The Viral Labubu Doll: Why This Trend Is Taking Over TikTok & Wallets
Chances are you’ve spotted those fluffy little dolls with mischievous grins dangling from backpacks, strollers, or even car mirrors. Labubu dolls have arrived, and they’re taking the parenting world by storm. Touted as the must-have accessory of the year, these quirky collectibles are everywhere. Whether you’ve seen them trending on TikTok or your child has been pleading for one, it’s likely you’ve already encountered the Labubu Doll craze.
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What Are Labubu Dolls?
Labubu dolls are collectible art toys from the Hong Kong brand How2work, created in partnership with artist Kasing Lung. They belong to Lung’s “The Monsters” universe, featuring a variety of whimsical and mischievous characters. Labubu debuted around 2014 through a collaboration with designer toy company Pop Mart, which helped popularize the character.
Today, Labubu has become a staple in the designer vinyl toy scene, boasting a large fan base. Every collection highlights its own unique flair, presenting a diverse range of outfits, varied facial expressions, and fun accessories that ensure each Labubu is desirable and worth collecting.
These elf-like creatures are hard to miss with their signature big grins, piercing eyes, and fluffy exterior. Labubu dolls have become a plush fashion accessory, attached to owners’ bags and jean loops, and even having their own outfits made for them. Retail prices range from about $20 all the way up to $100.
@noemiemtouch Labubuuuuuu Unboxing 🙂↔️ #Labubu #LabubuUnboxing #ASMR #ASMRSounds
TikTok User: Noemiemakeuptouch (2.3 million Views, 96 thousand likes)
The Viral Sensation
Like many things these days, Labubu’s have taken over TikTok. There are countless videos circulating the internet of children and adults unboxing their Labubus, hoping to get the style or color Labubu they want.
Videos of people reacting, whether with delight or horror, to the Labubu doll they unbox have sent the internet into a frenzy. Everyone seems to be scrambling to get their hands on these quirky collectibles. As with any viral sensation, soaring demand has driven up prices, with some surprise box sets now retailing for over $100.
Labubus have evolved into a unique form of self-expression, with fans going all out by designing custom outfits, dyeing their fur vibrant colors, and even bringing them to tattoo parlors for one-of-a-kind ink designs.
Famous singer and rapper Lizzo even gave a musical shoutout to the doll on a verse she rapped for a remix of the song “Whim Whamiee,” by Pluto and Ykniece rapping, “Can’t even outdress my Labubu.” This lyric has become a viral TikTok sound that many users are using to show off their Labubu’s swag.
@smiskis4lyfe
TikTok User: smiskis4lyfe (48.5 thousand likes, 960 thousand views)
Labubu vs Lafufu?
When shopping, beware of fake Labubus, also known on TikTok as “Lafufus.” Many patrons are being scammed by street vendors and other private sellers who sell knock-off Labubu dolls that are not real.
How to spot a real Labubu versus a Lafufu? Check the packaging. If it is a real Labubu, you should be able to see a PopMart QR code that will authenticate if your doll is real. Other key features include that Labubu dolls have 9 teeth, ears pointed toward each other, a golden “The Monsters” key chain, and a PopMart stamp on the foot.
To ensure you get an authentic Labubu, it is recommended that you purchase directly from PopMart or trusted online resellers such as “SNKRDUNK.” Right now, the supply and demand of Labubu dolls are sky high, and prices vary.
@maxareeg Idk how I got hypnotized into buying one for myself 😵💫 #labubu #fypシ
TikTok User: Max Areeg (124.3 thousand likes, 1.2 million views)
What do you think? Are these Labubus the new Beanie Babies of Gen Z or just another TikTok fad? Be sure to weigh in on our Instagram!
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