Published: June 4, 2025 ✍️ Author: Global World Citizen | Tech & Innovation Desk 🌐 Source: GlobalWorldCitizen.com
Labubu dolls — quirky, toothy plush monsters inspired by Nordic mythology — have taken the internet by storm, becoming the latest viral trend to explode across TikTok and global social media platforms. These limited-edition collectibles are now reselling for thousands of dollars online, with fans around the world scrambling to get their hands on these elusive Pop Mart creations.
What Are Labubu Dolls?
Labubus are fantasy-style collectible toys produced by Chinese giant Pop Mart, originally created by artist Kasing Lung, known for blending Nordic folklore with adorable chaos. Each Labubu comes in a blind box priced between $20–$30, meaning fans don’t know which version they’re getting until unboxing — fueling suspense, scarcity, and excitement.
The rarest variant, dubbed the “Secret Labubu,” appears once in every 72 boxes, sparking massive online interest and unboxing content that racks up millions of TikTok views.
Why Are Labubu Dolls Trending Globally?
Over 1 million TikTok videos are tagged with #Labubu and growing fast.
Celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Blackpink have been seen rocking Labubu accessories, skyrocketing their status as must-have collectible fashion toys.
Pop Mart’s limited U.S. locations have seen long lines and product brawls as eager fans race to collect them.
How Much Are Labubus Reselling For?
The resale frenzy is intense:
eBay listings show limited-edition Labubus going for $3,000–$7,000.
On StockX, special collaboration editions (like the Labubu x Vans) are being bid for over $3,000.
Some TikTokers are calling it the “Labubu Hunger Games”, showing wild queues, chaos, and line-cutting disputes at store releases.
The Creative Behind the Craze
Labubu was brought to life by Kasing Lung, a Dutch-born, Hong Kong-based artist. Originally featured in his 2015 illustrated storybook The Monsters Trilogy, Labubu transitioned into a collectible sensation in 2019 when Pop Mart licensed the design for mass production.
International Hype & Controversies
Even Chinese authorities are getting involved:
Over 460 Labubu dolls were recently seized at customs as part of an anti-smuggling operation.
Authorities cited “resale for profit” as the violation due to overwhelming demand in China.
Global Comparison: Labubu vs. Stanley Cup Trend
Labubu joins the ranks of other viral consumer crazes like Stanley cups, which previously led to viral videos, theft, and reseller madness. Like Stanley, Labubu lovers are lining up at dawn, participating in bidding wars, and even fighting over inventory — all for a collectible with major social cachet.
Critics Say: Is It All Just Hype?
Critics on TikTok and YouTube argue this is just another wave of overconsumption.
Many believe the Labubu obsession is driven by peer pressure and algorithmic trends, not genuine affection for the toys.
“You’re only buying it because other people are buying it,” says one user in a viral clip with over 350,000 likes.
GlobalWorldCitizen.com Takeaway
The Labubu phenomenon is more than a toy trend — it reflects the modern internet’s viral economy, where pop culture, limited drops, influencer marketing, and Gen Z social behavior collide to create billion-dollar markets. Whether it’s Stanley, sneakers, or now Labubu — scarcity and identity continue to drive the global consumer experience.