Labubu dolls have taken the world by storm, captivating everyone from celebrities to everyday collectors with their quirky charm and elusive availability. But what exactly are these viral plush creatures, and why are they so hard to get? This article dives into the origins, design, and cultural impact of Labubu dolls, as well as the unique marketing strategies that fuel their popularity.
The Origins of Labubu
Labubu dolls are the brainchild of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, whose love for Nordic folklore and children’s imaginations inspired the creation of “The Monsters” universe.
First introduced in 2015 as part of Lung’s picture book series, Labubu and her fellow monsters quickly captured the hearts of readers. However, it was not until 2019, when Lung partnered with the Chinese retailer Pop Mart, that Labubu dolls became a global sensation.
Labubu herself is a female elfin being, part of a tribe known as “The Monsters,” which includes other characters like Mokoko, Pato, Spooky, Tycoco (Labubu’s skeleton-looking boyfriend), and Zimomo (the tribe’s leader).
Each release features new outfits, accessories, and facial expressions, making every Labubu doll unique and highly collectible.
Design and Features
Labubu dolls are instantly recognizable by their large eyes, playful grins, and nine sharp teeth that give them a mischievous yet endearing look.
Their round, fuzzy bodies and pointed ears add to their whimsical charm, while their accessories and outfits vary across different collections.
The latest collection, “Big Into Energy,” showcases ombre hues and teeth painted to match the fur, further enhancing their visual appeal.
Labubu dolls are typically small, designed as bag charms, keychains, or ornaments, making them both collectible and practical fashion accessories.
They are produced in limited quantities, adding to their exclusivity and allure.
The Blind Box Phenomenon
One of the key factors behind Labubu’s viral success is the “blind box” sales model.
When purchasing a Labubu, buyers receive a sealed box with a random figurine inside—only upon opening do they discover which character they’ve acquired.
This element of surprise creates excitement and encourages repeat purchases, as collectors strive to complete their sets or find rare “secret” figures.
Blind boxes are often sold in themed series, with each release featuring a set of characters and one or more secret variants.
For example, the “Exciting Macaron” keychain series, launched in October 2023, and the “Have a Seat” line are among the most sought-after.
The thrill of unboxing has fueled a massive online community, with fans sharing their hauls and rare finds on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Popularity and Cultural Impact
Labubu dolls have become a global cultural phenomenon, thanks in part to celebrity endorsements and viral social media content.
Celebrities such as BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Simone Biles, and Hilary Duff have been spotted with Labubu dolls, further boosting their popularity.
Unboxing videos and photos of long lines outside Pop Mart stores have become commonplace, as fans eagerly await new releases.
The demand for Labubu dolls is so high that they often sell out within minutes, both online and in stores.
Resale prices can soar to several times the original retail price, making even common Labubu dolls a valuable find.
Pop Mart, the exclusive distributor, reported that The Monsters blind box series, featuring Labubu, generated over $419 million in earnings in 2024—a staggering 726.6% increase from the previous year.
Where to Buy Labubu Dolls
Pop Mart is the primary retailer for Labubu and The Monsters merchandise, with both online and physical stores worldwide.
However, due to their popularity, Labubu dolls are frequently out of stock, and buyers may need to turn to resale platforms or local toy stores.
Pop Mart also releases exclusive collaborations, such as the Coca-Cola-themed winter blind box series and a One Piece-inspired line, further fueling collector enthusiasm.
Special editions are sometimes available at museums or through limited-time events.
Why Are Labubu Dolls So Popular?
Several factors contribute to the Labubu craze:
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Cute and Quirky Design: Their playful, mischievous look appeals to a wide audience.
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Blind Box Thrill: The surprise of unboxing creates excitement and a sense of achievement.
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Celebrity Endorsements: High-profile fans have helped propel Labubu into the mainstream.
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Exclusivity: Limited releases and high demand make Labubu dolls a status symbol among collectors.
Other Popular Collectible Characters
While Labubu is the star of the show, Pop Mart offers a variety of other collectible characters, including:
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CryBaby: Dolls with teary eyes, designed to normalize crying and express emotions.
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Totoro: A beloved Studio Ghibli character, perfect for bag charms.
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Snoopy: The iconic Peanuts dog, available as a bag charm.
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Miffy: The famous Dutch bunny, a favorite among collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a Labubu doll?
A: Labubu is a collectible plush toy inspired by Nordic folklore, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and distributed by Pop Mart.
Q: Why are Labubu dolls so hard to get?
A: They are produced in limited quantities and sold via blind boxes, leading to high demand and quick sell-outs.
Q: Where can I buy Labubu dolls?
A: The main retailer is Pop Mart, but due to their popularity, you may also find them at local toy stores or on resale platforms.
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