From blind boxes to viral unboxing videos, LaBuBu toys are taking over social media — here’s why everyone’s obsessed and how you can join the craze.
What is LaBuBu (and where did it come from)?
LaBuBu is not just another cute collectible — it comes wrapped in myth, design lore, scarcity, and pop-culture momentum. Created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung for his “The Monsters” story series, LaBuBu debuted in 2015 and gained major traction after the Chinese brand POP MART launched releases in 2019. Wikipedia+2Pop Mart+2
The character is broadly described as a mischievous-looking yet endearing monster: large pointed ears, nine serrated teeth, wide eyes — the kind of design that walks the line between cute, quirky, and oddly compelling. POP MART uses a blind-box model for many of the releases, meaning you buy a sealed box without knowing exactly which version of the figure you’ll get. That element of surprise adds to the appeal, the thrill, and — yes — the urgency to collect. ABC7 Los Angeles+1
Why UA students and young adults should care
You might be thinking: “Okay, it’s a toy. So what?” But here’s where it gets interesting for someone in college, especially at a place like UA where pop culture, gaming, design, social media trends, and collectibles overlap.
- Fashion & accessories meets toys. LaBuBu has transcended the vinyl shelf and moved into keychains, plushies, bags, and fashion-collabs. When something goes from kids-room to streetwear and influencer style, it becomes culture.
- Blind box suspense = social media content. Ever noticed friends recording their unboxing videos? That’s exactly what the LaBuBu blind-box model taps into. Each fumble, each surprise rare version, each “got-the-common-one” reaction becomes shareable.
- Scarcity drives value and hype. Limited runs, unexpected drops, “I got it!” posts — they all feed into FOMO (fear of missing out). If you’re into collecting or trading, that sense of chase matters.
- Community & identity. Collecting is more than accumulation; it’s showing personal taste, being part of a crowd, flexing rare finds, creating display setups. For students balancing budgets, the thrill of the find and the display-share matters as much as the toy.
- Aesthetic fits the moment. Odd-cute, slightly weird, unexpected character designs are trending in Gen Z and younger adult aesthetics — think plushies, art-toys, retro crossovers. LaBuBu fits that niche.
How to jump in (without draining your whole paycheck)
If you’re ready to join the LaBuBu wave, here’s how to do it smartly:
- Start with retail releases. Visit authorized sellers (POP MART stores, official websites). Prices start reasonably — small vinyls: $15–$40 depending on series. Example: listings show $39.99 and $43.99 for some recent figures. Pop Mart
- Set a budget. Acknowledge that rare versions may shoot up in price. If you want the chase, set aside a “fun budget” rather than buying everything.
- Choose what you value: display, rarity, variant. Are you buying to unbox and display the rare chase? Or just to own one for fun? That clarifies your strategy.
- Avoid counterfeits. Because of the hype, many fake versions (“Lafufus”) are circulating. These may lack brand marks, QR codes, quality materials — and sometimes even safety certification. Always check seller authenticity.
- Use social media & community. Join Discord servers, Reddit threads, Instagram feeds where LaBuBu collectors discuss restocks, variants, trades. Having a network helps you find deals and stay ahead.
- Display intentionally. If you’re showing off your collection in your dorm, gaming setup, or style corner, consider lighting, stands, or grouping by series. It becomes part of your personal brand.
What makes LaBuBu stick out among collectible trends
- Cross‐cultural appeal. It may have started in Asia, but LaBuBu’s popularity has grown in the U.S., Europe, and global student communities. The brand generated billions in revenue and shows signs of global expansion. WIRED+1
- Fashion collaborations. When a collectible toy crosses into fashion (keychains on bags, plushes as accessories), it reaches wider audiences beyond typical toy collectors.
- Social proof + scarcity = hype cycle. Lines outside stores, Instagram “I got the rare one” posts, limited-edition drops — they all feed into a viral collection loop.
- Story behind the figure. The fact that LaBuBu has a design backstory (Nordic folklore influence, monster-world narrative) gives it more depth than a generic figurine. People connect with story, character, meaning.
- The unboxing moment. Blind boxes are not just toys — they’re experiences. That moment when you open, reveal, share — it resonates on TikTok, Instagram Stories, YouTube.
Things to keep in mind (the reality side)
- Don’t overspend chasing rares. The hype has a flip side — resale prices inflate fast, and you might regrettably “bid up” a piece beyond its enjoyment value.
- Avoid counterfeits. Fakes aren’t just low-quality — they may present safety issues (especially if you have younger visitors in your room). New York Post+1
- Space & display maintenance. Collecting means storage, dusting, organizing — plan for that.
- Trend cycles evolve. Today it’s LaBuBu; tomorrow it could be another character. If your only goal is investment/flip, the risk is higher. If it’s for fun and style, you’re safe.
- Know your seller and series. Limited runs often tied to collaboration drops (fashion brands, seasonal themes, “monster world” versions). Tracking release calendars matters.
Tag-a-friend moment
If you’re reading this and you’ve got a friend who’s into K-pop, anime, streetwear, collectibles, design toys or just wants a fun new hobby — tag them right now. Start the two-person collecting duo. Why? Because sharing unboxings, comparing editions, trading rarities, and competing for display real-estate adds so much more fun.
Final takeaway
LaBuBu isn’t just another toy. It’s a full-on pop-culture moment. It taps into design, nostalgia, surprise, fashion, community, and social media trends — exactly the components that young adults and university students love. If you’ve been looking for something that crosses your style, your interests, your online feed, and your personal space — this might be it.
Start smart, start small, enjoy the unbox, display your piece, and tag a friend who needs to start their collection too. Who knows — maybe you’ll find your rare chase piece, or maybe the fun will just be in the process. Either way, LaBuBu’s here, the wave is now, and you’ve got a front-row seat.
Read the blog + tag a friend who needs to start their LaBuBu collection!
