Attracting attention from all around the world, Labubu plush toys are the 2025 most wanted and talked about toys. With an ugly-but-cute look to them, these little monsters have caused a frenzy in the markets and on the internet. Everyone seems to want one. But why?
Beginning as storybook characters, Labubus were created by artist Kasing Lung from Hong Kong. Passionate about fairy tales about elves, Lung launched an illustrated book series in 2015 inspired by that folklore, The Monsters. The trilogy featured over a hundred different kind-hearted and eager to help female elves known as Labubus.
Not long before the release of the trilogy, Lung launched an artistic toy series inspired by the Labubus. Yet the toys were not very popular until signing with POP MART in 2019.
However, their true popularity started in late 2024 when Lisa from the K-pop group Blackpink announced on social media that the plushies were her “secret obsession.” Adding to the trend, other celebrities like Dua Lipa and Rihanna were seen with the toy. This caused TikTok to blow up, and before anyone could notice it, they became the hottest and most talked-about trend of spring and summer 2025.
POP MART restocks created such overwhelming traffic that the UK removed the toys from their shelves in April, concerned about customer safety. Not safe from the overwhelming traffic, the POP MART website crashed repeatedly with its new releases. According to the store, the first series launch “broke the sales record in the art toy category.”
Though Labubus come in a variety of looks and colors, you cannot simply choose the one you want. Each collection includes seven different monsters, with the seventh being the secret rare one. They are sold in either a pack of six or individually wrapped boxes, all without labeling. Their addictive and fun blind box style keeps people anxious to buy more, making them wonder which one could I get in the next one?
Because of their limited stock, their demand grew to a point where it became nearly impossible to get your hands on one, only additionally contributing to the trend. Though one blind box retail price is only $27.99, a rare secret Chestnut Cocoa Labubu can be sold for more than $149 on eBay, causing Labubus to soon become a way to show status. All of this demand brought rise to the selling of genetic Labubu toys known to the community as ‘Lafufus’.
Labubus are interesting toys and collection items, their blind box style, limited stocks, and social media and celebrity influence certainly add to their popularity. However,It is hard to deny that their overnight success could also soon cause them to be forgotten overnight.
Concerning some, the obsession with Labubus in the youth category makes people wonder if it is really okay to start gambling habits at a young age. Especially on things that are so discardable. Last month they wanted them, but will they still want them next month? Wasting so much money on fast trends might be dangerous, as these creatures might soon lose their entire value.
I make myself rich, by making my wants few.
– Thoreau
It is hard to know what the future holds for Labubus, but at the end of July, people started wondering if this trend had come to an end as social media interest began to decline for the toys. Joining in on trends like this is certainly fun, but it is always smart to think about why something has become so popular and wonder if it really is worth your time and money.
