The Labubu Craze: Why Everyone Will Still Be Obsessed With This Viral Plush Doll in 2026

It starts innocently enough. You see a tiny, furry gremlin-like creature dangling from someone’s Prada bag or peeking out of a TikTok haul. Maybe you think, “What is that weirdly cute thing?” Then, you’re deep in a YouTube spiral, searching “Where to buy Labubu” and praying to the blind-box gods that you can get your hands on the plush doll of your dreams. Welcome to the Labubu craze — where chaos, charm, and collectibles collide.

Created by Hong Kong–born artist Kasing Lung, Labubu is part of a whimsical world called The Monsters, inspired by Nordic mythology and brought to squishy, vinyl life by Chinese toy company Pop Mart, according to NBC News. Think: elvish ears, a mischievous grin, and chaotic good energy.

She’s not a standalone star either — Labubu has a whole monster squad (and yes, even a boyfriend named Tycoco, a skeleton cutie who’s reportedly a vegetarian). But there’s no denying she’s the breakout icon of the gang.

Image: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Like many cultural phenomena of recent years, this started with two key ingredients: K-pop and TikTok.

BLACKPINK’s Lisa kicked off the trend by publicly fawning over Labubu and flaunting her mini collection online. Rihanna quickly followed suit, and the doll became an instant must-have among fashion elites, collectors, and cozy-core lovers everywhere.

Labubu isn’t just a collectible, she’s a form of self-expression. Fashion lovers are strapping them to luxury handbags, dressing them in custom outfits, and turning their Instagrams into tiny monster runway shows. Pop Mart’s strategy of selling them in blind boxes (you don’t know which style you’ll get until you open it) has only intensified the hunt. It’s Beanie Babies meets Squishmallows meets street style.

@vanityfair Join #Lisa as she treasure-hunts for the perfect POPMART. #blackpink #lalisa #thewhitelotus #vfhollywood #whitelotus #lisablackpink ♬ original sound – Vanity Fair

Pop Mart’s “The Monsters” series raked in over $419 million last year, with Labubu as the undisputed star, TIME reported. Launch days now trigger massive lines, campouts, and even mall fights (yes, really) from L.A. to Beijing.

A blind box might cost $30 retail, but good luck finding one at that price now. On resale platforms like eBay and StockX, prices soar well above $100, and rare editions (like the elusive “Best of Luck” Labubu) have sold for over $1,000.

One collector described Labubu as “inner child therapy,” and honestly, same.

If you’re feeling lucky, you can:

• Try your luck at Pop Mart’s official website or app (but be warned: drops sell out in seconds)
• Camp out at a Pop Mart retail store (folding chair highly recommended)
• Check resellers on eBay, StockX, and trusted Facebook/TikTok trading groupsPro tip: If you’re going the reseller route, know the signs of authenticity before dropping serious cash.

Image: Ying Tang/NurPhoto via Getty Images

With hype comes heartbreak — and fakes. Bootleg Labubus, affectionately (and tragically) dubbed Lafufus, have flooded the market. Here’s how to tell the difference between a true queen and a poser:

• Count the Teeth: Real Labubu has nine teeth. Always.
• Check the Face: Look for precise eye placement, even blush, and high-quality paintwork. Sloppy = sus.
• Peep the Stitching: Genuine dolls have clean forehead stitches. Fakes often fray.
• Find the Foot Stamp: Every real Labubu has “Pop Mart” and “© Kasing” engraved on the sole of her foot.
• Compare With an OG: Compare with an authentic Labubu and check the box, packaging, printing, and tag.

And remember: If it seems too good to be true, it’s probably a Lafufu in disguise.

@heyasharie How to tell if you bought a LABUBU or a LAFUFU😆 #labubu #labubuthemonsters #labubumacarons #lafufu #popmart #popmartlabubu #labubus #popmartblindbox ♬ original sound – ASHLEY MARIE | Content Creator

Whether you’re dressing her up in tiny outfits from AliExpress, pairing her with your Birkin, or just admiring her from your bookshelf, Labubu has become more than a toy, she’s practically a lifestyle.

She represents nostalgia, joy, mischief, and that irresistible thrill of just one more blind box. So if you’re already spiraling into your own Labubu obsession, don’t worry — you’re not alone.

Now go forth, fellow monster lover, and may the Pop Mart odds be ever in your favor.

Image: Pop Mart

Price: $20.99

Shop Now at POP MART

Image: Pop Mart

Price: $21.99

Check for restock at POP MART

Image: Pop Mart

Price: $21.99

Shop Now at POP MART

Image: Pop Mart

Price: $114.99

Shop Now at POP MART

Image: Pop Mart

Price: $16.99

Shop Now at POP MART