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It’s a Labubu world, and we’re just living in it. While we’ve previously gone through cycles of Beanie Babies supremacy, then Squishmallows, and those naked Sonny Angel figurines that popped off last year, there’s always inevitably one collectible fad that dethrones all the others. But your eyes (and your TikTok feed) are not deceiving you — these toothy (and slightly creepy-looking) plush dolls have taken over the internet. So what are Labubu dolls and why are they so famous, anyway?
What Are Labubu Dolls?
Labubu are made by Pop Mart, a Chinese retailer known for its “blind boxes”, selling them randomized so the color and design you pull are always a surprise. This has definitely helped contribute to the buzz and collectability factor (especially with unboxing content going viral). Over the past few years, there have been over 300 Labubu variants, with each series release bringing a new set of dolls, but their popularity really skyrocketed in 2023 when Pop Mart released the first keychain version of this gremlin plush.
Pop Mart Labubu Dolls
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Labubu dolls were first seen in 2015 as part of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung’s “The Monsters” book series for children, partnering with Pop Mart in 2019. Lung was “inspired by Nordic mythology,” for the design of the charmingly mischievous Monsters, which are “zestful, curious elves about the size of your average house cat, who love a bit of harmless mischief,” according to a release. Initially a side character in the series, Labubu is described as a “small, kind-hearted creature, with pointed ears and serrated teeth, always means well, but often hilariously backfires in his well-intentioned attempts to help”.
Since then, the key-ring versions are reportedly selling out online within minutes on a consistent basis, thanks in part to the currentbag charm trendthat’s seen everyone accessorizing their totes and purses with kitschy keychains. Their “ugly-cute” looks — think pointy teeth, rabbit ears, and a mischievous smile — have even bewitched Hollywood, too, body and soul. The furry collectibles have recently been seen on the designer bags of everyone from Dua Lipa to Rihanna and Kim Kardashian. They’ve also become the “It” bag charm of influencers, socialites, royals (Ubol Ratana, the eldest child of former Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was seen carrying a giant Labubu doll last summer). But their biggest famous fan so far has to be Blackpink’s Lisa.
Lisa has been a long-time lover of Pop Mart charms in general, even posting a photo at Coachella this year rocking thecompany’s other popular Cry Baby keychains. “[My close friends in Thailand] showed me a bunch of stuff and as soon as I got them, I went crazy,” Lisa told Vanity Fair in a recent interview about her Labubu obsession. “I spent all my money. I go to Pop Mart everywhere if I fly to New York, I go to Miami, I try to find Pop Mart there, and Paris. Kinda like finding treasure,” she shared.
The monsters even saw a record-breaking day for StockX on April 25 after dropping “The Monsters: Big Into Energy Series” consisting of seven new Labubus, six of which are named after an emotion (the seventh was a rare and secret version with black fur and rainbow teeth). Once again, the dolls sold out in record time, and resellers saw a day of performance so massive that the platform says they unseated the PS5 and the Barbie Signature LeBron James Doll as the top traded product.
Pop Mart The Monsters Labubu Big into Energy (6 Blind Boxes)
$134.40
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Where to Buy Labubu Dolls Online
There’s no doubt that these little monsters are here to stay, but if you’ve been wondering where to buy Labubu dolls online (or even how) when they always seem to be out of stock, we’ve got you covered. The Monster dolls are primarily sold at their main retailer, Pop Mart, but several of the releases have seen resales on Kicks Crew and StockX, where they go for as high as over $1,000 a figure. The latest “Big Into Energy” blind boxes have buying options available on Amazon, and we’ve spotted previous series on eBay and Etsy, too. Check out a few of our favorite places to buy Labubu dolls below.
Pop Mart The Monsters Vinyl Plush Blind Box on Walmart
$41.95
$49.99
16% off
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Walmart is one of our favorite places to shop for Labubu blind boxes online. The mega-retailer offers a wide selection of authentic plushes, including the Monsters Vinyl Edition, which is currently on sale for under $50.
While you’re technically purchasing through Walmart, the items are sold directly by Pop Mart’s official storefront, so you know you’re always getting the real deal. These collectibles tend to sell out quickly, and Walmart even notes that they’re among its most popular items. Shop them while they’re still in stock.
Pop Mart The Monsters Labubu on Kicks Crew
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Prices range from $22 for vinyl figures to $900 for rare plushes.
Pop Mart The Monsters Labubu on StockX
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Prices range from $20 for vinyl figures to $1,800 for ultra-rare figures.
Pop Mart The Monsters “Big into Energy” Labubu Series on Amazon
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The plush blind boxes from the latest Labubu series still have several buying options on Amazon, ranging from $52.95 for a single box to $278.99 for the entire series. They also have the “Tasty Macarons” and “Have a Seat” series of Labubus available.
And if you’re ever worried about authenticity (no one wants a “Lafufu”), don’t sweat it. One Amazon customer said, “It arrived in perfect condition and it was legit! I got Hope, and she is sooooooo cute! If you can’t buy it from Pop-Mart, then buy it from here!”
Howgoody Protective Case for Labubu Standing Figure
$7.99
$11.99
33% off
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The plush toys have now inspired an assortment of clothes, accessories, and even storage solutions — specificallyprotective cases like this one.
