Few toys have taken over social media, red carpets, and school playgrounds the way Labubu has. What started as a small monster character in a Hong Kong artist’s picture books is now a global obsession, with resale prices, counterfeit warnings, and even a Sony Pictures movie deal attached to its name. This guide breaks down exactly what Labubu is, what a Labubu doll actually costs, how to check if yours is a Labubu original or a fake, how to search for Labubu near me, and where to find a Labubu costume — for the doll or for yourself.
Note: this guide is independent and written for collectors and gift-buyers. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Pop Mart.
What Is Labubu?
Where Labubu Came From
Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung created Labubu. The character first appeared in 2015 in a series of picture books called “The Monsters.” These books drew on Nordic folklore, introducing a cast of mischievous, big-eared, sharp-toothed little elves. In 2019, Lung partnered with the Chinese toy company Pop Mart to turn the characters into figures. Pop Mart didn’t start selling Labubu as a plush keychain “blind box” toy until 2023 — that’s when the character exploded into a worldwide phenomenon.
How Labubu Became a Worldwide Trend
Pop Mart sells Labubu almost exclusively in sealed blind box packaging. Buyers don’t know which color or variant they’ll get until they open it. That surprise factor helped fuel the hype, and so did celebrity attention. Stars like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Blackpink’s Lisa all embraced the toy, with Lisa becoming one of its most visible fans. Together, these factors turned Labubu from a niche collectible into a genuine cultural moment. TikTok now hosts over a million Labubu-related posts.
Labubu in 2026: Movies, TV, and What’s Next
Pop Mart’s plush toy revenue, driven largely by Labubu, grew more than 1,200% year-over-year by 2025, according to the company’s own annual report. The brand has since expanded Labubu into gold jewelry and a theme park attraction in Beijing, and it launched an in-house animated series. Sony Pictures is now developing a live-action/CGI Labubu film with “Paddington” director Paul King. Heading into late 2026, industry coverage suggests the initial frenzy has cooled somewhat — Pop Mart’s stock has pulled back from its peak, and analysts have trimmed growth forecasts. Still, Labubu remains one of the best-known designer toys in the world, and demand for real, original pieces stays high.
Labubu Doll: Types, Sizes & Series
Not every Labubu doll is the same. Pop Mart releases the character across several different formats and sizes. Understanding these formats helps explain why prices vary so much:
- Standard blind box figures (roughly 7–9 cm): Pop Mart calls these “100%” size vinyl figures and sells them in sealed boxes as part of a themed series. Each series usually includes several regular designs plus one rare “secret” variant.
- Plush keychain dolls: This soft, huggable version clips onto handbags, backpacks, and belt loops. It’s the format that turned Labubu into a street-style accessory.
- Mega/large-format editions: These bigger display pieces stand well over 20 cm tall. Pop Mart sometimes labels them “300%” or “400%,” and they target serious collectors rather than everyday carry.
- Artist and brand collaborations: Pop Mart partners with other brands and artists — including names like Coca-Cola and Uniqlo — on limited-run Labubu designs. These usually sell for a short window before Pop Mart discontinues them.
Whichever Labubu doll format you’re after, the same rule applies: Pop Mart is the only official producer and seller, under license from Kasing Lung. If another brand sells something as “Labubu,” it isn’t an authorized product.
Labubu Price: How Much Does It Really Cost?
The honest answer is: it depends heavily on format, series, and where you buy. Reported Labubu price ranges shift with every new drop. As of 2026, the general retail landscape looks roughly like this:
| Labubu Type | Typical Official Retail Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard blind box (single, ~7–9 cm) | Roughly $10–$25 | Varies by series, region, and currency |
| Full case (6 or 12 boxes) | Several times the single-box price | Guarantees the full regular set, small per-unit saving |
| Mega/large display editions | Roughly $70–$120+ | Bigger, more detailed, aimed at display collectors |
| Artist collaborations/special editions | Roughly $30–$50+ | Limited release, discontinued once sold out |
| Secondary market — rare “secret” variants | Can reach hundreds of dollars | Driven by scarcity and collector demand, not official Pop Mart pricing |
A few honest things are worth knowing about Labubu price before you buy. Most standard, non-rare figures don’t reliably increase in value over time, so buying purely to resell is a gamble, not an investment strategy. The figures that do sell at a premium are almost always rare “secret” pulls or discontinued limited editions, and even then, prices depend entirely on ongoing collector demand. The safest approach: buy at official retail price because you want the toy, not because you expect it to appreciate.
Labubu Original vs Fake (“Lafufu”): How to Check Authenticity
Because Labubu is in such high demand, convincing counterfeits have flooded the market — collectors nickname these fakes “Lafufu.” If you want to confirm you have a Labubu original and not a knockoff, check more than one detail. No single check is 100% conclusive on its own, but combining a few will catch nearly every fake:
- Count the teeth: A genuine Labubu has exactly nine teeth, evenly spaced and clearly separated from the blue gumline. Fakes commonly show seven, eight, or ten teeth, or teeth that blur together with no visible gaps.
- Check the box label and code: Authentic Pop Mart boxes have a scratch-off panel that reveals a verification code. They also use muted, not overly bright or glossy, box colors. Look for the small trash-can recycling symbol on the back — on real boxes the arrow inside it has rounded corners, while on fakes it’s usually sharp and square.
- Scan the QR code: On packaging that includes one, a real QR code should lead directly to Pop Mart’s official website. If it redirects somewhere unfamiliar or doesn’t load properly, be suspicious.
- Look for the foot stamp: Genuine figures usually have a crisp, clearly stamped Pop Mart logo on the left foot with sharp, un-smudged lettering.
- Try a UV light: Since around 2024, many Labubu releases include a hidden UV-reactive mark, often on the nose or right foot, that glows cleanly under a blacklight. No glow, or a smudged blob instead of a clean shape, is a warning sign — though this test doesn’t apply to older, pre-2024 pieces.
- Feel the material: A real Labubu feels like solid vinyl with balanced weight, a smooth matte finish, and clean seams. Plush versions have soft, even stitching with no loose threads. Fakes often feel hollow or too light, and may have rough seams and patchy fur.
- Buy from an authorized source: This is the simplest safeguard of all. Buy directly from Pop Mart’s official app, website, or flagship/Robo Shop stores to remove almost all counterfeit risk. Random third-party marketplace listings, especially unusually cheap ones, carry the highest risk of being a “Lafufu.”
Labubu Near Me: Where to Buy the Real Thing
Searching “Labubu near me” usually turns up three realistic options. It’s worth knowing the difference between them:
- Official Pop Mart stores: Pop Mart now operates more than 500 stores across 30+ countries and regions. Flagship locations often carry the widest Labubu selection and exclusive in-store releases. The official Pop Mart app and website include a store locator, so you can check what’s near you before making the trip.
- Pop Mart “Robo Shop” vending machines: These are Pop Mart’s self-service kiosks. You’ll commonly find them in shopping malls, transit hubs, and airports. They’re a fast way to grab a blind box without visiting a full store, and since Pop Mart operates them directly, they’re just as authentic as buying in-store. The app’s store locator also maps these machines, not just full retail stores.
- Pop Mart’s official online store: If there’s no physical location close by, order through Pop Mart’s own website instead. It’s the most reliable way to get a real, Labubu original product shipped directly, rather than through a reseller.
What to avoid: unauthorized third-party sellers on general marketplaces. Watch for unusually low prices, no verification code, or blurry stock photos instead of real product images. If a “great deal” on Labubu shows up outside Pop Mart’s own channels or a clearly verified reseller, treat it as a likely “Lafufu” until proven otherwise.
Labubu Costume: Doll Outfits & Halloween Looks
“Labubu costume” is actually a search with two different meanings. It can mean dressing up the doll itself, or dressing up as Labubu yourself. Here’s both.
Costume & Outfit Sets for Your Labubu Doll
A big niche has grown around clothing and costume accessories for the popular ~17 cm Labubu figures. The doll is sold separately — these are just outfits. Independent sellers on marketplaces like Etsy and eBay offer themed costume sets, including Halloween pumpkin and ghost outfits, seasonal sweaters, and novelty themes like sports jerseys and superhero-style outfits. These are handmade or small-batch accessories, not official Pop Mart products, so quality and fit vary by seller. Check reviews and sizing before buying — most fit the 15–17 cm figure size.
How to Dress Up as Labubu for Halloween
If you want to become Labubu for Halloween rather than just dress the toy, there’s a popular look for that, inspired by celebrity takes like Blackpink Lisa’s furry, monster-inspired outfit. It generally combines:
- A fuzzy top and matching fuzzy bottoms or a skirt in a monster-appropriate color (pink, brown, or beige)
- Pointed animal-style ears on a headband to mimic Labubu’s signature ears
- Bold, rounded blush on the cheeks and a wide, toothy smile look with makeup
- Optional furry boots or leg warmers, and a mini plush Labubu accessory to complete the reference
It’s a low-cost, recognizable costume. It leans on a few key details — the ears, the blush, the fuzzy texture — rather than needing an expensive full costume purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Labubu
What is Labubu?
Artist Kasing Lung created Labubu, a monster character. Pop Mart produces and sells it exclusively as a collectible toy, mainly in sealed “blind box” packaging.
How can I tell a Labubu original from a fake?
Check the tooth count — nine teeth on a genuine figure — plus the box’s scratch-off verification code, the QR code, and the foot stamp. On newer releases, also check the UV-reactive mark. Buying directly from Pop Mart removes most of the risk.
How much does a Labubu doll cost?
Standard blind boxes typically retail for roughly $10–$25 at official Pop Mart channels. Mega/large editions and collaborations cost more. Rare secondary-market pulls can sell for hundreds of dollars, but that reflects collector demand, not the official retail price.
Where can I find Labubu near me?
Use the official Pop Mart app or website store locator to find nearby flagship stores and Robo Shop vending machines. If there’s nothing close by, order directly from Pop Mart’s official online store.
Is Labubu a good investment?
Generally, no. Most standard figures don’t appreciate meaningfully over time. Only rare “secret” pulls or discontinued limited editions tend to hold or gain value, and unpredictable collector demand drives that value, not guaranteed returns.
Are there costume options for Labubu?
Yes. Independent sellers make doll-sized outfit and costume sets for the ~17 cm Labubu figures. There are also simple ways to dress up as Labubu yourself for Halloween, using fuzzy clothing, ear headbands, and blush makeup.
Final Thoughts
Labubu has grown from a small illustrated character into one of the most recognizable collectible toys in the world. That popularity is exactly why doing your homework matters — on pricing, on authenticity, and on where you’re buying from. Stick to official Pop Mart channels, and learn the basic checks for spotting a Labubu original versus a “Lafufu.” Then you’ll get the toy — or the costume — you’re actually looking for, without the guesswork.
For more real, verified buyer guides like this one, check out Real Brume Blog.
