If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a quirky, sharp-toothed creature named Labubu.
This toothy little gremlin-looking creature with huge eyes, mischievous vibes, and a smile that screams “I definitely just caused chaos.” Meet Labubu, the weirdly cute (or cutely weird?) toy that has Gen Z in a chokehold. It’s the kind of collectible that makes you go, “Wait… why do I want one?” And the next thing you know, you’re deep in a Reddit thread hunting a glow-in-the-dark version like it’s the last Horcrux.
What Is Labubu And Why Is It Everywhere?
It’s the brainchild of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, part of his “The Monsters” collection, and it looks like something straight out of a fairy tale written by someone who binge-watches horror-comedy anime. It’s folklore meets chaos meets pop culture perfection. There’s something oddly therapeutic about that unhinged little face, and trust—once you get one, you’re gonna want twelve. It has massive ears, bugged-out eyes, and a jagged smile that makes it look like it just ate someone’s hopes and dreams—and loved it. The character first popped up in Kasing Lung’s universe of creepy-cute creations and later partnered with Pop Mart, the Chinese toy company that decided we all need mystery and serotonin in the form of tiny plastic figures.
Labubu didn’t just sneak into our lives—it showed up, made itself at home, and brought snacks. The rise to fame was fast and furious, thanks to—you guessed it—TikTok. Unboxing videos became the ASMR-adjacent content people didn’t know they needed. Collectors flexed their full sets, casual fans filmed reaction videos of scoring a rare, and suddenly, this little creature was living rent-free on the For You page.
But then the plot thickened—celebrities got involved. BLACKPINK’s Lisa casually posted her Labubu haul, and the internet combusted. Once someone famous touches a trend, it’s a wrap. Fans worldwide were lining up, sprinting to vending machines, trading on underground toy forums, and yes, sleeping outside Pop Mart stores like it’s 2009 and the new iPhone just dropped. Labubu became less of a toy and more of a social passport.
How Much Is This Chaos Gremlin Worth?
You’d think a tiny figure made of vinyl would be chill on your wallet. And sure, a regular Labubu goes for about $13–$16, which sounds like a small treat, right? WRONG. That’s just the gateway drug. Some rare Labubus—like the ones with glittery wings or dressed as Ultraman—are selling for hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of dollars on resale sites. Yes, thousands. For a toy that fits in your palm. Pop Mart, the genius (or evil mastermind?) behind this craze, sells all their Labubu figures in what’s called a blind-box format. That means when you buy one, you have no clue which version you’re getting until you rip open the box.
Would your financial advisor approve? Probably not. But your inner child is screaming.
So… Should You Get One?
If you’re looking for something fun that doubles as a conversation starter, then yes, Labubu is totally worth it. The act of collecting, unboxing, and even just displaying them on your desk brings joy. It’s low-stakes chaos in a box. The emotional return on investment? High.
Now, if you’re only jumping in for clout or cash, you might want to rethink. Sure, the rare ones flex hard on Instagram and TikTok, but the hype moves fast. One minute you’re viral, the next you’re vintage. And as an investment? It’s a wild ride. Some people make bank flipping them, but others are just stuck with 17 duplicates of the same pirate edition. So, go in for the love, not the lottery.
At the end of the day, it’s all about the vibes. Collect it if you love it. Just don’t bet your rent on a mystery box.
Sources: Variety, Stylist, BBC, and Vogue.
