Questioning what a Labubu is and why your teen desires 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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For those who’ve bought a youngster glued to TikTok, chances are high you’ve already heard them whisper the title “Labubu” prefer it’s some legendary gremlin despatched to empty your pockets.
Mine actually has.
Our 13-year-old has gone from “What’s for tea?” to “Can I’ve a Labubu?”
And I had no thought 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 if you happen to’ve seen the grinning little goblin with sharp tooth and large eyes, you’ll know why it’s triggered 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 group 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 vitality, and thought – yep, good.
Every collection has a theme: pirates, forest monsters, circus vibes, you title 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 desires only one particular Labubu, you’ll in all probability find yourself shopping for 4.
Who’re they for?
Formally, POP MART says Labubu is for anybody aged 15+, however truthfully, tweens and youths are their core fanbase. It’s turn out to be a complete social media pattern, with youngsters unboxing them, swapping duplicates, and reviewing every design like they’re artwork critics.
That stated, numerous adults (particularly collectors) are absolutely obsessed too. There’s a complete resale market the place sure uncommon Labubus go for £100+, generally extra.
So don’t be stunned in case your child instantly turns into very desirous about “investing”. (Good little aspect hustle, if you will get maintain of any inventory.)
Why is everybody instantly 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, “Take a look at this one! It’s bought bunny ears and a chainsaw!”
It’s half FOMO, half pattern, half genuinely cool design. And in contrast to most toys, they don’t look “babyish,” which makes them good for teenagers who need to gather 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 increase – 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 – through official POP MART
3. In-store POP MART merchandising machines (“Robo Retailers”)
- Present in some procuring centres (e.g. London, Studying)
- Little bit of enjoyable for teenagers if you happen to’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, verify vendor critiques and photographs
5. Impartial UK retailers
- Barely greater costs, however typically have uncommon inventory
What about fakes?
That is the place it will get difficult.
As a result of Labubu is in excessive demand and laborious to pay money for, faux variations have flooded websites like eBay, AliExpress, TikTok Store, and even native nook retailers.
Individuals are shopping for “Lafufu” as an alternative, that are principally dodgy knock-offs that look nearly 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 considered it too. If it appears 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, slightly than a collector field
- and eyes that appear to be 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 crumble
Cheaper plastics imply limbs can snap, joints loosen, or paint peels.
It’s the sort of toy that appears high-quality within the eBay picture, however arrives wanting prefer it’s already executed two excursions of a automobile boot sale.
3. No resale worth
Labubu collectors pays £40 to £100+ for sure uncommon figures.
Lafufu? Nugatory.
In case your teen’s hoping to construct a group or swap with mates, fakes gained’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.
Which may not hassle everybody, however it’s value realizing the place your cash’s going.
5. Is it secure?
It’s not nearly appears or worth; security’s an enormous deal, too.
While you purchase a real Labubu from POP MART or an official UK vendor, it’s gone by correct checks. You’re getting:
- Non-toxic paints
- Secure supplies
- CE marking to indicate it meets EU/UK security requirements
However with a faux Lafufu? That’s a wild guess.
Not saying it’s all the time the case, however with no checks, chances are you’ll get a toy with:
- Poisonous plastic: Low cost fakes are sometimes produced from low-grade supplies, which might 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 desires a go.
- No age steering: Fakes gained’t all the time have security information 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 consider dodgy paint jobs, zero resale worth, and the potential for it smelling like melted rubber, it’s not the discount it may appear.
If you need 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 underneath £10 with free transport, particularly from overseas
- Search for the POP MART brand and field seals
- If the character’s title is spelt unsuitable or it appears “off”, it’s in all probability not actual
Will costs ever come down?
Truthfully? Not anytime quickly.
Labubu is limited-edition by design. POP MART solely makes so many per collection, and as soon as they’re gone, they’re gone. That’s what retains collectors and drives up resale costs.
That stated, 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 desires a Labubu, and never a selected one, there are barely extra inexpensive choices round.
Are they value it?
For those who’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 joyful, 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 perhaps value £100 in a yr. Stranger issues have occurred (bear 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 suggestions and methods. She is an knowledgeable on saving cash on the grocery store and aspect hustles.
