A strange-looking, toothy toy with a mischievous face has taken the world by storm — meet Labubu. From little kids to adults, people across Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennials, and even Gen X are obsessed with collecting this plush monster. What started as a niche collectible has now become one of 2025’s biggest viral sensations, winning hearts everywhere with its quirky charm.
Labubu is a character created by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung. Inspired by Nordic mythology, Labubu was first introduced over ten years ago. In 2019, Lung partnered with Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company, to create and sell Labubu and her monster friends as collectible figures.
Labubu is available in more than 300 different styles, from astronauts to Halloween-themed trick-or-treaters. There are also Labubu keychains, phone charms, fridge magnets, and mittens.
Labubu became super popular when celebrities began showing it off on social media. A single photo shared by a global pop star sparked a shopping craze in parts of Asia. Since then, the toy has been seen in luxury bags, TikTok videos, and even fashion shoots, turning it into a true pop culture symbol.
Pop Mart, the maker of Labubu, is now one of the fastest-growing toy companies. In 2024, it made US$1.8 billion, more than twice what it earned the year before. Its Hong Kong-listed shares have tripled, making its founder Wang Ning one of China’s top 10 billionaires with a net worth of US$22.7 billion.
In some countries, people are even fighting over Labubu. Pop Mart had to temporarily stop selling Labubu in the UK due to chaos in stores. In the US, a single Labubu blind box sells for US$27.99, but resellers are charging over double that on sites like eBay. In India, Labubu toys can cost ₹2,500–₹15,000, especially for rare ones.
The biggest reason people are hooked on Labubu is Pop Mart’s “blind box” strategy. Buyers don’t know which design they’ll get until they open the box. This mystery creates excitement and keeps customers coming back. Some versions are very rare and sell out within minutes.
A life-sized Labubu was even sold at an auction in Beijing for US$150,000!
Labubu is not just a toy — it’s a cultural icon, a collector’s dream, and a booming business. With celebrities backing it and fans chasing rare versions, Labubu has transformed from a small plush toy into 2025’s must-have item.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Published on: Jun 24, 2025, 2:58 PM IST
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