What the Heck Is a Labubu and Why Are Kids Obsessed?
Fact checked by Sarah Scott
You've probably seen them by now: fuzzy creatures a few inches tall, smiling mischievously—and perhaps a little forebodingly—while dangling from backpacks and handbags. They're Labubus, and kids, teens, and adults are obsessed with them. But what are these trendy creatures and why does your child love them so much?
Labubus are the latest must-have-it fad sweeping the nation, and we're currently at Peak Labubu; if it feels like they exploded overnight and are suddenly everywhere, it's because they are. The plush creatures sell out in seconds and are worn by kids and celebs alike, even decorating ultra-expensive Hèrmes Birkin bags.
Though this trend transcends age, younger people in particular are all about the Labubu life. 'It's a fascinating moment that says a lot about how Gen Z [and Gen Alpha] engages with style, identity, and online culture,' says fashion stylist Julie Matos.
Labubus are collectible plush monster toys that frequently come in unmarked boxes, which means you don't know which character you're going to get—and that mystery only adds to that 'must buy them all' factor. The characters were created by artist Kasing Lung and have been around since the mid-2010s, but the trend really began when Blackpink band member Lisa decorated her bag with a Labubu toy.
Matos cites massive trends like Beanie Babies, Tamagotchis, and early Supreme as similar ultra-fads, where people were lining up in droves to get their hands on a collectible item. But unlike Beanies, Tamagotchis, and Furbys, which happened in a pre-social media world, Labubus have TikTok on their side. 'Now it's layered with TikTok virality, niche fandoms, and resale culture,' she says. 'It's a collectible, a flex, and a conversation starter all in one.'
The best place to get a Labubu is via Pop Mart, the official retailer; Labubus are available online and in a physical retail store, though they tend to sell out in seconds. You can also shop on their official Amazon store or buy resale via outlets like eBay and StockX. But watch out for fakes, or 'Lafufus'; as with any ultra-trendy accessory, counterfeit Labubus popped up overnight.
Unlike Beanie Babies, which were undeniably adorable, Labubus are cute but also a bit sinister—and that's part of the appeal. 'Labubus are weird, cute, and collectible, which is exactly why teens are hooked,' says Matos. 'They hit that niche sweet spot of being just offbeat enough to stand out, while still being incredibly shareable on social.'
Kids, teens, and style-minded adults have been decorating their bag with charms and small stuffed animals as a way to add extra personality for the last few years, and Labubus fit right into that trend. They also align with the '-core' aesthetics popularized on TikTok.
'In a time where personal style isn't just about what you wear, but what you collect, decorate with, and post about, Labubus has become part of the larger 'aesthetic identity' teens are curating,' Matos shares. Hanging a Labubu on your bag or collecting specific styles is one way to show off your personal style or put your own twist on a trend.
Labubus cost about $25-30 for a typical box, but if you can't snag one on drop day, expect to pay a lot more. Are they worth snagging yourself, or worth your child's hard-earned allowance or weekend job money? That all depends on your financial situation and your overall feelings about participating in buzzy, often short-lived trends.
'I always say: if it sparks joy, confidence, or creativity, it's worth considering,' says Matos, noting that buzzy trends like Labubus can help teens express themselves or feel like part of a community.
But if you don't want to sit at the computer or in line at a store waiting for a new drop or can't afford a sold-out Labubu, feel free to skip it. The same philosophy applies if your child wants a Labubu solely for the FOMO of it all. 'Buy into the meaning, not just the moment,' says Matos.'At the end of the day, you should wear the trend, not let the trend wear you.'
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