If you’ve recently seen a strange little creature hanging from a backpack, swinging off a purse strap, or tucked into the arms of a stylish stranger, you might’ve already met Labubu—without even knowing it. With big ears, a devilish grin, and a mix of creepy-cute energy, Labubu is more than just a toy. It’s a global obsession.
From subway sightings to TikTok unboxings, Labubu is everywhere. But what is it exactly, and why is everyone talking about it? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Labubu?
Labubu is a small collectible figure that comes in vinyl or plush form. These toys are usually sold in blind boxes, which means you don’t know which one you’re getting until you open it. That element of surprise is part of the fun—and the reason so many people are hooked.
Each Labubu is a little monster with a unique look: bunny-like ears, wide smile, and slightly odd features. They might seem a bit spooky at first, but they’re also cute and lovable. Some Labubus come in rare versions, called “secret editions,” which are hidden in the boxes and nearly impossible to find (only a 1 in 72 chance!).
The Origins of Labubu
Labubu wasn’t always a viral toy. The character was created by Kasing Lung, an artist born in Hong Kong and raised in the Netherlands. In 2015, Lung published a series of graphic novels called The Monsters Trilogy, which introduced readers to a world of strange and lovable creatures.
Labubu is one of the main characters from those books. Other characters include:
Zimomo – a tail-wagging creature similar to Labubu
Pippo – a fluffy, dog-like figure
Tycoco – a classy skeleton in a top hat
In 2019, Lung teamed up with Pop Mart, a Chinese designer toy company, to turn Labubu into a physical toy. The rest is history.
Why Is Labubu So Popular?
There are several reasons Labubu has taken off:
Surprise Factor: Each toy is hidden inside a blind box, making every purchase feel like a mystery gift.
Scarcity: Limited drops sell out fast. Some editions are so rare that collectors pay hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars for them.
Fashion Appeal: Labubu isn’t just a toy. Many people use them as keychains or bag charms. Celebrities like Lisa from Blackpink, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, and David Beckham have all been spotted with one.
Viral Buzz: TikTok and Instagram are packed with unboxing videos, collection reveals, and even fashion makeovers for these tiny monsters.
Labubu walks the line between toy, art, and fashion—and that’s exactly why people can’t get enough.
Who Collects Labubu?
Labubu appeals to people of all ages.
Kids love the silly, slightly weird look and enjoy collecting and trading them with friends.
Teens see them as trendy accessories.
Young adults enjoy the nostalgia of toys with the added thrill of collecting.
Collectors chase rare editions, hoping to score a valuable figure.
Even older fans are joining the fun. One Canal Street shopkeeper in New York said a grandmother in her 90s bought a dozen blind boxes!
Where Can You Buy Labubu?
If you’re trying to find a real Labubu, here are your best options:
Pop Mart Website
This is the official source. Labubus are often released in series and can sell out in seconds. You can choose to have your order shipped or pick it up at a local store.
Pro tip: Many collectors say that choosing store pickup can give you better odds of getting one.
Pop Mart Retail Stores and Roboshops
There are over 25 Pop Mart locations and more than 50 vending machines in the U.S., but not all of them carry Labubu due to the chaos they cause during drops.
TikTok Live Sales
Pop Mart sells directly through TikTok on verified accounts like:
@popmart.usshop
@popmartunboxing.us
@popmart.uslocalshop
TikTok Live has become one of the easiest ways to buy Labubu, especially during weekly Thursday drops.
Resellers
You can find Labubu on StockX, eBay, and Facebook groups. But be careful—some are fake.
How Much Does Labubu Cost?
Prices vary depending on the size and rarity:
Small Vinyl Figure: $15–$30
Plush Bag Charms: $20–$35
Large Collectibles (over 30 inches): $300–$960+
Rare Secret Editions: Up to $1,000 or more
For example, a secret Labubu from the Big Into Energy series recently sold for nearly $500 on StockX.
Some fans keep buying blind boxes just for the chance to find a rare one. Others prefer to buy a confirmed secret version from resellers to save time and money.
How to Spot a Real Labubu (vs. a Fake)
The rise in popularity has also led to a flood of fakes—often called “Lafufu” by fans.
Real Labubu Checklist:
Smooth, high-quality fur or vinyl
Glossy embedded eyes
Subtle airbrushed cheeks
Exactly 9 teeth
“Pop Mart” and “Kasing Lung” logos on the bottom of the right foot
Fake Labubu Red Flags:
Misspelled logos (e.g., “Pob Mart” or “Por Mart”)
Crooked or missing eyes
Sloppy stitching or paint
Strange proportions
Surprisingly, some people now collect fakes just for fun. The weird and wonky look of Lafufus has become its own subculture within the community.
Dressing Up Labubu
A fun part of owning a Labubu is dressing it up. Collectors often buy tiny outfits for their figures, including:
Bootleg Prada jackets
Miniature Louis Vuitton bags
Matching ALO Yoga sets
You can find these clothes on Etsy, Amazon, or even at craft fairs. Some fans hand-make their own outfits, giving their Labubu even more personality.
Labubu on Social Media
Labubu’s fame wouldn’t be what it is without social media:
TikTok: Full of unboxings, outfit reveals, and rare finds.
Instagram: Aesthetic collections and fan-made art.
Facebook Groups & Discords: Places to trade, buy, or just gush over your favorite monster.
The online buzz helps fuel the hype—and makes every drop feel like an event.
Is Labubu Worth Collecting?
Here’s the honest answer: It depends on what you enjoy.
Pros:
Exciting to collect
Cute and weird in the best way
Great for display or gifting
Can increase in value
Cons:
Hard to find during drops
Expensive if you’re chasing rares
Lots of fakes in the market
If you’re into fun surprises, small collectibles, or toys with fashion vibes, Labubu might be your perfect match.
Final Thoughts on Labubu
Labubu is more than just a toy—it’s a creative, strange, and lovable creature that has captured the hearts of fans around the world. Whether you’re hunting for a secret edition or just hoping to score one blind box, the joy of Labubu is in the mystery and magic.
And even if you end up with a fake? That might be part of the fun, too.