Is it a gremlin? A forest demon? A misunderstood cutie with fangs?

What do Blackpink’s Lisa, luxury fashion lovers, and Gen Z toy collectors have in common? They’re all head over heels for a little elf-like creature with big eyes and nine crooked teeth.

Whatever Labubu is, one thing’s for sure, this tiny, toothy creature has taken over our digital shelves, social feeds, and collector hearts. And if you haven't yet stumbled upon its bug-eyed stare on Instagram or battled for it in a Pop Mart drop, are you even online?

 

What (or Who) Is Labubu, Anyway?

Labubu is a character created by Hong Kong-based art toy studio The Monsters in collaboration with artist Kasing Lung. Part of the PopMart collectibles universe (think blind boxes and surprise drops), Labubu is a creature with big ears, a toothy grin, and an unmistakable energy.

It’s quirky design with oversized ears, wide eyes, and ever-grinning fangs has made Labubu more than a collectible. It’s a statement. A vibe. A whole aesthetic.

 

 

From Cult Toy to Cultural Icon

What started as an art figure became a collector’s phenomenon especially in East Asia, with Pop Mart stores popping up across cities. The thrill of not knowing which Labubu you're unboxing has become a social event in itself.

The hype escalated when a 4-foot tall Labubu plush sold at auction in Beijing for over $170,000. Yes, you read that right. That’s luxury handbag money for a monster elf.

 

Why Gen Z (and Millennials) Can’t Get Enough

Here’s the thing, Labubu isn’t conventionally cute. It’s not trying to be. That’s exactly why it works.

In an age where aesthetics are curated to death, Labubu’s offbeat charm feels refreshing. It’s weird but loveable. A little dark, a little dreamy. It doesn't try to fit into the mainstream and Gen Z is eating it up.

It’s also Instagrammable!  From shelfies to bag charms, Labubu’s collectible editions (pirate Labubu, magician Labubu, mushroom Labubu) are tailor-made for aesthetic content.

 

Not Just a Toy, a Statement

Let’s face it: we’re all looking for a little magic in our lives. Labubu offers that magic in the form of mischief. And in some ways, owning a Labubu is about reclaiming play, emotion, and imperfection.

It's a rebellion against sterility. It’s dopamine in plastic. Labubu doesn’t just sit on your shelf. It sparks conversation, curiosity, and yes,  asome envy.

As one Redditor put it:
“Buying my first Labubu wasn’t a purchase. It was an identity shift.”

 

What Does Your Labubu Say About You?

In a world of filters, perfection, and polished feeds, Labubu stands out by not trying to fit in. Maybe the real question is: Why do we find comfort in chaos disguised as cute? Think about it, what does your favorite collectible say about you?