So odd post but I'm trying to find a bootleg Pikachu plushie as a Christmas gift for my girlfriend. When she was young, she won a knock off Pikachu at a carnival in the late 90s. She named him Bongo and Bongo is a bit a weird little dude with the shape, stripes, and color of a Pikachu but has some other characteristics like a different kind of tail and boxing gloves. He stands at a little over a foot.
Last month, she found Bingo, who is very similar to Bongo except he's much smaller at maybe around 6 inches.
She did some research onto these guys and found out they were bootleg Pikachu plushies produced in the 90s. Apparently they were the reference for a character in The Happy Tree Friends! However, different versions of the plushies were made and I'm trying to find a third, the mythical Bango. The last two pictures I've attached show plushies we've seen on the Internet that have small details that are different from the Bingo and Bongo we have, such as a meaner looking face and the heart details on one's cheeks.
One post I found had some interesting information in it regarding the plush, have a listing linking to a now dead ebay page with the info: "Sunnycat Plush VTG 1999 Large 17" Stuffed Boxing Gloves Yellow Orange Red 90s"
I've tried searching but haven't been able to find a friend like this for sale anywhere, finding any information is hard tbh. Can anyone help me find a Bango to gift to my girlfriend for Christmas? Also, does anyone have any more information on these bootleg friends? Lastly, do you know of any other communities or spaces online I could reach out to that may be able to help out with this search?
I'd be totally willing to pay if anyone is looking to sell one!
TLDR: please look at these weird bootleg Pikachus with boxing gloves and help me find more for my wonderful gf
