What is Labubu? Meet the Playful Doll & Its Creative Toy Family

The Labubu doll has taken the world by storm. These cute collectibles sell out in minutes across the US and UK, creating such crazy demand that London shopping centers recently saw crowds fighting over new releases. Behind this frenzy is POP MART, the toy company whose revenues jumped 107% to 13 billion yuan in 2024. Their international sales exploded by 475-480%, showing just how global the Labubu craze has become.

But what exactly is Labubu? This article breaks down everything you need to know - from the character’s origins and growing family tree to current prices. Labubu isn’t just a toy anymore; it’s become a cultural phenomenon reshaping how young people collect and connect worldwide.

What Exactly Is a Labubu Doll?

Labubu is a toy doll that looks like a mischievous forest elf with pointed ears, a round fuzzy body, and nine sharp teeth. Despite its somewhat scary appearance, this little creature has a pure heart and playful personality. The character comes from fairy tales and folklore, representing the idea that being different can be beautiful too.

The Artist Behind Labubu

The creator of Labubu is Kasing Lung, an artist born in Hong Kong in 1972 who grew up in the Netherlands. Living in Europe exposed him to Nordic folk tales and elf stories, which heavily influenced his artistic style. Around 2010, Lung channeled these cultural influences into his picture book series called “The Monsters,” where Labubu first appeared as a forest sprite that looked scary but had an innocent soul.

Lung’s background in children’s illustration shows in his work. He believes in “embracing your inner child” and creates characters that mix playfulness with deeper meaning. His art style combines classic fairy tale elements with modern design, making characters that feel both familiar and fresh.

The Meaning of Labubu

The name “Labubu” originates from creator Kasing Lung’s childhood memories. In interviews, Lung revealed that the name blends two distinct sounds, “La” and “Bu,” inspired by a dialect from his hometown. Rather than carrying a dictionary definition, the word emerged from Lung’s creative intuition, crafted purely for how the sounds felt and harmonized together.

Labubu Family Tree

Labubu isn’t alone in the magical forest - she’s part of a colorful family of creatures, each with their own unique personality and role. This whimsical world features eight distinct characters connected through friendship, romance, and adventure. Core Family Members

ZIMOMO - Leader Zimomo stands out as the leader of the Labubu elves, easily recognizable by his brown fur and unique spiked tail, a feature no other character possesses. While he holds the leadership role, his adventurous spirit often takes him away from group gatherings. As the group’s leader, he provides guidance to all members while maintaining a somewhat mysterious presence.

LABUBU - Heart of the Family The most famous character in the group, Labubu is a kind-hearted forest elf who loves helping others. Her generous spirit and playful nature make her the emotional center of the family. There are over 100 Labubu characters in existence, making her both special and relatable. She maintains several key relationships, including being VOS’s student, Tycoco’s girlfriend, and Mokoko’s close companion, making her the social glue that binds the group together.

TYCOCO - Gentle Soul and Labubu’s Love This vegetarian monster might look like a skeleton, but don’t let his appearance fool you. Tycoco is shy, gentle, and optimistic. His romantic relationship with Labubu brings tenderness to the monster family, showing that even creatures with scary appearances can have gentle hearts. As VOS’s cousin, he also connects two important family branches.

MOKOKO - Special Companion Mokoko’s name literally means “special” in the spirit language, and her appearance backs this up. Unlike other tribe members, she has beautiful pastel pink fur and a white belly. She serves as Labubu’s loyal companion and is known for being slightly vain about her unique looks. Their close friendship demonstrates the importance of companionship in the Labubu universe.

Extended Family

SPOOKY & PIPPO These half-brothers showcase contrasting personalities. Pippo embodies river-dwelling freedom, while Spooky reveals quiet curiosity. Their bond highlights the family connections within Labubu’s world.

VOS As both Tycoco’s cousin and Labubu’s mentor, this sociable character strengthens group ties through his outgoing nature and guidance.

PATO & YAYA The mountain-dwelling duo balances Pato’s creativity with Yaya’s boundless energy, demonstrating how every character contributes to Labubu’s vibrant community.

Labubu’s magic comes from her found family. She connects a vibrant group where each character brings something special, just like real friendships. The quiet ones, the leaders, the free spirits all find their place. This celebration of belonging is why fans love her world. It’s not just about toys, but seeing our own need for connection reflected back at us.

Top 5 Labubu Series Every Collector Needs

From the whimsical Nordic forests to modern collaborations, Labubu has captured hearts worldwide with its signature nine-tooth grin and mischievous charm. These five essential series showcase the evolution and versatility that make Labubu a must-have for any serious collector.

Exciting Macaron Series (October 2023)

Labubu becomes a delicious pastel treat in this sweet collection. The creamy white Soymilk and bright pink Lychee Berry versions show off their flavors, while the secret Chestnut Cocoa edition adds cozy warmth. It’s a perfect mix of foodie fun and collectible charm.

Have a Seat Series (July 2024)

This cozy collection features seven distinctive characters in plush furry outfits, each with their own personality. From Sisi’s calm beige demeanor to Ququ’s mint green excitement, every figure tells a story of comfort and companionship. The secret edition Duoduo, lounging with a vintage radio in chocolate brown, adds that perfect touch of nostalgia collectors crave.

Fall in Wild Series (April 2024)

Adventure calls with this charming camping-themed release from April 2024. Labubu dons an adorable outdoor outfit complete with a floppy hat, embodying the spirit of wilderness exploration. This single plush design captures the essence of outdoor adventures. It’s wilderness fun with that classic mischievous spirit.

Coca-Cola Series (January 2025)

The series features beloved moments like Surprise Shake sporting a Santa hat with a Coke bottle, and the show-stopping secret edition Mysterious Guest popping out of an actual Coca-Cola can. This crossover represents the perfect fusion of nostalgia and contemporary collectible culture.

Angel in Clouds Series (October 2024)

It’s an ethereal collection that elevates Labubu to heavenly heights with soft wings and cloud-like fur textures. Set against dreamy, temple-inspired backdrops, this series transforms the mischievous creature into a divine being, offering collectors a more sophisticated and artistic interpretation of the beloved character.

Why Have Labubu Dolls Become a Global Phenomenon?

Labubu’s rise from art sketch to global sensation shows how “ugly-cute” design can win hearts worldwide.

Ugly-Cute Appeal Labubu breaks beauty rules with its nine jagged teeth, pointed ears, and furry body. Many people first thought it looked “ugly,” but that’s exactly why it became popular. This mix of scary and cute appeals to people who don’t fit perfect standards.

Celebrity Power and Social Media The real explosion came when celebrities started sharing their Labubu collections. K-pop star Lisa showed hers first, then Rihanna and David Beckham followed. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram spread these posts everywhere, making Labubu a must-have item for fans wanting to copy their idols.

Blind Box Magic Labubu’s success relies heavily on blind box culture. Each box contains a mystery figure - you never know which one you’ll get. With hidden versions appearing only 0.69% of the time, collectors keep buying more boxes to find rare pieces. This gambling-like excitement drives 70% of buyers to purchase multiple times.

POP MART adapted Labubu for different markets. Western countries get gothic, edgy designs while Asian markets receive cuter versions. By 2024, Labubu became POP MART’s biggest money-maker, proving that being different can be incredibly profitable.

How Much Does a Pop Mart Labubu Doll Cost?

Pop Mart Labubu dolls have created a complex pricing landscape that varies dramatically depending on where and how you buy them. Understanding these price differences can help collectors make informed purchasing decisions.

At official Pop Mart stores in the US, standard Labubu blind boxes typically cost around $27.99 each, though prices range from $22 for vinyl figures to $900 for rare plushes. The pricing structure varies significantly across different series and special editions, with regular blind box series starting around $20-28, collaboration editions ranging from $30-80, limited vinyl plush dolls priced between $80-300, and premium collector editions reaching up to $900.

These official prices represent the most affordable way to purchase authentic Labubu figures, though availability can be limited due to high demand.

Labubu figures command premium prices in secondary markets, with rare pieces selling for exponentially more than retail. Auction records highlight their investment appeal, with select editions fetching staggering sums. Rarity, condition, collaborations, and trends drive values, blending fandom with financial potential. This vibrant collectors’ market thrives on scarcity and emotional appeal, making Labubu both a cultural phenomenon and lucrative asset.

Bonus: Create Your Own Labubu-Style Photo

While authentic Labubu dolls can be expensive collector’s items, now you can create your very own virtual Labubu avatar for free! The Labubu Art AI tool transforms your photos into delightful Labubu-style artwork - complete with signature pointy ears, mischievous grin, and charmingly “ugly-cute” features.

Perfect for social media profiles, custom wallpapers, or unique gifts, this tool lets anyone join the Labubu fun without breaking the bank. In just seconds, you’ll have a personalized character that captures Labubu’s whimsical spirit while keeping your unique style. Try the Labubu Doll Generator now and unleash your creativity with just one click!

Final Thoughts: Why Labubu Is More Than Just a Toy

Labubu’s evolution from artistic concept to global phenomenon reveals its deeper significance. This whimsical creature represents a cultural bridge, blending Eastern creativity with universal appeal. Its success stems from emotional storytelling and innovative collectible culture, resonating with modern consumers seeking playful self-expression.

Beyond commercial hype, Labubu symbolizes how art and commerce can coexist meaningfully. It challenges traditional boundaries while creating shared joy across generations. As both cultural icon and social connector, Labubu proves that imagination holds enduring power in our increasingly digital world.