June 29, 2025 | Dubai, UAE– Labubu dolls are more than internet obsessions. They are trending like a wildfire among all ages alike catering to aesthetic, psychological and emotional comfort. The little quirky plush keychains are more than just toys for this generation. Some even feel that the Labubu dolls offer a sense of comfort and connection to their childhood.
“It’s a fascinating moment that says a lot about how Gen Z and Gen Alpha engage with style, identity, and online culture,” says fashion stylist Julie Matos.
Where Did Labubu Dolls Come From?
Labubus were created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, inspired by Nordic folklore. They were featured as characters in his children’s story book, “The Monsters” in 2015. They were elf-like gremlins described as well-natured little creatures who have nothing but good intentions that sometimes inevitably end up in trouble.
Later, they were produced as toys by the Chinese toy company, Pop Mart, in 2019. They were produced and distributed as Labubu figures and in the form of other merchandise. The Labubu doll figures had oversized eyes, a vinyl face, pointy ears and the iconic 9 fangs in a mischievous smile. Their popularity soared after the BLACKPINK pop star Lisa was seen with it in her bag. The Pop Mart uses a blind box strategy to sell the Labubu dolls, creating anticipation and higher demand for them.
Why Are Labubus So Popular?
Almost everyone is chasing the Labubu trend, if not in the form of toy key chains then in the form of other merchandise such as stickers, magnets or even phone wallpapers. Labubu’s craze alone made the Pop Mart worth rise to $1.81 billion, and over 1.4 million TikTok videos featuring Labubu dolls have been created. People have been wondering what makes the Labubu so popular, and some reasons are listed here :
- The Ugly-Cute Aesthetic
One of the most appealing factors of the Labubu dolls is their distinct appearance. These plushies defy the conventional norm of cuteness and embrace a monstrous look with charm. A devilish smile, big eyes and furry appearance set a bar that sways away from the idea of perfectionism and leans more towards flawed beauty. The doll’s unconventional look, embraced by many, convinces people that different can be beautiful too.
- The Celebrity Hype around Labubu Dolls
The popularity of Labubu dolls soared after BLACKPINK’s singer Lisa was spotted accessorising it on her luxury bag. Many other celebrities were then seen riding the wave, like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and even Bollywood actresses Sharvari and Ananya Pandey have joined the hype. This growing popularity on social media from celebrities to influencers and now the local people around raises the effect of feeling left out or FOMO. The ones who do not have the toy feel like they are missing out on a great experience and hence end up joining the trend.
- The Psychological Need to Belong
Like every trend, Labubu rides on the wave of belongingness. The ones who have a Labubu doll feel a part of an exclusive circle shared by influencers and celebrities, making others desire it more. Popmart also cleverly sells Labubu dolls in blind packaging, which means you do not know what doll is inside until you open the pack. This mystery creates a sense of apprehension and appeals to the customers. Labubu’s big-eyed, small nose appears to be a natural instinct of caring in humans, called baby schema, making it even more desirable, while others see it as a reflection of anti-perfectionism.
“It feeds into the ongoing trajectory of social media trying to become more and more authentic and that we’re trying to be less and less the sort of polished Instagram,” said Alexander DePaoli, a professor of marketing at Northeastern University.
Where Can You Purchase A Labubu Doll?
Pop Mart’s official store and websites are the most reliable way to buy the authentic Labubu dolls. However, the plush key-chain can be easily bought from Amazon, eBay and AliExpress. Other online stores such as Hypefly have Labubu dolls available as well. It is important to verify the authenticity of the purchase as the market is getting crowded by knockoffs and resales of the Labubu dolls.
