Meet Labubu: The Mischievous Monster Taking Over the World
Labubu is a collectible designer toy character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and exclusively distributed by Pop Mart. This fuzzy, round creature with pointed ears, wide eyes, and its signature nine-toothed mischievous grin has become a global phenomenon since 2019.
“I thought I was strong. Then I saw their strange, toothy smiles.” – Labubu collector
Quick Facts About Labubu:
| What is Labubu? | A collectible designer toy character inspired by Nordic folklore, featuring a round body, pointed ears, and nine teeth |
|---|---|
| Created by | Kasing Lung (Hong Kong artist) |
| Distributed by | Pop Mart (exclusive rights since 2019) |
| Price range | $15 (small vinyl) to $960 (31-inch mega vinyl) |
| Popular formats | Vinyl figures, plush toys, keychains |
| Sales figures | 6.3 billion Chinese yuan (~$870 million) in first half of 2024 |
Labubu first appeared in Kasing Lung’s graphic novels in 2015 but exploded in popularity after Pop Mart began distributing collectible versions in 2019. The character’s design blends cute and creepy elements, creating an “ugly-cute” appeal that resonates with adult collectors worldwide.
What makes Labubu especially addictive is Pop Mart’s blind-box sales model. Collectors purchase sealed boxes containing random figures from themed series, with rare “secret” designs appearing at odds of 1-in-72.
What Is Labubu? Origins & Defining Features
Labubu (拉布布 in Chinese) isn’t just another cute toy—it’s a cultural phenomenon that has bridged the worlds of art, collectibles, and fashion. Created by the talented Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, these adorable yet mischievous monsters have stolen hearts worldwide with their unmistakable charm.
There’s something magical about the name “Labubu” itself—playful and slightly silly, perfectly matching the character’s impish nature. While many fans affectionately nickname them “little devils,” their official backstory draws inspiration from Nordic folklore, where tiny magical beings dwell in forests, causing harmless mischief.
What makes a Labubu instantly recognizable?
- A round, fuzzy body with a soft peach-colored hue
- Wide, glossy eyes that seem to follow you around the room
- Adorably pointed, fuzzy ears that frame its face
- And most iconic of all: that mischievous nine-toothed grin
These charming creatures come in various forms—from pocket-sized vinyl figures to huggable plush toys and dangling keychains. Since Pop Mart secured exclusive distribution rights in 2019, they’ve released over 300 different variations.
Labubu’s Birth Story
Kasing Lung didn’t initially dream up Labubu as a physical toy. The character first appeared in his graphic novels back in 2015, where it was just one of many whimsical beings in “The Monsters” series. Lung’s artistic background is a fascinating blend of influences—European comics, Japanese manga, and traditional Chinese art all swirl together in his work.
The leap from page to physical collectible happened when Hong Kong toy company How2Work produced the first Labubu figurines. But the true explosion in popularity didn’t occur until Chinese blind-box specialists Pop Mart secured exclusive rights in 2019.
How Labubu Got Its Signature Look
The brilliance of Labubu’s design lies in its perfect balance between adorable and slightly unsettling—what collectors often describe as the “ugly-cute” aesthetic.
The character’s most defining feature is undoubtedly that nine-tooth smile. These teeth aren’t randomly arranged—they follow a specific pattern that gives Labubu its characteristic mischievous expression. This detail is so crucial that it’s one of the primary ways collectors authenticate genuine products from counterfeits.
The soft, airbrushed blush on Labubu’s cheeks adds a touch of innocence that perfectly balances its slightly devilish grin. Texture plays an equally important role—genuine Labubu toys feature a specific quality of fur or vinyl finish that feels premium to the touch.
Inside “The Monsters” Universe: Characters, Series & Collaborations
Main Monsters Cast
Labubu might be the face of the franchise, but the monster family has other lovable members. The chubby, friendly Tycoco has won hearts with his rotund shape and gentle demeanor. Then there’s Spooky, the mysterious hooded figure with glowing eyes. Don’t forget Laby, whose rabbit-like features and long ears offer a softer counterpoint to Labubu’s mischievous grin.
Many collectors start with a single Labubu only to find themselves hunting down the entire monster crew to complete their display!
Must-Collect Labubu Series
Pop Mart has created a brilliant collecting experience by releasing Labubu in themed series. The Exciting Macaron collection that launched in October 2023 was a game-changer – these keychain-sized treats in pastel hues like Chestnut Cocoa and Lychee Berry became instant must-haves.
Nature lovers gravitate toward the Fall in Wild series, where our toothy friend accepts the great outdoors with seasonal outfits. The Have a Seat collection showcases a more relaxed Labubu, perched adorably on various chairs and furniture pieces.
Perhaps most coveted is the Big Into Energy series, known for its vibrant colors and dynamic poses. The “secret” figure from this collection – not shown on the packaging and appearing at slim odds of 1-in-72 boxes – has become something of a holy grail, with secondary market prices hovering around $500!
Blockbuster Collaborations
Labubu’s charm has attracted impressive partnership opportunities. The One Piece crossover merged our nine-toothed friend with characters from the beloved anime, creating irresistible mashups that appealed to fans of both worlds.
The limited-edition Coca-Cola Winter Series was another stroke of genius, combining Labubu’s playful aesthetic with the iconic beverage brand’s holiday magic.
Perhaps most prestigious are the museum collaborations, like the exclusive Labubu figures created for the Louvre. These special editions cleverly incorporate classical art references, elevating the collectible into a conversation piece about art history.
The Labubu Craze 2024-2025: Psychology, Pop Culture & Numbers
The Labubu phenomenon has transformed from a quirky designer toy into a cultural movement. What makes these mischievous monsters so irresistible?
Why We’re All Obsessed
When we can’t easily get something, we want it even more. Pop Mart has mastered this “scarcity effect” by releasing Labubu series in limited quantities that often vanish within minutes of dropping.
Then there’s the blind-box experience itself—that heart-racing moment when you peel open the packaging, not knowing whether you’ve scored a common figure or a coveted “secret” design. This uncertainty triggers the same dopamine rush as a mini-gambling session.
“I told myself I’d buy just one,” laughs Marie, a collector from Chicago. “Fifteen blind boxes later, I finally got the strawberry Labubu I wanted.”
Social connection plays a huge role too. Labubu collecting has created vibrant communities where enthusiasts share tips, celebrate each other’s rare finds, and sometimes commiserate over duplicate pulls.
Celebrity & Social Boosters
The Labubu craze hit fever pitch in early 2024 when K-pop megastar Lisa from Blackpink was spotted with a Labubu keychain dangling from her designer bag. This single, unpaid sighting changed everything overnight:
- Pop Mart’s website crashed under the sudden traffic surge
- Physical stores reported lines forming hours before opening
- The exact model Lisa carried saw its resale value jump by 300%
TikTok became Labubu’s perfect amplifier, with unboxing videos regularly drawing millions of views. Pop Mart cleverly capitalized on this by launching TikTok Live shopping events where limited quantities would drop at random times.
Labubu in Fashion & Lifestyle
By 2025, Labubu had transcended its toy origins to become a legitimate fashion statement and lifestyle choice.
Those tiny keychain versions became the must-have accessory for handbags of all price points. Fashion influencers began mixing high-end luxury with playful Labubu charms, creating a juxtaposition that felt fresh and personal.
In home décor, larger Labubu figures evolved into conversation-starting accent pieces. Their distinctive silhouettes added personality to minimalist spaces, proving that adult toy collecting could be stylish rather than childish.
The numbers behind the craze are staggering. Pop Mart’s interim report for the first half of 2024 revealed Labubu sales reaching 6.3 billion Chinese yuan (approximately US$870 million)—doubling their revenue compared to 2023. According to recent research on adult toy collecting, this phenomenon represents more than just a passing trend—it signals a deeper shift in how adults find joy, build community, and express identity through carefully curated collections.
Buying & Authenticating Labubu Figures: Pro Tips
For newcomers to the Labubu world, navigating the purchasing process can feel like entering a jungle without a map. Between lightning-fast sellouts and a market unfortunately flooded with counterfeits, knowing the insider strategies makes all the difference.
How the Blind Box Model Works
The blind-box model isn’t just a sales strategy—it’s the beating heart of what makes Labubu collecting so thrilling. Each colorful box contains a sealed mystery—one figure from a themed series that remains unknown until you tear open the packaging.
What’s clever about this approach is how it creates a “just one more” psychology. Finding yourself with three duplicates but missing that one design to complete your set? The temptation to try again becomes nearly irresistible.
The trading community that has sprung up around duplicates adds another social dimension, with collectors forming friendships as they help each other complete their sets.
Where to Buy Labubu Without the Stress
The most reliable source is always official Pop Mart channels. Their website offers the full range of current releases, though be prepared—it often buckles under traffic during major drops. Physical Pop Mart stores (now 28 locations across the US) offer the advantage of seeing the products in person, while their 52 Roboshop vending machines bring a bit of that gashapon-style Japanese vending machine fun to the experience.
For those who enjoy a bit of gamification, the Pop Now nightly online game lets users click virtual blind boxes for a chance to purchase real ones.
When official channels fail you, secondary markets like StockX offer authenticated figures with transparent pricing history. Collector communities on Facebook and Discord often have more reasonable prices through trusted sellers who are parting with duplicates.
One warm tip: save your payment and shipping information across multiple platforms before major drops. Those precious seconds saved during checkout can make all the difference.
Spotting Fake vs Real Labubu
The rise of “Lafufu” (as collectors playfully call the counterfeits) has become a genuine concern. Fortunately, there are several foolproof ways to ensure you’re getting the real deal.
The nine-tooth test is your first line of defense. Authentic Labubu figures always sport exactly nine teeth arranged in a specific pattern. Counterfeits often cut corners with fewer teeth or incorrect spacing.
Next, flip the figure over and check the bottom of the right foot. Genuine Labubu toys always feature both the Pop Mart and Kasing Lung logos.
The quality differences extend to every aspect of the figure. Authentic Labubus have glossy, embedded eyes that catch the light beautifully, while fakes typically have flat, painted eyes that lack dimension.
Winning a Drop: Collector Hacks
The most dedicated Labubu hunters have developed almost Olympic-level strategies for securing figures during competitive drops.
Some savvy collectors have refined the “URL edit trick” during Pop Now game sessions. By changing specific numbers in the website URL, they can sometimes access unpublicized Labubu lots.
The “refresh technique” has saved many during TikTok Live drops. By continuously refreshing your cart during a livestream, you might catch the moment an item becomes available—sometimes even before the announcement appears in the stream itself.
Community matters enormously in the Labubu world. Joining Discord servers dedicated to collecting means you’ll receive real-time alerts when inventory becomes available, often accompanied by direct links to skip several steps in the purchasing process.
The Future of Labubu & Designer Toys
What’s next for our mischievous little friend Labubu and the designer toy world? As this phenomenon continues to capture hearts worldwide, we’re seeing fascinating developments on the horizon.
Upcoming Trends & Predictions
The Labubu universe isn’t standing still – it’s evolving in ways that blend physical collecting with digital experiences. Pop Mart has been quietly exploring NFT possibilities and virtual reality spaces where collectors might one day showcase their physical Labubu figures in digital environments.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the collectibles world. As environmental awareness grows, we’re likely to see Pop Mart introduce eco-friendly Labubu variants crafted from recycled or biodegradable materials.
The art world has already accepted Labubu through museum collaborations, but this is just the beginning. Future partnerships with major galleries and exhibitions could lift these toys to recognized art pieces, blurring the line between collectible and cultural artifact.
Personalization feels inevitable in Labubu’s future. Imagine using AI-powered tools to create your own custom Labubu colorway while maintaining the character’s signature features.
Potential Pitfalls & Controversies
The Labubu phenomenon isn’t without its challenges. The blind-box model that makes collecting so addictive has drawn regulatory attention in several countries. Some lawmakers have questioned whether the thrill of random purchases too closely resembles gambling, especially when marketing to younger audiences.
There’s also the delicate balance of exclusivity versus saturation. As Pop Mart accelerates Labubu releases to meet growing demand, they risk diluting the special feeling that made early collectors so passionate.
The scalping issue continues to frustrate genuine collectors. Despite purchase limits, some buyers snap up rare Labubu figures solely to flip them at inflated prices.
Environmental concerns aren’t going away either. The production of vinyl toys raises legitimate questions about sustainability that Pop Mart will need to address more comprehensively.
Labubu vs Other Pop Mart Icons
While Labubu currently wears the crown in Pop Mart’s lineup, understanding its relationship to other characters helps us gauge its staying power.
Labubu and Zimomo (the sleeping cat character by artist Ayan Deng) represent two distinct emotional appeals within the collectible space. Where Labubu accepts chaotic mischief with its toothy grin and playful stance, Zimomo offers serene dreaminess that appeals to collectors seeking a gentler aesthetic.
This distinction has created interesting collector patterns. Some enthusiasts are firmly in one camp or the other, while others appreciate both characters for their contrasting energies.
The beauty of this collector segmentation is how it mirrors our own personalities – sometimes we crave excitement and mischief, other times tranquility and comfort. At Beyond Beauty Lab, we understand this balance of energies is essential not just in collecting but in our approach to self-care and wellness too.
Frequently Asked Questions about Labubu
What makes Labubu different from Zimomo?
If you’re new to the Pop Mart universe, you might wonder about the differences between their star characters. While both have captured collectors’ hearts worldwide, Labubu and Zimomo couldn’t be more different in personality and appeal.
Labubu, Kasing Lung’s mischievous creation, brings playful energy with that unmistakable nine-toothed grin and pointed ears. There’s something slightly devilish about this Nordic folklore-inspired character that makes you want to smile back.
Zimomo, on the other hand, offers a completely different vibe. Created by artist Ayan Deng, this sleeping cat character embodies tranquility and dreamlike calm. Where Labubu might make you chuckle, Zimomo invites you to take a deep breath and relax.
Many collectors actually enjoy displaying both characters together—the playful Labubu balanced by Zimomo’s serenity creates a lovely emotional harmony in any collection.
How much should I budget for my first Labubu?
Starting your Labubu journey doesn’t have to break the bank, but it’s good to know what to expect price-wise before diving in.
For beginners, the most accessible entry point is a standard blind box figure ($15-30) or one of those adorable keychain versions ($20-35) that have become fashion statements. These smaller pieces give you a perfect taste of Labubu’s quality and charm without a major investment.
If you’re looking for something with more presence, medium-sized figures run $40-100, while statement pieces (those impressive 8-31 inch versions) range from $150 all the way up to $960 for the most elaborate designs.
My personal recommendation? Start small, get a feel for what aspects of Labubu you love most, and then gradually build your collection in a way that brings you joy rather than financial stress.
Is the blind box model really like gambling?
There’s no denying the psychological similarities between opening a blind box and placing a bet—that flutter of excitement as you tear open the packaging has a lot in common with gambling behaviors.
The blind box model triggers our brain’s reward systems through uncertainty (you never know what you’ll get), variable rewards (sometimes you get common figures, sometimes rare ones), and near-miss experiences (“I’m just one figure away from completing this series!”).
However, there are meaningful differences worth noting. With Labubu blind boxes, you always receive a tangible collectible with inherent value. The primary goal isn’t financial gain but the satisfaction of building a collection that brings you joy.
At Beyond Beauty Lab, we advocate for mindful collecting—enjoying the artistic merit of Labubu figures and the wonderful community connections they foster while maintaining a healthy relationship with the acquisition process.
Conclusion
The Labubu phenomenon has grown into something far more meaningful than just another collectible toy trend. It represents a fascinating intersection where art meets psychology, where community-building blends with modern consumer culture. From its humble beginnings in Kasing Lung’s imaginative graphic novels to becoming a global sensation, Labubu has tapped into something uniquely captivating in our collective imagination.
What gives Labubu its special charm is how it beautifully bridges contradictions. These little monsters are simultaneously cute and unsettling, exclusive yet wildly popular, simple toys that command serious collector attention and investment. This delightful duality gives them staying power that transcends typical passing fads.
If you’re curious about joining the Labubu community, I’d recommend starting small. Perhaps begin with a single blind box or keychain, and focus on enjoying the experience rather than immediately chasing complete collections or rare pieces. The true joy of Labubu collecting comes from appreciating the artistry, savoring the thrill of finding, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts who share your excitement.
At Beyond Beauty Lab, we’re genuinely fascinated by cultural phenomena that bring joy and connection to people’s lives. While Labubu might seem distant from our usual beauty and wellness focus, we see meaningful parallels in how both worlds celebrate self-expression, mindfulness, and finding small moments of delight in our daily routines.
Whether you become a dedicated collector or simply appreciate Labubu as an interesting cultural moment, I hope this guide has helped you understand why these mischievous monsters with their nine-toothed grins have captured hearts worldwide.
For more insights on finding joy in the small things and cultivating mindful practices, visit Beyond Beauty Lab for resources that nourish both inner and outer beauty.
