Labubu: The 'Ugly-Cute' Toy Craze Capturing Hearts And Wallets

With its pointy little teeth, fluffy body, and mischievous eyes, Labubu has become a surprising sensation in the world of designer toys. This seemingly slightly evil character has exploded in popularity, captivating young people both online and offline.

While some find Labubu adorable and comforting, others criticize it as a product of manufactured scarcity and trend-following. Let's delve into the Labubu craze and explore what's behind its appeal.

Labubu is an IP character created by Pop Mart, envisioned as a forest sprite. On platforms like Xiaohongshu (a popular Chinese social media and e-commerce platform), Labubu-related topics have garnered a staggering 1.3 billion views and 13.11 million discussions. Derivative topics like Labubu Vinyl and Labubu Sitting Party have also easily exceeded 100 million views.

The Appeal of Ugly-Cute: Why Labubu Resonates with Young People

Many people initially find Labubu to be not that pretty, lacking the conventional cuteness of traditional dolls. However, it is this very ugly-cute aesthetic and unique personality that allows it to stand out from the crowd of designer toys.

Xiao Yang, a 26-year-old who owns 21 Labubu figures, says, It's weird, but it makes me laugh, and it brightens my mood. Chen Zhixin, a 95's generation individual who never bought dolls before, fell in love with Labubu's unique charm. He sees Labubu as a friend who can cheer him up.

The furry appearance and the mix of good and evil expressions offer not only visual impact but also emotional solace.

Labubu as a Social Media Darling and a Canvas for Creativity

The popularity of Labubu is also fueled by celebrity endorsements. Many celebrities use Labubu as a fashion accessory, hanging it on their bags, which prompts fans to follow suit.

After acquiring Labubu, young people enjoy sharing unboxing videos and daily outfits on social media platforms. The virality of Labubu sparks conversations and creates common ground among individuals who might not have interacted otherwise.

Furthermore, Labubu is not just a static decoration; it's highly customizable. On Xiaohongshu, the topic of Labubu Customization has nearly 20 million views. People buy clothes, glasses, and hats to dress up their Labubu, giving them a trendy look.

Some even use their creativity to repaint, add stuffing, give it new teeth, or completely overhaul its appearance. As toy customizer Luo Yutong says, The sense of accomplishment from transforming an ordinary Labubu into a unique one is amazing!

Price Hikes and Market Chaos: Practicing Rational Consumption

The popularity of Labubu has led to scarcity, making it difficult to purchase. Labubu products on Pop Mart's official website often sell out immediately upon release. The Labubu 3.0 version at the Pop Mart Global Flagship Store in Shanghai was also quickly sold out.

On second-hand trading platforms, prices have become outrageous. A complete box of 3.0 blind boxes, originally priced at 594 RMB, is now being sold for 1800 RMB. A single 3.0 vinyl blind box, originally priced at 99 RMB, has increased several times in price, with the hidden Ego version reaching as high as 2987 RMB. The Labubu vans collaboration, originally priced at 599 RMB, now has an average transaction price exceeding 13,000 RMB.

These soaring prices are driven by scalpers. Some enthusiasts complain that despite official efforts to prevent scalping, scalpers are actively selling in groups, making it impossible for genuine fans to buy. 

Moreover, the quality control of Labubu has also been criticized, with some buyers reporting issues such as bald spots, hair loss, and messy stitching. It's worth noting that the designer toy market evolves rapidly. Pop Mart's Dimoo series and other brands' Bob toys have experienced similar price surges, only to see their prices plummet after the hype subsided.

The Labubu craze reflects the desire of young people for personalized and emotionally resonant consumption. However, while following trends, it is essential to remain rational and avoid turning passion into a burden.

Is Labubu here to stay, or is it just another fleeting trend? Only time will tell.