New York: If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen a tiny, mischievous-looking creature with pointy ears, big eyes, and a cheeky grin. Meet Labubu—a collectible art toy from Pop Mart that’s causing major FOMO. It’s not just a toy; it’s a statement, a vibe, a personality in vinyl form.
What makes Labubu different? It’s weird, cute, and somehow deeply relatable. Each version—whether it’s “Big Energy Labubu,” “Have a Seat Labubu,” or the elusive “Secret Labubu”—tells a tiny story in itself. People aren’t just buying toys; they’re buying little emotional avatars that sit on their shelves, car dashboards, or office desks like tiny gremlins of self-expression.
But behind the aesthetic is a real-world frenzy: sold-out drops, fake Labubus on resale sites, and collectors trading boxes like Pokémon cards. So what is Labubu exactly, and why is everyone—from hypebeasts to quiet introverts—so into it? Let’s dive in.
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What Is Labubu? Meet Pop Mart’s Mischievous Icon
Labubu is a character designed by artist Kasing Lung and distributed through Pop Mart, a Chinese designer toy brand known for creating “blind box” collectibles. That means when you buy a box, you don’t know which exact figurine you’ll get—which adds to the thrill.
Labubu is part of the “The Monsters” series, and its charm lies in the contrast: it’s creepy-cute, with sharp teeth and wild hair, yet somehow comforting. It’s the kind of toy that makes you say, “I don’t know why I love this, but I do.”
The emotional hook? Labubu feels like your inner child’s sidekick—part rebel, part dreamer, and always unexpected.
Why Is Labubu Going Viral Right Now?
A few reasons:
- TikTok + YouTube hauls are exploding with unboxings of rare Labubu designs.
- Labubu’s strange-cute energy hits the same nerve that made characters like Kuromi or Aggretsuko blow up.
- There’s a growing love for “weird but expressive” toys that speak to your inner chaos or soft-core rebellion.
And let’s be honest: Labubu looks incredible in photos. Whether it’s the Macaron Labubu in pastel colors or Big Energy Labubu with glittery effects, it turns any shelf into a storybook scene.
Most Popular Labubu Styles (and What They Say About You)
- Big Labubu – You’re dramatic, bold, and probably the loudest one in your group chat.
- Labubu Energy – You drink iced coffee year-round and believe in the power of manifesting.
- Labubu Have a Seat – You’re tired. Emotionally, spiritually, and literally.
- Secret Labubu – You love exclusivity and live for the thrill of the unknown.
- Macaron Labubu – A soft girl at heart with chaotic neutral energy.
Every figure feels like an alter ego—which is exactly why people can’t stop collecting them.
Which Labubu Are You? Take This 4-Question Quiz to Find Out
Results
[caption id="attachment_4334" align="alignnone" width="300"]
You got Labubu Have a Seat – the calm, cozy character we all aspire to be.[/caption]
You are the definition of “soft life.” You don’t ask for much—just naps, snacks, and a little peace and quiet. People love your grounded energy, even if you ghost a little. You’re the calm in the group chat storm.
You walk into a room and it changes. Loud, bold, maybe chaotic—but always unforgettable. You’re main character energy, even when you’re just vibing. Your glitter is emotional and literal.
[caption id="attachment_4335" align="alignnone" width="300"]
You got Big Energy Labubu – bold, sparkly, and totally main character vibes.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4336" align="alignnone" width="300"]
You got Macaron Labubu – soft, expressive, and a little whimsical.[/caption]
Soft, expressive, and always a little whimsical. You care deeply, love aesthetics, and believe in good vibes (and good dessert). You’re that friend who sends handwritten cards and playlists.
[caption id="attachment_4337" align="alignnone" width="300"]
You got Secret Labubu – the mysterious, chaotic energy in disguise.[/caption]
You’re the mystery everyone wants to solve. Reserved but powerful, quirky but elegant. You have a plan (always) and you never show all your cards. In a world of oversharers, you’re an enigma.
#1. What’s your group chat energy?
#2. What’s your weekend vibe?
#3. What item lives in your bag 24/7?
#4. How do you react to unexpected plans?
How to Tell if Your Labubu Is Real or Fake
Because the hype is real, so are the counterfeits. Here’s how to check:
- Packaging: Real Pop Mart boxes have glossy finishes, barcodes, and official logos.
- Smell & Feel: Real Labubus are made of smooth, matte vinyl. Fakes feel plastic-y.
- Weight: Genuine Labubu figures are a bit heavier due to the quality material.
- Price: If it’s way below retail, it’s probably fake. Trust only verified sellers or Pop Mart’s official site.
Where to Buy Labubu (Without Getting Scammed)
- Official Pop Mart Store
- Amazon (via Pop Mart’s verified seller page)
- Urban Outfitters (limited drops)
- POP SHOP LIVE or other collector livestreams
- eBay/Reddit (only if you can verify packaging + seller reviews)
And yes, restocks are rare, so turn on notifications or you might miss out.
Why Labubu Feels More Than Just a Toy
Labubu taps into something bigger than nostalgia—it’s about identity. Whether you’re into minimalism or maximalism, introverted or expressive, Labubu has a version of itself that mirrors your mood.
It’s playful. It’s weird. It’s weirdly comforting. And in a world that often feels chaotic, Labubu is the tiny, mischievous reminder that not everything needs to make perfect sense to be worth loving.
