Labubu is everywhere. Honestly, if you’ve stepped into a mall or scrolled through TikTok in the last few months, you’ve seen that mischievous, jagged-toothed grin staring back at you. But the Labubu Time to Chill collection hits differently than the standard series. It’s not just another vinyl drop. It’s a vibe. Kinda lazy, very cozy, and exactly what people want right now.
Pop Mart really leaned into the "soft" aesthetic here. While previous iterations of Labubu—the creation of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung—often focused on adventure or Norse mythology vibes, Time to Chill is about doing absolutely nothing. And ironically, that’s made collectors work harder than ever to find them.
The Design Shift in Labubu Time to Chill
What makes this specific series stand out? It’s the textures. Most Labubu figures are hard vinyl, but Time to Chill embraces the plush craze. We’re talking about those iconic long ears and mischievous eyes, but wrapped in materials that feel like a high-end bathrobe or a fuzzy blanket.
Collectors have been losing it over the "Seated" Labubu. You’ve probably seen it hanging off a designer handbag. It’s a trend sparked heavily by Lisa from BLACKPINK, who basically broke the internet (and the supply chain) just by posting her own collection. When a global icon carries a Labubu, it stops being a toy and becomes a status symbol. But Time to Chill feels more personal. It’s less about "look at my rare find" and more about "look how cute this little guy is sitting on my desk."
The color palette is muted. Think sage greens, cream whites, and soft coffees. It’s a departure from the neon-heavy street art style of earlier Zimomo or Labubu releases. It fits into the "Homebody" aesthetic that has dominated social media since the world decided that staying in is actually better than going out.
Why the Resale Market is Total Chaos
Let’s be real for a second. Trying to get your hands on a Labubu Time to Chill figure at retail price is basically like winning the lottery. Pop Mart stores often have lines stretching around the block. Within minutes of a restock, the "Sold Out" signs are taped to the glass.
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Why? Because the secondary market is massive. A figure that retails for roughly $15 to $20 can easily flip for $60, $100, or even more if it’s a specific "secret" colorway. It’s the scarcity principle in full effect. Pop Mart uses a blind box system, which is essentially gambling for cute things. You don't know what you're getting until you tear into that foil bag. The dopamine hit of finding the specific Time to Chill character you wanted is addictive.
But it’s not just about the money. There’s a community aspect. People trade these like Pokémon cards in the 90s. You’ll see fans meeting up in cafes, "unboxing" together, and swapping a "Yoga Labubu" for a "Napping Labubu." It’s a weirdly wholesome ecosystem for something that costs so much money.
The Kasing Lung Connection and Norse Roots
To understand why people care about a monster with serrated teeth, you have to look at Kasing Lung. He’s the artist behind "The Monsters" universe. He grew up in the Netherlands, and you can see that European folklore influence everywhere. Labubu is actually a girl—a common misconception—and she’s part of a forest tribe.
The Labubu Time to Chill series strips away the "monster" lore and replaces it with human relatability. Even monsters get tired. Even monsters want to wear a hoodie and drink tea. That’s the hook. Kasing Lung managed to take a character that looks like it might bite you and make it look like it needs a hug.
The craftsmanship in this series is actually surprisingly high for mass-produced vinyl. If you look closely at the "Time to Chill" vinyls, the mold lines are almost non-existent. The paint applications on the eyes have a gloss that makes them look alive. Pop Mart has scaled their production, but they haven't sacrificed the "art" part of "art toy" yet.
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Spotting the Fakes
Because the demand is so high, the market is flooded with "bootlegs." If you see a Labubu Time to Chill on a random website for $5, it’s fake. Period.
Genuine figures have specific weight distributions. The boxes have holographic stickers. Most importantly, the "fur" on the plush versions of Time to Chill is high-quality synthetic fibers—the fakes usually feel like a cheap carnival prize. Collectors get really intense about this. If you’re buying on the resale market, always ask for the QR code verification that comes on the card inside the box. No card, no deal.
Is It Just a Fad?
People asked the same thing about Bearbricks 20 years ago. People asked the same thing about Funko Pops. The difference with Labubu is the fashion crossover. Because these figures are designed to be worn—clipped onto bags or used as "outfit of the day" accessories—they’ve tapped into the lifestyle market, not just the toy market.
The Labubu Time to Chill series represents the peak of this trend. It’s the "lifestyle" series. It doesn't require you to know the deep lore of the Monsters universe. You just have to appreciate the aesthetic of relaxation.
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However, there is a risk of burnout. When everything is a "limited drop," the fatigue sets in. We’re seeing some collectors start to pivot toward smaller, independent artists because they’re tired of the Pop Mart hunger games. But for now, Labubu is the undisputed queen of the shelf.
How to Start Your Collection Without Going Broke
If you're looking to jump into the Labubu Time to Chill craze, don't start by buying individual boxes on eBay for 4x the price. That’s a trap.
- Join Local Groups: Facebook groups and Discord servers often have "cost-plus-shipping" sellers who aren't looking to scalp.
- Check the Flagship Stores: If you live near a major city, Pop Mart flagships often get surprise mid-week restocks that don't get advertised on Instagram.
- Go for the "Open Box" Deals: Many collectors want the thrill of the blind box. If you just want the toy, buy a "confirmed" figure where the box has been opened but the toy is still sealed. It’s usually cheaper than a sealed blind box because the "gamble" is gone.
- Patience is Key: These series usually run for a year or more. The hype is highest in the first three months. If you wait, the prices on the secondary market almost always dip slightly once the "next" series is announced.
Actionable Next Steps
Start by verifying your sources. If you're buying online, use platforms with buyer protection like Mercari or specialized toy forums. Download the Pop Mart app to track official restock times in your region. Most importantly, decide if you're a "completionist" or a "casual." The Time to Chill set is beautiful as a full collection, but it’s also perfectly fine to just have one sitting on your nightstand to remind you that it’s okay to take a break.
Check the bottom of your existing figures for the official branding and batch codes. If you're looking to display them, avoid direct sunlight—the soft pastels in the Time to Chill series are prone to UV fading over long periods. Get a UV-protected acrylic case if you're serious about the long-term value.