The Ultimate Labubu Collectors’ Guide (2025): Series Breakdown, Secrets, and Custom Trends
I.Who (or What) Is Labubu?
If you’ve ever stumbled across a grinning, sharp-toothed little creature tucked into a glass case or a YouTuber’s “rare blind box” unboxing video, chances are—it was Labubu.
Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu is the breakout star of his The Monsters series and one of Pop Mart’smost beloved characters. Equal parts mischievous elf, tiny forest creature, and wide-eyed troublemaker, Labubu doesn’t fit neatly into any one category—and that’s part of the charm.
At first glance, Labubu looks a little strange: wild hair, pointed ears, and a toothy, almost creepy grin. But that weird-cute aesthetic is exactly what fans adore. In a world of polished cuteness, Labubu brings something raw and odd—something that feels like a childhood dream you almost forgot.
Originally an illustrated character in Kasing Lung’s storybooks, Labubu became a collectible vinyl figure through Pop Mart’s now-famous blind box system, where buyers don’t know which figure they’re getting until they open the box. That mystery, combined with the expressive designs and endless variations (more on that later), made Labubu an instant obsession—not just in China, but worldwide.
In short? Labubu isn’t just a toy—it’s an emotional trigger, a creative canvas, and for many collectors, a tiny friend with a wild soul.
II. Why Is Labubu So Popular
Labubu isn’t just cute—it’s weirdly cute. And that’s exactly what sets it apart.
In a market flooded with overly polished kawaii mascots, Labubu’s wild hair, snaggle-tooth grin, and chaotic little eyes feel refreshingly real. Fans often describe Labubu as “the perfect mix of creepy and adorable”—a kind of energy that resonates with people who grew up loving Tim Burton films, Studio Ghibli’s oddball characters, or those quirky side characters that somehow steal the show.
But beyond aesthetics, Labubu’s popularity is driven by emotion and mystery. The blind box experience adds thrill: each time you open a box, you might pull a regular figure—or you might get a secret rare, often with a pull rate as low as 1 in 72. That surprise element creates a dopamine hit that many collectors describe as “addictive.”
Then there’s the community factor. On YouTube and platforms like 小红书 or Reddit, fans share hauls, trade duplicates, and react (often dramatically) when they finally “pull the secret.” You’ll find comments like:
“I GOT THE RARE ONE!!!”
“My boyfriend got me Hope as a gift—I literally cried.”
“Why does Labubu have more outfits than I do?”
And of course, some fans go even further—customizing Labubu with handmade clothes, repainting faces, or dressing them up in cosplay-style outfits (yes, we’ve seen Luffy Labubu and even Sailor Moon Labubu). These mods turn each figure into a personal art piece, fueling even more fan devotion.
In the end, Labubu isn’t just about owning a figure. It’s about emotion, surprise, creative expression—and that one little moment of joy when something tiny and odd stares back at you with its toothy grin.
III. Inside the Pop Mart Ecosystem: Blind Boxes & IP Strategy
To understand Labubu’s rise, you have to understand Pop Mart’s genius system—one that blends retail psychology with art toy culture in a way that feels like Pokémon cards met modern-day gacha machines.
At the heart of it all? The blind box.
Here’s how it works: you buy a sealed box without knowing which figure is inside. Each series usually contains 12 regular characters, one hidden rare (often 1/72 odds), and occasionally a secret “mystery guest” that isn’t even pictured on the packaging.
This blind system does more than just make buying fun. It creates emotional investment. People start chasing full sets, hunting down secrets, trading duplicates, and watching endless YouTube unboxings hoping for that one lucky pull. One commenter called it “the most wholesome form of gambling I’ve ever experienced.”
Pop Mart knows exactly what it’s doing. Each Labubu series is themed—Macaron, Have a Seat, Big Into Energy, and so on—and the design cohesion plus rarity tiers keep collectors locked in. Limited drops, seasonal exclusives, and surprise collabs only intensify the FOMO.
But Pop Mart doesn’t just ride on mystery. They understand IP power.
From official Labubu collabs with One Piece, Coca-Cola, and even other Pop Mart IPs like Dimoo and Zimomo, the brand has woven a cross-universe collectible culture. Labubu is no longer just a character—it’s a vehicle for tribute, nostalgia, and trend immersion.
And in 2025, that strategy is only getting deeper. Whether you’re a fan of anime, vintage ads, or designer toys, there’s probably a Labubu dressed for you.
IV. Top Labubu Series & Crossovers You Should Know in 2025
There are Labubus—and then there are Labubus you remember.
With over a dozen major series and countless limited editions released since its Pop Mart debut, Labubu’s wardrobe has grown faster than most of ours. From rainbow macarons to full pirate gear, each version reflects a different mood, aesthetic, or fandom. Here’s your guide to the most iconic, most hyped, and most collectible Labubu series right now.
🧁 A. Macaron Series – The Sweetest Start
The Macaron Labubu is one of the most recognizable entries. With pastel tones, dessert themes, and wide-eyed innocence, it became a go-to “first blind box” for many collectors.
Hidden figure? Exciting Macaron—a subtle twist with glazed effects and bakery-tier charm.
🪑 B. Have a Seat Series – Emotional Miniature Worlds
Each Labubu in this series sits on a unique chair, evoking moods from solitude to blissful laziness. The detail in the props makes it especially appealing for photo setups and desk decor.
Fans say this set “tells a story without saying a word.” Most sought-after? Hope and Serenity—figures that feel like tiny therapy in a box.
⚡ C. Big Into Energy – Elemental Power & Vibe
This series shifts from cuteness to power aesthetics—Labubu as wind, flame, electricity, and more. It appeals to those who love elemental lore or high-contrast visuals. The hidden figure, Lightning, is especially rare and dramatic.
🏴☠️ D. Labubu × One Piece – Pirate Cosplay Goes Canon
One of the most viral drops in recent memory: One Piece Labubu, especially the Luffy Labubu, became instant grails for both anime and toy collectors. With perfect outfit mimicry, down to the straw hat and red vest, this crossover proves Pop Mart knows exactly where otaku hearts live.
If you’re only getting one collab piece this year, this might be it.
🥤 E. Labubu × Coca-Cola – Classic Branding Meets Chaos
Pop Mart’s partnership with Coca-Cola brought us crisp red-white colorways, vintage signage, and an oddly satisfying pairing: Labubu’s chaos with corporate nostalgia. Though less rare than anime collabs, these have major visual impact and resale stability.
🧸 F. Zimomo, DADA & Friends – Crossover Within the Pop Mart Universe
Labubu often guest-stars in other figure lines—Zimomo, DADA, even subtle Dimoo crossover nods. These figures build the larger “Pop Mart multiverse,” and some fans collect them as part of their Labubu completionist journey.
🧵 G. The Rise of Custom Labubu: DIY Outfits & Cosplay Mods
While Pop Mart delivers the official designs, the fandom is taking Labubu even further.
From hand-sewn pirate costumes to Studio Ghibli repaints, custom Labubus are exploding in popularity. You’ll find fans painting their own Luffy versions, making kimonos, or building full miniature dioramas for display. These customs turn every figure into a personal expression of love, nostalgia, or creativity.
(Planning your own cosplay mod? Stay tuned for our upcoming DIY Labubu clothing guide.)
Whether you’re in it for collection value or emotional joy, there’s a version of Labubu—and maybe a version by you—waiting to be made.
V. Where to Buy Labubu (Without Getting Scammed)
Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
StockX | Verified figures, decent selection | Higher prices, slow restocks |
eBay / Mercari | Huge variety, international sellers | Risk of fakes or misleading listings |
Local toy forums / Discord / Reddit | Direct trades, possible steals | Buyer protection limited |
🛑 Warning: Avoid random third-party sites offering full sets at too-good-to-be-true prices. If it’s half the price of retail—it’s probably fake, repainted, or missing parts.
C. Collector Pro Tips
Want the full set without gambling? Look for “opened but complete” sets on resale platforms.
Targeting a rare one (1/72)? Be ready to spend. Prices can range from $100 to over $500 depending on hype.
Double-check authenticity by looking at foot stamps, box print quality, and whether it includes a character card.
Bonus tip: In some regions, Pop Mart vending machines let you buy blind boxes in malls. It’s risky—but thrilling.
Ready to start your hunt? Just remember: the rarest Labubu isn’t always the most expensive—it’s the one that makes you smile when it stares back at you with those wild little eyes.
VI. Is Labubu the Next Pokémon? Or Just a Cute Phase?
Let’s get real: not every viral toy sticks around. For every Pikachu or Hello Kitty, there’s a dozen forgotten cuties that lived fast and faded faster.
So where does Labubu stand in 2025?
Labubu’s Longevity
Strong Originality: Labubu isn’t riding a borrowed aesthetic. Its strange charm is rooted in Kasing Lung’s original storytelling and art—not licensed IP recycling.
Cross-Market Appeal: From Asia to the West, collectors resonate with Labubu’s “creepy but cute” vibe. It bridges gaps between anime fans, art toy purists, and even mainstream gift buyers.
Pop Mart’s IP Machine: Pop Mart is smart. They keep Labubu relevant with seasonal releases, strategic crossovers (One Piece, Coca-Cola, etc.), and fan-driven hype cycles.
In other words: this isn’t a one-off wave. It’s a well-oiled ecosystem.
But Here’s the Flip Side…
FOMO Burnout: Too many blind boxes, too often, and collectors get fatigued. Some Reddit users already joke about “Labubu inflation.”
Secondary Market Crash? As with all collectibles, prices may dip once the hype curve flattens or if fakes flood the market.
Clone Culture: With the rise of counterfeit toys and AI-generated designs, even Labubu’s uniqueness isn’t entirely safe.
One YouTube commenter even said:
“Can’t wait for WSJ to drop ‘The Rise and Fall of Pop Mart’ in 2027.”
💬 So… What Do We Think?
Labubu probably won’t become Pokémon. But it doesn’t need to. Its charm is personal, not global domination.
It’s the kind of figure you buy once and somehow start building a shelf around. It’s a small object that gives you an unexpected feeling—joy, nostalgia, weird peace. And as long as there are people who fall in love with little monsters, Labubu will keep living on… one toothy smile at a time.
VII. Final Thoughts: Why We Still Fall for a Mischievous Little Monster
Labubu isn’t just a figure. It’s a feeling.
It’s the moment you open a blind box and hold your breath. It’s the tiny joy of spotting your favorite version sitting on your shelf. It’s the weird satisfaction of seeing a snaggle-toothed gremlin wearing a pirate hat, or lounging on a mushroom-shaped chair, and thinking—yeah, that’s totally me today.
Some people collect for value. Some for aesthetics. But most Labubu fans? They collect for the connection.
Whether you’re a longtime toy collector or someone who just discovered this odd little monster online, Labubu invites you into a world that’s slightly strange, a little nostalgic, and 100% yours.
And maybe that’s the real magic: behind every silly costume, every mysterious box, every wild hairstyle—there’s a Labubu that feels like a version of you. Mischievous. Emotional. Impossibly specific. Unexplainably lovable.
🔗 Still curious about Labubu customs, rare figures, or DIY outfits? We’ve got more posts coming soon.
→ Explore how fans are making their own Labubu cosplay outfits.
🎁 Or better yet—drop by your nearest Pop Mart and try your luck. You never know which little monster is waiting for you inside the box.
