The Lowdown on Labubu: What to Know About the Viral Toy

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Despite their adorable nine-toothed grins, be cautious: Labubus are generating substantial income. Created by artist Kasing Lung and distributed by Pop Mart, these compact toys and accessories, some small enough for a keyring, are amassing a fortune. The exact amount? In 2024, the Blind Box series for The Monsters, which includes Labubu, brought in over $419 million in revenue, representing a staggering 726.6% year-over-year growth.

Emily Brough, head of licensing for Pop Mart North America, shared this figure with NBC News. In an email to the outlet, she expressed delight at the popularity of Labubu, stating that the recent “Into Energy” release had exceeded their expectations. She added that it was rewarding to see the global impact of this lovable and mischievous character.

You don’t have to simply trust Brough when he says that Labubu is a massive success; instead, explore TikTok where you’ll find an abundance of videos featuring fans eagerly waiting in long queues at stores to purchase a Labubu and sharing unboxing clips to reveal which Labubu they received from the Blind Box—a surprise that can only be fully revealed upon opening the package. Notably, celebrities such as Lisa (from BLACKPINK), Simone Biles, and Hilary Duff have also expressed their admiration for these figures.

In case you’re uncertain about what Labubu represents, don’t worry. Keep scrolling to get all the details about this sensation.

What is a Labubu?

Essentially, a Labubu is a plaything modeled after the narrative collection “The Monsters,” crafted by artist Kasing Lung, who hails from Hong Kong but relocated to The Netherlands.

According to toy manufacturer Pop Mart, the books draw inspiration from Nordic mythology and introduce a cast of magical characters, some good and others evil, collectively known as The Monsters. Among these figures, Labubu stands out as the most well-known. This small monster is easily identified by its high, pointed ears and serrated teeth. Despite having a mischievous appearance, Labubu is actually kind-hearted and desires to help, though often ends up causing unintended harm instead.

It’s worth noting that these creatures were inspired not by rabbits but elves. Lung, the creator of The Monsters, shared that he was captivated by ancient European elf legends, as he enjoyed reading storybooks in the past.

The Monsters book series debuted in 2015; however, it wasn’t until four years later that Lung collaborated with Pop Mart. In 2023, the company started selling a popular keyring version of Exciting Macaron, which transformed Labubu into a fashion accessory.

Lung discussed the impact of these toys in an interview with CGTN Europe in March, stating, “I believe that these toys have become an integral part of our lives now, which is quite different from what we used to have.

How did Labubus become so popular?

Pop Mart owes a significant portion of its success to BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who publicly declared her affection for the toy brand in a 2024 video for Vanity Fair. In this video, she expressed that when traveling, she would seek out Pop Mart stores, comparing the experience to hunting for hidden treasures.

However, Lisa’s secret adoration for Labubus soon became public knowledge, with celebrities such as Rihanna, Madonna, Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, and David Beckham either spotted with or sharing photos of their own Labubus collections on social media.

The allure of Labubus is further enhanced by the “Blind Box” packaging, which keeps the toy a mystery until it is opened. This element of surprise has contributed to the viral popularity of Labubus. As stated on Pop Mart’s website, each Blind Box series showcases a collection, with some figurines being rarer than others. These rare figures are referred to as ‘secret,’ ‘hidden,’ or ‘chase’ figures.

Shoppers can choose to purchase a single Blind Box, containing one item, or they can opt for a set of six Blind Boxes, each featuring a unique Labubus figure. Videos showcasing people unboxing their purchases to discover which Labubus they received have garnered thousands, if not millions, of views online.

For example, Crystal Kung Minkoff, a former star of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”, has shared multiple videos showcasing new items on her social media platforms. In one post, she asked her followers, “Are you hopping on the Labubu trend?

How much does a Labubu cost?

The cost of a Labubu toy fluctuates. For example, in the Monsters Exciting Macaron collection, an individual Blind Box retails at $27.99, while a complete set of six is priced at $167.94. Conversely, the Mega Labubu Tec 1000% All About Us, being a larger figure, goes for $959.90.

However, it’s important to note that Pop Mart toys tend to sell out rapidly. Sometimes, people resell their Labubu purchases on online marketplaces and inflate the price.

How do you buy a Labubu?

Beyond simply buying Labubus from Pop Mart’s online store, customers can also purchase them at the company’s physical stores and vending machines. However, TikTok videos often show lengthy queues.

Despite this, celebrities like Emma Roberts might find it worth enduring the wait.

“My dream has finally been realized,” the actress expressed in an Instagram video posted on May 31st. “I am in Milan. I went to Pop Mart, waited in line, and got myself a Have a Seat Labubu.”

Pop Mart also hosts drops on TikTok Live, allowing customers to receive boxes through their brand feature called Pop Now.

Some shoppers buy Labubus from resale websites or other stores, but they must be cautious not to purchase a “Lafufu” – a term the internet uses for a counterfeit Labubu.

Are there other characters besides Labubu?

Absolutely! Labubu and Zimomo are two of the characters from the “Monsters” series. Many adore Labubu, while Zimomo is also quite popular.

Crystal clarified in an Instagram video on May 26 that all Labubus are female, whereas Zimomos are male.

So, how can fans differentiate between them?

As Lisa explained to Vanity Fair, if the character has a tail, they’re known as Zimomo. If there’s no tail, we refer to them as Labubu.

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2025-06-13 04:19