The blind box sales mechanism has catalyzed the widespread adoption of POP toys, transitioning from niche subcultures to mass consumer markets. However, challenges such as diminishing novelty and consumer satisfaction have emerged, posing obstacles to cultivating brand word-of-mouth. In creative industry, the competitive edge of POP toys relies heavily on innovative product design and sales strategies. This study investigates two primary facets: (1) The impact of production methods—AI-generated (AIGC) versus designer-original—based on the “Cuteness” design principle on consumer purchase intentions. (2) Variations in consumer purchase intentions, satisfaction, and word-of-mouth across different sales mechanisms (self-selection, blind box, face recognition). A controlled experimental platform aligned with three distinct sales mechanisms were designed. The face recognition mechanism was assigned as the experimental group, while the other two mechanisms served as control groups, with each group comprising 100 participants. Findings indicate that emphasizing Cuteness in POP toy design significantly enhances consumer positive attitude when utilizing AIGC. Conversely, blind box sales demonstrate lower purchase intentions, satisfaction levels, and word-of-mouth, highlighting inherent drawbacks. Face recognition mechanisms foster emotional connections between consumers and brands, thereby enhancing brand Word-of-Mouth (WOM). This study advocates for a personalized sales approach that maintains a balance between predictability and surprise, supporting the POP toys industry’s shift towards user-centric strategies over traditional traffic-driven approaches.