Why Is Labubu Popular? Inside the Toy Trend That’s Blowing Up Online

There's a certain charm in collectibles that sparks people's curiosity, but some take it to a whole different level. That's where Labubu comes in. The moment this tiny creature shows up on your feed or shelf, something about it hits different in a way you can't ignore. No matter if you're casually browsing or already knee-deep in the craze, this wave is hard to miss.

In this guide, we'll explore why is Labubu popular, how much it costs, and where you can get your favorite one.

Part 1. What Is Labubu?

Labubu is one of the signature characters from The Monsters collection by Kasing Lung. This character has a snaggle-toothed grin, long ears, and wild fur, giving off a playful, slightly mischievous look. Labubu is not just a one-off doll either. It appears in several different styles, poses, and themes. Some wear pirate outfits, some glow in the dark, and a few come with mini props that match the story they belong to.

The character comes through Pop Mart, a brand known for designer toys and blind box series that carry a bit of mystery. You don't know which version of Labubu you'll get until you open it, and that moment creates a lot of excitement. This whole blind box setup turns the collecting part into a mini game of chance.

There is also something about the expressions on these dolls. They don't follow the typical cute route. Instead of a sweet, smiling face, Labubu has wide eyes and a grin that looks like it's up to something. That appeals to people who usually skip the overly polished or cartoon-style characters. The little imperfections in the face, the scruffy texture, and even the way it stands all add to its character.

Part 2. How the Labubu Craze Started

The frenzy first kicked off after Lisa from the K-pop group Blackpink was spotted with a Labubu keychain on her bag.

The obsession has only grown since then. People are turning into Labubu collectors, and like you just saw, some are down to spend hundreds of dollars on these monsters. There are limited edition ones, vintage ones, and Labubu blind boxes, and those are actually a critical part of the strategy.

Labubus has benefited from many of the same marketing tactics that made Stanley Cups go viral last year. Think of the limited edition drops you saw with Stanley Cups, or the same pattern you've seen with brands that were revived, like Crocs. That exact model now applies to Labubu. Why? Because it builds a sense of scarcity. You get the urge to go out and buy more, or feel like you're missing out.

If you haven't already, watch my video on how FOMO culture keeps you poor, to get deeper into that whole topic. The same thing applies to blind boxes. Not knowing what's inside builds a different kind of excitement. There's a psychological concept called "variable reward systems," and it means you get attached to things that give you unpredictable rewards. When you don't know if your blind box has that special Labubu inside, it creates a rush of anticipation.

And then, once you open the box, you either feel let down, which only adds more desire, or you get that jolt of pleasure from finding the one you wanted. That moment pushes people to buy more and more blind boxes, all so they don't miss out on the one version they've been chasing.

Now, you'll dive more into the psychology of collectibles later, but it's important to realize that the Labubu obsession isn't based on anything new. It's just effective. Recently, it was reported that London's fashion retail scene had certain Labubus reselling for $1,000. This surge has pushed Pop Mart to beat its profit targets, raking in $427 million in 2024, all from selling monster dolls.

It might sound wild, but when you look at how many Labubus people are buying, entire armies of them, it starts to add up. And sure, people can spend their money however they want. But it still feels kind of strange to throw so much cash at something that might be out of fashion by next year. Then what? It turns into clutter. It turns into trash. There's no real utility to Labubu beyond being Labubu.

Part 3. Why Is Labubu Popular and Make People Obsessed?

The love for Labubu isn't just about the toy itself. There's a mix of design choices, cultural timing, and collector habits that pull people toward it. Then, it becomes a cycle of search, comparison, and collection.

1. The Character Has a Raw and Honest Expression

Labubu doesn't follow the usual patterns that most collectible figures rely on. Its face doesn't carry the same polished look or friendly smile that brands usually aim for. Instead, it has wide eyes, a snaggle-toothed grin, and an uneven structure that seems like it came straight out of a strange sketchbook.

That odd look isn't random. It brings out something more raw, something that hits people who don't care about perfect lines or traditional cuteness. There's no glossed-over emotion. What you get is a creature with its own weird identity, and that directness is what people connect with. It doesn't try to be anything other than what it is. That honesty in the design makes it easy for people to remember, even after seeing it just once.

2. Blind Boxes Create a Chase That Never Ends

The moment you buy a Labubu blind box, you step into a cycle that doesn't settle easily. You never know which version will show up inside, and that randomness builds real anticipation. If someone's aiming for a specific version, they usually don't stop at one.

People start to swap, check online groups, and even buy duplicates just to narrow in on that one rare piece. This adds excitement that goes beyond the product itself. Each unopened box feels more like a chance to complete a puzzle than a regular purchase. That mix of surprise and uncertainty keeps people involved, especially when there's a limited figure hidden somewhere in the set.

3. Limited Designs Raise the Stakes

Pop Mart and Kasing Lung don't release Labubu editions in constant rotation. Once a design drops, it doesn't always come back. That includes glow-in-the-dark versions, seasonal outfits, or crossovers with other toy lines. Some come with accessories or packaging that tie into a specific release event.

All of these small touches raise the urgency. People know they have one chance to grab something before it disappears into collector groups and resale pages. And when one version becomes hard to find, the value climbs quickly. That sense of risk and rarity pushes even casual fans to act faster than they normally would.

4. Labubu Speaks to People Who Want Strange Over Sweet

Labubu's fan base doesn't just come from collectors-it includes people who see toys as a kind of visual art. You'll find graphic designers, streetwear fans, and vinyl toy heads all picking up these figures because they treat them more like statement pieces. Some line them up on studio desks, some include them in flat lays for social posts, and others shoot moody portraits of their collection. This isn't just about cuteness or rarity. It's about owning something that adds attitude to a shelf or photo. That cultural crossover pulls Labubu into a space where art, fashion, and design all mix.

5. It's Not Just a Toy-It's a Brand with a Story

Labubu isn't just a single character on a shelf. It's part of The Monsters world by Kasing Lung, and that whole universe carries a visual story behind it.

Each figure release taps into that world in a small way. One version might look like it came from the woods, another might wear armor, and a third could look like it walked out of a spooky fairytale. This narrative thread pulls people deeper, especially those who care about stories, themes, and small design details. Labubu connects to a broader vision, which makes each version more than just a different outfit or pose. People aren't just collecting figures-they're collecting pieces of a universe and being a member of an already large fanbase.

Part 4. How Much Does a Labubu Doll Cost?

Labubu prices swing all over the place depending on which figure or style you're after. If you're just looking for a regular blind box figure, the price usually starts around $10 to $15. These are the basic ones you'll find at Pop Mart stores or through official drops. Once you get into the special editions, though, the numbers start to climb. Some glow-in-the-dark figures or crossover releases land in the $30 to $60 range right off the bat, especially if they're part of a limited run.

Then you have the resale market, which is where things start looking ridiculous. Certain Labubu dolls that originally sold for under $20 are now being flipped for $200 or more. It's also not rare to find resellers asking $500 or even $1,000 for ultra-rare versions-especially the ones that never made it to general release. Collectors who missed the original drop often pay the premium just to complete a specific set or match a theme they've already started building.

It's also worth mentioning that price isn't always tied to appearance. Some of the rarest ones don't look very different from the common ones, but they were either produced in smaller batches or tied to special events. That tiny detail alone can push the price sky high. So, if you're just getting into Labubu, expect to see everything from cheap blind boxes to four-figure listings, all depending on timing, rarity, and the demand for that particular design.

Part 5. How to Buy an Authentic Labubu?

If you're trying to buy a real Labubu and not end up with some low-quality knockoff, the first place to check is Pop Mart's official store. They have a proper website, physical locations in some cities, and even official listings on marketplaces like AliExpress and Shopee. Anything that comes directly from there is guaranteed to be the real deal. The packaging, the quality of the paint, and even the smell of the plastic are usually spot-on when it's authentic.

You can also look at major retailers that partner with Pop Mart. Some toy stores and fashion boutiques carry select blind box drops or limited Labubu runs. These places usually follow proper distribution rules, so you don't have to worry about shady replicas. But if you're shopping secondhand-especially from resellers or random listings on eBay and Facebook Marketplace-then you have to be more careful. Always check the seller's feedback, request close-up photos, and compare the box or figure to known original ones.

The biggest red flags come with prices that are either too low or too good to be true. Fake Labubus often look similar at first glance but have off-centered eyes, weird gloss, or sloppy finishes. Some even come in resealed boxes that mimic real blind boxes but are lighter or made from thinner cardboard. If you're serious about collecting, it helps to join fan groups or forums where people compare real and fake versions side by side. The more you look at authentic figures, the easier it becomes to spot the bad ones.

Part 6. FAQs of Why Is Labubu Popular

Conclusion on Why Is Labubu Popular

So, why is Labubu popular? It's not just the quirky design or limited releases-it's the full experience. From the surprise of blind boxes to the resale frenzy and pop culture buzz, everything feeds into the obsession. Whether you're new to collecting or already deep in the hunt, Labubu finds a way to stay on your mind. For many, that little monster becomes more than just a toy.