You’ve seen the ears. Those serrated, monster-like teeth peeking out from a mischievous grin. Maybe it was dangling from a Blackpink member's Birkin, or perhaps you scrolled past a picture of Labubu doll setups on Instagram that looked more like high-art photography than a toy collection.
It’s weird.
Labubu isn't exactly "cute" in the traditional sense. It’s a bit jagged. A bit chaotic. Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung back in 2015 as part of "The Monsters" series inspired by Nordic mythology, this character has transformed from a niche designer collectible into a global obsession that crashes websites and causes actual mall stampedes.
Honestly, the hype is exhausting, but it’s also fascinating. If you’re trying to figure out why a vinyl figure of a forest elf is currently the most powerful currency in the toy world, you have to look at how the visual culture around these characters shifted from "toy" to "status symbol."
The Lisa Effect and the Viral Picture of Labubu Doll
Let’s be real: things changed when Lalisa Manobal posted.
In April 2024, the Blackpink star shared a photo of herself clutching a giant Labubu plush. The internet basically broke. Suddenly, the search volume for every picture of Labubu doll variants spiked by thousands of percentage points. It wasn't just collectors anymore. It was everyone.
When a global fashion icon treats a designer toy like a luxury accessory, the market responds instantly. We saw the "Macaron" series—those pastel, fuzzy blind boxes—become the "it" item of the year. Resale prices for a single $15-20 blind box shot up to $100 or even $200 for "secret" editions.
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It’s the scarcity. Pop Mart, the company behind the distribution, knows exactly what they are doing. They release these in limited waves. You go to the store, see an empty shelf, and then see a picture of Labubu doll hauls on TikTok from someone who managed to snag a whole case. It creates this intense FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) that keeps the cycle spinning.
Why Do They Look Like That? (The Lore)
Kasing Lung didn't just doodle a rabbit and call it a day. Labubu is part of a deep, slightly dark world.
The character is a creature from the woods. It’s mischievous. It wants to do good but often ends up causing trouble. That duality—the "monstrous" teeth paired with the soft fur or expressive eyes—is what makes a picture of Labubu doll so aesthetically pleasing to modern collectors. We’re tired of "perfect" cute. We want something with a little bit of an edge.
The Monsters world includes other characters like Zimomo (the one with the tail), Tycoco (the skeleton), and Spooky. But Labubu is the undisputed star.
In the early days, these were produced in very small batches by How2Work. They were hard vinyl, often hand-painted, and sold at art galleries or specialized toy shows like BTS (Beijing Toy Show) or TTF (Taipei Toy Festival). Now, with Pop Mart’s mass-production capabilities, the art toy has become accessible, yet the "blind box" mechanic keeps the hunt alive.
Decoding the Different Versions
If you’re looking at a picture of Labubu doll and wondering why one looks like a plushie and another looks like a shiny robot, it's because the brand expands across multiple mediums:
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- The Plush Series: These are the fuzzy ones. The "Exciting Macaron" series is the most famous. They have vinyl faces and soft bodies. They are designed to be clipped onto bags.
- The Vinyl Figures: These are the classic "designer toy" style. Harder material, more intricate sculpts, often themed around things like "The Monsters Forest" or "Labubu Animals."
- The Mega Collections: These are the big boys. 400% or 1000% sizes. If you see a picture of Labubu doll that is the size of a small child, that’s a Mega. These are investment pieces, often costing upwards of $500 to $2,000.
The Wild World of Resale and Scams
Because the demand is so high, the market is flooded with fakes.
You’ll see a picture of Labubu doll on a random website for $10. Do not buy it. It’s fake. Real Labubus have specific security features. Pop Mart started including QR codes on the boxes that you can scan to verify authenticity.
The counterfeiters are getting good, though. They mimic the weight of the box and even the smell of the vinyl. Real collectors look at the stitching on the ears and the "bloom" of the fur. If the fur looks flat or the teeth look "off-white" in a weird way, it’s a red flag.
The secondary market is where things get truly "wild west." Platforms like StockX, Xianyu (in China), and even eBay are teeming with "secret" pulls. In a blind box set of 12, there is usually one "chase" or secret figure with much lower odds—sometimes 1 in 72 or 1 in 144. Finding a picture of Labubu doll that is the secret version is the ultimate flex in the community.
How to Actually Buy One Without Getting Ripped Off
Getting your hands on one at retail price is a sport.
- Follow Pop Mart Global on Social Media: They announce drops usually a few days in advance.
- Use the App: The Pop Mart app often has "draws" where you enter for a chance to buy.
- Visit Physical Stores: If you live near a flagship (like in London, New York, or Bangkok), go on a weekday morning.
- The "Shake" Test: This is controversial. Some people shake blind boxes to hear the weight or movement to guess which character is inside. Don’t do this if the store staff is watching; it’s kinda frowned upon.
Basically, if you see a picture of Labubu doll that looks too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to official channels or highly rated resellers who provide proof of purchase.
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Why This Isn't Just a "Phase"
People have been saying the designer toy bubble would burst for years. It hasn't.
Labubu represents a shift in how we decorate our lives. We don't just want stuff; we want characters with personality. Every picture of Labubu doll shared online is a micro-story. Whether it's a Labubu "traveling" with its owner or a custom-painted one-of-a-kind piece, these toys have become a canvas for self-expression.
They bridge the gap between "high art" and "toy." That’s a powerful spot to be in.
Actionable Tips for New Collectors
- Start with a Series You Actually Like: Don't just buy the Macarons because they are trending. Look at the "Have a Seat" or "Lazy Yoga" series. The sculpts are often better.
- Check the QR Code Immediately: If you buy from a third party, scan the box before you even open the foil.
- Invest in a Display Case: Dust is the enemy of vinyl. If you’re going to spend $50 on a toy, spend $10 on a clear acrylic box.
- Join Local Communities: Groups on Facebook or Discord are the best way to trade duplicates. Trading is a huge part of the fun and saves you from buying ten boxes just to find the one you want.
Stop overthinking the "value." Collect because the weird little monster makes you smile. If you happen to pull a secret worth $500, that’s just a bonus. But the real joy is in the hunt and the community that has built up around these strange, sharp-toothed forest dwellers.
The next time you see a picture of Labubu doll on your feed, you’ll know it’s not just a toy. It’s a cultural lightning rod. Keep your eyes on the official restocks and maybe, just maybe, you'll beat the bots to the checkout button next time.
Check the Pop Mart official site every Friday morning at 10:00 AM EST; that’s a common window for new arrivals. Download the "Pop Now" app for real-time stock alerts in your specific region. If you are buying on the secondary market, always ask for a "timestamped" photo of the box's anti-counterfeit sticker to ensure the seller actually has the item in hand.