Why Labubu Is the Hottest Collectible Craze of 2025

Unpacking the Labubu Craze: A Collector’s Fever

Why Is Labubu Taking Over the Toy Scene?

If you’ve noticed a quirky, toothy little creature with pointy ears dangling from high-end purses or popping up on social media feeds, you’ve stumbled upon Labubu—a viral sensation sweeping the designer art toy market. This mischievous gremlin, born from the imagination of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, has become more than just a toy; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The buzz around Labubu sales is deafening, with collectors and fashionistas alike scrambling to get their hands on these elusive figures. From blind boxes to bag charms, Labubu has infiltrated every corner of the collectible world, blending Nordic folklore charm with urban street style to create an irresistible allure.

My Labubu Obsession Begins

I’ll never forget the first time I laid eyes on a Labubu. It was tucked away in a tiny Pop Mart display at a local mall, its wild hair and cheeky grin staring right at me through the blind box packaging. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but something about that little monster called to me. After unboxing my first figure—a mint green Labubu with an impish smirk—I was hooked. That moment sparked a journey into a world of limited editions, late-night online drops, and heated collector chats. My obsession mirrored the broader market excitement, as thousands of us across the globe chased the thrill of owning a piece of this cultural wave.

Labubu Sales and Market Magic

The Numbers Fueling the Grinning Elf

The hype around Labubu isn’t just talk—it’s backed by staggering numbers. Labubu sales have propelled Pop Mart, the Chinese toy giant behind the brand, to new heights. In 2024 alone, revenue from the Monsters series, which includes Labubu, hit over 3 billion RMB, with a year-on-year growth of more than 700%. Pop Mart’s total revenue for the same year reached 13.04 billion RMB, nearly doubling from the previous year, with a significant chunk attributed to Labubu’s global demand. By the first quarter of 2025, overseas sales surged by nearly 480%, showing how Labubu revenue continues to dominate markets from China to Europe and the Americas. These figures aren’t just stats; they’re proof of a craze that’s reshaping the toy industry.

Untapped Sales Channels

If you think snagging a Labubu is as simple as walking into a Pop Mart store, think again. Beyond the mainstream outlets, there’s a hidden world of sales channels where the real treasures hide. I’ve stumbled upon rare Labubu drops through obscure online forums and regional reseller groups on social platforms. Some collectors even trade directly at local toy expos, where limited editions swap hands before they ever hit the public market. One of my best finds came from a small auction on a Chinese app, scoring a figure that had sold out globally within hours. Keep your eyes peeled for these under-the-radar spots—they’re often where the magic happens.

Insider Secret: Join niche collector communities on platforms like WeChat or Discord. These groups often share intel on unannounced drops or private trades before they go viral.

Cultural Pull and Market Realities of Labubu

The Charm Driving Labubu’s Global Appeal

What makes Labubu so irresistible? It’s not just a toy—it’s a story. With its roots in Nordic fairy tales, Labubu’s design blends a creepy-cute aesthetic with a mischievous personality, sporting jagged teeth and a wild grin that somehow feels both nostalgic and fresh. This unique charm has fueled Labubu popularity stats to skyrocket, with over 2 million searches for terms like “Labubu doll” and “Labubu keychain” in just the last 30 days of early 2025. From K-pop stars like BLACKPINK’s Lisa to global icons like Rihanna showcasing them, Labubu has transcended the toy aisle to become a fashion statement and a symbol of individuality. Its appeal lies in that emotional connection—owning one feels like holding a piece of whimsical art.

Is Labubu’s Hype Sustainable?

Walk into any collector’s circle, and you’ll hear the whispers: Is Labubu just a flash in the pan, or is it here to stay? Some argue the craze is peaking, pointing to incidents like Pop Mart pausing UK sales due to customer clashes over limited stock. Others believe Labubu’s cultural resonance and Pop Mart’s strategic expansions—projected to make international markets 65% of revenue by 2027—will keep the momentum alive. I’ve seen friendships form over shared unboxing videos, but I’ve also seen frustration over scalper prices. So, I’m tossing the question to you: Can Labubu maintain its grip on our hearts, or will the bubble burst? Drop your thoughts—I’m all ears.

Pro Tip: Follow Pop Mart’s social media for real-time updates on restocks. Being first in line can mean the difference between snagging a Labubu or paying triple on the resale market.

Step Into the Labubu World Now

Your Guide to Collecting Labubu

Ready to dive into the Labubu frenzy? Start small but smart. First, check out Pop Mart’s official channels for blind box releases—the thrill of unboxing an unknown design is half the fun. Their roboshops, automated vending machines, are a goldmine if you’re near one, contributing nearly 700 million RMB in sales in 2024 alone. Second, set a budget; resale prices can soar to 20-30 times the original cost, especially for limited editions like the human-sized Labubu that sold for over 1 million RMB at a Beijing auction in 2025. Finally, connect with the community—platforms like Instagram and TikTok are buzzing with tips, trades, and unboxing videos. For more insider guides and updates, stick with grinningelf.com, where I’ll keep sharing my journey and hacks to build your collection.

What’s on the Horizon for Labubu?

Peering into the future, Labubu shows no signs of slowing down. With new collections like the “Big into Energy” series sparking massive spikes in mentions and engagement in 2025, and Pop Mart expanding into markets like Italy and Spain, there’s more to come. Rumors swirl about potential collaborations with other global IPs, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Labubu cross into apparel or even animated content. The journey is just beginning, and I’m thrilled to see where this grinning gremlin takes us next. Join me on grinningelf.com for a sneak peek at upcoming trends in the designer toy world—let’s chase the next big release together.

Stick around for my next piece, where I’ll dive into the wild world of blind box strategies—how to maximize your odds of scoring that ultra-rare Labubu. Until then, keep collecting, keep connecting, and let’s keep this adventure alive.