Welcome to the World of Labubu Collecting
Labubu is one of the most beloved designer toy characters in the world right now — a mischievous, pointy-eared creature created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and produced by Pop Mart. Whether you spotted one hanging off a celebrity's bag or fell in love with the wide-eyed gremlin aesthetic browsing social media, getting into Labubu collecting is both thrilling and a little overwhelming at first.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started confidently.
What Is Labubu?
Labubu is a character from Kasing Lung's The Monsters universe — a world of whimsical creatures inspired by Nordic folklore and fairy tales. Labubu itself is recognizable by its jagged grin, pointy ears, fluffy body, and huge expressive eyes. Pop Mart began mass-producing Labubu figures as part of their blind box and open-edition lines, catapulting the character to global fame.
Understanding the Different Figure Types
- Blind Box Figures: Small (~10cm) figures sold in sealed boxes. You don't know which design you'll get until you open it.
- Mega Figures: Large-format collectibles (400% or 1000% size) — statement pieces for serious collectors.
- Plush Keychain Figures: Soft plush versions, often worn as bag charms. Hugely popular thanks to celebrity adoption.
- Limited & Secret Editions: Special variants within a series produced in lower quantities — the most sought-after by collectors.
Where to Buy Labubu
- Pop Mart Official Store or App: The safest source. Ships internationally and runs regular restocks and online drops.
- Pop Mart Physical Stores: Located in major cities worldwide. Great for the full in-store blind box experience.
- Authorized Retailers: Some department stores carry Pop Mart products in select regions.
- Resale Platforms: Sites like StockX, Whatnot, and local Facebook groups. Useful for finding older series but prices vary widely.
How to Store and Display Your Collection
Proper storage protects your investment and makes your collection look its best:
- Keep in original packaging if you plan to resell — mint-in-box figures hold higher value.
- UV-protective display cases prevent color fading from sunlight exposure.
- Floating shelves with LED lighting are a popular choice for showing off multiple figures.
- Avoid humidity — vinyl figures can warp in very moist environments over time.
Tips for New Collectors
- Start with a single series you genuinely love the aesthetic of — don't try to collect everything at once.
- Learn to spot fakes before buying on secondary markets (check our Market & Value section for guides).
- Join online communities — Reddit's r/Labubu and dedicated Discord servers are full of helpful collectors.
- Set a monthly budget. Blind boxes are addictive, and costs add up quickly.
- Track your collection with apps like Pop Toys or simple spreadsheets.
Final Thoughts
Collecting Labubu is as much about joy and community as it is about the figures themselves. There's no right or wrong way to collect — some people chase every secret edition, others pick up only the designs they personally adore. Start small, enjoy the hunt, and welcome to the fandom.