admin
I didn’t expect to fall down the Labubu rabbit hole. I came across this weird little toy that looked like a cross between a goblin and a bunny—huge grin, spiky ears, and all. Turns out, it’s not just me. The whole world is going crazy over Labubu, and now I understand why.
Let me walk you through what I’ve found. From what it is, why it blew up, how it’s made, and the wild marketing strategies behind it—to how you can get your hands on one (if you’re lucky!).
So... What Even Is Labubu?
Labubu is a quirky little creature an elf-like monster with sharp teeth, big ears, and a mischievous smile. It was originally created by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-Belgian illustrator, who introduced it through his storybook series called “The Monsters.” It looked cute but also kind of creepy in a cool way—like something out of a magical forest that would steal your snacks but also make you laugh.
At first, Labubu was just a character in books. But around 2019, everything changed. Pop Mart, a massive toy company in China, partnered with Kasing Lung to make Labubu into collectible toys, and the rest is history.
Why Did Labubu Become So Famous?
To be honest, at first glance, I didn’t get the hype. But when you look deeper, it makes a lot of sense.
1. It’s Mysterious and Fun
You don’t know what you’re going to get when you buy one. These are sold as blind boxes—sealed packages where each box contains a random design. Some are common, some are extremely rare. It’s kind of like opening a Pokémon card pack, but for designer toys.
2. Celebrities Jumped On Board
In 2024, things really exploded. Blackpink’s Lisa was spotted with a Labubu hanging on her designer handbag. Then other celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa were seen with them too. Overnight, this went from a niche collector’s toy to a global fashion statement.
3. There Are SO Many Versions
Over 300+ Labubu designs exist now—some tiny, some massive. One rare mint-green version sold at auction for around $170,000. That’s not a typo. People are that obsessed.
4. It Hits That Emotional Spot
Labubu connects with something emotional—nostalgia, cuteness, weirdness, and maybe even comfort. Some people collect them like trophies, some treat them like comfort dolls.
How Is Labubu Made?
There are two types of Labubu toys: vinyl figures (which feel like smooth plastic) and plush versions (the soft cuddly ones). The vinyl ones are the most collectible and come in blind boxes. They’re made in toy factories—mostly in China—designed by Pop Mart and Kasing Lung’s creative team.
Each design goes through a concept stage, digital sculpting, color prototyping, then into molds. Limited editions are carefully controlled so that only a handful ever reach shelves. It’s smart, because the rarity makes them more desirable.
Who Created Labubu?
As I mentioned earlier, the genius behind Labubu is Kasing Lung, an artist with a very unique style. He studied in the Netherlands and is known for his dark yet playful storytelling. In 2015, he launched “The Monsters,” and Labubu became the standout favorite from that world.
Then Pop Mart, the toy powerhouse based in Beijing, teamed up with him to bring Labubu into real life. Pop Mart already had experience with blind-box toys, and Labubu was their golden ticket.
The Genius Marketing Behind It
I’ve got to admit—Pop Mart knows exactly what they’re doing. Here’s what I noticed about their strategy:
🔥 Scarcity Creates Hype
Most Labubu designs are limited editions. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. That scarcity drives people to line up early, refresh apps, and even camp outside stores.
🧠 Blind Boxes = Addictive
Not knowing what design you’ll get makes it addictive. You just have to keep buying until you find the rare one. It’s half toy, half gamble.
👑 Celebrity Power
The moment Lisa from Blackpink was seen with a Labubu, the internet went nuts. This wasn’t an accident—Pop Mart probably gifted them or worked with stylists to make this happen. Genius.
📱 Social Media Explosion
There are millions of posts on TikTok and Instagram of people unboxing their Labubus. Some fans even dress them up in wedding dresses. No joke—David’s Bridal made miniature couture gowns for Labubu.
🌏 Global Reach With Local Flavor
Pop Mart didn’t just go global—they went smart global. They opened stores in different countries and customized events and packaging for local markets. That’s how you build loyalty.
What’s the Business Impact?
Okay, so here’s where it gets crazy.
Labubu isn’t just popular—it’s a financial beast.
In 2024, Labubu alone brought in over 3 billion yuan (about $417 million). That’s 23% of Pop Mart’s total revenue.
Pop Mart’s profits jumped 350% in the first half of 2025.
Their stock value surged and, at one point, they were worth more than Hasbro or Mattel—companies that have been around for decades.
It’s rare for a toy character to carry an entire company’s growth like this. But Labubu did it.
How (and Where) Can You Buy Labubu?
Getting a Labubu isn’t always easy, but here’s how people are doing it:
✅ 1. Pop Mart Stores & App
The official Pop Mart website and app offer regular drops. They also have physical stores in many countries. Some stores even have vending machines (called roboshops) that dispense blind boxes!
✅ 2. Collectible Toy Shops
Sites like Toysez or Figpalace often have individual Labubus for sale—especially rare ones—but they’re not cheap.
✅ 3. Resale Market
If you’re looking for that rare version or missed a drop, sites like eBay or collector forums might have it. Just watch out for fakes—yes, people are already making knockoff Labubus, sometimes called “Lafufus.”
