Collectibles have been around for a very long time. This isn’t just some new-fangled fad that is a byproduct of the “internet”. The internet, here, of course, is a mystery world, not unlike Narnia, whose customs and traditions are bewildering to those out of the know. Collectibles have hit our shelves before in the form of Beanie Babies,Hot Wheels,LEGO sets, and various forms of trading cards, from baseball cards to Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh. The latest trend to hit shelves is the impish monsters found most often hanging off bags: Labubu.
Labubu is a member of a monster tribe. She is an elf character with pointed ears, nine teeth, and no tail. Her signature mischievous grin is her most recognisable feature. Labubus can be purchased as collectible plushies. They also come as bag charms, fitted with a keyring that can easily be clasped onto bags or belts. First spotted on BLACKPINK star Lisa Manoban, and since then, they have been seen on the bags of several celebrities, including Rihanna, David Beckham, and Dua Lipa.
Chinese retailer Pop Mart is the official seller of these adorable monsters, but you can just pick a Labubu of your choice off the shelf. They are sold as blind boxes that are notoriously hard to get your hands on. They can, and do, sell out in seconds! A blind box is a type of packaging that keeps its contents a secret until the very second you open it. So, you won’t know which Labubu you have until you unbox your purchase.
Is this the overarching appeal of this new trend feeding into overconsumption? You know the stakes; you know the options—but you can’t predict the outcome. The anticipation is a high that can only be replicated by purchasing more and more, and more. For a better understanding about the appeal of the Labubu, a couple of owners graciously agreed to extol the virtues and the popularity of this plush charm.
SHEFALI ANURAG
Owner of 12 Labubus
What made you want to buy a Labubu, and how did you feel after opening the blind box?
Ironically, I knew very little about Labubus when I first bought my first one, overpriced, from a random store in Hong Kong. I was initially drawn to them as quirky bag charms (I have a parallel obsession with bags). But once I opened the blind box, I was hooked. It’s strangely thrilling: you’re hoping for that one, the rare one, and for a moment it flashes before your eyes.
And it doesn’t stop at one. You tell yourself it’s a tiny treat, a small luxury. Then suddenly, you’re standing outside the Pop Mart store at centralwOrld on a random Tuesday. You’ve been scammed by two Instagram shops. You’re buying them miniature clothes. And you’re convincing yourself they’re cuter than your very cute cat.
Why do you think Labubus are so popular right now?
They hit that sweet spot of cuteness, aggression, and emotional nostalgia. In a time of recession and burnout, Labubus feel like a small joy—an affordable luxury that delivers just enough dopamine.
They’re collectible, expressive, confident (especially when they’re hanging off Birkin), and borderline emotional support creatures at this point. I tell myself I’ll stop after the next one…especially if I get the “rare” one. I haven’t found it yet—I’m 12 in—and I now own a display case.
Send help.
ANONYMOUS
Owns one Labubu
Would you ever buy a Labubu?
I do own a Labubu, but it was gifted to me. I do agree that they are cute; however, they aren’t cute to the extent that I would want to buy my own. Due to its soaring popularity, the price of Labubus (especially on the reseller market) is really high. This price point does nothing to convince me to buy one. If anything, I am even more unconvinced.
Why do you think Labubus are so popular right now?
As a person who is no stranger to collectibles, Labubus are a collectible you can carry with you everywhere. When they started to get popular, their biggest appeal was that they weren’t “basic”. Labubus are not conventionally cute, but rather their strange appearance makes them edgy or unique. This perception is what draws people to Labubus. Plus, it is a super fun way to express yourself, so a lot of people use them to adorn their bags. When you’re accessorising yourself, why not accessorise your bag too?