Labubu Dolls: The Quirky Collectibles Captivating Celebrities and Collectors
In the world of social media trends, Labubu dolls have emerged as a global sensation, captivating fans with their peculiar charm. These wide-eyed, toothy figurines gained widespread attention after BLACKPINK’s Lisa showcased them in her photos, sparking a frenzy among enthusiasts. The dolls, often seen dangling from luxury handbags or displayed alongside prized collectibles, have become a must-have item for many.
Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu dolls are part of “The Monsters” figurine series, inspired by Nordic folklore and the vivid imaginations of children. First introduced in 2015, these quirky toys have experienced a resurgence in 2025, largely due to their exclusive distribution by Chinese retailer Pop Mart. The dolls are sold in “blind boxes,” where buyers don’t know which design they’ll receive until opening the package, adding an element of surprise that fuels their popularity. The most sought-after versions are plush pendants with clips, available in various colors and styles.
The Labubu craze has transcended typical toy collectors, with celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian spotted sporting the dolls as fashion accessories. In India, stars such as Ananya Panday and Twinkle Khanna have embraced the trend, with Khanna humorously recounting a debate with her daughter over who gets to display a Coca-Cola-themed Labubu. Even cricketer Rohit Sharma expressed his bewilderment at the dolls’ appeal on Instagram, amusing fans with his caption about not understanding the hype despite his family’s enthusiasm.
The dolls’ unique design featuring pointed ears, nine jagged teeth, and a mischievous grin sets them apart from traditional toys like Hello Kitty. Available in over 300 variations, including collaborations with brands like Coca-Cola and One Piece, Labubu dolls have become collectible art pieces. Their scarcity, driven by limited supply and high demand, has led to skyrocketing resale prices, with some rare editions fetching up to ₹1.5 lakh online. Counterfeit versions, such as “Lafufu,” have also surfaced, though they lack the quality of the originals.
Pop Mart’s innovative blind-box marketing, combined with endorsements from high-profile figures, has propelled Labubu dolls to cultural phenomenon status. However, the intense demand has caused chaos, with Pop Mart halting sales in UK stores due to reported fights among eager buyers. Despite mixed reactions some netizens call the dolls “creepy” or “ugly” their appeal endures, offering nostalgia and joy to adult collectors.