Update! Follow me over on Instagram @styleyourloungefly to see how I pair my bags with outfits!
The other day my husband said, “when and how did this Loungefly obsession start?” I had to really think through this question because even I’m amazed at how I went from 0 to 60 in my interest in these bags. When in doubt, always blame Instagram.
If you don’t know what Loungefly is, or you came to get more info because like me you have suddenly found yourself going down the rabbit hole of this bag obsession, keep reading! But be warned. You might find yourself obsessed 🙂
No secrets here! This post contains affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting Biscotti and a Ph.D.!
What is Loungefly?
Loungefly is a huge accessory company that makes bags (mini backpacks are the most popular, but they have crossbody bags, wristlets, wallets, nylon backpacks, and fannypacks), enamel pins, keychains, and even some clothing. Some of the really popular bags are Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Pokemon, Harry Potter, and Nickelodeon (this list does not even come close to covering all the franchises). Most of the mini backpacks retail for between $70 and $90 dollars.
Some bags are exclusives, which means that they can only be found at certain shops or locations. For example, Disney Parks bags will only be sold at Disney Parks and on shopDisney.com. Many small retailers design their own bags and you can only get them through their shop. Follow the shops on social media for hints and information on when those exclusives are coming out (this summer has been bananas with the amount of exclusives!).
Many people have been collecting these bags for years, but it seems like the popularity has really grown in the last year. Some older bags are hard to find and people will buy and sell them for hundreds (even thousands!) of dollars. I’m in a couple Loungefly groups on Facebook, and I’m shocked at what some people will pay for certain bags!
Metal vs. Fabric Tag
Some collectors have rather intense feelings about the metal vs. fabric tag. You’ll mainly see the fabric tag on Hot Topic bags. These bags have a lower price tag, the straps don’t have padding, and according to some, the quality is cheaper. I bought a Spongebob Squarepants cupcake bag from Hot Topic because I thought it was adorable and wanted to take it to Universal Studios. Personally, the fabric tag doesn’t bother me at all, and I didn’t notice any difference in the comfort of the straps. The material feels a bit more “plastic-y” than metal tag bags, but I think you should buy what you like!
Where Do You Use It?
Anywhere you want! The picture at the bottom of the post features all the bags I took on our most recent trip to Universal and Disney. The bags are so perfect for theme park trips, and they easily held everything I needed for the day. It poured rain when we were at Hollywood Studios, but my Minnie Mouse bag fit perfectly under my poncho!
Lots of people wear them on the daily instead of carrying a purse, and lots of people also display them and never take the tags off. The choice is yours!
Loungefly Preorder Information
Below, I have a list of small businesses who are certified to sell Loungefly. They have several bags in stock, but the most exciting/interesting/stressful way to buy bags is pre-ordering.
At 12 am EST on the first of the month (or 9 pm PST on the last day of the month), you can find many Loungefliers scrambling to pre-order the newest releases. Small certified retailers will provide hints about the bags that are coming out at the first of each month on their social media pages, but Loungefly is very strict about releasing images of the bags. Basically, we don’t know for sure what’s coming out or what they look like until midnight when bags go up for sale. It’s very stressful because popular bags will sell out quickly! If you can’t snag a pre-order, you have to wait until the bag is released on Loungefly’s website or sometimes at Boxlunch stores or keep your fingers crossed that the small shops will restock.
Pre-ordering can be risky because you can only see “concept art” of the bags. Real life photos of bags often don’t emerge until weeks later, and I’ve seen many people end up disappointed in what the actual bags look like. *Update July 25, 2021: info has just come out that Loungefly is letting small retailers show images of the upcoming pre-orders, so now we can actually see some of the bags before panic buying on pre-order night! Hooray!*
Loungefly, like many other companies, has been experiencing some major shipping delays, so bags are arriving 1-2 months later than what they’re posted. For example, my very first pre-order experience was on May 1, and those bags were listed as arriving at the end of June. Because of delays, my Cinderella Castle bag just arrived yesterday (July 12). But she’s so pretty and was worth the wait!
I’m an incredibly impatient person, and it’s frustrating seeing people who waited and ordered their castle bag directly from Loungefly receive their items before those of us who pre-ordered, BUT I really like doing the pre-orders because I’m shopping from small businesses and I like knowing that I’m supporting them!
Please remember that it’s not the small business’s fault if your bag doesn’t arrive at the estimated time!
Loungefly Discounts and Referral Codes
Most small shops offer discounts to the buyer when using referral codes, so please feel free to use my codes if it’s your first time buying!
I’ve provided the link or code and the discount you receive when using it! Thanks in advance, and I’d genuinely LOVE for you to share what you bought! You can leave a comment here or tag me on Instagram @biscottiandaphd — seriously, I adore seeing how people use and style them!
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Where To Buy Loungefly
Blue Culture Tees – use this link for 5% off your purchase!
Free shipping over $50.
Cordy’s Corner – use code YMWFREF for 10% off your first order!
Free shipping over $100.
Pink a la Mode – use this link for a $5 off coupon!
Free shipping over $150.
707 Street – use this link for a $10 off coupon!
Free shipping!
Three Little Mingos – use code MPZDREF for 10% off your first order!
TK Ave – use this link for a $5 off coupon!
Under the Sea Collectibles – use BISCOTTIANDAPHD for a discount on any order, even if you’re a returning customer!
Grotto Treasures – use this link for a $5 off coupon!
Free shipping over $100.
Owley Boutique – use this link for a $5 off coupon!
$5 flat rate shipping/free shipping over $100.
Park Bench Threads – use JJJWREF for 10% off your first order!
Shipping is $5 for 1 item & $8 for 2+ and FREE with $150 or more.
Blashful – use this link for a 10% off coupon!
Free shipping!
Sapphire Sky – use code BMXRREF for 10% off your first order!
$7 Flat Rate Shipping in US and FREE shipping on orders over $100
World 1-1 Games – use this link for $5 off your first purchase!
Feather and Vine – use code DTCKREF for 15% off your first order!
$7 Flat Rate Shipping in US and FREE shipping on orders over $100
Please be aware that some shops may change their discount amount, but I’ll try to keep this updated as best I can!
If you have questions about Loungefly, let me know! Or if you’re already a Loungefly collector and think I left out vital information, let me know that, too (and tell me what your favorite bag is!).
Biscotti and a Ph.D. 