Questioning what a Labubu is and why your teen needs one? We break down the thrill, the place to purchase, what fakes to keep away from, and whether or not costs will ever drop.
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When you’ve obtained a teen glued to TikTok, likelihood is you’ve already heard them whisper the identify “Labubu” prefer it’s some legendary gremlin despatched to empty your pockets.
Mine definitely has.
Our 13-year-old has gone from “What’s for tea?” to “Can I’ve a Labubu?”
And I had no concept what she was speaking about.
Seems, Labubu isn’t a brand new slang time period or a made-up phrase. It’s an actual (very collectable) character. And when you’ve seen the grinning little goblin with sharp tooth and large eyes, you’ll know why it’s brought on a buzz.
Right here we cowl what a Labubu is, the place it’s from, why it prices that a lot, and the way to not get scammed with a dodgy dupe referred to as “Lafufu”.
What even is a Labubu?
Labubu is a part of a set of strange figures made by POP MART, an organization from China that specialises in designer blind-box toys. Labubu was created by artist Kasing Lung, who clearly checked out a fluffy monkey, added some vampire tooth and chaotic power, and thought – yep, excellent.
Every sequence has a theme: pirates, forest monsters, circus vibes, you identify it!
And, as a result of it is available in a “shock field”, you by no means know which one you’ll get till you open it. Which suggests in case your teen needs only one particular Labubu, you’ll most likely find yourself shopping for 4.
Who’re they for?
Formally, POP MART says Labubu is for anybody aged 15+, however truthfully, tweens and teenagers are their core fanbase. It’s change into an entire social media development, with youngsters unboxing them, swapping duplicates, and reviewing every design like they’re artwork critics.
That mentioned, a whole lot of adults (particularly collectors) are absolutely obsessed too. There’s an entire resale market the place sure uncommon Labubus go for £100+, typically extra.
So don’t be shocked in case your child all of the sudden turns into very all for “investing”. (Good little aspect hustle, if you will get maintain of any inventory.)
Why is everybody all of the sudden speaking about them?
Labubu has been massive in Asia for some time, however the UK hype exploded in 2024, helped alongside by TikTok, Instagram Reels, and youngsters saying, “Have a look at this one! It’s obtained bunny ears and a chainsaw!”
It’s half FOMO, half development, half genuinely cool design. And in contrast to most toys, they don’t look “babyish,” which makes them excellent for teenagers who need to acquire one thing however really feel too outdated for dolls.
Add within the thrill of not realizing what you’ll get till you open the field, and growth – it turns into a viral sensation.
The place can you purchase actual Labubu figures?
Right here’s the place to look:
1. POP MART UK web site
2. Amazon UK – by way of official POP MART
3. In-store POP MART merchandising machines (“Robo Outlets”)
- Present in some procuring centres (e.g. London, Studying)
- Little bit of enjoyable for youths when you’re out and about
4. eBay (UK-based sellers solely)
- You’ll discover open-box or resale figures from round £40 and infrequently a lot greater!
- Simply be additional cautious, examine vendor evaluations and photographs
5. Unbiased UK outlets
- Barely greater costs, however typically have uncommon inventory
What about fakes?
That is the place it will get tough.
As a result of Labubu is in excessive demand and onerous to pay money for, faux variations have flooded websites like eBay, AliExpress, TikTok Store, and even native nook outlets.
Individuals are shopping for “Lafufu” as an alternative, that are mainly dodgy knock-offs that look virtually proper, till you realise the paint’s smudged, the tooth are off, and it smells like remorse.
Why not simply get a faux “lafufu” if it’s cheaper?
We thought of it too. If it seems to be the identical, who cares, proper?
However right here’s the issue…
1. They’re not the identical
An actual Labubu is high-quality vinyl, with clear paint traces, weight to it, and correct element. A Lafufu (aka a faux knock-off) typically arrives with:
- wonky paint
- humorous smells
- bent arms
- in a plastic bag, somewhat than a collector field
- and eyes that seem like they’ve seen an excessive amount of.
Children can inform the distinction, and in the event that they’re into accumulating or swapping, they’ll clock a faux immediately.
2. They disintegrate
Cheaper plastics imply limbs can snap, joints loosen, or paint peels.
It’s the form of toy that appears fantastic within the eBay photograph, however arrives wanting prefer it’s already performed two excursions of a automobile boot sale.
3. No resale worth
Labubu collectors can pay £40 to £100+ for sure uncommon figures.
Lafufu? Nugatory.
In case your teen’s hoping to construct a set or swap with mates, fakes received’t reduce it.
4. It’s supporting shady sellers
Most fakes come from mass manufacturing factories utilizing stolen designs. No licence, no rights, simply knock-offs that infringe on another person’s work.
That may not trouble everybody, however it’s value realizing the place your cash’s going.
5. Is it secure?
It’s not nearly seems to be or worth; security’s a giant deal, too.
Once you purchase a real Labubu from POP MART or an official UK vendor, it’s gone via correct checks. You’re getting:
- Non-toxic paints
- Protected supplies
- CE marking to point out it meets EU/UK security requirements
However with a faux Lafufu? That’s a wild guess.
Not saying it’s at all times the case, however with no checks, you could get a toy with:
- Poisonous plastic: Low-cost fakes are sometimes created from low-grade supplies, which may include issues like lead or phthalates (the nasty stuff banned in correct youngsters’ toys).
- Choking hazards: Arms, ears, or heads can snap off extra simply, particularly if it’s being dealt with by a youthful sibling who needs a go.
- No age steerage: Fakes received’t at all times have security data or warnings printed on the packaging as a result of they’re not legally required to.
So even when it’s “only for the shelf”, a faux nonetheless comes with dangers. And when you think about dodgy paint jobs, zero resale worth, and the opportunity of it smelling like melted rubber, it’s not the cut price it may appear.
If you would like peace of thoughts, it’s value spending the additional few quid for a legit one.
To keep away from fakes:
- Solely purchase from official POP MART stockists or trusted UK resellers
- Be suspicious if it prices beneath £10 with free delivery, particularly from overseas
- Search for the POP MART emblem and field seals
- If the character’s identify is spelt unsuitable or it seems to be “off”, it’s most likely not actual
Will costs ever come down?
Truthfully? Not anytime quickly.
Labubu is limited-edition by design. POP MART solely makes so many per sequence, and as soon as they’re gone, they’re gone. That’s what retains collectors and drives up resale costs.
That mentioned, not all figures are uncommon or costly. Some widespread ones promote for round RRP on eBay, particularly if persons are clearing out duplicates.
You’re unlikely to discover a real one for a few quid, but when your teen simply needs a Labubu, and never a particular one, there are barely extra reasonably priced choices round.
Are they value it?
When you’re a dad or mum considering, “It’s a tenner for one thing that appears prefer it got here free with cereal”, I get it.
But when it retains your child comfortable, helps them socialise, and doesn’t finish in slime caught to the carpet, there are far worse fads to get behind.
And who is aware of…that £17.50 Labubu is likely to be value £100 in a 12 months. Stranger issues have occurred (keep in mind Pokémon playing cards?).
Naomi is aware of the burden of dwelling on little or no and have become debt free by following her personal cash saving ideas and tips. She is an skilled on saving cash on the grocery store and aspect hustles.
