Picture yourself at a bustling mall, spotting a group of friends with tiny, colorful creatures dangling from their bags. Their excited chatter pulls you in, and soon you’re asking, “What are those?” Welcome to the world of Labubu Energy, the quirky vinyl plush pendants from Pop Mart’s “The Monsters” series that have Gen Z and celebrities like Lisa from Blackpink totally obsessed. So, what’s the deal with these fuzzy, tie-dye critters, and how do you join the fun without getting burned by sell-outs or fakes? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Labubu Energy, from its charm to insider tips for collecting like a pro.
What You’ll Get Out of This Guide
- Discover what Labubu Energy is and why it’s the hottest collectible of 2025.
- Learn how to dodge fakes, score rare figures, and navigate sky-high reseller prices.
- Uncover why Gen Z can’t stop talking about these “ugly-cute” creatures.
- Get practical hacks to build your collection without draining your wallet.
- Understand the cultural buzz and controversies behind this global phenomenon.
Meet Labubu Energy: The Quirky Craze Everyone’s Talking About
Imagine unboxing a tiny, grinning creature with spiky ears and a rainbow tie-dye outfit that somehow feels like it gets you. That’s the magic of Labubu Energy, a collection of seven vinyl plush pendants from Pop Mart’s “The Monsters” series, designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. Launched on April 24, 2025, the “Big Into Energy” series features six regular figures—Love, Happiness, Loyalty, Serenity, Hope, and Luck—plus a super-rare secret figure. Each one’s got a unique vibe, like a little buddy cheering you on.
Why are people losing it over these? It’s not just the adorable designs. Labubu Energy taps into something deeper, with each figure representing an emotion that hits home. Picture a tough day when you spot your Hope figure dangling from your keychain, reminding you to keep going. Plus, Pop Mart’s blind box gimmick—where you don’t know what you’ll get until you rip open the box—makes every purchase a mini adventure. But with figures selling out in seconds and resellers charging wild prices, jumping in can feel like a rollercoaster. Let’s break it down so you can ride it with confidence.
What Makes Labubu Energy So Special?
The Labubu Energy series isn’t just another toy line—it’s a whole mood. Here’s why these little guys stand out:
- Bold, Unique Looks: Each figure rocks a tie-dye pattern with vibrant colors, from Love’s heart-shaped tail to Serenity’s dreamy pastels. The 3D textures, like fluffy ears or spiky tails, make them pop.
- Emotional Connection: Every character embodies a feeling, turning them into more than just collectibles. Fans say picking a figure like Loyalty feels like celebrating a best friend.
- Blind Box Thrill: For $15-$25, you get a sealed box with a random figure. The odds of snagging the secret figure? A slim 1/144. But that’s what makes it fun.
Pop Mart’s nailed the art of making you feel something. In 2024, they pulled in $1.8 billion, with Labubu driving $400 million of that—a 726% jump from the year before. It’s no wonder fans are trading figures, posting unboxing videos on TikTok, and building communities around their love for these quirky creatures.
Why Gen Z Is All In
Ever wonder why your TikTok feed is flooded with Labubu unboxings? Gen Z loves Labubu Energy because it’s the opposite of perfect. Those wonky grins and mismatched eyes scream authenticity in a world obsessed with filters. “My Happiness Labubu is like my hype man for bad days,” one Redditor shared. Add in celebrity endorsements from Lisa (Blackpink), Rihanna, and Dua Lipa, and you’ve got a cultural juggernaut. It’s not just a toy—it’s a slice of Chinese pop culture taking over the globe.
Tackling the Collector’s Struggle: Your Survival Guide
Collecting Labubu Energy is a blast, but it’s not all smooth sailing. From sold-out drops to fake figures, here’s how to handle the biggest headaches.
Dodging the Sell-Out Blues
You’re ready to buy, but Labubu Energy drops vanish in seconds on Pop Mart’s site or TikTok lives. One fan vented, “I clicked at 10:00:01 AM, and the site crashed. Poof—gone!”
How to Win:
- Stay Alert: Follow Pop Mart on Instagram and TikTok, and turn on notifications for drop alerts. Restocks usually hit weekly at 10 AM PST.
- Join the Crew: Reddit’s r/PopMart and Discord groups share real-time tips, sometimes even leaked restock schedules.
- Go Old-School: Pop Mart has over 400 stores in 30+ countries. Use their store locator to check local stock—sometimes physical shops have better odds.
Outsmarting Crazy Reseller Prices
Missed a drop? Resellers on StockX or eBay might charge $200-$1,000 for a single figure. A 1.2m mint-green Labubu even sold for $170,000 at a Beijing auction in June 2025. Yikes!
How to Save:
- Shop Smart: Compare prices on StockX (great for verified items), eBay (riskier but cheaper), or Kicks Crew (pricier but celeb-backed).
- Trade Like a Pro: Swap duplicates in Reddit or Facebook groups. One collector traded two Luck figures for a rare Serenity—win-win!
- Wait It Out: Pop Mart restocks every 1-2 months. Holding off can save you big bucks.
Spotting Fakes Before They Fool You
Counterfeits, or “Lafufus,” are everywhere, with 70,000 fakes seized by Chinese customs in 2025. Fans complain about flimsy materials and broken parts in knockoffs.
How to Stay Safe:
- Stick to Trusted Sellers: Buy from Pop Mart, Amazon’s verified sellers, or StockX for guaranteed authenticity.
- Check the Box: Look for a holographic seal and a QR code that scans on Pop Mart’s verification site. Fakes often have blurry logos or no code.
- Feel the Quality: Real Labubu Energy figures have vibrant colors, tight stitching, and a solid base. If it feels cheap, it’s probably fake.
Making Peace with Blind Box Luck
Blind boxes are a gamble—you might get Love or end up with three Loyaltys. The secret figure’s 1/144 odds can feel like chasing a unicorn.
How to Play Smart:
- Buy a Case: A six-box case ($90-$150) guarantees all regular figures, cutting down on duplicates. The secret figure still depends on luck.
- Trade It Out: Swap extras on Labubu World’s forum or Reddit. One fan scored Hope by trading two Happiness figures.
- Read Reviews: Check Amazon or Reddit for batch reviews. Some sellers’ boxes seem to have better odds for rare figures.
Is It Worth the Cash?
With figures at $15-$100 and reseller markups hitting $1,000, some wonder if Labubu Energy is worth it. The blind box model can tempt you to overspend.
How to Keep It Real:
- Set Limits: Decide on a budget, like $50 a month, and stick to it. Skip impulse buys during chaotic drops.
- Pick What Speaks to You: Choose figures that vibe with you, like Serenity for calm vibes. It makes collecting feel personal.
- Think Resale: Rare figures hold value—one collector sold a secret figure for $800, covering their whole collection.
Your Foolproof Guide to Spotting Fake Labubu Energy Figures
Nobody wants to spend $50 on a fake Labubu Energy figure that falls apart. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the real deal:
Choose Trusted Sellers: Pop Mart’s site, Amazon’s verified sellers, or StockX are your safest bets. Steer clear of sketchy eBay deals.
Inspect the Packaging: Authentic boxes have a shiny holographic seal and a QR code that links to Pop Mart’s verification page. Fakes often skip these or have blurry prints.
Check the Figure: Look for vibrant tie-dye colors, crisp stitching, and a weighted base. Knockoffs tend to have dull colors or loose threads.
Feel the Weight: Real Labubus feel sturdy. If it’s too light, it’s likely a fake.
Ask for Proof: Resellers should provide a receipt or authenticity card. StockX’s verification tags are a good sign.
Still unsure? Snap a photo and post it in a Reddit group like r/PopMart. Collectors will spot fakes faster than you can say “Lafufu.”
The Bigger Picture: Why Labubu Energy Hits Different
Labubu Energy isn’t just about collecting—it’s a cultural moment. Pop Mart’s $1.8 billion haul in 2024 shows how Chinese brands are shaping global trends. These figures tap into Gen Z’s need for connection, especially after tough times. “My Love Labubu sits on my desk, reminding me to stay soft,” one fan shared.
But there’s drama, too. Russia and Iraq banned Labubu for its “scary” look, and some online conspiracies link it to supernatural figures like Pazuzu. Spoiler: it’s just Nordic folklore, not demons. Critics also call out blind boxes for pushing overconsumption, with fans dropping thousands chasing rares. My advice? Collect what sparks joy, trade duplicates, and skip the frenzy.
Pro Tips to Build Your Labubu Energy Collection
Want to collect Labubu Energy like a boss? Here’s how to level up:
- Time It Right: Drops hit at 10 AM PST on Pop Mart’s site. Use multiple devices to dodge crashes.
- Jump on TikTok Lives: Pop Mart’s live sales offer exclusive batches. Comment fast to grab a spot.
- Connect with Fans: Reddit’s r/PopMart and Labubu World forums share restock tips and trades.
- Shop Globally: Prices vary—US stores charge $15-$25, but Asia might be cheaper (watch shipping costs).
- Buy Used Smartly: eBay’s authenticated used figures can save 20-50%. Always check for authenticity.
How Labubu Energy Stacks Up Against Other Collectibles
Curious how Labubu Energy compares to Funko Pops or Squishmallows? Here’s the scoop:
- Style: Labubu’s tie-dye and 3D textures beat Funko’s plain vinyl and rival Squishmallows’ cozy vibe.
- Price: Labubu ($15-$100) is pricier than Funko Pops ($10-$30) but often cheaper than rare Squishmallows ($50-$200).
- Hype Factor: Blind boxes and secret figures give Labubu more thrill than Funko’s predictable drops, matching Squishmallows’ limited-edition buzz.
- Community: Labubu’s trading scene is livelier than Funko’s but similar to Squishmallows’ fan swaps.
If you love unique designs and a bit of a gamble, Labubu Energy is your jam. On a budget? Funko Pops might be easier to start with.
Your Next Move: Jump Into Labubu Energy with Confidence
Ready to join the Labubu Energy craze? Start with one figure that feels like you—maybe Happiness for a daily pick-me-up. Follow Pop Mart for restock alerts, set a budget, and connect with collectors on Reddit to stay in the know. Most of all, have fun embracing your inner quirk. Got a favorite Labubu or a collecting hack? Share it in the comments—let’s keep the vibe going!
