The Labubu Craze: Why This Creepy-Cute Monster Toy Took the World by Storm
Imagine a grinning, pointy-eared plush that blends shock, charm, and collectibility—and suddenly, it's everywhere. That’s Labubu: the quirky creature from Hong Kong that has become the unexpected superstar of 2025. From celebrity accessories to auction block sensations, its rise tells a fascinating story about human psychology, social media, and modern consumer culture.
1. Origins & Design
Labubu was created in 2015 by Hong Kong–born artist Kasing Lung, inspired by Nordic folklore and his comic series The Monsters (Wikipedia). The toy officially launched in 2019 via collaboration with Chinese collectible giant Pop Mart, evolving into over 300 variants—from keychains to giant collector editions (Wikipedia). Its mischievous grin, bunny-eared silhouette, and fierce charm straddle the line between cute and unsettling—a look that’s hard to ignore.
2. Celebrity Endorsement & Viral Fame
The craze went truly global when Blackpink's Lisa sported a Labubu keychain in early 2024—sparking a viral adoption across Asia and beyond (Wikipedia). Soon after, stars like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian were spotted carrying their own Labubus (Wikipedia).
3. The Blind-Box Phenomenon & Collector Psychology
Like Beanie Babies or Tamagotchi, Labubu thrives on blind-box marketing—consumers buy without knowing which variant they’ll get, chasing that rare, high-value find (Wikipedia). Street lines, midnight drops, and resale parties are all part of the game. One collector paid $170,000 for a life-size mint-green Labubu at auction in Beijing (Wikipedia).
4. Mania, Knockoffs & Controversy
The hype fueled a surge in fakes—“Lafufus”—especially in tourist districts like New York’s Canal Street, where knockoffs sell for as little as $10 (New York Magazine). Critics describe Labubu as a reflection of consumer excess, questioning whether adults’ obsession with the toy borders on materialistic addiction (The Times). Even Russian authorities considered banning it, citing its potentially disturbing appearance (Wikipedia).
5. The Cultural Echo & Future Outlook
Toy historians firmly place Labubu among other collectible crazes (Cabbage Patch, Beanie Babies), explaining that emotional attachment and social signaling are core drivers (AP News). TikTok alone features over 1.7 million Labubu videos, and Pop Mart’s market value has soared to $34 billion, with flagship stores opening in the U.S. (Wikipedia).
🧭 Final Take
Labubu is more than a plush—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Rooted in design, propelled by scarcity, amplified by stars, and wrapped in our collective love for surprise. Whether it’s a guilty pleasure or a smart investment, Labubu embodies how collectibles morph into lifestyle icons. As blind-box culture evolves, this grinning monster reminds us that in the age of digital trends, emotional value can outweigh practicality.