The Labubu Craze: Why This Mischievous Toy Is Taking Over the World

If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram Reels or browsing collector forums lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a quirky little character with spiky fur, mischievous eyes, and a devil-may-care grin Labubu. From luxury unboxings to street-style accessories, this designer toy has transcended its niche roots to become a full-blown global trend. But what exactly is Labubu, and why is it suddenly everywhere, including India?

What Is Labubu?

Labubu is a mischievous, whimsical character designed by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung in collaboration with Pop Mart, a Chinese company known for creating collectible art toys. Part of the "The Monsters" series, Labubu has a unique appeal that blends horror, cuteness, and fantasy resulting in an aesthetic that feels both nostalgic and edgy.

Each Labubu comes in blind boxes, and its ever-evolving costume designs—from pirates to space aliens to forest creatures make it a hit among collectors and pop-culture lovers alike.

Global Trend: Labubu's Worldwide Appeal

Collector Culture Booming
Labubu toys have surged in popularity among toy collectors and fashion influencers across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Rare editions are sold for hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars in resale markets like StockX, eBay, and Facebook groups.

Pop Mart’s Global Expansion
Pop Mart's aggressive retail growth, including flagship stores in London, Tokyo, and Los Angeles, has helped Labubu gain international exposure. Collaborations with artists and luxury brands have made it a status symbol for the younger generation.

Social Media Stardom
Instagram and TikTok are overflowing with Labubu unboxings, ASMR videos, and aesthetic shelf arrangements. Labubu has become more than a toy—it’s now a cultural icon with fashion collabs, themed pop-up cafes, and even fan art exhibitions.

Labubu in India: A Niche Trend Turning Mainstream

From Niche to Noticeable
Initially known only among hardcore toy collectors and anime lovers, Labubu is now making appearances in India’s mainstream influencer circuits. Indian fashion creators are pairing it with streetwear looks, and vloggers are doing unboxings in regional languages.

Availability & Shopping Platforms
While there’s no official Pop Mart store in India yet, e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and dedicated collectors’ sites like WackoWacko and Toyzone India have started listing Labubu collectibles though at a premium.

Celebrity and Influencer Push
Indian celebrities and influencers, especially in the Gen-Z and millennial categories, are embracing the Labubu craze as part of their kawaii or alternative aesthetics. It's also being gifted as a ‘cool’ item in PR boxes and celebrity hampers.

Mini Labubu-Themed Events
Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore have seen niche Labubu-themed exhibitions and pop-up stalls at anime cons and comic conventions. Toy communities are growing on platforms like Discord and Telegram, creating local demand.

Why Is Labubu So Popular?

Cute + Creepy Aesthetic: Appeals to both soft toy lovers and fans of gothic whimsy.

Collectibility: Limited editions create urgency and exclusivity.

Emotional Connection: Each Labubu design seems to carry a story, giving fans a reason to “bond” with their collectibles.

Social Media Friendly: Their size, style, and packaging make them perfect for Reels and aesthetic flat-lays.

Labubu has successfully tapped into the pop culture zeitgeist, resonating with young audiences across the globe. Its strong branding, combined with an emotional collectible appeal, gives it staying power. In India, while still in its early phase, Labubu is poised to explode further as global aesthetics continue influencing Indian youth culture.

Whether you're a toy collector, fashion enthusiast, or just someone who loves quirky art, the Labubu wave is one you’ll likely be seeing (or riding) soon.

Have you joined the Labubu trend yet? Tell us which version is your favorite!