I didn’t expect to become obsessed with a tiny gremlin-looking toy, but here we are. Labubu is a quirky character from The Monsters series, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and brought to life by the Chinese toy brand POP MART. The first time I saw one, I thought—what even is that? Big ears, wide eyes, a ridiculous grin with nine teeth. But there’s something about it. It’s mischievous, strange, and strangely…endearing.
Each figure has Labubu dressed in a different theme—pirate, mushroom, vampire, robot. They somehow all still feel like the same oddball creature with a big personality. That’s the charm. It’s like having a new version of the same friend show up in a costume, but you still know it’s them under all the glitter or armor or fur. If you’ve ever Googled what is Labubu, that’s the simplest way I can explain it.
Lately, it feels like you can’t scroll through social media without bumping into the Labubu trend. It started as a niche interest in collector circles, but now? It’s everywhere—Instagram reels, TikToks, YouTube hauls. The Labubu toy craze is real, and I say that as someone who used to roll their eyes at collectible hype. Now I’m in it, deep.
Why Everyone Wants One
Here’s where I got hooked: you don’t get to pick. These toys come in blind boxes, so you open it without knowing what’s inside. I got my first one late one night on impulse, and the thrill of it was way more fun than I expected. That little surprise factor, plus the chance of scoring a rare “chaser” figure? It messes with your brain in the best way.
Also, the designs are just…beautiful. The tiny details, the paintwork, the expressions—it doesn’t feel like mass-produced plastic. It feels thoughtful. And then, of course, celebrities jumped in. I saw Lisa from BLACKPINK post one, then Rihanna had it clipped to her bag. I told myself I wasn’t falling for the trend. But yeah—I did.
Even weirder, I’ve started associating certain Labubu with certain moods. My vampire Labubu? That one shows up when I’m on my third coffee of the day. The sleepy ghost? That’s weekend energy. I’ve even caught myself talking to them. Not like full-on conversations (yet), but just little side comments. “Don’t judge me.”
Where to Buy
I’ve bought a few directly from POP MART’s website, and once from a roboshop—which is a vending machine, but for toys (yes, that’s a thing, and yes, I stood there way too long deciding). You can also find them on Amazon, Shopee, or even at some boutique toy stores if you’re lucky. If you're wondering where to buy Labubu, these are the top spots.
But honestly? They go fast. I’ve had a tab open for days just to wait for a restock. If there’s a specific one you want, you’re probably heading to the resale market—eBay, collector Discords, Facebook groups.
SHOP THE PRODUCT
And just a heads up: watch for fakes. Some are weirdly convincing, and I’ve almost been duped once or twice. I now check every listing like I’m reviewing a crime scene.
Oh, and here’s something I learned the hard way: if it’s too cheap, it’s probably fake. One time I saw a listing for a rare chaser that was less than $40. I wanted to believe. I really did. But when it arrived? Yeah… that thing looked like it had been through a washing machine and lost a fight with a marker. Lesson learned.
Also, if you’re traveling, don’t underestimate airport POP MART machines. I saw one in Singapore and had a full-on internal debate about spending my last bit of currency on a Labubu. Spoiler: I did. No regrets.
Collector Culture
I thought I’d stop after my second Labubu. Then I joined a Facebook group just to “browse.” Fast forward a month and I’ve got a mini lineup on my bookshelf and a wish list in my notes app. The Labubu collectible scene is surprisingly warm. People cheer when someone unboxes a chaser, trade their extras, and share photos of Labubu hanging from their car mirrors, sitting in plants, or hiding in coffee mugs.
One collector told me she only keeps the “weird sad ones” because she feels like they match her mood. Honestly? Relatable. I have one that looks like it’s silently judging me and I kinda love it for that.
And the unboxing videos? They’ve become part of my nighttime routine. I watch someone open a blind box, and I hold my breath like it’s my box. Sometimes I’ll rewatch just to see their reaction when they hit a rare one. It’s like watching someone win a scratch card, but cuter.
Also, I recently learned that some collectors keep a tiny notebook—like a Labubu journal—to document their pulls, trades, and display ideas. I started one, and now it’s got doodles, polaroids, and a growing list of “ones that got away.” It’s a whole vibe.
Tips for New Collectors
- A standard blind box usually costs around $10–$15.
- Rare chasers can cost over $100 on resale platforms. Yes, it’s wild.
- You’ll probably get a duplicate. I named mine and gave it a job (shelf supervisor).
- Trade with folks you trust. Some fakes are good enough to fool even a decent eye.
- Don’t pressure yourself to collect the whole set—just get what makes you smile.
Also, be ready for the spiral. First it’s one. Then two. Then suddenly you’re planning display lighting like it’s an art exhibit.
One more tip: document your pulls. I didn’t at first, and now I’m confused about which Labubu I have and which I still want. It helps, especially if you start trading or get pulled into the drama of trying to complete a series. Yes, drama. I once swapped three dolls and still didn’t get the one I was looking for.
Bonus idea? If you end up with a bunch, give them roles. I have a tiny Labubu family now—one’s the tired dad, one’s the moody teen, one’s me when I’m too caffeinated. It’s absurd and I love it.
