Welcome to PinoPino Plush! We started our little family owned business in 2021 with the dream to create plush dolls & toys inspired by Filipino culture and heritage! 

Meet our family!

Sam & Chris: Founders of PinoPino Plush. Sam is Filipina, Chris is Italian. Fun fact, we met while working at a toy store 10 years ago, and now we are super excited to finally launch our own family toy business!

Harper & JJ: Our kids and main inspiration to start PinoPino Plush! The name PinoPino was inspired by Harper, who would pronounce "Filipino" as "PinoPino" as a toddler. You can see Harper in our logo as well!

 

Note from Sam, founder of PinoPino Plush!

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for visiting PinoPino Plush!

I was born in the Philippines and moved to the US when I was 5 years old. A big part of my heart is still in the Philippines, where the majority of our family still live. Growing up, my parents were really active in the local Filipino American community (who have basically become our family), so my little sister and I were lucky to have a strong connection to our Filipino heritage. During my childhood, I learned how to dance a bunch of Filipino folk dances, performed at various festivals and even got to teach my classmates the Tinikling, the national dance of the Philippines (one of my favorite memories).  As a kid, it meant a lot to me to be able to celebrate my culture with my family & friends.  And now, as a mom, I want my kids to experience this same joy in any way that they can! 

I have thought about starting a Filipino-inspired toy brand for years now, because I remember not having any dolls that looked like me growing up, and it wasn't until I became a mom of two amazing half PinoPino babies that I started taking the steps to making this a reality! 

In 2021 after my 2nd baby JJ was born, he and I would sneak away in the middle of the night so he wouldn't wake up his Ate. Little by little, in between feedings, diaper changes, and rocking back to sleep, I would research all the aspects of starting a toy business. Together with Chris and my little sister, Marci, we spent months searching for vendors, working on designs & prototypes, all with the vision to create something I wish I had as a kid and something I wish for my kids now! 

For me personally, my Filipino culture reminds me of family, love, togetherness, and FUN. When I think of my Filipino family, I picture music, dancing, singing, games, food (a lot of it), and so much laughter & life. I hope that our PinoPino dolls bring a little bit of that Filipino spirit, happiness, and the warm feeling of family into your homes! 

Thank you so much for being a part of our story! 

Love,

Sam & Chris, Harper & JJ

Founders of PinoPino Plush