Labubus is a toy made of a plush body with a vinyl face that has conquered TikTok and the handbags of grown women around the world. Why do designer Labubu toys cost as much as an airline ticket? Why are they collected? And is it worth buying a Labubu doll, and is it addictive?
What is Labubu Doll?
Labubu are plush toy monsters created by Taiwanese artist Kasing Lung and released by the Asian brand Pop Mart. In 2015, Lung illustrated and released a series of books about fantasy creatures with pointy ears and teeth: Labubu (which became the most popular), Zimmomo, Taikoko, Spooky, and Pato. The author and artist found inspiration in Scandinavian fairy tales and northern nature, and the prototypes for Labubu and his friends were fairies and elves. Visually, Labubu is something between a troll, a fox, and a cartoon monster, and this is where his special charm lies: he evokes both affection and bewilderment.
Since 2019, Lung has agreed to an exclusive partnership with Chinese toy manufacturer Pop Mart, and sales of such toys have been launched. All figures come in the format of “blind” boxes—sealed boxes—where the buyer does not know which version of Labubu he will get this time.
Why is Labubu Doll so Popular?
Labubu remained a phenomenon in Asia for a long time, but the character gained real global popularity after 2022-2023, thanks to viral videos on TikTok and Instagram. Labubu’s explosion in popularity is largely due to Lisa, a member of the South Korean group Blackpink. On social networks, Lalisa Manoban regularly posts photos of her looks, which she complements with keychains with monsters.
In January 2024, Labubu already appeared at Milan Fashion Week. Now the figurines can be considered pendants on Rihanna and Dua Lipa’s bags, 1.2 million TikTok videos have been recorded with Labubu, and when Pop Mart stores open (the only place where you can definitely buy original Labubu), queues of hundreds of people form.
How Much Does a Labubu Doll Cost?
The price of the Labubu doll is a separate conversation. The original soft toys cost $21.99. The cost depends on how rare the toy is. Pop Mart sells Labubus for $20–$40 in “blind boxes.” According to Inaboxstore and Hype Fly India, the price of a Labubu doll in India can range from Rs. 799 to Rs. 5,199.
Why are People Buying Labubu Toys?
What’s crucial to the interest in Labubu is the fact that they come in blind boxes – meaning you don’t know what style of Labubu you’ve got until you buy it and unpack it – making the desire for the toy more addictive. At the same time, the very nature of the “blind box” is addictive, experts explain to British Vogue. Buying a blind box without knowing what kind of Labubu will be inside means you very rarely get what you really want.
The scarcity effect is another reason people become hooked. We want and value things more when they seem exclusive and rare.
Labubu has also become a kind of social currency. Psychologists note that having such figurines — especially rare or customised ones — shows that the person is aware of contemporary cultural trends. This promotes a sense of belonging and supports social well-being.
However, perhaps the phenomenon of adults’ interest in plush monsters has deeper roots. What began as a collectible toy has now become a full-fledged emotional support system and an element of self-identity.
Several Laboubu collectors have cited a “deeply psychological” attraction to owning what is essentially a child’s stuffed animal. “I think for some people, like me, it’s almost like healing the inner child,” one told Vogue. “It’s like you haven’t really grown up yet, and you’re carrying around these pieces of childhood—they’re nostalgic, joyful, and playful.”
Psychology Today has a whole column devoted to the reasons for this interest in these toys. For example, experts note that, as children, we learn to find comfort in objects, such as a favourite stuffed animal or blanket. Such objects are called “transitional objects”: they help us feel safe and maintain emotional balance.
Labubu can fulfil this role, but only for adults. Most often, the surge in interest is explained by the fact that during periods of political instability, people want to distract themselves, have fun, and return to a comforting, seemingly simpler past – when reality seems too dark to cope with, and you need “hooks” to have something very kind, understandable, and predictable at hand.
FAQ
Labubu from Which Country?
Labubu was created by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung, and the toys are made and sold by the Chinese company Pop Mart.
Why is Labubu so Popular?
Labubu is popular because of his looks. It’s a combination of a fox and a cartoon monster with a smiling face.
What is the Labubu Price in India?
The price of Labubu doll in India ranges from Rs. 799 to Rs. 10,000.
