What is a Labubu? Inside the collectible toy craze
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You may have seen them in storefronts, all over TikTok, or in your kid’s wishlist: mischievous little creatures with huge ears, wide eyes, and quirky expressions. They're called Labubus. But what is a Labubu, exactly, and why is everyone suddenly obsessed?
Where did Labubu come from?
Labubu is the brainchild of Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, originally introduced in collaboration with collectible toy company POP MART. The character debuted in 2018 as part of Lung's "The Monsters" series, but quickly became the breakout star. Think of Labubu as a cheeky gremlin-meets-forest-spirit, equal parts creepy and cute.
Why are Labubus so popular?
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Short answer: scarcity, style, and story.
They’re blind-box collectibles. You don’t know which design you’ll get until you open it. This surprise element has sparked a huge unboxing culture on TikTok and Instagram.
They’re limited edition. Many Labubu designs are only available for a short time, or in certain regions. Some sell out within hours.
They have lore. Kasing Lung’s whimsical universe has its own characters and stories, which fans love to explore.
Labubus tap into the same cultural phenomenon as Beanie Babies or Funko Pops, but with a streetwear-meets-art-gallery edge. Some rare figures now resell for hundreds (or even thousands!) of dollars.
What makes each Labubu unique?
Each Labubu feels like its own little personality. You might see one dressed as a pirate, another styled like a fairytale creature, or even one shaped like a melting ice cream cone. There are hundreds of designs, from glow-in-the-dark editions to fashion collaborations to seasonal drops. Some are serious collector items. Others? Just plain fun.
That element of surprise, mixed with creative storytelling, keeps people coming back for more.
Is Labubu safe for kids?
While Labubu toys are typically labeled for ages 15 and up, that doesn’t mean younger kids aren’t drawn to them. They're collectible art figures first, which means some have small parts and aren’t designed for rough play.
Still, if your child is a Labubu fan, there’s no harm in making it a shared interest. Just keep an eye out for safety (and maybe skip the ultra-rare ones if they’re headed straight for a toy bin).
It can also be a chance to introduce conversations about value, care, and what it means to collect something with intention.
How to buy a Labubu (without the stress)
If you’re just getting started, the world of Labubu can feel a little overwhelming. Here are a few ways to keep it fun:
Start with one. Try a single blind box to see what your child thinks. It makes for a great surprise and keeps spending in check.
Stick with trusted shops. POP MART stores and major retailers like Amazon are your safest bets. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
Watch the budget. These can add up fast, so it helps to agree on a spending limit ahead of time.
Talk about trades. Some kids love the idea of collecting and swapping figures. Others might want to keep their favorites forever. Either way, it’s a great chance to talk about value.
What Labubu can teach kids about money
Believe it or not, a tiny toy can open the door to big money lessons. If your child is interested in Labubu, use that excitement as a way to talk through things like:
Saving up for something they love. Delayed gratification takes practice, and collectibles give kids a clear goal to work toward.
Budgeting their allowance. Should they buy one figure now, or save for a full set later?
Setting priorities. Not every version is a must-have. Learning to decide what matters most is a skill that lasts.
Understanding value. Why are some toys more expensive? What makes something worth trading or keeping?
Whether you're team "They’re adorable!" or still a little confused by the hype, Labubu is undeniably a pop culture moment. As with any trend, it’s worth pausing to ask what your child sees in it, and how you can turn their excitement into a teachable moment.
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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.
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