What are Labubu?

Hey readers. Today, I wanted to dive into something that’s become unforgettably peculiar (and frankly adorable) in the toy world: Labubu. If you’re noticing these mischievous little plushies dangling from bags or popping up in fashion shoots, you’re not alone. My daughter is obsessed with these little creatures, and now I’m seeing them everywhere! Let’s unpack their origin, cult-status rise, and what they cost here in the UK.

The Story Behind Labubu

The Magic Begins with an Illustrator

Labubu was born in 2015 from the imagination of Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong illustrator who grew up inspired by Nordic fairy tales and mythology. Lung brought Labubu to life through his book series The Monsters, where the mischievous, elf-like Labubu features alongside other quirky creatures.

A Strategic Partnership

The toy really became popular in 2019 when Lung teamed up with Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company known for its blind-box collectables. That collaboration transformed Labubu into an international sensation, and Pop Mart’s savvy marketing turned it into one of their flagship characters.

The Allure of Surprise

Labubus are sold in the signature “blind box” format—meaning you don’t know which variant you’ll get until you open it. Limited runs, secret editions, and themed series (like “Exciting Macaron,” “Have a Seat,” or even faux-designer remixes) give each release a treasure-hunt thrill.

Why Has Labubu Gone So Viral?

Celebrity Creds

When K-pop star Lisa (Blackpink) was seen with a Labubu keychain, the trend exploded across Asia—and quickly expanded globally with celebrity sightings by Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and even David Beckham.

“Ugly-Cute” Charm

Their design taps into a sweetly odd aesthetic: fuzzy bodies, oversized ears, devilish toothy grins—it’s cute, quirky, and totally Instagram-ready.

Collectible Culture

Labubu isn’t just a toy—it’s a form of creative self-expression. Fans unbox, style, and swap them like fashion accessories. At events, you’ll see styling, mini-workshops, and even rave-style meetups.

Market Mania (and Chaos)

Popularity has caused in-store chaos, resale explosions, counterfeit scams, and even safety concerns, leading to pauses in UK sales.

Labubu in the UK: What Do They Cost?

Official Retail Pricing

Standard blind-box Labubu figures typically range around £17.50 for mini bag charms.

Specific versions—like “Wings of Fortune” or series pendants—sell between £55 to £90.

Retailers in the UK often list variants priced £40–£55 per blind box, depending on the series. Sealed cases of six can range from £160–£310.

On the Resale & Rare Front

Resale and collector hype can send rare or secret editions well above the official retail, sometimes up to £1,000 or more.

Discount retailers have even offered look-alike plush keyrings for as little as £2.99, though sellers caution that only official versions are reliable for safety and authenticity.

A Human Take (Why Labubu Feels So Special)

Imagine this: You’re scrolling Instagram, and there’s Lisa dangling one of these uncanny-cute monsters from her bag. You think, I want that. Then you hunt online, find restock alerts, queue at Pop Mart, unbox a blind box—thrill, surprise, repeat. It’s the modern-day candy run, but for collectables. The whole process taps into nostalgia, excitement, and even a tiny bit of gambling buzz.

But Labubu isn’t just a purchase—it’s participation. Sharing unboxings, styling for each season, even swapping with someone across the globe—it’s community at its most adorable and earnest.

Yes, there’s frenzy—and yes, there’s resell drama—but at heart, Labubu still feels joyful and heartfelt. That’s rare in a trend cycle.

So that’s Labubu in a nutshell: a little monster with a massive cult following. From fairytale roots to high-fashion bag charms, they’ve hopped from storyteller’s sketch to global trend. And yes—I’d say they’re worth every quid if you enjoy a bit of whimsy in your day.

For something similar from me, see Top 10 TV Shows to Binge-Watch This Summer (2025).