Have You Met Labubu? The Fluffy Monster Toy Taking Over Kids’ Rooms

The internet is buzzing nonstop about Labubu—the toy monsters with toothy grins that the trendiest Gen Z kids across the globe are going crazy for.

Parents are left wondering, What is Labubu? Where did these tiny creatures come from? Who started the craze? And should parents be worried about this quirky keychain trend?

Contents:

• What is Labubu, and Where Did It Come From?
• Why Has Labubu Become So Popular?
• How Much Does Labubu Cost?
  • Labubu Products You Can Buy Right Now
• What is Lafufu?
  • How to Know a Toy Is Safe for Kids
• Is Labubu Safe for Kids?
• How Can Parents Monitor Labubu Usage?
• Do Kids Like Labubu?
• FAQs

What is Labubu, and Where Did It Come From?

Labubu are characters from a fictional world created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in his book series The Monsters. Inspired by Scandinavian myths and the boundless imagination of children, Lung designed these elvish creatures, which first appeared in his picture books and gallery exhibitions.

Besides Labubu, the fictional universe includes other monsters like Zimomo, Mokoko, and Spuki.

According to Lung’s concept, Labubu creatures combine both positive and negative traits. They look cute but also a bit sinister. They’re covered in fluffy fur but have sharp serrated teeth. And while they have good intentions and want to help, these furry friends often end up causing mischief.

The artist signed a deal with Pop Mart, a Chinese company specializing in collectible merchandise based on cultural phenomena, back in 2015. The toys themselves debuted in 2019.

However, Labubu’s peak popularity hit around late 2024 and early 2025.

Why Has Labubu Become So Popular?

Experts attribute several factors to the monsters’ rise, including viral appeal, nostalgia, and clever sales tactics.

Let’s briefly break down each factor.

Viral Appeal

Labubu caught the public’s eye thanks to Lisa, a singer from the K-pop group Blackpink. She is credited with kickstarting the trend when she posted about these now-iconic keychains of the monsters, Labubu, on social media in fall 2024.

And once something starts trending on TikTok, it’s almost guaranteed to become a hit. That’s exactly what happened with these monsters—now stars like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Emma Roberts are snapping them up too.

Nostalgia

Unlike the earlier craze over Huggy Wuggy, Labubu’s appeal is more for adults and young adults, mainly Gen Z fans. These kids are old enough to experience and understand nostalgia, making the Labubu characters with sharp teeth instantly lovable by the generation.

Labubu reminds many of toys like Furby and Gremlins, striking a chord with those who remember their childhood but are still eager to stay ahead of trends. Fashion experts also say Labubu fits perfectly into the rising interest in all things Asian, especially the Japanese “chibi” style, where characters have intentionally exaggerated proportions but remain adorable.

They also tap into the broader “creepy cute” trend, where things that look unsettling are embraced precisely because they’re weird, bold, and different. This makes Labubu stand out in a sea of safe, soft toys.

Sales Mechanics

Pop Mart didn’t reinvent the wheel—Labubu are sold in a blind box series, taking inspiration from the Sonny Angel collection, meaning buyers don’t know which figure they’ll get. While this might not surprise today’s kids, it triggered nostalgia for Gen Z, reminding them of surprise chocolate eggs from their childhood. So, they happily buy “monsters in a bag,” or rather, in a box.

How Much Does Labubu Cost?

Original figures on Pop Mart’s website cost about $22. But resale markups and international shipping push prices way higher—some listings go up to $42 on marketplaces like eBay.

Enterprising trend hunters have already started producing countless replicas—unofficial Labubu can be found for under $7.50, with clothes and accessories starting at around $2.

It’s important to note that these unofficial versions often vary widely in quality and may not meet the same safety standards as licensed products.

Labubu Products You Can Buy Right Now

You can purchase a ton of different Labubu products from Pop Mart’s website, but also from resellers on Amazon, eBay, or your local toy store. But thanks to these little monsters’ popularity, you can buy more than just the little dolls with sharp teeth and pointy ears.

There are numerous products, ranging from keychains to magnets, pillows, clothing, accessories, phone cases, and phone charms, all featuring Labubu characters. You can check out all of the products on the Pop Mart official website.

But here’s the best part: Pop Mart releases limited edition or featured collections of the Labubu characters and special edition items. So keep your eyes peeled for new, valuable Labubu products!

Some rare figures are already considered collector’s items and sell for hundreds of dollars, making Labubu both a toy and an investment for some fans.

What is Lafufu?

Let’s face it; buying toys for your children can get quite pricey, especially when you’re buying collectible characters from the popular story series. To save some money on these toys, parents might decide to buy the off-brand version of Labubu, also known as Lafufu.

Since toymakers cannot use the brand name of Labubu (due to legal reasons and copyright laws), they choose a similar name to go along with their almost identical toys.

Now, it’s important to remember that Lafufu might look slightly different from Labubu. Maybe their teeth are a bit sharper or their eyes are a little bigger. As long as the toy is safe for your child to use, it shouldn’t make a difference whether you buy a Labubu or a Lafufu.

However, off-brand toys often lack the same quality control, and the materials used may not meet safety standards. If you’re unsure, opt for well-reviewed products from trusted retailers.

How to Know a Toy Is Safe for Kids

Before giving any toy to your child—especially an off-brand one—check for safety. Here’s a quick guide:

• Look for age-appropriate labels. The packaging should clearly indicate the recommended age.
• Check for small parts. Avoid toys with detachable or tiny components if your child is under 3 years old.
• Feel the material. Safe toys are made of non-toxic, BPA-free plastic or certified fabrics—no strong chemical smells.
• Inspect the build. Make sure there are no sharp edges, loose parts, or poorly attached pieces.
• Check for certification marks. Look for CE (Europe), ASTM (USA), or other relevant safety certifications.

When in doubt, trust your instincts—if a toy looks sketchy or poorly made, it’s best to skip it.

Is Labubu Safe for Kids?

These little monsters might look scary and nightmare-inducing for children with their sinister smiles and sharp teeth, but they are absolutely safe for children!

The Labubu dolls and stuffed toys are generally safe for children because they do not contain small parts that could pose a choking hazard. However, with the large line of Labubu products, it’s important for parents to be the judge of which products are age-appropriate for their children.

The best way to ensure a Labubu toy is safe for your child? Make sure you’re buying an official product produced by Pop Mart—not an off-brand Lafufu.

Another concern parents might have about Labubu is the storyline behind the character in the picture books. Rest assured, these stories and characters are kid-friendly. While they could have a “spooky” theme to some of the stories, it’s a good idea for parents to read the stories first and decide if their child is ready to dive into these books.

How Can Parents Monitor Labubu Usage?

The good news about Labubu is that they are physical toys that children can interact with and play with. However, some mobile apps and games feature Labubu and other characters, such as Labubu Go and Save Labubu.

That means the trend has moved beyond shelves and into screens, especially TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and gaming apps. Kids may spend time watching unboxing videos, collecting virtual Labubu characters, or engaging with Labubu-themed content on social media. While this can be fun and creative, it can also mean increased screen time and exposure to in-app purchases or age-inappropriate content.

If you are concerned about how much time your children spend on their phones or mobile devices, the Kids360 app is the perfect way to set screen time limits and understand exactly how your children are using their devices. You can set time limits on certain apps, like Labubu games, to ensure your children don’t spend too much time in front of a screen.

Additionally, consider co-watching or co-playing Labubu content to better understand what your child enjoys about it. Ask open-ended questions like “What do you like about this character?” or “Which Labubu is your favorite?” to stay connected and guide their engagement in a mindful way.

And finally, remind kids that trends come and go. Having open conversations about peer pressure and smart spending can help your child navigate viral toy crazes without falling into unhealthy habits or expectations.

Do Kids Like Labubu?

As the trend expands to include younger age groups and more affordable replicas and accessories become available, an increasing number of children are becoming fans.

Parents on Reddit are sharing stories about their kids’ reactions to these viral toys. Some say Labubu are popular among teenagers, preteens, and even younger school-age children, so chances are your child either wants one or already knows about them.

There’s nothing harmful about the trend—the only concern might be the safety of the toy materials. The more popular a character gets, the faster factories ramp up production, which can sometimes mean lower quality. The Huggy Wuggy craze previously suffered from this problem due to subpar materials.

Overall, children seem to love Labubu and the characters in The Monsters’ story series. These characters are full of mischievous plans, but they also have big hearts and good intentions.

FAQs

Why are people buying Labubu?

Kids worldwide are enchanted by Labubu and his monster friends. It first gained popularity with K-pop singer Lisa from BLACKPINK, and kids have fallen in love with these fierce little monsters.

What’s the story behind Labubu?

Labubu was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in his picture book series, The Monsters, inspired by Nordic mythology and stories. Labubu is joined by other monster friends like Mokoko, Zimomo, Spooky, and Tycoco.

What the heck is a Labubu?

Labubu is a popular collectible toy produced by Pop Mart. They are known for having large eyes, tall ears, elvish features, and sharp teeth. While they may be frightening at first glance, these characters are all heart.

What’s the big deal with Labubu?

As with any trend among children and pre-teens, it’s hard to say why Labubu has become so popular. It could be that they are a bit unconventional or that they come in a blind box series, so it’s a surprise as to which character you’ll bring home. Whatever the reason, kids are in love with these little forest monsters.

Cover image: Karo Martu/Shutterstock