I was standing at school pickup when another mom leaned over and asked if I'd gotten my daughter the "la boo boo doll" she'd been begging for.
I nodded politely. Then I got to my car and immediately Googled "la boo boo doll" because I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about.
Turns out, it's not "la boo boo" — it's Labubu (pronounced LAH-boo-boo). And if you've been living under a rock like me, Labubu is one of the biggest collectible toy crazes to hit the US in the last year. My daughter had been calling it "la boo boo" for weeks, and I just thought she was making up nonsense words again.
So if you're in the same confused-mom boat, here's everything I wish someone had told me before I went down the Labubu rabbit hole.
What Even IS a Labubu?
Labubu is a designer toy character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung back in 2015. The character is part of a series called "The Monsters," which features these weird-but-cute creatures with fuzzy bodies, giant eyes, pointy elf ears, and — here's the slightly unsettling part — nine sharp little teeth in a mischievous grin.
Think "cute meets creepy" and you're on the right track.
Labubu isn't the only character in the series. There's also:
- Mokoko (another fuzzy friend)
- Pato (looks kind of duck-ish)
- Spooky (does what it says on the tin)
- Tycoco (Labubu's boyfriend, with a skeleton vibe)
- Zimomo (the leader, with a spiky tail)
The toys are produced by Pop Mart, a Chinese company that's basically the Disney of blind box collectibles. They've released over 300 different Labubu designs since 2019, ranging from tiny $15 keychain versions to massive $960+ display pieces.
Why Are Kids (and Adults) Obsessed?
Here's what I've figured out after three weeks of watching my daughter and her friends lose their minds over these things:
1. The Blind Box Gamble
You don't know which design you're getting until you open the box. It's like a little lottery every time. Some series have "secret" rare designs that only show up in a small percentage of boxes, which makes the hunt even more addictive.
My daughter opened three boxes before she got the pastel pink one she wanted. Did she cry when she got duplicates? Yes. Did that stop her from begging for another? Absolutely not.
2. The Lisa Effect
BLACKPINK's Lisa started posting photos with her Labubu collection in 2024, and the whole thing exploded. Suddenly every tween in America needed one.
3. It's Actually Cute (in a Weird Way)
I'll admit, once you get past the sharp teeth, they're kind of adorable. They have this mischievous fairy-tale vibe that's strangely appealing. My daughter clips hers to her backpack, and honestly? I get it now.
The Different Series (It's Overwhelming, I Know)
Pop Mart releases Labubu in themed series, and each one has its own aesthetic. Here are the big ones:
Exciting Macaron (October 2023): The keychain line that started the viral craze. Soft pastel colors, super fluffy. This is the one most kids want.
Have a Seat: A seven-figure series where each Labubu is sitting in a different pose. Cute for display shelves.
Big into Energy / Massive into Energy: More vibrant, energetic designs with bold colors.
Fall in Wild: Outdoorsy, nature-themed Labubus. Think forest fairy vibes.
Coca-Cola Collab (Winter 2024): A limited-edition winter series that sold out in hours. If you find one now, it's going to cost you.
One Piece Collab (2025): A 13-figure line reimagining Labubu as characters from the anime One Piece. My daughter doesn't even watch One Piece and she still wants them all.
Museum Exclusives: High-end art pieces sold at places like the Louvre in Paris. Yes, really.
Where to Buy Real Labubu Dolls (and Avoid Fakes)
This is where it gets tricky. Labubu's popularity means there are a lot of knockoffs floating around. Here's where I've found legit ones:
Best Options on Amazon
POP MART Big into Energy Blind Box — Vinyl plush pendant, random design. This is the most popular series right now. Over 10,000 people bought this last month, so you know it's the real deal.
POP MART Let's Checkmate Hanging Card — A collectible hanging card version. These are great if you want something for display rather than clipping to a bag.
POP MART Pin for Love Mini Blind Box — Keychain mystery box with 14 possible designs. This is the budget-friendly entry point.
Red Flags for Fakes
- Misspellings in the product description (common with knockoffs)
- No Pop Mart branding on the packaging
- Suspiciously low pricing (real ones don't go below $15)
- Blurry product photos
- Sellers with zero reviews
I made the mistake of buying a "Labubu-style" plush from a random third-party seller, and it looked nothing like the photos. The fur was patchy, the teeth were crooked, and my daughter took one look and said, "Mom, that's not a real Labubu." Lesson learned.
Is Labubu Appropriate for Kids?
Okay, real talk. These toys have sharp-toothed grins and a slightly creepy aesthetic. Some parents find them unsettling.
Here's my take:
Age range: I'd say 8 and up is the sweet spot. Younger kids might find the teeth scary, and honestly, the blind box concept is kind of gambling-adjacent, which feels weird for toddlers.
Durability: The plush versions hold up surprisingly well. My daughter's keychain has survived three months of daily backpack abuse and still looks good. The vinyl figures are even sturdier.
Choking hazards: The small keychain versions have tiny parts, so definitely not for kids under 3.
Value retention: Some rare designs do hold or increase in value, but this isn't an investment. It's a toy. Don't buy it expecting to flip it on eBay.
If your kid is into the aesthetic and understands the blind box gamble, I think it's fine. Just set expectations that they might not get the exact one they want on the first try.
The Labubu Movie (Yes, Really)
In case you needed more proof that Labubu is everywhere: Sony Pictures is developing a feature film. Paul King (who directed Paddington) is directing, and Steven Levenson (Dear Evan Hansen) is co-writing.
No release date yet, but my daughter is already planning her opening-night outfit.
The Numbers Behind the Craze
Pop Mart reported that "The Monsters" (the Labubu series) generated $670 million in revenue in the first half of 2025 alone. That's more than some major toy franchises pull in a full year.
Over 300 different Labubu designs have been released since 2019. A mint-green 1.2-meter-tall Labubu sold for $170,000 at auction in Beijing last year.
This isn't just a toy. It's a full-blown cultural phenomenon.
What I Wish I'd Known Before Buying
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Start with one blind box. Don't buy a whole case thinking you'll get every design. You won't, and duplicates are heartbreaking for kids.
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Check the series carefully. Some series are keychains, some are sitting figures, some are hanging cards. Make sure you're buying the format your kid actually wants.
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The "secret" designs are actually rare. If your kid is dead-set on getting a specific secret figure, prepare for disappointment (or a lot of money spent on multiple boxes).
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Knockoffs are rampant. If the listing doesn't explicitly say "Pop Mart," keep scrolling.
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It's okay to say no. These are fun, but they're not cheap, and the blind box model is designed to make you keep buying. Set a limit before you start.
The Bottom Line
Is Labubu just a passing fad? Maybe. But right now, it's the thing every kid (and a surprising number of adults) wants. If you can get past the slightly creepy teeth, they're actually well-made, creative toys with a ton of collector appeal.
And now when someone mentions a "la boo boo doll" at pickup, you'll know exactly what they're talking about.
Related Posts:
- How to Spot a Fake Labubu: Real Mom Authentication Guide
- Stitch Labubu Review: Is the Collab Worth the Hype?
- Labubu Collecting for Beginners: What I Wish I'd Known
- Best Labubu Keychains: Complete 2026 Buying Guide