Whether on social media outlets or the school playground, the trending Labubu doll is the latest and most necessary toy to have by any child. Its unusual and quirky design has made it a favorite among kids and turned it into a popular collector’s item. Now, many parents are eager to join the trend and get one too. Unboxing hype videos, practically sold-out web restocks and all the like aside, what should parents and guardians really be aware of before bringing this doll into the house? Meanwhile, getting excited by the continuously changing limited editions and different color versions, you should stop and think about the safety measures, age suitability and even the possibility of impulse buying. Being aware of these factors will enable you to have fun enjoying the craze.
What is Labubu?
Labubu is a collectible plush–toy monster elf from Hong Kong–Belgian artist Kasing Lung, available only on Pop Mart. You can tell Pop Mart Labubu dolls apart from their round, fluffy bodies, pointed ears and nine wicked-looking teeth that make up a cheeky grin. Collectors chase every new release because it’s fun, rare and unique. Everyone wants to grab the next big thing before it’s gone.
What is the story behind the Labubu doll?
First hopping on the scene in 2015 as a part of “The Monsters” series by How2Work, Labubu reached its prime only after joining Pop Mart in 2019. According to the legend, this small creature of Nordic monsters originated in chilly forests, where it managed to mix its weird grin with a kind heart. Kasing Lung, designer, added childhood myths and folklore to the backstory of Labubu, nine lucky teeth and a troop of monster friends to hang out with, such as Tycoco and Zimomo.
What age is Labubu recommended for?
You will find the age indicated on the package. Pop Mart’s full size Labubu toy plush has an explicit warning label that it does not suit children in the age bracket below 15 years. Similarly, on blind‚ CV figures, the recommended age is 15 or more years and there is a notification that it contains a small part as a choking hazard. Those labels are the result of the safety requirements concerning the miniature parts and that blind-box toys are collectible. When you are giving a Labubu doll as a gift you may read the label first.
Use parental control to prevent your teens from impulsively buying a Labubu doll!
Why does Labubu doll get so much popularity?
You’ve probably scrolled past Labubu on TikTok or double‑tapped its smile on Instagram. That constant buzz didn’t happen by accident.
TikTok & Instagram virality
You come across loads of unboxing videos with a #LabubuUnboxing label and those short videos get millions of views. In perfect slow-mo, creators post themselves ripping open blind-box packages. They squeal when they hit a rare colorway or the supposedly secret figure. Pop Mart also has live sales on TikTok Shop at times, so shoppers can collect a Labubu doll in real-time. Treating Labubu as a fashion accessory mainly on Instagram, influencers draw lavish attention towards it.
Limited editions and collectible appeal
Pop Mart releases a new series of Labubu in blind boxes on a weekly basis. You are not allowed to pick and choose what figure you want. That element of surprise causes you to keep clicking on that refresh button at 9 pm on drop day. Each one of the sets has a low‑odds mystery character buried in it, typically only 1.5% grinding of boxes with special paint or glow items. The motivation to collect them all is driven by both scarcity and the rush to open the first-to-open blind box.
Emotional connection through design
Labubu’s look hooks you instantly. It sports 9 pointy teeth framed by big, curious eyes and plush, rabbit‑like ears. That mix of cute and slightly wicked gives it real personality. It reminds you of a feisty childhood storybook creature as one you’d want as a friend and protector. Marketers lean into that emotional tug, sharing videos that spotlight Labubu’s expressive face up close. The design itself sparks a sense of playfulness and nostalgia that sticks with you.
Cultural influence from designer toys and Asian markets
Labubu did not emerge in a day. These little monsters were first drawn by Kasing Lung in 2015. Pop Mart had the perfect trend-focused model, years before the trend became popular in the West. At this point, Gen Z and millennial collectors across the world are in worse shape as they pursue Labubu as a status brand, bringing Korean mystery box habits over to the fandom on a global scale.
Why are kids and teens obsessed with Labubu Dolls?
- It is hard not to notice the off-beat cuteness of Labubu. With such a jagged smile, large inquisitive eyes and cushiony ears, it hits the core of ukiyo-driven kawaii culture. When kids look at it, they see something that is a little familiar, but at the same time something new; a funny monster with a kind of sentimental streak that is just waiting to be cuddled.
- It is not a matter of choice of what kind of Labubu you will get. You rip off the wrapper and your heart beats. That randoms are similar to popular mobile versions of the gacha games they are addictive. Within only a handful of percent of boxes, rare variants are hiding. An unattainable feeling overtakes you by the time you get a secret score.
- You browse TikTok and YouTube, watching an infinite number of unboxing reels. All the peel-and-reveal scenes are slow-motion shots. Instagram fan pages feature the most adorable Labubu setups, complete with miniature chairs, mini-dioramas, and mini-wardrobes. You move in to flex what you have scored or to keep abreast. You are aware that you will lose the rest of the group if you miss one drop.
- Kids and teens form a strong emotional bond with Labubu or feel pressure to keep up with the trend, driven by viral hype, surprise collectibles and social media unboxings.
Should parents be concerned about the Labubu trend?
You have watched your child get excited at unboxing videos. That excitement has some actual psychological hooks. Researchers attribute the increasing anxiety, depression and even suicide tendencies among adolescents to blind-box usage due to model suspense and unpredictable get-rewards dynamics. You may observe how your child becomes tense at the approach of every drop.
Such a pattern resembles a gambling pattern rather than a regular collection of toys. Scientists caution that as the brain goes into overdrive with the question of, “Did I win the prize number?” it increases the release of dopamine and creates the desire to purchase again. You may observe excessive spending, night browsing or fighting over in-demand products.
Design-wise, Labubu is a bottom doughnut. Its large eyes and sharp smile are associated with nostalgia and child safety. That little monster can become a new friend to your child and he/she may be attached to it. That attachment is not injurious in itself but the addition of disappointment in missing it intensifies it.
Behaviorally, they can be raiding an allowance or pleading with you to have just one more box. Some people feel the need to do that and sell the rare findings online at enormous Labubu doll prices. Even adults are not an exception as there are recent accounts of grown-ups paying thousands and pursuing Labubu like financial assets.
Are there risks parents should watch out for?
- Online purchasing risks. Kids may buy from unofficial sellers on auction or social media sites. Those vendors can basically misdeliver fakes or vanish after payment. Always stick to Pop Mart’s official store or trusted retailers who use secure, parent‑monitored payment methods.
- Addictive buying behavior. Blind‑box toys can simply help to exploit intermittent rewards that mimic slot machines. That “mystery‑pack” thrill can spiral into repetitive buying, overspending and financial stress.
- Exposure to adult fan communities. Adult collectors swap Labubu via niche forums and resale groups. Some discussions include adult humor, high‑stakes trading and aggressive marketing. Your child may encounter mature content or pressure to up their game.
- Unmoderated content on TikTok/YouTube. Unboxing videos often omit safety warnings. Algorithms push more Labubu clips into your child’s feed, including unverified hacks or “secret” drop alerts. That content can mainly skew expectations and fuel FOMO.
What is the Labubu controversy?
Social media on the Internet criticize Labubu as demonic or cursed. Other conspiracy-theory posts connect its grin to ancient evil spirits, even Pazuzu. Pop Mart is accused of over-commercialization too with its unending blind-box releases. They claim that the brand promotes consumerism in children that focus more on hype than on playing qualities.
How can parents guide kids on collectible art toy trends like Labubu?
Parents can begin the discussion to explain the clear difference between what a necessity is and following a trend which is something that can be avoided if needed. Ask your child whether he/she will really use this Labubu or follow the hype. The mere question teaches them to identify trends. Now develop their critical thinking muscles. Make them research by reading reviews, comparing prices and official Pop Mart information before hitting “Buy.” Say, let us see what drop dates chase rates.
Importantly, parents can simply assist them to strike the balance between fun and constraints and fix a monthly limit or expenditure on blind-boxes. When they stick to it, praise them. In that manner, they have the fun of collectible frenzy, but do not get into the trap of compulsive purchase.
Bonus for parents: How to protect teens from being in the spending trap?
Tip 1: use of parental controls
Parents should be a protective barrier against all these internet and trendy events. It is to this end that good parental controls and guidelines may come in handy. In this case, FlashGet Kids, the most trusted parental control tool, will help you to keep your teen free of excessive spending as you track social-media usage. Activate the App Blocker and limit the time spent on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram or other eCommerce websites daily. The step prevents ads that are driven by impulses and buy buttons in a swipe and purchase link.
Tip 2: money management
Create sensible spending habits and motivate teens to save money as well. Meet with them once every week to discuss their allowance or gift money. Let your teenager divide money into save, spend and share containers. The very act of budgeting in that exercise will educate them and it also puts them in charge of decisions.
Tip 3: smart spending strategy
To guide your teen toward financial responsibility, help them recognize the emotional pull behind these purchases. Teach them to apply a 24-hour pause rule when they feel the urge to buy, and wait a day before deciding. This cooling-off period helps avoid regret and builds budgeting discipline. Reinforce this habit by praising their patience and rewarding mindful spending decisions.
Wrap up
The Labubu doll trend blends creativity, fun and artistic appeal which makes it exciting for kids and teens. However, it also exists within a larger consumer culture filled with online risks and unfiltered content. That’s why parental awareness and involvement are essential. Keep communication open and establish clear guidelines. Help your child distinguish between trend-driven wants and genuine needs. Encourage research and budgeting before any purchase. With the right guidance, young collectors can enjoy Labubu safely, engaging with its imaginative world without falling into impulsive spending or harmful content. Responsibility and enjoyment can go hand in hand.
FAQs
Pop Mart issues small blind‑box runs with rare “secret” figures. This high demand and low supply spark resale markups and quick sell‑outs, making authentic Labubu pricey and scarce.
Yes. Some third‑party sellers list unlicensed knock‑offs. Those often differ in paint quality, materials and packaging details. Always check seller reviews and compare images with official Pop Mart product photos.
Purchase from Pop Mart’s official website, flagship stores or authorized resellers. Those outlets guarantee genuine products, clear labeling and proper change‑rate disclosures, so you avoid fakes and shady pricing.
Full‑size plush versions work for younger children under supervision. Vinyl blind‑box figures contain small parts and are topped with “15 Years and Up” age labels. Follow age recommendations and monitor play to ensure safety.
