If you’ve been active on social media lately, you might have heard about Labubus.
As I scroll through my feed daily, I often see videos of Gen Z queuing to buy these peculiar toys, some imported from overseas, or showing off these oddly charming creatures. Just last week, at a wedding, I noticed that instead of a traditional bouquet toss, they had a toss of these Labubus.
This piqued my curiosity, so I looked into what exactly Labubus are, how they gained such popularity, and if they might be a good buy for kids.
What’s the Buzz About Labubus?
Labubus are unique toys that were first created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung a decade ago.
Since then, their quirky and somewhat creepy aesthetic—characterized by sharp teeth, pointy ears, and cheeky grins—has made them a favorite among celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa, not to mention fashion enthusiasts around the globe.
Produced and marketed by the Chinese toy firm Pop Mart, they encourage a collecting mentality similar to Gellycats and Funko Pops, where fans want to get them all.
What really fuels the frenzy is the fact that each toy comes in a blind box.
This format has sparked countless viral videos, as influencers often buy multiple boxes hoping to unveil their desired character. If luck doesn’t favor them, they just end up buying even more.
Should You Buy a Labubu for Your Kids?
While the most viral videos show adults enjoying these toys, there’s no reason kids can’t join in on the fun.
However, it’s worth noting that getting a specific one isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
Fingers crossed, hoping to avoid a particular character may lead to spending $21 for one, or even a couple of hundred dollars—and possibly some disappointment along the way.
