In 2025, a quirky, toothy, and irresistibly “ugly-cute” plush toy has taken the world by storm, sparking long lines outside stores, selling out online in seconds, and becoming the must-have accessory for celebrities and collectors alike. Meet Labubu, the elfin creature from Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung’s imagination, now a global pop culture phenomenon. From the bags of BLACKPINK’s Lisa to the Instagram stories of Rihanna, these plush dolls have transcended their origins as collectible toys to become a status symbol, a fashion statement, and a source of nostalgia. But what’s behind the Labubu mania sweeping across social media and retail in 2025? Let’s dive into the history, appeal, and cultural impact of these mischievous monsters and explore why they’ve captured hearts worldwide.
The Origin Story of Labubu
Labubu first appeared in 2015 as part of The Monsters, a children’s book trilogy by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-born artist raised in the Netherlands. Inspired by Nordic folklore, Lung created a whimsical world of zoomorphic elves, with Labubu as the star—a kind-hearted yet mischievous creature with pointy ears, large eyes, and a signature grin showing exactly nine teeth. Described as “always wanting to help but often accidentally achieving the opposite,” Labubu’s chaotic charm resonated with readers. In 2019, Chinese toy retailer Pop Mart partnered with Lung to transform these storybook characters into collectible figurines, marking the beginning of Labubu’s rise to fame.
The real explosion came in October 2023 with the release of the Exciting Macaron series, Pop Mart’s first Labubu keychain plush collection. These fuzzy, pastel-colored dolls, sold in “blind boxes” where buyers don’t know which design they’ll get until opening, tapped into a growing trend of bag charms and collectible toys. By 2024, Labubu’s popularity skyrocketed, fueled by celebrity endorsements and social media frenzy, particularly after BLACKPINK’s Lisa was spotted with a Labubu dangling from her Louis Vuitton bag. Today, Pop Mart’s The Monsters series, led by Labubu, generates over $400 million annually, with the company reporting a 726% year-over-year revenue growth in 2024.
Why Labubu Is a Global Sensation
1. The Blind Box Phenomenon
A key driver of Labubu mania is Pop Mart’s blind box strategy. Each box contains a random Labubu figure, with a 1-in-72 chance of unboxing a rare “secret” doll featuring unique colors, poses, or accessories. This element of surprise, akin to opening Pokémon trading card packs or a Kinder Surprise egg, creates a thrilling, gamified experience. Collectors like Kevin Duong, a 23-year-old YouTuber, describe the “rush of yelling and screaming” when unboxing a desired design, such as the rare Chestnut Cocoa Labubu, which can resell for over $149 on eBay.
The scarcity of these limited-edition drops fuels demand. Pop Mart’s website and TikTok channels (@popmart.usshop, @popmartunboxing.us) frequently sell out within minutes, and in-store releases see fans lining up overnight, some arriving as early as 10 p.m. the previous day. In May 2025, Pop Mart paused Labubu sales in its 16 UK stores due to reports of customers fighting over the toys, highlighting the intensity of the craze.
2. Celebrity Endorsements and Fashion Appeal
Labubu’s leap from niche collectible to mainstream fashion accessory owes much to celebrity endorsements. In April 2024, Lisa of BLACKPINK posted a photo hugging a Labubu doll, sparking a surge in demand across Asia, particularly in Thailand, where fans began associating the toy with good luck and even crafted Labubu-themed Buddhist amulets. Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, and Simone Biles followed suit, clipping Labubus to their designer bags, while David Beckham received one from his daughter Harper. These high-profile sightings transformed Labubu into a status symbol, blurring the line between toy and luxury fashion.
The dolls’ “ugly-cute” aesthetic—think fuzzy bodies, impish grins, and rabbit-like ears—aligns perfectly with 2025’s bag charm trend. Brands like Prada, Max Mara, and Vivienne Westwood have embraced plush accessories, but Labubu stands out for its playful, chaotic charm. As Vogue Business notes, Labubus are the #1 collectible on resale platform StockX, with an average resale price of $208, a 24% premium over their $168 retail price.
3. Nostalgia and Emotional Connection
Labubu’s appeal goes beyond hype; it taps into a deeper emotional need. For many adult collectors, these toys evoke nostalgia for childhood, offering a comforting escape from the stresses of modern life. Kevin Duong told Good Morning America, “Being an adult is very stressful… but having just a little part of my life where I can sit down, open a blind box or look at my toys and be happy about it, it’s really good to not overthink about life.” This sentiment resonates with the “treat yourself” economy, where small, dopamine-boosting purchases like Labubu dolls provide joy in uncertain times.
The customizable nature of Labubus enhances their emotional appeal. Fans dress them in handmade outfits or purchase accessories from sites like Amazon, creating a parasocial bond where Labubu becomes a “companion” or “co-star.” As Mashable notes, owning a rare Labubu signals cultural fluency, saying, “You know where the hype is, and you got there first.”
4. Social Media and Viral Unboxing
Social media has been the rocket fuel for Labubu mania. TikTok, with 1.2 million posts under #Labubu, is flooded with unboxing videos, styling tutorials, and shaking tips (a technique to guess the contents of a blind box by sound and weight). Influencers like Lana Rae, whose Labubu unboxing YouTube short garnered 1.2 million views, and Baochi Travel, whose customization video hit 5 million views, have amplified the trend. On Instagram, even nonagenarian chef Guadalupe Fiñana showcases her Labubu collection, proving the toy’s universal appeal.
The viral nature of these posts creates a feedback loop: fans share their hauls, others feel FOMO, and the cycle continues. A December 2024 video of US airport security staff inspecting a Labubu box drew millions of views, highlighting the toy’s cultural ubiquity.
Labubu Mania has taken the world by storm in 2025, captivating collectors with its quirky charm. The frenzy of Labubu Mania is fueled by Pop Mart’s blind box drops, where fans eagerly chase rare designs. Social media amplifies Labubu Mania, with TikTok unboxing videos racking up millions of views. Celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa have supercharged Labubu Mania, making these plush toys must-have fashion accessories. From resale markets to chaotic store drops, Labubu Mania shows no signs of slowing down.
The Cultural and Economic Impact
Labubu Mania success has propelled Pop Mart to new heights. The company reported $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024, a 100% increase from 2023, with The Monsters contributing $419 million. A single 4-foot-tall mint-green Labubu Mania sold for $170,000 at a Beijing auction in June 2025, and a limited-edition Labubu x Vans doll fetched $10,585 on eBay. Pop Mart’s CEO, Wang Ning, saw his net worth rise to $21.1 billion, making him China’s youngest top-10 billionaire at age 37–38.
The craze has also sparked cultural debates. In Russia, officials proposed banning Labubu Mania sales, citing their “frightening appearance” and potential harm to children’s mental health. In Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, authorities seized 4,000 dolls, claiming they caused behavioral issues and contained “demonic spirits.” Meanwhile, China’s state media, like People’s Daily, hails Labubu Mania as a symbol of “Created in China,” showcasing the country’s creative innovation on the global stage.
The Dark Side: Counterfeits and Resale Madness
With great hype comes great imitation. Counterfeit Labubus, dubbed “Lafufus,” have flooded the market, prompting Pop Mart to crack down. In April 2025, Chinese customs intercepted 200,000 fake Labubu goods in Ningbo. Collectors are advised to check for nine teeth, precise eye and blush details, and even stitching to spot fakes. Despite the crackdowns, some collectors embrace Lafufus for their quirky, unconventional designs.
The resale market is equally wild. Rare Labubus sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars, with resellers capitalizing on the scarcity. This has led to chaotic scenes, like the “Labubu Hunger Games” described by one fan at a Pop Mart drop, and even reports of thefts from cars.
How to Join the Labubu Craze
Want to snag a Labubu? Check Pop Mart’s official channels (@popmart.usshop on TikTok) or their website for restock alerts. Walmart’s third-party marketplace via StockX offers nearly 20 Labubu options, ranging from $67 to $300, though purchases are non-refundable. For collectors, our guide to collecting rare toys offers tips on navigating blind box mania. Avoid fakes by shopping trusted retailers and verifying authenticity.
Why Labubu Matters in 2025
Labubu is more than a toy; it’s a cultural phenomenon reflecting our desire for joy, nostalgia, and individuality in a complex world. As The Guardian notes, these dolls may be “the comfort object that today’s bleakness recognizes.” Whether you’re a collector chasing a rare Chestnut Cocoa or a casual fan clipping a Labubu to your bag, these mischievous elves have redefined what it means to be a “must-have” in 2025. Join the mania, but beware—you might just fall in love with these toothy little monsters.
Below is an addition to the article “Labubu Mania: Why These Cute Plush Toys Are Taking 2025 by Storm” for your website, likiy.net, incorporating FAQs and top Labubu products for 2025. This section is designed to provide practical information for collectors and enthusiasts, answer common questions, and highlight trending products, while including internal and external links as requested. The content is concise to fit within the overall 1500-word target for the article, assuming the original article is around 1200 words, leaving room for approximately 300 words for this addition.
Labubu FAQs: Your Questions Answered
As Labubu mania sweeps the globe, new collectors and curious fans have plenty of questions about these quirky plush toys. Here are answers to the most common queries to help you navigate the craze.
1. What is a Labubu, and why is it so popular?
Labubu Mania is a plush toy character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, part of The Monsters series produced by Pop Mart. Its “ugly-cute” charm, with pointy ears and a nine-tooth grin, has made it a viral sensation, boosted by celebrity endorsements from stars like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Rihanna. The blind box format, where you don’t know which design you’ll get, adds a thrilling element of surprise, driving its popularity among collectors. Learn more about collectible trends on our guide to viral toys.
2. How can I tell if my Labubu is real or fake?
Authentic Labubus have exactly nine teeth, precise eye and blush details, and high-quality stitching. Counterfeit “Lafufus” often lack these specifics or have uneven designs. Always buy from trusted retailers like Pop Mart’s official website or verified resellers on StockX. Check our tips for spotting fake collectibles for more details.
3. Where can I buy Labubu in 2025?
Pop Mart is the primary retailer, with drops every Thursday at 9 p.m. PST online and Fridays at 10 a.m. in stores. Restocks often sell out in minutes, so enable notifications on the Pop Mart app or follow @popmart.usshop on TikTok. You can also find Labubus at claw machines in select bubble tea shops or on resale platforms like eBay, though prices can soar to $500 for rare editions.
4. What’s the best way to score a Labubu during a drop?
Log into the Pop Mart app 15–20 minutes before a 10 p.m. EST drop, as some releases go live early. Use a phone for faster navigation, and pre-add items to your cart. Reddit user Yeehawbirb suggests refreshing the “Pop Now” section every 30 seconds for restocks.
5. Are Labubus worth the investment?
Rare Labubus, like the Big Into Energy secret edition, resell for $500–$3,000, a significant markup from their $20–$30 retail price. However, market saturation or shifting trends could affect value, so collect for passion over profit.
Top Labubu Products to Collect in 2025
Here are the hottest Labubu releases dominating 2025, based on sales, TikTok buzz, and collector demand:
- Labubu Exciting Macaron Blind Box (V1)
- Price: $27.99 (retail), up to $149 (resale)
- Why It’s Hot: The first Labubu blind box series (October 2023) features pastel designs like Lychee Berry and Sesame Bean, with a 1:72 chance of unboxing the rare Chestnut Cocoa. A must-have for serious collectors. Available on eBay from trusted sellers.
- Why Collect: Its iconic status and vibrant colors make it a cornerstone of any Labubu collection.
- Big Into Energy Series Plush Keychain
- Price: $30 (retail), $208–$500 (resale)
- Why It’s Hot: Released in April 2025, this series showcases Labubu in dynamic poses, with the secret black-fur, rainbow-teeth version fetching up to $500 on StockX. The drop caused a 748% sales surge for Pop Mart.
- Why Collect: Its energetic designs and high resale value appeal to trendsetters.
- Labubu x Vans Collaboration
- Price: $300 (retail), up to $3,000 (resale)
- Why It’s Hot: This limited-edition figure combines Labubu’s charm with Vans’ Old Skool sneaker aesthetic, making it a streetwear collector’s dream. Only a few exist, driving prices sky-high.
- Why Collect: Perfect for fans of fashion collabs and rare finds.
- Mini Labubu Pin for Love V4
- Price: $15 (retail), $50–$100 (resale)
- Why It’s Hot: Released August 28, 2025, these 4.1-inch pins come in 26 alphabet-themed variations, with a secret “Heart” character. Their compact size makes them ideal bag charms.
- Why Collect: Affordable and versatile for everyday styling.
- MEGA LABUBU Sketch 1000%
- Price: $960 (retail), $38,000 (resale)
- Why It’s Hot: This 31-inch figure with a hand-drawn sketch design is a rare centerpiece, with only a few produced. Its $38,000 resale price reflects its exclusivity.
- Why Collect: A statement piece for serious collectors with deep pockets.
For more on building your collection, explore our ultimate guide to Pop Mart collectibles. Stay ahead of the Labubu craze by following Pop Mart’s official site for drop alerts and exclusive releases.