Badtz Maru is one of my favorite Sanrio characters. This punky little penguin is mischievous and fun and is Sanrio’s first “not nice” character. His birthday is on April 1st, which is fitting as it is April Fool’s Day! Let’s celebrate Badtz’s birthday with some fun picks to buy, make and watch.

You can always find an assortment of kawaii Badtz Maru goods at Sanrio USA, with some new plush, clothing and accessories just added. I especially like the unique mini cassette keychain – the case actually opens. Sanrio Japan (requires forwarding service) have even more cute products that are also available through VeryGoods (JP).

When you’re done shopping, you can download a free Badtz Maru wallpaper or paper craft from the Sanrio Character Goodies page.
Enjoy cute, mini adventures on Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures, where Badtz Maru and his pet alligator Pochi are main players.

If you ship Badtz Maru and Kuromi, like they do on HKFSA, get matching keychains (US) of the two for you and your sweetheart. I love the detailed charms that go with each character, like the XO which is Badtz’s signature (badtz = x, maru = o).

Ease your stress with this characone squishy at Kawaii Panda (EU). I love his expression and he makes the perfect, spiky ice cream cone.and.

You can express your feelings easily by wearing this Badtz Maru Jumbo Print t-shirt from Hot Topic (US). Badtz is pulling his eyelid down in a classic Japanese taunt.
Craft your own Badtz Maru look with this tutorial from coolirpa using a simple black sweatshirt.

If you love to crochet, you could make these absolutely adorable amigurumi dolls by Mei Li Lee. It’s a free pattern that you can also find in her book Hello Kitty Crochet (US/UK).
Learn to draw this spiky-haired penguin with this Youtube tutorial from Hello Kitty Crafts.
How will you celebrate Badtz Maru’s 29th year?
Nova is a contributing writer who lives in the Pacific Northwest in America with her husband, young daughter, and 3 cats – Evey, Ophelia, and Adora. She is an introvert and a traveler who has been to over 20 countries. Her first years as a teacher were teaching English in Japan, so Japan and all things kawaii will always have a special place in her heart. Nova’s favorite color is grey, character is Rilakkuma, and cartoon is Adventure Time
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