A Labubu is a collectible 4-inch monster attached to a keyring. Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung as part of his creation “the monsters,” they are known for their wide assortment of colors and themes, such as “ Big into Energy “, “Exciting Macaron”, “Coca Cola”, and “Stitch”.
Labubus became popular due to celebrity endorsement, social media trends, and the appeal of the “blind box”, where the thrill of the surprise and the potential for a rare figure drives collectibility and resale value. Their unique “ugly cute” aesthetic also resonates with a cultural trend of embracing the imperfect, making them a fashion accessory.
Labubu toys are manufactured by Pop Mart following an initial design concept by artist Kasing Lung, which involves hand-drawn sketches, detailed 3D digital modeling, custom silicone molding, and careful hand-painting of the final vinyl figures. The process transforms a character from Lung’s illustrated book series into collectible toys sold in blind boxes. The company uses a precise, handcrafted approach to ensure quality in each figure.
It costs roughly $10 to manufacture a standard Labubu, according to a YouTube source, but its official retail price is much higher due to markups by the toy company, Pop Mart, and retailers. These markups, along with advertising and distribution costs, explain why a blind box might retail for $27 and why rare editions can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the resale market. If one were to search for a Labubu on the Pop Mart site, they would see boxes being sold for hundreds of dollars regardless of being rare.
