What Is a Labubu and Why Are Kids Obsessed?
Discover how Labubu, the bizarre but endearing collectible toy, has become a global obsession among kids and parents alike, fueling bonding and a new wave of collection frenzy.
What Is a Labubu?
Labubu is a bizarre, fuzzy, big-eared creature created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung. The character is part of “The Monsters” series and was launched in partnership with Pop Mart, a giant in the collectible toy industry. Labubu is instantly recognizable by its snaggletoothed grin, oversized ears, and sometimes scruffy, whimsical appearance that falls somewhere between adorable and grotesque.
- Labubu toys come in plush and vinyl forms. Some are pastel or cute; others lean into creepy-cute design.
- Most Labubus are released in sealed blind boxes, meaning buyers don’t know which character variant they’re purchasing until they open the box.
- Pop Mart, the company behind Labubu, has cultivated a global craze for these quirky collectibles.
While Labubu originated in Asia, its popularity has skyrocketed worldwide, with American, British, and Korean fans creating a frenzy across online platforms and reseller markets.
Labubu Origins and Artistic Roots
Kasing Lung’s inspiration for Labubu draws from Nordic folklore and his love of odd, psychologically rich creatures. Labubu was first sketched as part of Lung’s “The Monsters” story and debuted in 2015. The franchise went mainstream after Pop Mart released its own figurines in 2019.
As the series evolved, Labubu figures expanded in scope, size, and price—from small toys retailing for under $20 to limited mega editions auctioned for thousands of dollars. The character now boasts hundreds of different versions, including costumes, seasonal designs, and brand collaborations.
Inside the Blind Box Boom
Why are kids (and adults) obsessed? A big part of Labubu’s appeal comes from the blind box format. Each toy is packaged in a nondescript box, concealing the character until it’s opened. This strategy triggers a powerful psychological reward system through anticipation and surprise.
- Kids experience a thrill of discovery, similar to gambling mechanics—think the dopamine rush of slot machines.
- Pop Mart’s data reveals over 15 million blind boxes sold annually, with Labubu leading the charge.
- The hunt for rare figures, or even the knock-off “Lafufu” dupes, fuels a collector’s market that transcends age and geography.
Why Are Kids So Obsessed?
Labubu toys aren’t just trendy—they tap into developmental and social psychology. For tweens, objects that are grotesque or weird offer opportunities to confront and tame their own conflicting emotions.
- Owning a “creepy” toy lets children master their discomfort, giving them power over what seems strange or difficult.
- This process, called symbolic mastery, is common in tweens—think Garbage Pail Kids or Tim Burton movie characters.
- Labubu’s mix of strange and cute is the perfect exploration object during a period of emotional turbulence and self-discovery.
Blind boxes enhance this dynamic. The unpredictability acts as a safe way to experience surprise, anticipation, and excitement, all while building impulse control—even if kids aren’t fully aware of the psychology at play.
Social Fad Meets Online Buzz
Labubu’s modern craze mirrors old-school collectibles like Beanie Babies and Furby. But the difference is the speed and scope of online influence:
- TikTok and YouTube fuel Labubu’s reach, with unboxing content, collection showcases, and viral trends.
- Social media amplifies scarcity narratives and connects collectors in Discord chats, Facebook groups, and Reddit forums.
- Labubu toys now feature in TikTok live drops and Pop Mart app releases, triggering digital rushes rarely seen outside high-demand sneaker launches.
Dupe markets have even appeared with knock-off versions—”Lafufu”—which sometimes become as beloved as the originals, proving the potency of the brand’s mythology.
Parents in the Labubu Hunt: Motivation and Connection
Labubu’s rise has drawn not only kids but their parents, grandparents, and guardians into an unexpected family sport.
- Most parents are motivated by their children’s excitement, making the hunt for Labubu a way to bond and share experiences.
- Some parents admit to catching Labubu fever themselves, growing attached to the oddball monsters after seeing their impact on family joy.
Parent anecdotes reveal marathon quests—hours spent scouring online reseller platforms, mall stores, and Discord tip lists. Securing a Labubu often feels like winning a minor lottery, with families sometimes pivoting to dupe Lafufus in lieu of scoring the real thing.
How to Get a Labubu: The Ultimate Parent’s Guide
Landing an original Labubu isn’t easy.
- Most are released through Pop Mart’s website, their app, or rare physical store drops.
- The secondary market thrives on platforms like Etsy, eBay, TikTok live streams, and dedicated reseller groups.
- To maximize success, parents and collectors must track online release schedules, join Discord groups for tips, and act fast when drops occur.
- Some buyers accept that they may have to pay over retail prices to score certain editions.
Globally, reseller culture has grown with price guides, authentication tips, and even naming conventions for knockoff characters (the beloved “Lafufu”).
Labubu Designs and Collectible Types
| Type | Key Features | Typical Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Figures | Small, stylized character, high detail | 15–50 |
| Plush Toys | Soft, fuzzy, sometimes large-sized | 20–60 |
| Limited Editions | Rare designs, special themes, exclusive | 200–1,000+ |
| Mega Editions | Huge, unique collectibles | 960–170,000 |
| Knockoffs (Lafufu) | Unofficial, variable quality | 5–40 |
Labubu’s ever-expanding catalog includes costumes, anniversary editions, pastel colorways, and collabs with fashion and art brands.
The Psychology of Collectibles: Why We Get Hooked
Labubu isn’t the first toy to spark social obsession—but it’s a uniquely modern phenomenon. Experts point to two key reasons for its viral appeal:
- Symbolic mastery: Kids tame what’s odd or frightening by owning it, helping them develop emotional resilience.
- Intermittent reinforcement: Blind boxes trigger dopamine loops, making collecting addictive.
This obsession isn’t necessarily negative. Collecting Labubu offers a low-stakes way to explore uncertainty, build social connections, and form identity within a group. For families, it’s an unexpected point of connection and joy—even if the fuzzy monster appears ugly at first glance.
Labubu versus Traditional Collectibles: Key Differences
| Feature | Labubu | Traditional Collectibles |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Box Format | Always blind | Rarely blind |
| Design | Creepy-cute, character-focused | Cute or classic |
| Online Community | Viral, platform-driven | Mostly offline |
| Parental Involvement | High (bonding for the hunt) | Low to moderate |
| Secondary Market | Massive global resale | Smaller resale, limited scope |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Labubu
What is a Labubu?
Labubu is a collectible toy character, typically sold in blind boxes, known for its big ears, snaggletoothed smile, and odd blend of cute and grotesque design.
Who creates and sells Labubu toys?
Kasing Lung designed Labubu; Pop Mart produces and distributes the toys worldwide.
Why are Labubus so popular with kids?
The combination of surprise (blind box format), character design, social trends, and psychological thrill drive obsession among kids and tweens.
How do I buy a Labubu?
Official Labubu figures can be purchased via Pop Mart’s website, app, and rare retail drops. Many collectors use resellers, secondary markets, or seek out knock-offs like Lafufu if the original is unavailable.
Are Labubu toys safe and age-appropriate?
Labubu toys are designed for children and collectors, but always check age recommendations on packaging for specific product safety guidance.
What is a Lafufu?
Lafufu is a nickname for “dupe” or knock-off Labubu toys, often less expensive and less detailed, but sometimes equally beloved by kids and parents.
Why do some parents get obsessed with Labubu too?
Many parents find themselves so involved in the hunt—and witnessing their child’s joy—that they grow attached to these quirky creatures, sometimes starting their own collections.
Should You Join the Hunt?
Labubu represents more than just a fuzzy toy—it’s a window into modern childhood, social connection, and family bonding. If your child asks for one, understand the appeal goes far beyond the physical object. Owning a Labubu might mean exploring big feelings, chasing dopamine, and finding moments of togetherness—all packaged in a blind box.
