Heard of Labubus? Here’s the Scoop & Shopping Alternatives

Jun 29 , 2025

Heard of Labubus? Here’s the Scoop & Shopping Alternatives

If you’ve spent even a little time in the world of collectible designer toys, chances are you've encountered the whimsical, mischievous character known as Labubu. This delightful figure, renowned for its expressive face and wide smile, has captured the imagination of toy collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. But what exactly makes the Labubu Doll so special? How did Pop Mart Labubu become so popular? And what should you know before diving into this collectible craze, even if you’re not buying one just yet?

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about Labubu, from the story behind it to the types of collectibles available and even a few smart alternatives you might want to consider for your collection.

1) Meet Labubu: The Iconic Mischief Maker

Labubu isn’t your average toy character. Designed by the artist Kasing Lung and popularized by the Chinese brand Pop Mart, Labubu is recognized for its mischievous smile, oversized ears, and slightly eerie yet endearing charm. With its wild hair and toothy grin, it combines fantasy, folklore, and high-end design. You’ll find Labubu in several forms:

- Vinyl Labubu Dolls that are highly collectible.

- Labubu Plush toys that appeal to a broader and younger audience.

- Labubu Limited Edition versions are released in small quantities.

- Labubu Collectible boxes are sold in blind packs, making each unboxing a surprise.

The character’s unique blend of charm and mischief has helped it stand out in a saturated collectible market.

2) The Rise of Pop Mart Labubu

Pop Mart is a leading force in the designer toy scene. Their partnerships with international artists have led to characters like Labubu becoming cultural icons.

Pop Mart uses a blind-box system, where customers purchase a sealed box without knowing which figure is inside. The appeal? The mystery, the thrill, and the sense of community as collectors trade to complete sets. Labubu Collectible figures often include secret editions, making them even more desirable. The brand regularly collaborates with artists to release:

- Seasonal sets (Halloween, Christmas, Summer).

- Themed collections (Adventure Labubu, Forest Labubu).

- Event-exclusive or Labubu Limited Edition pieces.

Collectors often follow PopMart releases closely, waiting for new Labubu designs to be released.

3) The Variants: Exploring the Types of Labubu Dolls

Labubu comes in a variety of formats, each catering to a different style of collector or fan:

Vinyl Labubu Doll: The classic collectible. These features include detailed paintings, different poses, and expressive faces. They're sturdy, stylized, and perfect for display shelves.

Labubu Plush: For those who want a softer side of mischief. Plush versions of Labubu are huggable, cute, and suitable for both children and adults.

Labubu Limited Edition: These versions are released in smaller numbers and often feature exclusive designs. They are the holy grail for hardcore collectors.

Labubu Collectible Blind Boxes: Sold in themed series, these surprise boxes contain one mystery figure from the collection. You never know which one you’ll get!

4) Why Fans Are Obsessed with Labubu

There’s something irresistibly quirky about Labubu. The combination of cuteness and eerie charm makes it a memorable experience. Here’s why collectors can't get enough:

Unique Artistic Style Labubu doesn’t follow mainstream toy design trends.

Surprise Element Blind boxes create a game-like experience.

Community & Culture Collectors form online groups to trade and showcase their collections.

Emotional Connection The expressive design evokes a sense of nostalgia and curiosity.

Whether it’s a spooky Labubu with glowing eyes or a dreamy pastel plush, every piece tells a story.

5) How to Spot Authentic Labubu Collectibles

Because of its popularity, knockoffs do exist. Here’s how to spot the real deal:

Check the Branding Authentic Labubu toys come with Pop-Mart labels and high-quality packaging.

Inspect the Details Genuine pieces have clean lines, vibrant colors, and meticulous design.

Look for Serial Numbers or Seals Especially on limited editions.

Buy from Trusted Sellers Reputable collectible shops, official Pop Mart stores, or licensed resellers.

Even though we do not currently sell Labubu products, it's essential to be vigilant when shopping online.

6) Where to Find Labubu (If You're Looking)

If you're eager to add a Labubu Doll or Labubu Plush to your collection, here are a few reliable paths to consider:

Pop Mart Online Store Direct from the creators.

Collectible Toy Retailers Shops that specialize in designer toys.

Resale Marketplaces Be cautious and verify authenticity.

Online Toy Conventions Great for finding rare or retired versions of toys.

Pro tip: Join fan forums and communities on social platforms to get drop alerts and trade options.

7) Shopping Alternatives: What If You Can’t Get a Labubu?

Let’s say you're not ready to dive into the Labubu craze, or they’re simply out of stock. Don’t worry; there are creative, fun alternatives that offer similar appeal:

Other Pop Mart Characters Try Molly, Skullpanda, or Dimoo.

Art Toy Brands like Tokidoki or Kidrobot are known for a similar blind-box culture.

Custom Plush Toys Indie artists on platforms like Etsy create Labubu-inspired characters with a personal twist.

Labubu is unique, but there’s a wide world of imaginative collectibles to explore.

8) How to Display and Care for Your Labubu Collection

Once you’ve got your collection started, the fun continues with creative display and proper care:

Use Display Cases Protect your figures from dust and sunlight.

Group by Theme or Color Create visual harmony on your shelves.

Rotate Displays Seasonally Keep things fresh with festive arrangements.

Handle with Clean Hands Preserve vinyl paint and plush softness.

Good maintenance = long-lasting charm.

9) Engaging with the Labubu Community

Want to meet other fans and share your love for Labubu?

- Join Facebook groups, Reddit forums, and Discord servers.

- Attend local collectible conventions or Pop-Mart events.

- Post your unboxings and collections on TikTok or Instagram using hashtags like #Labubu or #PopMartLabubu.

The fan base is friendly, creative, and always ready to welcome new collectors.

10. Final Thoughts and Takeaway

Labubu is more than just a toy; it’s an art form, a collectible adventure, and a cultural icon. From its humble beginnings to its place on global shelves, the quirky charm of the Labubu Doll and the emotional joy of a surprise box keep fans coming back for more.

If you're looking for a trustworthy source to start or expand your wholesale toy collection, Luna Bella offers a carefully curated mix of classic, plush, and limited-edition pieces. Whether you're shopping for your first wholesale toy collection, building a show-stopping shelf display, or giving a gift that brings pure delight, Luna Bella is here to keep your collection vibrant and your fandom flourishing.