Is Labubu worth collecting?

Labubu has become very popular with collectors all over the world, leading many to ask, “Is Labubu worth collecting?” In 2025, it became one of the most sought-after collectible items. Its bold looks and cultural significance make it stand out. People love Labubu because of its limited editions, which often sell for high prices later. For example, rare Labubu figures have sold for up to $7,000, demonstrating that they can be a good investment.

The numbers prove its success. Pop Mart's plush toys, including Labubu, experienced a revenue jump of over 1,200% in 2024. These toys accounted for nearly 22% of the company’s income. In Southeast Asia, sales grew by 478.3%, totaling $78.4 million. These figures highlight the demand for Labubu and its value as a collectible, raising the question: Is Labubu worth collecting?

However, collecting Labubu does come with risks. Fake versions and fluctuating market trends could diminish its value. To make a wise decision, consider these risks alongside its artistic appeal and potential for profit.

Key Takeaways

• Labubu's special look and cultural meaning make it stand out. It attracts both art fans and toy collectors.

• Limited editions and surprise box sales make people excited. This increases demand and resale prices for Labubu toys.

• Social media and famous people have made Labubu a big deal. Its popularity and value have grown because of this.

• Labubu can be a good investment, but be careful. Fake items and market changes can affect its worth.

• Joining Labubu events and group projects makes collecting more fun. It also builds strong loyalty among fans.

What is Labubu?

Origins and creation of Labubu

Labubu is a character from “The Monsters,” created by artist Kasing Lung. She is known for her uneven features and wild look. This makes her different from most smooth, polished designer toys. Labubu mixes wildness with kindness, making her loved by many people.

Her story started in 2015 when Lung made three picture books. These books were inspired by Nordic myths and shaped Labubu's unique style. In 2019, Lung teamed up with Chinese retailer Pop Mart to make Labubu figurines. This partnership turned Labubu into a collectible star. By 2023, Labubu became even more famous with plush toys. Social media and celebrities like Lisa from BLACKPINK helped her gain attention. Now, Labubu is more than a toy. She is a cultural icon seen in offices, fashion, and art galleries.

Labubu's rise in the designer toy market

Labubu's success in the designer toy world is amazing. Pop Mart, her parent company, said “The Monsters” franchise earned over 3.04 billion RMB in 2024. This caused a 320% rise in the company's stock price. Labubu alone made more than $415.2 million last year, a 726.6% jump from the year before.

The designer toy market, including Labubu, grew 26% in one year. This was much faster than the regular toy market's 3.7% growth. Rare Labubu figures often sell for 3-5 times their original price. Pop Mart stores and online shops use blind box unboxing to make buying Labubu toys more exciting.

Labubu's rise shows her strong connection with fans and collectors everywhere. Her special design, cultural meaning, and market success make her stand out in the designer toy world.

Why is Labubu so popular?

Unique design and artistic appeal

Labubu is loved for its bold and different design. Its uneven features and playful look make it special. Unlike most toys, Labubu celebrates flaws, making it feel real and lovable. Kasing Lung, its creator, used Nordic myths to inspire Labubu. He mixed wildness and kindness to make a character that feels magical yet friendly.

Labubu’s charm goes beyond how it looks. Each figure tells a story about adventure or curiosity. Collectors admire the careful details and effort in every piece. Limited-edition versions are even more exciting, with hand-painted parts or special textures. These features turn Labubu into more than a toy—it becomes art you can show off and enjoy.

Social media and cultural impact

Social media has made Labubu super popular, especially on TikTok. Over 1.4 million videos show fans unboxing, decorating, or customizing Labubu. This has made Labubu a viral hit, loved by people everywhere.

Famous people have also helped Labubu become a big deal. Stars like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Blackpink members have shown their love for Labubu. Their support has made Labubu more than a collectible—it’s now a cultural icon. Labubu has even been part of events like Paris Fashion Week, styled with luxury bags and outfits. This shows Labubu is both a fashion trend and a collectible.

People keep talking about Labubu online more and more. From January to May 2025, mentions of Labubu grew by 137%. Fans share memories and excitement, even if some think it’s pricey. Most people feel positive about Labubu, proving it’s not just a fad but a lasting part of pop culture.

Collaborations and community engagement

Labubu works with artists, brands, and fans to stay connected. Team-ups with luxury designers have created special releases that mix high fashion with fun designs. These partnerships make Labubu more popular and bring in new fans who don’t usually collect toys.

Fan events are key to Labubu’s success. Pop Mart, the company behind Labubu, hosts unboxings, meetups, and contests. These events make fans feel like they belong to a special group. Long lines at stores and resale prices as high as $7,000 show how much people want Labubu.

Labubu’s personal connection with fans makes it stand out. Through social media, special collaborations, and events, Labubu keeps winning the hearts of collectors everywhere.

What makes Labubu special?

Rare and exclusive

Labubu is rare because of how it’s sold. Pop Mart uses blind boxes, so you don’t know which figure you’ll get until you open it. This makes collecting exciting but also tricky. To collect all regular figures, you might need to buy 30 boxes, costing about $510. Rare “Secret” figures are even harder to find. Getting one could take 221 boxes, costing around $3,755. This makes Labubu collectibles very exclusive.

Pop Mart also releases limited-edition Labubu figures in small amounts. These sell out fast, creating urgency for collectors. The fear of missing out (FOMO) makes people want them even more. Owning a rare Labubu is seen as a big achievement among fans. It shows both luck and dedication.

High resale prices and demand

Labubu’s resale prices show how much people want it. Limited-edition figures that cost 99 yuan now sell for over 2,600 yuan in China. On StockX, figures priced at $50 now sell for $143 to $310. These price jumps show Labubu’s value as a collectible.

Some events highlight Labubu’s popularity. At an airport in China, officials seized 318 Labubu toys meant for resale. In the UK, restocks were stopped because of huge crowds. Pop Mart’s overseas sales grew by 475% in early 2024, showing Labubu’s global appeal. These examples prove Labubu is loved by collectors everywhere.

Long-term investment potential

Labubu isn’t just good for quick profits; it’s a smart long-term investment too. Pop Mart keeps fans interested with events, contests, and collaborations. This keeps collectors loyal and demand steady over time.

Cultural trends also help Labubu stay popular. Gen Z and Millennials love small treats that bring happiness, and Labubu fits this perfectly. Its rising prices and market activity suggest it will stay valuable for years.

Pop Mart’s growing influence makes Labubu even more collectible. The company’s overseas sales rose by 259.6% in one year, showing its global success. Experts predict Labubu’s value could grow to $50–$100 million in the future. These factors make Labubu a great choice for collectors who want something beautiful and valuable.

Risks and considerations

Fake Labubu items and how to avoid them

Fake Labubu toys are a big problem for collectors. Many fans turn to online sellers because Labubu is hard to find. Sadly, fake items are common on these platforms. For example, a collector in Beijing bought fake Labubu dolls twice from resellers. This shows how risky it can be to buy from secondary markets.

To check if a Labubu is real, look at its details. Pay attention to the shape, label, foot logo, packaging, and QR code. You can also use tools like LEGIT APP, which uses AI to compare items with real Labubu figures. The app connects you with experts who can check photos for authenticity. By using these methods, you can lower the chance of buying fake Labubu toys.

Market changes and possible overhype

Labubu is very popular now, but the hype might not last. Plush toys, including Labubu, bring in a lot of money. However, it’s unclear if this demand will continue. New competitors are entering the market, which could make Labubu less special. Also, relying on blind boxes and trendy ideas makes Labubu vulnerable to changing tastes.

Problems in global trade could also hurt Labubu’s growth in other countries. Issues like shipping delays or legal problems might slow sales. While Labubu is doing well now, its success could face challenges if demand drops or outside problems grow.

What affects Labubu’s future value

Many things can change how much Labubu is worth later. Demand is growing because of limited supply and active fan communities. Online platforms help fans connect, which boosts interest and sales. Adding blockchain technology to Labubu collectibles makes them even more appealing as valuable items.

Labubu’s design is popular with Gen Z, who like unique and meaningful items. The mix of vinyl and plush materials makes Labubu both fun and collectible. But competition from similar toys and the need to stay popular are important challenges. New ideas, like combining virtual and real collectibles, could help Labubu stay strong in the market.

Labubu’s future value depends on how well it adapts to changes. Collectors should stay updated on these factors to make better choices.

Labubu is not just a toy; it’s art with meaning. Its rare designs and Pop Mart partnerships make it unique. Owning Labubu gives you beauty and possible profit.

Though fakes are a problem, learning helps you avoid them. By checking trends and ensuring items are real, you can collect wisely.

FAQ

1. How can you start collecting Labubu figures?

Start by checking Pop Mart stores or their website. Look for blind boxes or special editions. Trusted sites like StockX are also good options. Always confirm the seller is real to avoid fakes.

2. What makes Labubu different from other collectibles?

Labubu is unique because of its Nordic myth-inspired design. Its fun and imperfect look makes it special. Limited editions and artist collaborations add to its rarity and value.

Tip: Collect rare editions to make your collection more valuable.

3. Are Labubu figures good for beginner collectors?

Yes, beginners can easily start with Labubu figures. Blind boxes are affordable and fun. The community is friendly, and there are many designs to choose from.

4. How do you check if a Labubu figure is real?

Look at the packaging, foot logo, and QR code. Use apps like LEGIT APP to confirm authenticity. Be careful with deals that seem too cheap, especially online.

5. Why are Labubu figures so expensive to resell?

Their rarity and high demand increase resale prices. Limited editions sell out fast, making them hard to find. Fans love their artistic design, which adds to their value.

Note: Resale prices change often, so check trends before buying or selling.