Labubu: The Quirky Monster Everyone’s Talking About

In the world of cute collectibles, a fuzzy little monster named Labubu has become the talk of the town. Imagine a small, scruffy creature with big eyes, sharp teeth that curve into a cheeky grin, and ears that stick straight up—so odd yet charming that people just can’t resist. That’s Labubu, the star of The Monsters series created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung WikipediaWikipedia.

From Sketch to Sensation

Labubu first appeared in 2015 in Kasing Lung’s picture-book series, which drew on Nordic myths and childhood stories WikipediaWikipedia. The character came to life as a vinyl figure in a limited run by How2Work, but it wasn’t until 2019, when Pop Mart took over, that Labubu became a global star Wikipedia. Pop Mart, the Chinese retailer famous for its blind box toys, meant you never know which version of the figure you’d get—fueling excitement and repeat buys.

What Makes Labubu Irresistible?

Labubu has an “ugly-cute” charm. Its fuzzy body, mischievous expression, and nine-pointed toothy grin make for a strangely adorable design WikipediaWikipedia. The unpredictability of blind boxes, combined with limited runs and exciting brand tie-ins—like Coca-Cola winter sets and One Piece anime mashups—add to the thrill WikipediaWikipediaFinancial Times.

Confident styling from celebrities also helped. In April 2024, Blackpink’s Lisa was spotted carrying a Labubu keychain on her bag—an event that turned the quirky toy into a viral phenomenon People.comDiario ASBusiness Insider. Soon after, the doll was seen with other A-listers like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, David Beckham, Dua Lipa, and Simone Biles People.com. Suddenly, Labubu was more than a toy—it was a fashion statement.

A Genuine Global Craze

Labubu quickly turned into a massive business. In 2024, Pop Mart earned a whopping $1.8 billion in revenue, with Labubu and its “Monsters” lineup driving a 726.6% year-on-year growth Business InsiderDiario AS. The brand’s value shot up—Pop Mart’s market worth soared to $40 billion, making it more valuable than Hasbro and Mattel combined Financial Times.

The craze was not limited to China. Pop Mart now runs 130 stores and nearly 200 vending machines worldwide, from the U.S. to Europe Financial TimesBusiness Insider. In fact, in Beijing alone, a collector paid $170,000 for a mint-green, four-foot tall Labubu at auction—proof that some people will pay big for rarities WikipediaWikipediaFinancial Times.

Hype Meets Controversy

With hype comes chaos. Scenes of people queuing before dawn and even fights breaking out at store openings became common—Labubu was more than a toy; it was an event Financial TimesBusiness Insider.

But the craze hasn’t been all roses. Fake Labubu dolls—nicknamed “Lafufu”—flooded markets, especially online and in stores in the UK. These knockoffs, often cheaply made and even dangerous, put safety at risk. Customs seized over 100,000 counterfeit dolls, citing concerns about flammability and toxicity The Sun.

There’s also been criticism of the blind-box model, likened to gambling and worried to be addictive—especially to minors. In China, officials called for tighter regulation to prevent irresponsible spending Financial TimesThe Times.

And then there’s the darker, weirder side: Recently, Indian comedian Bharti Singh made headlines for burning her child’s Labubu doll on camera, joking it had “negative energy” that unsettled her family—and even sparked wild conspiracy theories Indiatimes. Meanwhile, on the flipside, a tech editor from The Verge shared her “Soviet Labubu”—a possibly fake, nostalgic doll that she finds oddly charming, though she playfully wondered if it might be haunted The Verge.

Labubu: Trend or Economic Barometer?

Some economists say Labubu symbolizes more than just a collectible—it’s a sign of the times. Priced at around $20–40 each, Labubu falls into what’s known as the “lipstick effect“: when people are anxious about the economy, they forgo big purchases and instead splurge on small, mood-boosting treats. The surge in Labubu sales could even indicate early signs of a recession New York Post.

Why People Love Labubu

Let’s break it down—the appeal of Labubu comes from several simple, emotional triggers:

• Cute but quirky: It looks strange, but that’s also why it’s lovable.
• Surprise factor: You never know which version you’ll get—adds excitement.
• Scarcity & exclusivity: Limited runs and rare designs drive collector frenzy.
• Celebrity influence: When stars carry it, you want one too.
• Affordable indulgence: At ~$10–40, it’s an impulse buy that feels special.