Introduction
The labubu doll, a bizarre, toothy plush toy, has taken the world by storm in 2025, rising from a niche collection to a global fashion icon. The labubu doll, designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and offered by Chinese retailer Pop Mart, is part of “The Monsters” series, which features mischievous elves with pointed ears and nine sharp fangs. Its popularity skyrocketed in 2024 after celebrities such as Blackpink’s Lisa and Rihanna were photographed wearing labubu doll keychains on luxury bags, creating a buying frenzy that resulted in a life-size labubu doll selling for more than $150,000 at a Beijing auction. With blind box sales, unusual varieties, and a robust resale market, the labubu doll captivates collectors of all ages. This step-by-step guide explains how to participate in the labubu doll craze, including its history, purchase techniques, and suggestions for avoiding fakes, to assist fans navigate this global hit in 2025.
Understanding the origins of the Labubu doll.
To obtain the labubu doll, begin by knowing its history. Kasing Lung created the labubu doll in 2015 for his Nordic-inspired children’s book series “The Monsters,” and she is a kind-hearted female elf with a cheeky grin and amusing pranks. Pop Mart collaborated with Lung in 2019 to create collectible figurines, with the first labubu doll keychain series, “Exciting Macaron,” debuting in October 2023. Other characters, such as Zimomo and Tycoco, appear in the series, but Labubu’s “ugly-cute” charm—fuzzy body, big eyes, and snaggletoothed smile—drives its popularity. By 2025, approximately 300 varieties will exist, ranging from 3-inch vinyl figures ($15) to 31-inch mega editions ($960). The labubu doll’s blind box format, in which customers don’t know the design until they open it, adds to the excitement, with rare “secret” dolls like Chestnut Cocoa selling more than $149 on eBay. Understanding this history allows collectors to comprehend the labubu doll’s cultural and artistic roots.
Finding Where to Buy Labubu Dolls
Know where to buy labubu dolls before playing the game of collecting them. Pop Mart is the principal retailer, replenishing inventory online every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET and in real stores or vending machines (“roboshops”) on Fridays at 10 a.m. local time. A single blind box costs $27.99, and a set of six costs $167.94, but supplies run out quickly. For authentic labubu dolls, check Pop Mart’s website (popmart.com) or Amazon, or go to a local toy shop like Partea in New York’s Union Square, where they are sold in claw machines. Rare versions are available on resale marketplaces such as eBay, StockX, and Kicks Crew, with prices ranging from $100 to more than $1,000 for limited editions like the “Best of Luck” vinyl plush. Etsy offers handcrafted or customized labubu dolls beginning at $47.62 with free shipping. Be prepared for huge lines—fans in Los Angeles waited since 10 p.m. for Friday drops—and keep an eye on Pop Mart’s social media for replenishment updates.
Mastering the Blind Box Strategy
Collecting labubu dolls requires mastering blind box purchases, which is a major source of their popularity. Blind boxes conceal the doll’s design, providing a chance to obtain rare “secret” figures such as the “Big into Energy” series’ black-furred, rainbow-toothed variety. To improve your chances, buy during Pop Mart’s Thursday online drops, while physical stores confront long queues, and tales of clashes in the UK and Korea have caused brief sales halts. Record unboxing movies to record the enthusiasm, which is popular among TikTok users, then exchange duplicates on groups such as r/labubu. Avoid overbuying by creating a budget, as the expense of seeking rare dolls can quickly grow. Check resale sites for specific designs, but be prepared to pay a premium; a “Three Wise Labubu” set went for $80,000 at auction. Learn series themes, such as the grocery-themed “Wacky Mart” series (June 12, 2025), to target specific styles. This technique maximizes your labubu doll collection while retaining the excitement of the hunt.
Avoiding Counterfeit Labubu Dolls
As the craze for labubu dolls rises, so do counterfeits known as “Lafufus.” To ensure authenticity, buy directly from Pop Mart, its Amazon site, or a trusted reseller like StockX. Counterfeits frequently have poor stitching, drab colors, and erroneous tooth counts (Labubu has nine). In 2025, Chinese customs seized over 70,000 phony labubu dolls, exposing the issue. Check seller ratings and product photographs on resale sites such as eBay for the Pop Mart logo or holographic seals. Prices under $20 for a blind box are red flags, as legitimate labubu dolls begin at $27.99. Some collectors appreciate fakes for their unique designs, while purists prefer originals. Visit r/labubu for ideas on identifying fakes, such as examining ear shape or wardrobe details. When making a purchase at a pop-up shop, make sure the retailer is affiliated with Pop Mart. Authentic labubu dolls assure value retention, especially for rare varieties that sell for thousands.
Engaging with the Labubu Doll Community
To fully appreciate collecting labubu dolls, join the active fan community. Fans post unboxing videos and styling suggestions on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, frequently pairing labubu dolls with expensive purses, as Rihanna and Lisa have. The r/labubu subreddit provides tips on restocking and detecting counterfeits, while X posts express sentiment, with @pk_kenzie appreciating Lung’s art above resale culture. Customize your labubu doll with fan-made clothing from AliExpress or local pop-ups, like collector Thania Gonzalez, who dresses hers to match her style. Trade duplicates at conventions or online to complete collections, and keep up with Pop Mart’s releases, such as the Coca-Cola-themed series (late 2024) or the “One Piece” collaboration (early 2025). Be wary of overhype; some fans, such as Alice Brightmore, become tired of their popularity. Engaging with the community increases the labubu doll experience by combining fashion, nostalgia, and connection.
Conclusion
The labubu doll, with its impish charm and blind box attraction, has become a cultural powerhouse in 2025, driving Pop Mart’s $1.8 billion turnover and generating a global obsession. This step-by-step guide, which covers origins, purchasing, blind box tactics, counterfeit avoidance, and community interaction, will help collectors navigate the labubu doll frenzy. From Kasing Lung’s Nordic-inspired design to celebrity endorsements from Lisa and Rihanna, the labubu doll combines nostalgia, fashion, and scarcity to captivate Generation Z and beyond. Despite obstacles like as counterfeits and chaotic drops, the “ugly-cute” attraction persists, with admirers forming communities to express their enthusiasm. Whether you’re looking for a rare “Wacky Mart” figure or a keychain, collecting labubu dolls provides a fun escape, making it a must-have for toy and fashion fans in 2025.