Labubu craze: why teenagers are obsessed and the way to not get scammed

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.

In the event you’ve acquired a teen glued to TikTok, chances are high 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 in the event you’ve seen the grinning little goblin with sharp tooth and massive eyes, you’ll know why it’s brought about 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 bizarre 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 implies 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 teenagers are their core fanbase. It’s change into an entire social media pattern, with youngsters unboxing them, swapping duplicates, and reviewing every design like they’re artwork critics.

That stated, lots of adults (particularly collectors) are totally obsessed too. There’s an entire resale market the place sure uncommon Labubus go for £100+, typically extra.

So don’t be stunned in case your child out of the blue turns into very fascinated by “investing”. (Good little facet hustle, if you will get maintain of any inventory.)

Why is everybody out of the blue 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 acquired 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 excellent for teenagers who need to acquire one thing however really feel too outdated for dolls.

Add within the thrill of not understanding 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 Retailers”)

• Present in some procuring centres (e.g. London, Studying)
• Little bit of enjoyable for teenagers in the event 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 larger!
• Simply be additional cautious, test vendor opinions and images

5. Impartial UK retailers

• Barely larger costs, however usually 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, pretend variations have flooded websites like eBay, AliExpress, TikTok Store, and even native nook retailers.

Individuals are shopping for “Lafufu” as a substitute, 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 pretend “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 strains, weight to it, and correct element. A Lafufu (aka a pretend knock-off) usually arrives with:

• wonky paint
• humorous smells
• bent arms
• in a plastic bag, slightly than a collector field
• and eyes that seem like they’ve seen an excessive amount of.

Youngsters can inform the distinction, and in the event that they’re into amassing or swapping, they’ll clock a pretend right away.

2. They collapse

Cheaper plastics imply limbs can snap, joints loosen, or paint peels.

It’s the form of toy that appears superb within the eBay picture, however arrives wanting prefer it’s already accomplished two excursions of a automotive 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 group or swap with mates, fakes gained’t lower 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 hassle everybody, nevertheless it’s price understanding the place your cash’s going.

5. Is it protected?

It’s not nearly seems to be or worth; security’s a giant deal, too.

If you purchase a real Labubu from POP MART or an official UK vendor, it’s gone by means of correct checks. You’re getting:

• Non-toxic paints
• Protected supplies
• CE marking to point out it meets EU/UK security requirements

However with a pretend Lafufu? That’s a wild guess.

Not saying it’s at all times the case, however with no checks, chances are you’ll get a toy with:

• Poisonous plastic: Low-cost fakes are sometimes created 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 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 pretend nonetheless comes with dangers. And when you consider dodgy paint jobs, zero resale worth, and the potential of it smelling like melted rubber, it’s not the cut price it might sound.

If you’d like peace of thoughts, it’s price 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 below £10 with free transport, particularly from overseas
• Search for the POP MART emblem and field seals
• If the character’s identify is spelt incorrect or it seems to be “off”, it’s in all probability not actual

Will costs ever come down?

Actually? 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 stated, not all figures are uncommon or costly. Some widespread ones promote for round RRP on eBay, particularly if individuals 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 particular one, there are barely extra inexpensive choices round.

Are they price it?

In the event you’re a dad or mum pondering, “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 completely happy, 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 could be price £100 in a 12 months. Stranger issues have occurred (keep in mind Pokémon playing cards?).