If you’ve been on TikTok or browsing collectibles lately, you might be wondering what is Labubu and why everyone seems obsessed with this quirky little creature. Labubu is an elf-like monster toy – think of a fluffy, big-eared critter with a mischievous grin – that has taken the world by storm. Produced by the Chinese art toy company Pop Mart, Labubu comes as plush charms and vinyl figures sold in limited-edition blind boxes, and new batches often sell out within seconds of release. It’s the kind of weird-but-cute collectible that makes people of all ages go “Aww… what is that? I want one!”
Contents
The Origins of Labubu and “The Monsters” Tribe
Labubu sprang from the imagination of Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung, who in 2015 introduced her as part of a storybook cast called “The Monsters.” Inspired by Nordic fairy-tale vibes, these characters are a little spooky yet entirely endearing. Labubu stands out with her pointy, rabbit-like ears and a wide smile full of nine sharp teeth—though her heart is as soft as her fur. In the original tales, Labubu is kind-hearted and always trying to help, even when things don’t go quite as planned.
Alongside Labubu are friends like Zimomo, Pippo, Spooky, Pato, Yaya, and Tycoco—each with their own look and lovable quirks. When Pop Mart spotted Labubu’s potential, they partnered with Kasing Lung in 2019 to bring her into the physical world as blind-box collectibles. That decision transformed Labubu from a niche art-book star into a global phenomenon.
Why Is Labubu So Popular?
What turned Labubu from a fun drawing into a full-blown craze? A few factors:
Ugly-cute charm
Labubu’s mix of creepy and cute is utterly irresistible. She’s got that goofy grin and serrated teeth—but also a fluffy, huggable body and round, curious eyes. That “so ugly it’s cute” vibe draws collectors in and keeps them hooked.Blind-box excitement
Every Labubu toy comes sealed in a blind box, so you never know which design you’ll get until you open it. Each series has a handful of themed figures plus one rare “secret” variant, making each unboxing feel like a mini lottery.Celebrity buzz
The moment Labubu popped up dangling from BLACKPINK’s Lisa’s handbag, the toy went viral overnight. Soon other stars were spotted with Labubu charms, cementing her status as both a toy and a fashion statement.Thriving community
From TikTok unboxings to Discord trading channels, Labubu collectors share their finds and swaps online. Some even design tiny outfits for their figures, turning collecting into a creative hobby.Nostalgic comfort
Though marketed for ages 15+, Labubu appeals to anyone looking for a small, joyful pick-me-up. As adults navigate stress, a $20–$30 Labubu blind box offers a moment of surprise and delight.
When Pop Mart drops a new Labubu series, fans rush to buy them in-store and online. Restocks often sell out in minutes, and secondary-market prices can skyrocket, especially for the secret variants.
The Labubu Collecting Experience
Pop Mart typically releases Labubu in themed series—like dessert-inspired colors or fun poses—each with one ultra-rare secret figure. Retail price for a blind box usually sits around $20–$30. Collectors amplify their chances by signing up for restock alerts, opting for in-store pickups (which draw from separate stock), or even tuning into live-stream sales. Missed the drop? Resale sites like eBay and StockX are flooded with Labubu listings, where rare pieces can sell for hundreds of dollars.
Of course, high demand breeds fakes. Knock-off Labubus (affectionately called “Lafufus”) can be spotted by poorer fur quality, wonky teeth, or misspelled labels. For the genuine article, stick to Pop Mart’s official channels or trusted resellers.
Labubu’s Global Impact and Fun Facts
Labubu’s reach has extended far beyond toy shelves:
Celebrity mascot
After going viral with Lisa, Pop Mart opened concept stores outside China, with Bangkok now famed for carrying the world’s largest Labubu stock.All-ages appeal
Kids trade Labubus in schoolyards, while 20- and 30-somethings proudly display theirs on work desks. Even grandparents have joined the collectible hunt.Local legends
In Thailand, some fans began treating Labubu as a good-luck charm—crafting amulets and tattoos in her likeness.Record auctions
A limited-edition giant Labubu sculpture fetched over $170,000 at auction, proving that serious collectors view these toys as art investments.
At her heart, Labubu reminds us to smile through life’s little misadventures. Whether she’s dangling from a handbag or perched on your bookshelf, Labubu’s toothy grin offers a friendly reminder that joy can be found in the most unexpected places.
