Labubu is more than just a toy; it's a phenomenon! If you’re a fan of cute and quirky collectibles, chances are you’ve heard of this mischievous little monster from Pop Mart. Is it a rabbit? The Devil’s pet? A monster? What exactly is Labubu and what’s with all the hype?
While it’s not the typical kawaii character from Japan we usually learn about, like Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, and Chiikawa, Labubu is definitely worth the attention. So, grab your Labubu-decorated bags, and let’s find out why everyone’s obsessed with this trending cutie!
- Japanese name: ラブブ (Rabubu)
- Debut year: 2015
- Species: Elvish creature
- Original series: The Monsters
- Fun fact: All the monsters from the Labubu tribe are girls!
WHAT IS A LABUBU?
Produced by the popular Chinese toy company Pop Mart, Labubu is a unique toy with a playful but slightly fierce look that makes it super cute. It has a round, furry body and sharp little teeth that give it a mischievous smile, which you know is up to no good!
Labubu's wide eyes and pointy ears add to its quirky charm, and it comes in all sorts of sizes—from tiny keychains to big cuddly dolls. You can even find Labubu in different colors to match your favorite vibe!
WHO IS LABUBU?
Still having a hard time figuring out who Labubu is? Well, Labubu isn’t just a toy—it’s an elvish, furry forest monster from “The Monsters,” a Nordic fairy tale picture book series created by Kasing Lung. Labubu is the most iconic of these characters, and though it looks naughty, it’s actually kind-hearted and always ready to help.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LABUBU?
Labubu is a fictional name specifically made for the Labubu tribe in Kasing Lung’s stories, so it doesn’t really have a direct translation. But, the name’s playful vibe perfectly matches the the furry character’s cheeky and adorable spirit, making it super easy to remember. It’s also easy to say, no matter the language or culture!
IS LABUBU A RABBIT?
Don’t let the fur and pointed ears fool you—Labubu isn’t a rabbit! It’s actually a fictional elf-like creature inspired by Nordic Mythology. Its unique design combines the looks of different creatures, setting it apart from other animals.
HOW MANY TEETH DOES LABUBU HAVE?
Labubu’s signature grin showcases nine sharp teeth! If you’re thinking of adding a Labubu toy to your collection, make sure to count those teeth. This grin isn’t just cute, it’s actually one of the ways to spot an original Labubu (we’ll talk about this more below). So, if you ever see a Labubu with fewer or more than nine teeth, it’s fake!
IS LABUBU A GIRL OR A BOY?
According to the original The Monsters books, Labubu is a girl, just like all the other monsters in the Labubu tribe. She’s super fun and full of energy, always ready to look at the bright side! Labubu has a unique style that shows that girls can be cute and adventurous at the same time. She loves to have fun and stand out!
IS LABUBU MONSTER EVIL?
Not at all! Just because something is called “monster” doesn’t mean it’s evil. Take for example the Kaijyu Paradise from San-X and Puwawa from Sanrio. While Labubu might look a little mischievous with its devilish grin, it’s all in good fun. Labubu is more of a lovable trickster than an evil monster. She’s actually very kind-hearted and always wants to help others. Some bad things she has done are purely accidental!
WHO CREATED LABUBU?
Labubu was created by Kasing Lung, a talented artist who was born in Hong Kong and grew up in the Netherlands. He loves fairy tales, and these inspired his fun and quirky characters like elves, fairies, and monsters. Before mobile phones were around, Lung used to draw his ideas with a pen, which is how Labubu started! In 2015, he created “The Monsters”, a Nordic fairy tale picture book for kids. That’s where Labubu and her friends came to life!
WHEN DID LABUBU COME OUT?
As a character in Kasing Lung’s picture book, Labubu first came out in 2015. However, in 2019, Labubu became even more famous thanks to a collaboration with Chinese toy company Pop Mart. This partnership introduced Labubu as a collectible figure, but it wasn’t until 2024 that it became a star in the world of cute and quirky characters.
WHICH COUNTRY IS LABUBU FROM?
Some say Labubu is from Hong Kong because Kasing Lung, its creator, was born there, though he grew up in the Netherlands. In recent years, he has split his time between Belgium and Hong Kong to create even more art. However, Labubu’s true origins lie in the magical world of The Monsters, inspired by Nordic folklore. And if we’re talking about Labubu collectibles, they’re brought to life by Pop Mart in China.
Additionally, did you know that Labubu is now China’s tourism ambassador? She recently visited Thailand as part of a visa waiver agreement with China. Whether you think of Labubu as from Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Belgium, China, or a fairy tale land, one thing’s for sure—Labubu’s charm is loved all around the world!
GET TO KNOW LABUBU’S FRIENDS
We now know Labubu isn’t alone in her adventures—she’s part of a group known as “The Monsters.” Let’s meet each of these equally quirky yet lovable characters!
Zimomo
This leader of the Labubu tribe looks a lot like Labubu, with fuzzy hair, long ears, and sharp teeth. But, Zimomo has a spiked tail and Labubu has no tail at all. She also has a rounder face compared to Labubu.
Tycoco
A vegetarian monster who looks like a skeleton, Tycoco is Labubu's love interest. Despite his menacing appearance, he’s actually a shy and gentle monster.
Mokoko
Mokoko’s name means “special,” and she is indeed Labubu’s precious friend. You’d recognize her by her pastel-colored fur.
Pippo
Labubu’s good friend, this freedom-loving elf creature lives in the river. The humorous elf has big ears and enjoys life to the fullest. It also likes wine tasting and a good party!
Spooky
Its name may sound scary, but this monster is cute in its own way. It may look like a dumpling because of the folds on the top of its head, but Spooky is actually a snowman! It has a quiet and curious nature and often appears at night under the moonlight.
Pato
You can usually tell if The Monsters characters are good or evil, but as for Pato, well, we really can’t say which category she falls into. What we’re sure of is this droopy-eared mouse-like character is a big dreamer who always comes up with clever plans!
Puca
A monster who looks like a faun, Puca lives in a forest where Labubu likes hanging around.
Monster Boy
At first, you may think that this creature is a normal boy, but look closely and you’ll see he has horns! His bright blue eyes also turn yellow in different versions.
Vos
This monster is Tycoco’s cousin, and also Labubu’s master. He’s an extrovert who loves to drink.
Yaya
Another lesser-known The Monsters character is Yaya, who has pointed horns and wears a mischievous grin. Yaya loves exploring, even though it has a bad sense of direction.
WHO IS LABUBU’S BOYFRIEND?
Did you know there’s a cute rumor going around about Labubu having a boyfriend? While it’s not official, Labubu has a sweet connection with Tycoco, the adorable skeletal monster. He often ends up being the target of Labubu’s playful antics. But lucky for Labubu, Tycoco loves her so much that he never lets those tricks get in the way of their bond. Deep down, Tycoco knows Labubu treasures him just as much!
WHY IS LABUBU SO FAMOUS?
With loooong lines at every Pop Mart store and sold-out items even online, it’s easy to see that Labubu is super popular, especially in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, there was even an incident where fans got a little too wild trying to grab limited-edition Labubu dolls that the police had to step in. Labubu is the most popular character out of all The Monster figures. Fans just can’t get enough of this quirky collectible!
While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes Labubu so special, its popularity can be traced to a few reasons. First, its unique design and playful personality make it stand out from other characters.
Plus, the collectible comes in a blind box, adding the element of surprise and excitement to see which version of Labubu they’ll get next. Then, there’s the natural human desire to be part of the latest trends. All these things together make Labubu a must-have for collectors and fans everywhere.
WHO MADE LABUBU FAMOUS?
So, when exactly did the Labubu hype start? Well, everyone’s pointing to K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink! The celebrity posted pictures of herself accessorizing her luxury bags with Labubu in April of 2024, and those photos quickly went viral.
Thanks to Lisa’s post, Labubu’s fame skyrocketed. The sudden popularity caught Pop Mart by surprise. A store manager even joked that Lisa didn’t give them a heads-up to prepare enough stock!
IS LABUBU WORTH COLLECTING?
Well, it really depends on what you’re looking for! When Labubu first launched, they were very affordable, and collectors loved hanging them on their bags even before Lisa made them famous. But now, they’re always sold out, and some people are willing to pay much more for them, especially the limited edition ones!
If you’re collecting Labubu as an investment, remember that their value might change. Some collectors even sold older figures for less money. Plus, there are fake Labubus out there, so it’s tricky to find the real ones. But if you love Labubu, collecting them is a good idea! This cute piece can bring joy and personality to any space.
HOW MUCH ARE LABUBUS?
Labubus come in different sizes and prices. The smallest Labubu keychains can cost as low as 10 USD or 1450 JPY, making them affordable for fans who want a cute little figure to hang on their bag. On the other hand, if you're looking for a big, special plushie like the "Mega Labubu," those can cost a whopping $950! Common designs are more affordable, but limited edition and rare designs are sometimes overprized because they easily sell out.
WHY IS LABUBU SO EXPENSIVE?
As we’ve mentioned above, Labubu can be expensive because some figures are rare and limited-edition, making them more valuable. The high demand, especially after Blackpink’s Lisa helped make Labubu famous, also drives up prices. Plus, the design and quality of the figures, especially the bigger ones, add to their cost. So, Labubu’s price reflects how special and loved they are!
ARE LABUBU MADE IN CHINA?
Yes, Labubu collectibles are made in China! These cute mystery toys, often sold in sealed blind boxes, are changing how people see “made in China” products. Instead of the old idea of cheap and mass-produced items, Labubu and other collectibles are loved for their creative designs and strong brand appeal. They show that “made in China” can mean high-quality, fun, and unique creations!
WHICH LABUBU COLOR IS THE MOST POPULAR?
Some of the most popular Labubu colors are from special editions, like “Fall in Wind,” “Happy Halloween Party,” and “Exciting Macaron.” Each of these variants has its own unique and colorful design, which makes them stand out! Some have sweet, pastel colors, while others have warm, autumn-inspired shades.
KAWAII COLLABS WITH LABUBU
Labubu has teamed up with some big-name brands to bring its unique charm to the world of fashion and lifestyle! It brought its playful design to comfy shirts for Pop Mart’s special collaboration with Uniqlo. And, to showcase a more high-fashion side, Labubu partnered with the Chinese contemporary label Pronounce.
And for a fun twist, Labubu joined forces with Coca-Cola, combining the iconic soda brand with its signature mischievous grin. These collaborations show how Labubu’s appeal transcends toys, making its mark in fashion and pop culture!
HOW TO SPOT FAKE LABUBU
To spot a fake Labubu, check the box and QR code. Some fakes use real Pop Mart boxes so you have to be careful. Recent Labubus may have QR codes on tags, but older ones might not. Next, look for colors and tags—fake Labubus often have too-bright colors, and the “MONSTERS” logo should be centered on tags.
For physical details, as we’ve said, real Labubu has nine teeth, evenly painted. Check the ears (not too far apart) and the hairline (not too high). The skin tone should be a pale, peachy color—pink or yellow tones usually mean it’s a fake. For newer Labubus, there’s a UV stamp on the right foot showing Labubu sitting with its legs out and arms raised. If yours doesn’t have it, don’t worry—older Labubus won’t have this stamp!
WHERE TO BUY LABUBU
You can buy Labubu figures from several places! One of the best options is Pop Mart’s official website, so you’re sure to get the original Labubu collectible. They have a wide selection of Labubu toys! You can also find Labubu in Pop Mart stores around the world, and even in their vending machines called Robo Shop!
For fans who want to find specific or limited-edition versions, checking online marketplaces like eBay or local collectible shops can be a good choice. Just be sure to check if they’re selling authentic Labubus to avoid fakes!
That concludes our Labubu deep dive! Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newbie, one look at Labubu’s sharp-tooth grin and you’ll be checking out the collection at Pop Mart.
Do you think it’s worth the hype? Or maybe you already have a favorite variant? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear your thoughts on this cute and quirky monster!