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If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen those quirky, toothy little creatures called Labubus dangling from handbags or popping up in unboxing videos. These plush toys from Pop Mart have gone from niche collectibles to a full-blown global craze, with some reselling for hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
So what’s driving this frenzy? Let’s break it down.
First off, Labubus have the celebrity stamp of approval.
Stars like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Blackpink’s Lisa have been spotted with these fuzzy monsters clipped to their designer bags, turning them into must-have fashion accessories. When Lisa shared her love for Labubus, demand skyrocketed, transforming them into status symbols almost overnight. It’s like when a celebrity wears a certain sneaker or shirt, and suddenly everyone’s scrambling to get one.
Then there’s the thrill of the hunt.
Labubus are often sold in “blind boxes,” where you don’t know which design you’re getting until you open it. Some are rare “secret editions,” and collectors go wild trying to score them. This scarcity—real or manufactured—fuels the hype. Pop Mart’s limited stock drops and long queues at stores (sometimes sparking actual fights!) make getting one feel like winning the lottery. In the UK, for example, rare Labubus have been listed for over £1,000, while in Australia, some figures hit eBay for as much as $6,999.
Resellers are cashing in big time.
They snatch up limited stock and flip it on platforms like StockX, Vinted, or eBay at massive markups. It’s not just the dolls—counterfeits, lovingly dubbed “Lafufus,” are also flooding the market, adding to the chaos. Fans are so desperate they’re even renting Labubus or buying fake designer outfits for their dolls. It’s become a whole economy!
But it’s not just hype and scarcity. Labubus tap into nostalgia and the joy of collecting something cute yet edgy. They’re affordable luxuries—retailing from $13 to $85—making them accessible enough for teens and adults alike, especially during tough economic times.
As eBay’s Australia head of collectables said, “they’re a small joy that brings people back to the thrill of collecting without breaking the bank.”
Still, the resale market’s gotten so wild that Pop Mart paused UK store sales in May 2025 after reports of brawls and reseller scams. Fans are frustrated, blaming scalpers for ruining the fun. Whether the craze will last is anyone’s guess—some experts doubt Labubus will hold their value long-term—but for now, these little monsters are ruling the collectible world, one overpriced eBay or StockX listing at a time.
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