Quick answer: Choose a bobble head if you want the classic nodding effect and a playful gift, and choose a stationary head if you want a calmer display piece that costs a little less. For single, couple and three-figure orders you can also pick a size: 15cm (6 inch Mini Style), 18cm (7 inch Classic Style) or 20cm (8 inch Golden Ratio). Every I am bobblehead figure is hand-sculpted in polymer clay from your photo, whichever option you pick.
When you open a product page on I am bobblehead, the first decision is not the pose or the outfit. It is two small dropdowns: head style and, on some products, size. This guide explains what each option means, what it costs today, and how to choose without second-guessing your order.
What is the difference between a bobble head and a stationary head?
A bobble head nods and wobbles when the figure is touched or moved, while a stationary head is fixed in place on the body.
Both versions are sculpted by hand from the same photo, in the same polymer clay, with the same attention to hair, face and clothing. The only thing that changes is how the head sits on the body. The bobble head is the traditional, fun version most people picture when they hear "custom bobblehead". The stationary head looks more like a small clay statue or figurine.
Which head style should I choose for a gift?
For most gifts, the bobble head is the safer choice because the movement is part of the fun.
A nodding head makes people smile on a desk, a display shelf or a bookcase, and it suits birthday, coworker, retirement and graduation gifts. A stationary head suits keepsakes where you want a still, composed look, such as a pet memorial or a piece that will live in a display cabinet. If you are unsure, think about where the figure will stand: somewhere it gets touched and noticed often, go bobble; somewhere quiet and decorative, stationary works well.
What sizes can I choose for a custom bobblehead?
Single, couple and three-figure bobbleheads come in three sizes: 15cm (6 inch Mini Style), 18cm (7 inch Classic Style) and 20cm (8 inch Golden Ratio).
- 15cm / 6 inch Mini Style is the most compact and the lowest price. It fits small desks and shelves.
- 18cm / 7 inch Classic Style sits in the middle and is a balanced, all-round choice.
- 20cm / 8 inch Golden Ratio is the largest option and gives the figure the most presence on display.
Larger family and group sets (four to ten figures) and the person-and-pet and pet figurine products don't have a size dropdown. On those products you only choose between a stationary head and a bobble head.
Does a bigger size show more detail?
A bigger figure simply gives the artist more surface to work with, but likeness depends most on the photo you send.
Our artists sculpt hair and facial expression from your picture, so one clear, sharp, well-lit, front-view photo of each person or pet matters more than the size you pick. If you want small details like glasses, a book or a hat included, mention them in the "Note" box on the product page. You can read more about photos and accessories on our FAQ page.
How much does each option cost?
The bobble head option costs between $10 and $70 more than the stationary head, depending on the product, and each size step on single, couple and three-figure products adds a little to the price.
These are the current prices on I am bobblehead (USD):
| Product | Stationary head | Bobble head |
|---|---|---|
| Single person (woman, man or child), 15cm / 18cm / 20cm | $119 / $129 / $139 | $129 / $139 / $149 |
| Couple (two figures), 15cm / 18cm / 20cm | $179 / $189 / $199 | $189 / $199 / $219 |
| Three figures, 15cm / 18cm / 20cm | $239 / $279 / $309 | $269 / $299 / $329 |
| You and your pet | $149 | $169 |
| Pet figurine | $99 | $109 |
| Four figures | $359 | $389 |
| Five figures | $389 | $419 |
| Six figures | $419 | $489 |
| Seven figures | $549 | $599 |
| Eight figures | $609 | $659 |
| Nine figures | $759 | $799 |
| Ten figures | $829 | $899 |
Prices on the product pages are always the most up to date, so check the page before you check out. For groups of more than ten people, email business@youclay.com.
Do pets count toward the number of figures?
Yes, in a set a pet counts as one figure.
So two parents, one child and the family dog make a set of four, and you would order the four-figure product. Browse the Family & Group Bobbleheads collection for sets, or the Pet Bobbleheads & Figurines collection if the pet is the star.
Which size and head style work best for couples and families?
For couples, the 18cm Classic Style with a bobble head is a balanced middle choice, and for big families the main decision is simply head style.
With a couple bobblehead, two figures stand side by side, so a mid or large size helps both faces read clearly on a shelf. For three figures, the size step is bigger in price, so the 15cm Mini Style keeps the cost down while the 20cm Golden Ratio gives a showpiece. For sets of seven to ten, the product names note "Separate or Whole", so mention in your note how you would like the figures arranged, and email business@youclay.com if you have questions.
How long does it take, whichever option I pick?
Production takes 7–15 workdays for every size and head style, and then your order ships.
Normally the standard shipping time is 10-15 days, express shipping time is 5-7 days. The shipping time depends on the method you choose at checkout, and production and delivery slow down during holidays and other peak times. We ship to 40+ countries worldwide. If you are ordering for a date, add production and shipping together and leave a little extra room.
How do I order the right option?
Pick the product for the number of figures you need, choose the size and head style, upload a clear photo and add your notes.
- Count everyone in the figure, including pets, and open the matching product.
- Choose your size (if the product offers one) and stationary or bobble head.
- Upload one clear, front-view photo per person or pet.
- Write pose, outfit and accessory requests in the "Note" box.
- Check out, and email business@youclay.com if you have more photos to share.
Pose and photo changes are free within 48 hours of ordering, so if you have second thoughts about the details, tell us quickly. Ready to start? Explore our best-selling custom bobbleheads.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bobble head version more expensive?
Yes. On current prices the bobble head costs $10 to $70 more than the stationary head, depending on the product and size.
What sizes are available for a single custom bobblehead?
Single person bobbleheads come in 15cm (6 inch Mini Style), 18cm (7 inch Classic Style) and 20cm (8 inch Golden Ratio).
Can I choose a size for a family of five?
No. Sets of four to ten figures don't have a size option; you choose between a stationary head and a bobble head.
Does the head style change the production time?
No. Production takes 7–15 workdays for every option, then standard shipping normally takes 10-15 days and express 5-7 days.
What material are the figures made of?
They are hand-sculpted from high-quality, nontoxic polymer clay, then baked so they become tough and hold their shape and color for a very long time.