Have you heard of Labubu? They’re these cute plush toys from China that have totally blown up this year. What makes them stand out is that big toothy grin – they always look a little cheeky and mischievous.
Even the name Labubu sounds fun and playful. The “bu-bu” part just makes it extra cute, and it’s super easy for anyone around the world to say.
I first saw a Labubu last year in Thailand. Back then, I never would have guessed that this quirky little creature would spark a worldwide craze.
Why Our Love for Dolls Never Fades
Every generation has its own iconic doll. Back in the day, it was Barbie and the like that we desperately wanted as kids. But the love for dolls doesn’t just stop when we grow up – it seems to just move up a level, from toys to collectible treasures.
I still remember the joy I felt as a child when a new Barbie appeared under the Christmas tree. With each doll, my little collection grew, and every new outfit or accessory felt like a treasure. It wasn’t just a toy – it was a little piece of happiness.
And honestly, if even a baby hippo like Moo Deng from Thailand can become a worldwide social media star today, it’s no surprise that a little creature like Labubu can capture hearts just as fast.
For those who don’t know Moo Deng, here’s a YouTube video from when the hippo was still a baby. Today, she’s one year old and still super cute.
Now, back to Labubu
The craze may have only taken off in Thailand last year, but the excitement knows no bounds. In fact, Labubu has long gone global. In New York, they even threw an entire rave night in true Labubu style.
The fever has hit Bangkok too: Pop Mart recently opened its Global Landmark Store at Iconsiam, and it’s already a magnet for collectors and fans.
So what makes Labubu such a highly desirable collectible with some figures fetching six-figure prices? Here’s everything you need to know about the Labubu craze.
What is Labubu?
The name “Labubu” doesn’t really have a specific meaning. The artist Kasing Lung created the Labubus. From an early age, he discovered his love for elves and Nordic fairy tales. In 2015, he released the book series The Monsters, introducing a playful tribe of female elves: the Labubus.
With pointy ears, oversized eyes, and a cheeky grin showing exactly nine teeth, Labubus are instantly recognizable. Some people find them irresistibly cute, others delightfully quirky – but one thing’s for sure: they’re impossible to ignore.
According to the official retailer, Labubu has a kind heart and always wants to help – but often ends up causing the opposite by accident. A mischievous, lovable little elf – the kind of character you can’t help falling in love with.
The Creative Mind Behind Labubu: Kasing Lung
Kasing Lung, born on December 31, 1972, in Hong Kong, is not only a talented illustrator and designer but also the creative mind behind the beloved Labubu character.
Kasing Lung moved to the Netherlands at the age of seven, where he discovered his love for Nordic fairy tales, especially stories about elves. Even as a child, he drew inspiration from folklore and European tales, and you can clearly see that in his work. His characters and illustrations are full of playful mischief, yet they touch the heart in a way that feels instantly endearing.
He lives with his family in Belgium, where he runs his own studio in Antwerp. Kasing Lung is married and has a daughter. In addition to the Labubu figures, he also works on picture book projects such as The Story of Puca, Pato and the Girl, and Miró’s Requiem.
Financially, Kasing Lung has greatly benefited from the success of Labubu. Figures from The Monsters series are among the best-selling designer toys worldwide, and the Labubu line alone contributes hundreds of millions of US dollars annually to Pop Mart’s revenue. This success has allowed Lung to built a substantial fortune.
How Did Labubu Become an Art Toy?
Labubu officially made the leap into the world of art toys when Kasing Lung, shortly after debuting The Monsters, released a series inspired by his book characters. But it wasn’t until 2019 that Labubu truly broke through – thanks to a collaboration with the Chinese toy giant Pop Mart.
Pop Mart became famous primarily for its “Blind Boxes” – small surprise boxes where you only find out which figure you got when you open it. This concept exploded in 2016 with Molly, the playful, childlike character by Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong. When Pop Mart secured the rights to Labubu in 2019, it was clear that the quirky little elf was a perfect fit for this world of surprises. And indeed – the collectors went wild immediately.
Labubu figures come in all sorts of colors and designs, each tucked away in a Blind Box. The real thrill comes when you open it – will it be a standard figure, or the exciting discovery of a rare “Secret” Labubu?
It’s this element of surprise that’s a key reason fans keep coming back for more.
How Did Labubu Become a Global Sensation?
At first, Labubu’s fame was mostly limited to China. The hype was just starting to ignite as the country emerged from the pandemic at the end of 2022. The real breakthrough, however, came in April 2024, when Thailand-born K-pop superstar Lisa put Labubu in the spotlight, skyrocketing its popularity. Suddenly, Thailand was caught up in Labubu fever. Local celebrities jumped on the trend, fans lined up outside Pop Mart stores, and resale prices soared – some dolls sold for over 10,000 baht (around 263 euros).
While the hype in Thailand may have cooled off a bit, Labubu fever has only grown stronger worldwide. By 2025, Labubu had established itself as a true global pop culture phenomenon. The craze even sparked Pop Mart’s international expansion, with new stores planned in the U.S. and other markets. Demand was so high that in some countries, like the U.K., sales had to be temporarily halted to prevent disputes among customers over the dolls.
Of course, celebrities have also fueled the excitement. Rihanna was spotted with a Labubu attached to her Louis Vuitton bag, and Lady Gaga showed off a custom-designed doll. Madonna celebrated her 67th birthday in Italy with her partner, daughters Mercy and Lourdes, and a giant Labubu cake that read “Happy Birthday Madudu.”
What’s Really Behind the Labubu Hype?
There are many reasons why people are obsessed with Labubu. Part of it comes down to trends – when stars like Lisa or Rihanna showcase their figures, fans naturally want to follow suit. Labubu has become a statement, a pop culture badge that says, “I’m part of it.”
Of course, trends can be unpredictable. Remember the Furby craze? It seemed unstoppable—until it wasn’t. Suddenly, the toy everyone wanted was forgotten in the back of closets. Hopefully, Labubu won’t suffer the same fate.
In the end, though, Labubu is more than just a passing fad; it’s an art toy. It shows us that art can come in all shapes and forms – even as a mischievous little elf. Who knows? In a few years, Labubu might be more than a collectible – it could end up in a museum or gallery, remembered as part of art history.
Global Sales Success
Pop Mart’s Labubu figures have been a massive global sales success. In the first half of 2025 alone, Pop Mart generated $1.93 billion in revenue, with the Labubu series contributing around $670 million – roughly a third of that total. Demand is especially strong in the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia, and Pop Mart plans to sell over 10 million units daily starting September 2025.
If you’re already tempted, you can order here: https://labubushopuk.co.uk or https://thelabubus.com
Warnings About Counterfeits
With the rising demand for Labubu figures, counterfeits have also appeared. In the U.K., thousands of fake Labubu dolls were confiscated because they posed safety risks for children. In the U.S., the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued warnings about “Lafufu” knockoffs, which present a choking hazard. The term “Lafufu” has basically become slang for any fake or unsafe knockoff.
Check for certificates: Authentic Labubu figures often come with a hologram or a QR code to verify their authenticity.
How to Spot Real Labubu Figures from Fakes
You can tell real Labubu figures apart from fakes – known as “Lafufu” – mainly by their packaging, materials, and details. Originals come in sturdy, high-quality printed Blind Boxes with clearly visible Pop Mart logos, while counterfeits often use cheap boxes with blurry prints. The figure itself also reveals its authenticity: real Labubus are made from durable vinyl or high-quality plush, with clean seams, sharp facial features, and a brand logo on the bottom. Fakes, on the other hand, feel lighter, poorly made, and have imprecise proportions. Additionally, originals are usually sold only through authorized shops, while suspiciously cheap offers often indicate a knockoff.
Labubu at the Temple
At Wat Chedi Ai Kai in Sichon, Nakhon Si Thammarat you don’t just come across the usual offerings and statues – there are also Labubu figures dotted about. Some are tiny, others a bit bigger, and they pop up in the most unexpected corners, guaranteed to raise a smile. It’s a quirky mix of old traditions and modern pop culture which, odd as it sounds, somehow blends in perfectly with the temple’s lively, colourful vibe.
Check out this YouTube video for more information
Conclusion
Of course, not every woman or man needs to jump on this trend. For some, Labubu is a huge passion; for others, it doesn’t matter at all. But the name is worth knowing, and that’s exactly what this article is for. Now you know what this little figure is all about.
Photo by: David Kristianto from Unsplash und Foto von Dushawn Jovic from Unsplash