Labubu dolls have taken the world by storm in 2025, becoming the must-have collectible toy for fashionistas, collectors, and pop culture enthusiasts. From viral TikTok unboxing videos to celebrity endorsements, these quirky, gremlin-like plush toys are everywhere. But what is a Labubu doll, and why are they trending? In this guide, we’ll explore the story behind Labubu dolls, why they’re so expensive, and how much they cost.
What Is a Labubu Doll?
A Labubu doll is a small, mischievous-looking plush toy with pointed ears, serrated teeth, and a playful, creepy-cute aesthetic. Created by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised artist Kasing Lung, Labubu is a character from his 2015 children’s book series, “The Monsters,” inspired by Nordic mythology and European elf legends. Manufactured by Beijing-based Pop Mart, these dolls are sold in blind boxes, meaning buyers don’t know which variant they’ll get until they open it. With over 300 designs, ranging from keychains to larger plush pendants, Labubu dolls have become a global sensation, especially as bag charms adorning luxury handbags at events like Paris Fashion Week.
Celebrities Spotted with Labubu Dolls
Labubu started as a side character in Kasing Lung’s “The Monsters” series, a kind-hearted creature whose mischievous plans often hilariously backfire. In 2019, Pop Mart secured exclusive rights to produce Labubu dolls, launching them as collectibles. The introduction of keychain versions in 2023 aligned with the bag charm trend, but the real explosion came in 2024 when celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Central Cee were spotted with Labubus. Lisa’s posts, featuring a pink and yellow tie-dye Labubu, sparked a frenzy, with fans queuing for hours at stores like CentralWorld mall in Bangkok and Pop Mart’s London Soho location. Social media, especially TikTok, amplified the craze, with unboxing videos racking up millions of views, making Labubu a trending toy in 2025.
Why Is Labubu So Expensive?
Why is Labubu so expensive? Several factors drive the high cost of Labubu dolls:
- Limited Releases: Labubu dolls are released in small batches, often selling out in seconds on Pop Mart’s website, creating scarcity.
- Celebrity Hype: Endorsements from stars like Lisa and Rihanna have turned Labubu into a status symbol, inflating resale prices for rare variants like the “Chestnut Cocoa” colourway.
- Collectibility: With over 300 variants, collectors buy multiple blind boxes to complete sets, with some spending hundreds, like UK collector Tasha Newcombe, who paid £210 for one box.
- Tariffs: U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, rising to 145% in 2025, have increased prices, with blind boxes jumping from $22 to $28.
- Fashion Appeal: Labubu’s role in the kidult trend—adults seeking nostalgic collectibles—has boosted their value as fashion accessories.
The combination of scarcity, hype, and cultural relevance makes Labubu a luxury collectible in 2025.
How Much Does a Labubu Doll Cost?
How much does a Labubu doll cost? Prices vary based on size, rarity, and market:
- Retail: Small keychain Labubu dolls start at £13.50 ($15–$28 in the U.S., post-tariff). Blind box sets, like the “Big Into Energy” series, retail for $167 for six dolls. Larger plush pendants range from £50–£79.50.
- Resale: Rare variants can fetch $100–$700 on platforms like eBay or StockX, with some celebrity-associated editions reaching £2,500 ($3,200).
- Rental: For budget-conscious fans, By Rotation offers Labubu rentals from £4 per day.
With prices soaring, fans are advised to buy from trusted retailers like Pop Mart or Amazon to avoid counterfeits, known as “Lafufus,” which have flooded the market.
Why Are Labubu Dolls Trending in 2025?
Labubu dolls are trending due to a perfect storm of factors:
- Celebrity Influence: Stars like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Rihanna have made Labubu a fashion statement, integrating them into high fashion.
- Social Media Buzz: TikTok and Instagram have fueled the craze, with fans sharing unboxing videos and styling tips.
- Pop Mart’s Growth: Pop Mart’s $1.8 billion revenue in 2024, with Labubu contributing $400 million, reflects their market dominance. New stores, like the Clackamas Town Center location in Oregon, and pop-ups at Selfridges and Harrods have increased accessibility.
- Cultural Appeal: Labubu taps into the kidult and kawaii trends, offering nostalgia and self-expression for Gen Z and millennials.
The April 2025 release of the “Big Into Energy” series and events like Kasing Lung’s Harrods signing have kept Labubu in the spotlight, cementing their status as a top collectible toy in 2025.
Labubu dolls are more than toys—they’re a cultural phenomenon blending fashion, nostalgia, and collectibility. Stay updated on the latest releases and join the Labubu trend in 2025!
