If you’ve been scrolling on social media recently, then you’ve no doubt come across these little monster teddies called Labubus which are taking the internet by storm.
So, what exactly are they?
Labubu is a mischievous female monster character with a nine-tooth grin who was designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, and sold by Chinese toy company, PopMart.
Lung created Labubu which was heavily inspired by Nordic mythology and folklore, after he moved to the Netherlands with his family at a young age. He created a story series called ‘The Monsters’ in which Labubu was just one of many. Other monster characters include Pato, Zimomo and Tycoco.
@cinziazullo New besties 🌷🌸🧚🏻🩷🩰🫐 #labubu ♬ original sound – Cinzia
Many celebrities including Dua Lipa, Rihanna and Love Island’s Olivia Attwood have already hopped on the Labubu trend. Many more influencers have been spotted promoting these collectables on TikTok or have been seen in public with the toys attached to their personal belongings and clothing.
Labubu’s are blind box collectable toys with a variety of styles as well as a special edition version.
However, the blind box means that when you purchase a Labubu you won’t know what character you are going to get!
This is causing consumers to keep purchasing these monsters until they get their desired Labubu.
@oliviaattwood I’m looking for soy milk to match my bag but I love him 🫐 #labubu #blindboxopening #blindbox #popmart #fyp ♬ original sound – OLIVIA ATTWOOD DACK
This has caused a huge demand for the plushies with all stock currently sold out on PopMart. As a second solution, customers are now turning to resale websites in hopes of finding a toy… but are instead greeted with extortionate prices.
This week, Labubu was pulled from all UK stores due to health and safety concerns from customers fighting over them. Yes, seriously!
This hasn’t left a decline in interest of these little mysterious monster elves and has instead caused the opposite effect, with collectors now desperately trying to track down these little plushies.
There are currently no stores in Ireland where Labubu’s are available, so waiting for a restock on PopMart online is the safest option if you want to get your hands on one of these little gremlins without paying the spenny resale prices!
Words by Nikita Hall