Honestly, if you’ve walked through a mall in Southeast Asia or scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen a fuzzy, mischievous-looking creature with jagged teeth and pointed ears dangling from someone's designer handbag. That’s Labubu. It isn’t just a toy. It’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Specifically, the Labubu blind box has turned the art of collecting into a high-stakes scavenger hunt that bridges the gap between high fashion and vinyl art toys.
People are losing their minds over these things.
Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung in 2015, Labubu is part of a larger universe called "The Monsters." Lung was inspired by Nordic mythology—think trolls and forest spirits—but he gave them a modern, edgy twist. While the character has been around for nearly a decade, the recent explosion in popularity feels like it happened overnight. You can thank a mix of celebrity influence, scarcity marketing, and the sheer dopamine hit of the "blind" reveal.
The Lisa Effect and the Global Surge
Why now? Why this specific monster?
The tipping point for the Labubu blind box craze can be traced back to a single person: Lisa from BLACKPINK. In early 2024, she started posting photos on Instagram featuring her Labubu plushies. When a global icon with millions of followers shows off a "The Monsters - Fall Wild" series vinyl plush, the market doesn't just react—it explodes. Suddenly, what was a niche hobby for art toy collectors became a must-have fashion accessory for Gen Z and Millennials across Thailand, China, and the West.
Prices on the secondary market tripled.
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Resellers began camping out at Pop Mart stores (the primary distributor) before dawn. It’s a classic case of social proof meeting limited supply. But beyond the celebrity hype, there is something deeply tactile and "ugly-cute" about Labubu that resonates. In a world of perfectly polished, "kawaii" characters like Hello Kitty, Labubu’s mischievous grin and sharp teeth offer something a bit more rebellious. It’s an aesthetic that fits perfectly with the current trend of personalizing luxury bags with "bag charms," making a $3,000 purse look a little less serious.
The Mechanics of the Blind Box
If you aren't familiar with the format, a Labubu blind box is exactly what it sounds like. You buy a sealed box, usually for around $12 to $20 USD, but you have no idea which specific color or variant is inside.
Pop Mart usually releases these in series of 12.
If you're lucky, you might pull a "Secret" or "Chase" figure. These are produced in much lower quantities—sometimes 1 in 72 or even 1 in 144. This gambling element is what keeps the engine running. It’s the "pull" videos on social media that get millions of views. The sound of the foil tearing, the gasp when someone sees the ears of a rare "Macaron" series plush—that’s the engine of the community.
Not All Labubus Are Created Equal
While the vinyl figures were the original draw, the "Exciting Macaron" vinyl plush series changed the game. These are soft, fuzzy, and come in pastel colors like "Sea Salt Coconut" (blue), "Green Grape" (green), and "Lychee Berry" (pink). Because they have a hanging loop, they transitioned from shelf-dwellers to wearable art. This portability is the secret sauce. You don’t just leave your Labubu at home; you take it to brunch.
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Understanding the Secondary Market Chaos
Because demand has far outstripped supply, the Labubu blind box market is currently a bit of a Wild West. On platforms like StockX, eBay, or Carousel, a single "Secret" figure from a popular series can fetch hundreds of dollars.
Fake products are everywhere.
For a real collector, spotting a "bootleg" Labubu is a rite of passage. Authentic Pop Mart boxes have a specific holographic sticker and a QR code you can scan to verify the serial number on their official system. Fakes often have weirdly shaped teeth, "dead" eyes that lack the sparkle of the original vinyl, or fur that feels more like a cheap carnival prize than the high-quality synthetic fibers Kasing Lung’s designs demand.
The economics are fascinating. Pop Mart has mastered the "drop" culture usually reserved for sneakers like Jordans or Yeezys. By keeping stock low and rotating series quickly, they ensure that the "FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out) remains high. If you see a series you like, you have to buy it now, because it likely won't be on the shelf next month.
Why We Collect Monsters
There’s a psychological layer here that goes beyond just "trendy toy."
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Kasing Lung’s The Monsters series represents a range of emotions. Labubu is often described as a character that looks scary but is actually kind-hearted. In many ways, that's a reflection of how people feel in the modern world—a bit guarded, maybe a little "toothy," but ultimately looking for connection. When you buy a Labubu blind box, you're buying into a world where it's okay to be a little weird.
It also serves as a "micro-investment." For a younger generation that might find real estate or stocks intimidating or out of reach, collecting art toys feels like a tangible way to hold value. You can enjoy the item, and if you ever get bored of it, there's a liquid market ready to buy it from you.
Spotting a Real vs. Fake Labubu
If you're looking to jump into the hobby, you need to be careful. The "Exciting Macaron" series is the most faked toy on the market right now. Here is what to look for when you're hunting:
- The Box Art: Official boxes have crisp, high-saturation printing. If the colors look washed out or the text is blurry, walk away.
- The Feet: On many Labubu plushies, the foot pads have "Pop Mart" and "Kasing Lung" embossed or printed clearly. Fakes often miss the font details or have messy stitching.
- The "Feel": Genuine Labubus have a certain weight to them. They don't feel hollow or overly light. The vinyl parts (the face and feet) should feel dense and smooth.
- The QR Code: This is your best friend. Every modern Pop Mart blind box comes with a scratch-off sticker. If the sticker is already scratched or the website it sends you to looks sketchy, it's a wrap.
The Future of The Monsters
Is this a bubble? Maybe. Most toy crazes eventually cool down. However, the integration of Labubu into the fashion world suggests it might have more staying power than the average fad. We're seeing collaborations with high-end designers and presence at major art shows like Art Basel.
Kasing Lung continues to expand the lore. Labubu isn't alone—there’s Tycoco (the skull-headed one), Zimomo (the larger leader with a tail), and Spooky. This "world-building" gives the brand longevity. It isn't just one toy; it’s an entire ecosystem of characters that fans can get invested in over years, not just weeks.
If you’re ready to start your collection, don't just buy the first thing you see on a random ad. Go to an official Pop Mart store or a reputable art toy retailer. The "blind" aspect is part of the fun, but the real joy comes from finding that one specific character that matches your vibe.
Actionable Steps for New Collectors
- Download the Pop Mart App: This is the easiest way to track new releases and find official store locations. It also lets you participate in "online" blind box draws where you can virtually "pinch" boxes to try and guess what's inside.
- Join Local Groups: Facebook groups and Discord servers dedicated to "The Monsters" are great for trading duplicates. Since you're bound to get "doubles" when buying blind boxes, having a community to trade with saves you a lot of money.
- Invest in Protection: If you get a plush Labubu, buy a clear plastic "space suit" or display case. These keep the fur clean from dust and skin oils, which is vital if you ever plan on reselling.
- Verify Before Buying Resale: If a deal on a "Secret" Labubu seems too good to be true, it is. Use a UV light to check for hidden watermarks on the packaging if you're buying high-value figures.
- Set a Budget: The blind box trap is real. It is very easy to spend $200 in ten minutes trying to "chase" a specific color. Decide how many boxes you're going to buy before you walk into the store and stick to it.