Picture yourself strolling through a busy mall, catching sight of a fuzzy, elf-like creature with a cheeky grin clipped to someone’s bag. If you’re wondering what this quirky toy is, you’ve just met Labubu, the collectible sensation sweeping the globe. Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and sold by Pop Mart, these plush and vinyl figures have sparked a frenzy, from TikTok unboxings to sold-out store drops. Let’s unpack why this toy has everyone, from K-pop stars to everyday fans, obsessed.
Key Takeaways
- Labubu, part of Pop Mart’s “The Monsters” series, is a Nordic-inspired collectible toy with over 300 variants, generating $423 million in 2024 sales.
- Celebrities like Blackpink’s Lisa and Rihanna, plus TikTok’s viral videos, fueled its 2024-2025 popularity boom.
- Collectors face limited stock, high resale prices (up to $1,800), and fakes, but thrive in communities like Reddit’s r/labubu.
- This guide covers the toy’s origins, cultural impact, buying tips, and collector psychology to help you join the craze.
- Learn to spot counterfeits, find authentic figures, and connect with fans to build your collection.
What Are These Quirky Collectibles?
Imagine a tiny creature with pointy ears, nine sharp teeth, and a mischievous smirk. That’s the essence of Labubu, a character from Kasing Lung’s “The Monsters” series, born from a 2015 picture book inspired by Nordic folklore. Pop Mart transformed these elves into plush keychains and vinyl figures in 2019, and by 2023, they became a global must-have.
The Story Behind the Toy
Kasing Lung, raised in the Netherlands, drew from European elf tales to create Labubu and friends like Zimomo. These characters are playful troublemakers with hearts of gold, brought to life through Pop Mart’s blind box model, where you don’t know which figure you’ll get. With over 300 variants, from 3-inch minis to 31-inch giants, there’s a charm for every collector.
Why It Stands Out
Unlike cuddly Squishmallows or sleek Funko Pops, this toy’s “ugly-cute” kawaii vibe—think Gremlin meets pastel plush—captures hearts. Its unique look resonates with fans craving something different. For instance, when Blackpink’s Lisa flaunted a Labubu keychain on her Louis Vuitton bag, it triggered a website-crashing demand spike.
The Hype: Why Everyone’s Talking About It
If you’ve seen crowds outside Pop Mart stores or TikTok flooded with unboxing clips, you’ve witnessed the craze. In 2024, searches for this toy hit 2.1 million in June 2025, with 1.3 million TikTok videos tagged with its name. Here’s what’s driving the buzz.
Celebrities and Social Media Magic
Stars like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Lisa have turned these toys into fashion statements, boosting sales by 726% in 2024. In Thailand, a life-sized mascot toured Bangkok, drawing fans and tourists. A single unboxing video by influencer Lana Rae racked up 1.2 million views, showing how social media fuels the frenzy.
The Blind Box Thrill
The blind box model, where you might get a common figure or a rare “secret” one (1 in 72 odds), keeps collectors hooked. Limited releases, like the 79cm mega figure at $960, sell out fast, with rare editions hitting $1,800 on resale sites. A 1.2-meter Labubu even fetched $150,000 at a 2025 Beijing auction.
Cultural and Economic Impact
This isn’t just a toy—it’s a symbol of China’s pop culture rise and a collector’s goldmine. Pop Mart’s $1.8 billion revenue in 2024, with $423 million from this line alone, proves its economic power.
A New Kind of Soft Power
While Hello Kitty defined Japan’s kawaii culture, these toys are China’s global export, blending quirky design with universal appeal. Chinese media call it a cultural benchmark. Fans in Singapore mobbed a toy convention for a Merlion figure, while Thai cafés showcase themed displays.
A Booming Market
Pop Mart’s $43.28 billion market cap overshadows Mattel and Hasbro, driven by this toy’s success. Resale platforms like StockX report over 8,000 sales since the latest drop, with secret editions like the Big Into Energy gray figure fetching $500. Collectors like Ana Gonzales spend hundreds chasing rare variants.
How to Buy Authentic Figures
With stock vanishing in minutes and fakes flooding the market, snagging a real Labubu feels like a quest. Here’s how to do it right.
Where to Find the Real Deal
Buy from Pop Mart’s official stores, website, or trusted retailers like Amazon. Prices range from $15 for small vinyls to $960 for mega editions. Look for nine teeth, a Pop Mart logo on the feet, and holographic packaging to ensure authenticity.
Navigating Resale Markets
Rare figures sell for $100-$1,800 on eBay or StockX, but beware of scams. Check seller ratings and use buyer protection. In 2024, Chinese customs seized 70,000 counterfeit toys, highlighting the fake problem. Collector Sim Pei Yi built her collection through trusted resellers.
Tips to Spot Fakes
Avoid “Lafufu” knockoffs with these checks:
- Teeth count: Genuine figures have nine teeth.
- Logo check: Look for the Pop Mart stamp on the feet.
- Stitching quality: Real plushies have even stitches.
- Packaging clues: Authentic boxes have holograms and barcodes.
- Skip shady sites: Avoid “Labubu Limited” or similar scam websites.
Understanding the Collector Craze
Why do adults go wild for a fuzzy elf? It’s about nostalgia, community, and a touch of obsession.
The Psychology of Collecting
These toys spark joy like opening a Pokémon pack, with blind boxes delivering a dopamine rush. Collectors like Gina Alva call it a “tiny escape” for $20. Psychologists liken it to Beanie Babies, where scarcity fuels passion.
Inside the Fan Community
Reddit’s r/labubu, with 145,000 members, buzzes with trading tips and unboxing stories. Fans host fashion shows and craft custom outfits. In Thailand, a Labubu-themed café draws crowds, while collectors like Harry Lambert style their figures with mini Prada gear.
Challenges and Controversies
The hype comes with hurdles, from sold-out drops to ethical debates.
Supply and Demand Woes
Figures sell out in seconds, with fans like Korin Reese arriving at 4:45 a.m. only to find overnight campers. Pop Mart paused UK sales in May 2025 after fights. Sign up for email alerts to catch restocks.
Ethical Questions
Blind boxes raise concerns about addiction, likened to gambling. Environmentalists question mass production’s sustainability. Russia’s proposed ban, citing the toys’ “scary” look, sparked debate, though they’re designed for ages 15+.
What’s Next for the Craze
The hype keeps growing with fresh releases and fan creations.
New Releases and Collaborations
Recent drops like Big Into Energy and a One Piece collab keep fans buzzing. A 2025 anime is planned, and building block sets launched in May 2025. Follow Pop Mart’s Instagram for drop dates.
Fan Creations
Collectors get creative:
- DIY outfits: Sew mini clothes or buy custom gear on Etsy.
- Fan art: Join TikTok challenges with sketches.
- Themed displays: Thai fans showcase dolls in café setups.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Collectibles
How does this toy compare to others?
Comparing to Squishmallows and Funko Pops
Its blind box thrill and celebrity endorsements outshine Squishmallows’ cuddly appeal or Funko Pops’ mass production. Beanie Babies had similar hype, but Labubu’s resale value (up to 600% markup) beats Funko’s 200-300%.
Why Collectors Choose It
Scarcity and fashion collabs, like PRONOUNCE at Milan Fashion Week, make it a status symbol. It’s not just a toy—it’s a lifestyle, clipped to Birkins or styled with custom outfits.
Tips for New Collectors
Ready to join the fun? Here’s how to start.
Getting Started
- Explore series: Check Pop Mart’s site for collections like Exciting Macaron.
- Set a budget: Stick to $15-$30 figures to avoid overspending.
- Join communities: Reddit’s r/labubu offers tips and trades.
- Start small: Try one blind box to feel the thrill.
- Track drops: Follow Pop Mart’s social media for alerts.
Building Your Collection
Trade duplicates on Reddit or attend fan events for deals. Use StockX to monitor prices, but don’t overpay. Collector Grace Lee says trading with friends built her 12-piece collection and sparked friendships.
Your Next Steps as a Fan
This toy is a way to express yourself, connect with others, and chase joy. Start by browsing Pop Mart’s official store for authentic figures, join r/labubu to swap tips, and check for nine teeth to avoid fakes. Ready to jump in? Follow Pop Mart’s latest drops or connect with collectors on TikTok to find your place in this global craze!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Labubu so famous?
Labubu’s fame comes from its quirky, ugly-cute design, celebrity endorsements like Blackpink’s Lisa, and TikTok unboxing videos. The blind box thrill and limited releases drive hype, making it a global status symbol for collectors.
Is Labubu a Korean brand?
No, Labubu isn’t Korean. It’s created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and sold by Chinese company Pop Mart. Its popularity in Korea spiked due to K-pop stars like Lisa boosting its visibility.
What is Labubu used for?
Labubu is a collectible plush or vinyl toy, often used as a bag charm or display piece. Fans clip them to bags, style them with outfits, or trade them to complete collections.
Why are Labubu so expensive?
Labubu’s high cost stems from limited-edition releases, high demand, and resale markups (up to $1,800). Rare “secret” figures and celebrity-driven hype increase prices, especially on platforms like StockX and eBay.
Is Labubu haram in Islam?
Labubu isn’t inherently haram, as it’s a toy without religious significance. However, some debate its “scary” look. Consult a trusted scholar if concerned about cultural or religious compatibility.
Is Labubu real or fake?
To verify a real Labubu, check for nine teeth, a Pop Mart logo on the foot, and a QR code on the packaging. Buy from Pop Mart’s official store or Amazon to avoid fakes.
