The Olympics often showcase delightful moments, and the charming viral dumplings from Poland are a standout example.
While the Polish team boasts talented athletes in speed skating, snowboarding, skiing, and figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, it’s the Pierogi stuffed animals that are capturing hearts globally.
These adorable stuffed Pierogi, called Pierogaski—essentially “little pierogi”—have been a hit especially among Polish athletes.
Popular mascots have even made their way into NBC’s official Olympic and Paralympic programming, with one tweet saying, “Team Poland has a stuffed pierogi toy that they carry with them to #WinterOlympic events…and we thought you should know about it.”
The stuffed companion was first spotted in the hands of Polish ice skater Magdalena Tascher, who waved it to encourage her teammates during their performance. Though the team finished in 10th place, this marked Poland’s debut in the Olympic team skating competition.
A post from Explore Poland noted, “This cute little guy has turned into a symbol of national pride, representing one of Poland’s favorite traditional foods on an international stage. It’s a heartwarming blend of culture and the Olympic spirit.”
Interestingly, this stuffed animal isn’t just your ordinary plush; it’s from a workshop called Luft, where these Pierogi toys are crafted. They took to Instagram to express gratitude for the little guy’s journey.
“You can’t imagine how touched and appreciative we are to see how Dumpling traveled to the Olympics and won hearts far and wide,” Luft said in a caption.
Luft also runs craft workshops for individuals with disabilities, adding another layer of community spirit to their efforts.
They mentioned that production is currently paused due to health issues but will resume soon to meet demand.
Meanwhile, interest in these cute Pierogi is growing, with many wanting to buy them from around the world. Comments on social media reflect this enthusiasm, with people saying things like, “I’m in America and would love to support you by purchasing!”
As of now, Gaski, one of the stuffed variations, was sold out on Luft’s website, but alternative options are available, so fans can still join in on the fun.
Another site, Olympicpirogi plushie.com, is selling Pierogi stuffed animals for $16.99, also in bundling options. Additionally, Walmart has a version available for $22.99.
Lastly, the Polish ice skating team is brainstorming names for their Pierogi stuffed animals and is even seeking suggestions from fans on Instagram. It’s quite the whimsical way to merge sports and culture.
