Labubu: What it is and why people are paying crores for it

A one-of-a-kind human-sized Labubu recently selling for an astounding $150,000 (about Rs 1.2 crore) in China. (Image credit: AFP)

The quirky, mischievous-looking plush toy, Labubu, has swiftly become a global sensation, with fans spending thousands of dollars to get their hands on the elusive collectible. Originally a character from Hong Kong artist and author Kasing Lung's 2015 "The Monsters" book series, Labubu gained immense traction after its toy debut in 2019 via Pop Mart and endorsements from global celebrities.

From blind boxes to Blackpink: The Labubu craze

Labubu toys are typically sold in "blind boxes," meaning the specific design or colour is unknown until opened. This element of surprise, combined with the extreme demand, has led to a fervent collecting culture. While a standard Labubu might cost around Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 in India, rare versions, especially those from collaborations or special collections, can fetch upwards of Rs 12,000 to Rs 55,000 on the resale market like eBay and StockX, with a one-of-a-kind human-sized Labubu recently selling for an astounding $150,000 (about Rs 1.2 crore) in China's Beijing.

The sculpture is "the only piece of its kind in the world", according to Yongle International Auction.

The craze escalated following endorsements from celebrities such as South Korean girl group Blackpink's Lisa, who famously adorned her Christmas tree with the dolls, and later Rihanna and Kim Kardashian. This celebrity exposure, coupled with over 300 different variants—including rare and collaborative editions like the Coca-Cola version—has fuelled the insatiable demand.

Just give her labubu and u can kidnap her #LISAxCHUANGAsiaS2EP4 pic.twitter.com/92wVgttRU5
LISA BASE (@the_lisapopbase) February 23, 2025

The scramble for scarcity

In the US, securing a Labubu is challenging, requiring luck and quick action. Pop Mart restocks online collections on Thursdays, which sell out in seconds, while physical stores and vending machines refresh on Fridays, often leading to queues forming hours before opening.

The intense fervour has even caused Pop Mart to temporarily halt sales in its 16 UK stores last month, fearing violence from would-be buyers who failed to get their hands on the limited-edition Labubus.

Labubu pic.twitter.com/TnSbYXvV36 Eason Mao (@KELMAND1) June 11, 2025

In Singapore, CCTV footage captured a family stealing Labubu dolls from a claw machine, according to Singaporean online media outlet AsiaOne.

Burglars broke into a store in California last week and took several Labubu dolls along with electronics and other valuables, American news outlet ABC reported.

In China, the toys have been promised as freebies for new bank customers -- an incentive quickly shut down by local regulators, according to Chinese media reports.

The overwhelming popularity has also led to the emergence of counterfeits--many of which are also made in China--known as "Lafufu" dolls. Consumers are advised to be cautious when purchasing from unofficial sources. Labubu's "ugly-cute" aesthetic, combined with scarcity, reseller activity, and the thrill of the blind box, has transformed it into a highly coveted fashion accessory and collector's item.

(With inputs from AFP)