Is This $9 Toy Worth $1,000 Now? Inside the Labubu Fashion Craze of 2025

Labubu, the quirky plush toy with pointed ears, jagged teeth, and a mischievous grin, has become 2025’s most unexpected fashion phenomenon.

Originally created in 2015 by artist Kasing Lung as part of “The Monsters” series inspired by Nordic folklore, Labubu began its journey as a niche vinyl figurine.

Produced by Pop Mart, a leading Chinese toy brand, its unique “ugly-cute” aesthetic—marked by wide eyes, nine signature teeth, and a furry monster vibe—has captured the imagination of both collectors and fashion-forward crowds worldwide.

Labubu’s rise began with vinyl figure releases through How2Work, but it truly exploded in popularity in 2019 when Pop Mart introduced the blind box model, where buyers receive a random character design.

By 2025, over 300 variations of Labubu exist, ranging from $8.99 keychains to $960 mega-sized editions, creating a collector’s frenzy across the globe. This year, the toy isn’t just a collectible—it’s become the ultimate fashion accessory, turning heads on runways, street style, and social media alike.

The Labubu craze intensified when BLACKPINK’s Lisa shared a photo of her Chanel bag adorned with a Labubu keychain in early 2024. A follow-up post with a jumbo Labubu plush further fueled fan obsession, particularly in Thailand where fans nicknamed it “Tarduffi.”

Celebrities quickly followed: Rihanna accessorized her Louis Vuitton Speedy with a pink “Lychee Berry” Labubu; David Beckham received one from his daughter Harper Beckham; and Kim Kardashian posted a story showing off her collection of ten.

The trend was further legitimized by figures like Dua Lipa, Lizzo, and Thai royalty Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, solidifying Labubu as a symbol of playful luxury. The accessory’s visibility during major fashion events and across elite circles made it instantly desirable.

Labubu’s success also ties into the 2025 bag charm trend, where statement keychains add flair to minimalist designer handbags. Its hinged ring design makes it easy to clip onto bags, belt loops, or clothing.

Top stylists like Harry Lambert, who works with Harry Styles, have praised Labubu for injecting “playful energy” into otherwise sleek ensembles. Whether dangling from a Prada tote or paired with Bottega’s Bristol bag, Labubu brings color and character to high fashion.

On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Labubu has gone viral, amassing over 1.2 million TikTok hashtags. Unboxing videos, customization tutorials, and styling reels dominate feeds. Influencers like Lana Rae have racked up millions of views showing how to style or dress up Labubu, while even 90-year-old chef Guadalupe Fiñana has shared content with the toy, gaining hundreds of thousands of likes. The blind box experience keeps fans engaged, with the element of surprise sparking a collector’s thrill that fuels continuous content creation.

Scarcity plays a key role in Labubu’s hype. Pop Mart’s limited-edition releases such as “Exciting Macaron” and “Big into Energy” often sell out within minutes. Ultra-rare editions like “Chestnut Cocoa” now resell for between $200 and $1,000, and in June 2025, a four-foot mint-green Labubu sold for $170,000 at a Beijing auction. On resale platforms like StockX, Labubu ranks as the most in-demand collectible, outperforming many streetwear and sneaker drops.

Customization has also deepened the toy’s appeal. Owners dress Labubus in tiny clothes—Prada jackets, denim overalls, even miniature sneakers. A TikTok-famous dentist added braces to a Labubu, while marketplaces like Etsy and AliExpress are flooded with fan-made accessories, from hoodies to car seats.

Online communities across Reddit, Discord, and Instagram share restock tips, DIY tutorials, and counterfeit warnings. “Lafufus,” or fake Labubus, are a growing concern among collectors, who advise checking for nine teeth and the official Pop Mart foot stamp.

What drives this obsession is more than just aesthetics. For many, Labubu is an emotional anchor. Fans describe the toy as a form of “inner child work,” helping them reconnect with joy and simplicity. Much like Beanie Babies or Tamagotchis of the past, Labubu satisfies a nostalgic longing for playful comfort.

Others view the toy as a cultural status symbol—owning a rare Labubu reflects both trend awareness and insider access. Some buyers chase the thrill of the hunt, lining up at Pop Mart stores, setting restock alerts, or paying steep resale prices. In the UK, one in-store queue incident even led Pop Mart to halt local sales temporarily due to safety concerns.

Labubu’s affordability is another reason it resonates. With prices starting at $8.99, it offers a taste of luxury and collectibility at a fraction of the cost of designer accessories. Even rare versions, priced in the hundreds, remain more accessible than a $4,000 handbag.

Many see it as a smart investment: some Labubus have appreciated in value significantly, while others bring immeasurable emotional joy. According to design scholars, Labubu represents a response to social anxieties, offering comfort in an increasingly fast-paced, digital world.

Still, not everyone is sold on the hype. Critics warn that Labubu may be another case of hype-driven consumerism, destined to fade like Beanie Babies or NFTs. Counterfeits are a growing nuisance, and fast sell-outs make it hard for casual fans to participate. Sustainability is also a concern, as most Labubus are made from non-recyclable materials. And while the community is strong now, some wonder whether this passion will hold beyond 2025’s trend cycle.

Whether you’re fully on board or watching from the sidelines, the Labubu trend is undeniably significant. You can buy Labubu directly from Pop Mart’s official website, where blind box restocks happen daily around 7 p.m. EST.

Physical Pop Mart stores in Los Angeles, London, and Bangkok also stock Labubus, though you’ll need patience—and maybe luck—to snag one. Resale platforms like StockX, eBay, and Amazon offer rare versions at premium prices, but authenticity checks are crucial to avoid knockoffs.

Styling a Labubu is easy and fun. Clip a butter-yellow version to your pastel-toned Hermès or Prada bag for a seasonal statement. Sporty types like NBA player Dillon Brooks have added Labubu to their pre-game tunnel fits.

Collectors even outfit Labubus in matching outfits sourced from Etsy, turning their collections into fully styled squads. Displaying them at home on floating shelves or in clear acrylic cases has become an art form in itself.

Labubu has transformed from a quirky collectible into a full-blown cultural icon in 2025. With its viral appeal, celebrity endorsements, and blend of playfulness and fashion, it represents a new kind of accessory—one that mixes emotion, identity, and aesthetic flair.

Whether you’re in it for the style, the fun, or the community, Labubu has proven it’s more than just a toy—it’s a movement. The only question left is: will it last?