Bobbleheads Custom Face vs Full-Body: How to Choose

Understanding the Decision

Both formats celebrate people in playful form, but they suit different goals. Face-only keeps focus on recognition and fits most desks. Full-body adds pose, outfit, and context, turning the figure into a tiny story that signals role, hobby, or achievement.

When Face-Only Shines

Choose this style for large teams, tight deadlines, and modest budgets. Sculptors concentrate on head likeness, so approval cycles are faster. Standard bodies simplify production, reduce breakage risk, and make storage easier. Shop unique bobbleheads custom designed – visit us online.

When Full-Body Pays Off

Pick full-body for milestone awards, spotlight gifts, or trophies. A custom stance, uniform, or prop helps convey purpose—coach with whistle, coder at laptop, graduate with scroll. The added detail creates photo moments and social sharing.

Cost, Timing, and Minimums

Face-only generally costs less and ships sooner. Full-body requires more sculpt time, paint steps, and quality checks, for patterns, logos, or complex gear. Plan for seasonal rushes; place orders early for year-end and conference peaks.

Accuracy and Proofing

Facial likeness drives satisfaction. Provide clear front, profile, and three-quarter photos under natural light. For full-body, add reference images for clothing, footwear, and accessories. Limit revision rounds by giving hair, eye, and skin tones upfront.

Durability and Display

Face-only pieces often use standard bases and fewer fragile parts, which helps with travel and mailers. Full-body designs can include props or outstretched arms; ask for sturdier joints and protective packaging if items will be shipped individually.

Branding Without Overdoing It

Tie the figure to identity using color on the base, a short line of text, or an emblem on clothing. Keep it tasteful so the recipient feels celebrated rather than advertised.

Use Cases That Guide Choice

Employee onboarding, quick thank-yous, and mass giveaways favor face-only for speed and volume. Retirement gifts, annual awards, and influencer seeding favor full-body because context matters.

Photography and Presentation

Plan the unboxing thoughtfully. Add a card that explains the pose or achievement and invite a photo share with a short hashtag or QR code. A tidy display stand and clean background increase the chance of reposts.

Permissions and Sensitivity

Secure consent before using a person’s likeness, especially for public campaigns. Be inclusive with skin tones and body types, and avoid stereotypes. Provide simple care instructions and a clear contact for fixes or replacements.

Ordering Smart

Confirm lead time, proof windows, and replacement policies. Request sample photos before the batch leaves the studio. For international shipments, check customs codes and packing lists to avoid delays.

Author Bio

Ryan Johnson writes about art, painting and culture.

Ryan Johnson writes about art, painting and culture.