If you're here, you've probably seen Labubu everywhere — Instagram, TikTok, maybe even your local mall. These fuzzy-toothed little monsters from Pop Mart have taken over, and honestly? I get it. They're weird, they're cute, and collecting them is oddly satisfying.
But before you buy your first blind box (or your tenth), here's what I wish someone had told me when I started collecting Labubu.
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What Even Is Labubu?
Labubu is a character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, part of Pop Mart's massive collectible toy lineup. Think of them as the cooler, slightly creepy cousin of Funko Pops. They come in blind boxes, which means you don't know which one you're getting until you open it.
Each series has around 6-12 regular figures, plus hidden "secret" or "chase" variants that are way harder to find. That's the hook — the thrill of the hunt.
Start With One Series (Seriously)
Here's my biggest mistake: I bought random Labubu figures from different series because they looked cool. Now I have a shelf full of mismatched characters and zero complete sets.
Pick one series and commit. Popular starter series:
- The Monsters — the classic fuzzy Labubu look
- Have a Seat — vinyl plush versions with different poses
- Macaron Series — pastel colors, very Instagram-friendly
Completing one series feels way more satisfying than owning 20 random figures. Plus, complete sets hold value better if you ever want to sell or trade.
Blind Boxes vs. Full Sets
You have two options when buying Labubu:
Blind boxes (single random figure): $12-15 each. Fun if you like the surprise, but you'll probably end up with duplicates.
Full case (usually 12 boxes, guaranteed variety): $140-180. You won't get every single figure (some are duplicates), but you'll get most of the series without gambling.
What I'd do: If you're serious about collecting, buy a full case. If you just want one or two favorites, buy singles on eBay or Mercari where you can pick exactly which one you want.
Don't pay $40 for a single blind box on Amazon. That's marked-up reseller pricing.
Storage Matters More Than You Think
Labubu figures are small (around 2.5-3 inches), which sounds manageable until you have 30 of them rolling around your desk.
Get a display case early. I ignored this advice and regretted it when my cat knocked half my collection onto the floor.
Good options:
- Acrylic stepped risers (great for shelves)
- Wall-mounted shadow boxes (if you want them visible but safe)
- Small baseball bat display cases (yes, really — they fit perfectly)
Keep them out of direct sunlight. The vinyl can fade, especially on pastel series.
The Secret/Chase Figure Trap
Every series has at least one ultra-rare "secret" figure. Odds are usually 1 in 72 or 1 in 144 boxes.
Do not spend $200 trying to pull a secret. Just buy it secondhand for $50-80 if you really want it. The math never works in your favor with blind boxes.
I bought 18 boxes once trying to get a specific secret. I didn't get it. I got four duplicates of the same boring common one. Learn from my pain.
Watch Out for Fakes
Labubu popularity = Labubu knockoffs. If you're buying secondhand or from random Amazon sellers, check for these red flags:
- Price way below retail (real Labubu don't go for $5)
- Blurry printing or weird plastic smell
- Missing Pop Mart authentication stickers on the box
I wrote a full guide on spotting fake Labubu if you want to go deeper.
Join the Trading Community
One of the best parts of Labubu collecting is the community. Facebook groups, Reddit (r/labubu), and Discord servers are full of people trading duplicates.
What to trade: Duplicates from blind boxes, figures from series you're not collecting anymore What not to trade: Your first pull from a new series (you'll regret it)
Most trades are 1:1 for same-series figures, but rare variants obviously skew the value.
Don't Open Everything Immediately
This one's controversial, but hear me out: keep at least one sealed box from each series.
Sealed boxes hold value. Opened figures lose 30-50% resale value instantly, even if you keep the box and packaging.
I'm not saying hoard them as investments (this is a hobby, not crypto), but having a few sealed boxes gives you flexibility to trade or sell later if your tastes change.
What to Skip (My Honest Take)
Not every Labubu series is worth collecting. Here's what I'd skip:
Skip if:
- It's a collab you don't care about (licensed crossovers are often pricier with less long-term appeal)
- The series has 15+ variants (your odds of completing it are terrible)
- You're only buying because it's "limited edition" (Pop Mart makes everything limited edition)
Worth it:
- Series with strong visual themes
- Collaborations with artists you love
- Anything that genuinely makes you happy when you look at it
Budget Real Talk
A casual Labubu habit costs $50-100/month. A serious collecting habit? $200-300+.
Set a monthly limit. It's easy to justify "just one more box," but those $15 impulse buys add up fast.
My rule: One new series per quarter, plus trades for duplicates. That keeps it fun without turning into a second rent payment.
Where I Actually Buy Labubu
Official Pop Mart stores — best for new releases, guaranteed authentic Pop Mart website — ships to the US, sometimes has exclusives BoxLunch / Hot Topic — carries Pop Mart in-store, easy returns Amazon — fine for full cases, but check the seller (avoid third-party markups) eBay / Mercari — best for specific figures you want, check seller ratings
Avoid random Etsy listings and Instagram sellers unless they have solid reviews.
Final Thoughts
Labubu collecting is fun, but it's not a race. You don't need every series. You don't need the $300 secret figure.
Start with one series you love. Get a display case. Trade your duplicates. Don't open everything on day one.
And if you end up with 17 duplicates of the same common figure (hi, it's me), just laugh and trade them for ones you actually want.
Have fun. They're just cute little monsters.