHY THEY’RE RARE

Chommie toys are super rare.

They might even be one of the rarest plush toys in South Africa. That’s because they only made about 50 of each.

Chommies are hand-made.

They might never do something like this again.

You’re out of luck unless you know someone willing to sell you theirs.

Who would ever sell a chommie?

CHOMMIE TOYS: THE MAXNORMAL.TV STORY

Chommies are a side-project of MaxNormal.TV.

The band formed in 2001.

Chommies became available in 2008, just before the band’s sudden fame.

The band came back as Die Antwoord for Oppikoppi.

$O$, their first album, made it big soon after.

DIE ANTWOORD: ZEF DOCUMENTARY AND 2024 TOUR

Die Antwoord has managed to return to stage performances.

ZEF is a documentary about their lives and the band.

Their 2024 tour takes the band through the EU and UK. They will announce more tour dates in December.

Producer Lil2Hood is supporting the act this year.