Born from Nordic folklore and the creative vision of artist Kasing Lung, Labubu first made its appearance in 2015 as a character in “The Monsters” storybook. This mischievous elf, with its pointy ears and toothy grin, transitioned to the realm of collectible toys four years later, thanks to China’s Pop Mart. Today, Labubu is firmly establishing its presence in the luxury market.
With over 1.4 million videos crafted around it on TikTok, the Labubu dolls reached new heights of popularity in 2025. The search interest for these plush toys surged on Google, and numerous celebrities have embraced Labubu as a trendy accessory. Icons like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Post Malone, and Blackpink’s Lisa are among the stars publicly showcasing their affection for these playful toys.
“Labubu has evolved into more than just a collectible; it’s a bold statement of individual style,” stated Emily Brough, Pop Mart’s head of IP licensing for the Americas, in an email to WWD. Since 2019, the global collectibles company has launched over 300 styles of Labubu, introducing an extensive array of collaborations and the popular Labubu charms. Fashion enthusiasts have noticed these charms being clipped onto luxury bags and styled in custom couture ensembles, especially during high-profile events like Paris Fashion Week in March.
How Does the Pop Mart Mystery Box Work?
One key aspect that contributed to Labubu’s initial charm is Pop Mart’s blind-box strategy. Renowned for selling sealed packages that house collectible figures from various series, each blind box maintains an element of suspense since the buyer doesn’t know which figure will be revealed upon opening. This secretive format encourages excitement and anticipation, enhancing the overall buyer experience.
“Our blind-box format transforms a product into an experience, fostering a sense of community centered around sharing, trading, and discussing these figures,” Brough explained. “We craft a narrative that fans expect, encompassing storytelling, detail, and playfulness, especially crucial for newer intellectual properties.”
Each Pop Mart series comprises a set of standard figures alongside rarer, secret figures. These elusive treasures are tougher to find and highly coveted by collectors, amplifying the thrill of the hunt for dedicated fans.
What Was Labubu’s Original Price and What Is the Current Price Range?
A standard blind box from Pop Mart was initially priced between $13 and $16. However, recent releases of Labubu dolls have experienced price hikes in the U.S., with newer series now retailing at $27.99. This increase is attributed to various economic factors, including tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, although Pop Mart has not directly linked the price changes to these new economic policies.
“Affordability remains a core tenet of our brand promise,” Brough reassured. “We strive to ensure our fans can discover and collect characters without barriers. While some price fluctuations may occur due to material costs or design complexity, we endeavor to keep our core products accessible to all.”
As demand surges for these toys online, Labubu has become a highly sought-after item in the fashion universe; in fact, acquiring certain styles can be as challenging as securing limited-edition sneakers or a famed Birkin bag. This scarcity, unfortunately, favors resellers, as platforms like StockX and eBay list various Labubu styles and accessories at prices reaching up to $3,134.
Labubu Collaborations
Among the noteworthy collaborations featuring Labubu are the Labubu x Kow Yokoyama Ma. K Series, the Labubu Coca-Cola Series, as well as partnerships with brands like Uniqlo and the Chinese label Pronounce. These collaborations not only diversify Labubu’s offerings but also enhance its appeal across different markets and demographics.
“We’re just at the beginning of an exciting journey,” Brough asserted. “New Labubu collections will be unveiled globally, featuring more cross-format releases and seasonal offerings. Alongside this, we’re eager to expand the reach of other Pop Mart intellectual properties to ensure every fan discovers a character that resonates with them. From immersive retail experiences to digital-first formats like Pop Mart Pop Blocks, we’re continuously exploring innovative ways to animate our creative universe. Our fandom is expanding, and so is the world we’re building for it.”