The Ultimate Guide to Labubu: What You Need to Know About the Viral Toy Craze
If you've recently found yourself scrolling through TikTok or Instagram and wondering why everyone is obsessed with a mischievous-looking creature with bunny ears and a devilish grin—meet Labubu, the toy that’s taken the collector world by storm. Whether it's clipped to backpacks as a Labubu keychain, perched stylishly on shelves as a Labubu doll, or being unboxed live on TikTok, Labubu is much more than just a trend. It’s a cultural phenomenon.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Labubu dolls, where to buy them, how to distinguish a fake from the real deal, and even how to customize your own Labubu using AI effects with AdpexAI.
What Is Labubu?
Labubu is an elf-like character created by artist Kasing Lung. First introduced in his graphic novel trilogy The Monsters, Labubu original quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its quirky aesthetic and mysterious backstory rooted in Nordic mythology. But what truly skyrocketed Labubu’s popularity was its collaboration with Pop Mart in 2019, birthing a series of Labubu blind box collectibles that are now among the most sought-after in the designer toy world.
The figures are known for their unique blend of "ugly-cute" charm, a mischievous smirk, and iconic bunny ears. Available as Labubu plush, vinyl toys, and keychains, each series of Pop Mart Labubu toys includes a variety of styles, poses, and even ultra-rare secret editions.
Why Is Everyone So Obsessed With Labubu?
The appeal of Labubu dolls lies in a combination of factors:
- Surprise and Scarcity: Each Labubu blind box is a mystery. You don’t know which character you’re getting until you open it, which adds an element of excitement. Rare “secret” Labubus—like the gray one with rainbow teeth from the Big Into Energy series—can fetch up to $500 on resale sites.
- Fashion Meets Collectibles: With a clip-on design, Labubu keychains double as accessories, often seen on the bags of celebrities like Lisa from Blackpink, Rihanna, and even NBA stars. It’s no surprise that styles like Labubu Macaron or Have a Seat Labubu are considered playground (and fashion week) currency.
- Customization: Owners love dressing up their Labubus in tiny Labubu clothes, from Etsy-bought bootleg Prada to mini Louis Vuitton hats. Some even knit their own!
Where to Buy Pop Mart Labubu
The official source for Labubu is Pop Mart, which sells the toys both online and through select retail stores. Labubu Popmart releases often sell out within seconds, whether they’re available via the website or through TikTok live drops. Some of the most popular plushies—like those from the Exciting Macaron or Have a Seat Labubu series—are snapped up so quickly that Pop Mart’s servers have occasionally crashed under demand.
You can also find Labubu dolls on resale platforms like StockX and eBay, but prices are often significantly higher, especially for rare editions. Beware of fakes—often called “Lafufus”—that misspell Pop Mart as “Pob Mart” or feature missing teeth and sloppy paint.
Pro tip: Use Pop Mart’s restock notifications and app-based cart tracking features to increase your odds. Some collectors even fly cross-country to line up at stores for big drops.
How to Spot a Fake Labubu Doll
With popularity comes imitation. Many counterfeit Labubu plush and Labubu dolls are easy to spot. Here’s what to look for in the real deal:
- 9 Teeth Exactly: Authentic Labubu figures always have nine tiny teeth.
- Quality Materials: Real Labubu plush toys have smooth, well-dyed fur and clean airbrushed blush on their cheeks.
- Logos: Check for the Pop Mart and Kasing Lung logos on the bottom of the right foot.
- Packaging: The box should spell “Pop Mart” and “The Monsters” correctly. If it says “Por Mart” or “Monsiers,” it's likely fake.
Despite this, a subculture has developed around collecting fake “Lafufu” versions for their odd and sometimes hilarious design quirks.
Labubu for All Ages
Though designed as a collectible, Labubu appeals across generations. Children love their huggable weirdness, while adults enjoy the nostalgia and thrill of collecting. Parents report that Labubus are a playground must-have, and unboxing videos—particularly of Labubu blind box openings—are viral content gold for creators in their 20s and 30s.
Even grandparents are getting in on the trend. In one Canal Street shop, a vendor recalled selling over a dozen blind boxes to a grandmother in her 90s!
Transform Your Labubu Doll with AdpexAI
As Labubu's popularity continues to grow, fans are finding new ways to engage with the character—including digital transformations. That’s where AdpexAI comes in.
AdpexAI is an AI effect generator that allows you to reimagine your favorite Labubu doll in a variety of art styles. Upload a photo of your Labubu plush or Labubu keychain, and AdpexAI can transform it into:
Whether you want to visualize your Labubu original as a hand-painted figurine or see your Labubu Macaron as a Ghibli character, AdpexAI offers a playful way to expand your Labubu experience into the digital realm. It’s perfect for collectors, content creators, or fans looking to add a personal twist to their toy obsession.Visit AdpexAI to explore the magic.
Most Popular Labubu Series (So Far)
Here are some standout Pop Mart Labubu collections worth tracking down:
- Exciting Macaron Labubu – Features sweet, candy-colored designs inspired by French macarons.
- Have a Seat Labubu – A fan-favorite where each figure is lounging on quirky mini furniture.
- Big Into Energy – Includes the much-coveted rainbow-teeth secret edition.
- Wacky Mart – The latest drop with themed characters like Shrimp Tempura Labubu.
Each series has its own aesthetic, making them a perfect subject for digital remixes via AdpexAI.
How Much Do Labubu Dolls Cost?
Here’s a rough pricing guide:
- Labubu Blind Box Vinyl (3”): ~$15
- Labubu Plush Keychains: $20–$30
- Large Plush (12”+): $60–$120
- Mega Vinyl Figures (31”): Up to $960
- Rare Secret Editions: $200–$800 on resale platforms
It may sound like a lot for a toy, but for many collectors, scoring a rare Pop Mart Labubu is a worthy investment—especially if you find one with resale potential.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're new to the craze or a seasoned collector, Labubu offers a fascinating blend of art, nostalgia, fashion, and fun. With their limited availability, stylish designs, and huge cultural footprint, Labubu dolls have moved far beyond the world of toys. They’re collectibles, conversation starters, and now—thanks to AdpexAI—creative canvases for digital reinvention.
So the next time you spot a grinning Labubu keychain on someone’s purse or scroll past an unboxing on TikTok, you’ll know exactly why this tiny monster is making such a big splash.
