If you’re a toy enthusiast, you understand the excitement of discovering something special. Each collection has that one item that’s special, not because it’s ideal, but because it has a story to tell.
Recently, one toy has expressed that feeling around the world: the Labubu doll. With its big ears, playful smile, and creepy little teeth, it doesn’t appear like your average sweet figure.
But it has become the most discussed collectable because of TikTok. To toy enthusiasts, the phenomenon of Labubu is more than a fleeting trend; it’s a testament to how uniqueness can spark passion and foster a sense of community.
The Reason Behind Labubu Got Viral
Labubu comes from Pop Mart’s The Monsters series, designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. Pop Mart is known for its blind box figures, where each purchase comes with a surprise. For collectors, this viral toy adds excitement while also building suspense; you never quite know what treasure you’ll uncover.
Labubu stands out because it doesn’t try to be traditionally cute. Its wide, pointy teeth and wide smile make it look quirky, as if it were a mischievous fairy tale character. For fans of toys, that individuality is what makes it cool. It is less of a typical collectable and more like a character who has attitude.
How TikTok Brought It Into the Spotlight
Collectors may have been aware of Labubu, but TikTok made it a global celebrity. Quick videos, including unboxing, hauls, and reaction videos, went viral on the app. For fans who already adored toys, it was thrilling to see a character from Pop Mart enter mainstream popularity.
The algorithm promoted videos where individuals gasped, laughed, or cheered about drawing a rare edition. Suddenly, Labubu was no longer a collector’s secret; it was part of a cultural phenomenon. For toy enthusiasts, TikTok became a destination for sharing the thrill of discovery with millions of others who were just discovering this strange character.
The Ugly-Cute Appeal Collectors Understand
As toy enthusiasts, we usually understand that perfection is not always necessary. Sometimes, the most enduring objects are the slightly bizarre. The Labubu doll personifies what many term “ugly-cute.” Initially, its toothy smile and pointy features might unsettle, but those same characteristics grow endearing over time.
This is not the first time that fans of toys have fallen in love with this aesthetic; Uglydolls and other offbeat lines did it years ago. For collectors, Labubu serves as a reminder that toys do not need to be confined to categories of beauty. Instead, they can be loved for all their abnormalities and flaws.
Collecting, Trading, and the Thrill of the Hunt
For enthusiasts who are toy enthusiasts, the Labubu craze is relatable: the excitement of hunting, the thrill of finding, and the rush of pursuing a hard-to-find item. Pop Mart’s blind box methodology feeds that energy, making every unboxing an experience.
TikTok only served to elevate that by allowing collectors to share their best pulls and most coveted finds with the world. Resale markets have proliferated, with some Labubu editions selling for significantly more than their retail price.
Those users who love to collect toys this is both a great and a problematic aspect. On the one hand, it values the collection; on the other, it makes the hunt even more competitive.
The Backlash Collectors Expected
Some people find it unsettling, and others question the blind box system for encouraging overspending. For collectors, such arguments are old news. From Beanie Babies to Funko Pop, every large mania generates love and suspicion. What’s unique about Labubu is that the backlash hasn’t derailed it. The debates on TikTok made it more popular. For toy enthusiasts, it serves as a reminder that controversy can breed popularity and that ardent communities tend to outlast superficial criticism.
What Labubu Teaches Toy Lovers About Trends
The era in which TV commercials or mass-merchandise retailers dictated child trends is gone. Today, sites like TikTok dictate what gets popular, sometimes overnight. The Labubu doll didn’t achieve success by conforming to conventional norms. It became successful because it was unusual, shocking, and enjoyable to share with others.
For collectors, that’s motivating. It show that creativity and originality can prevail in a sea of perfected figures. It also testifies to the fact that affection for toys only continues to strengthen as communities relate across virtual spaces.
Conclusion
Labubu craze is more than a viral moment. TikTok may have popularised the trend, but it’s toy fans who bring it to life by collecting, sharing, and treasuring each figure. Whether you view it as cute, weird, or something in between, this quirky yet famous toy proves that the heart of toy collecting has always been about passion, connection, and finding joy in the unexpected.
FAQs
Why do collectors love the Labubu doll?
It stands out with an unusual design, making it different from standard toys. Its uniqueness makes it memorable for collectors.
Is Labubu just another TikTok fad?
While TikTok pushed it into the spotlight, Pop Mart’s ongoing releases and strong collector community suggest it has staying power.
How does the blind box system affect collectors?
It creates both excitement and challenge. Each box is a surprise, which makes collecting fun but also drives the hunt for rare editions.
Are rare Labubu dolls worth much?
Yes. Limited editions often resell for much higher prices on collector platforms, adding investment value to the collection.
What makes Labubu significant to the world of toys?
It represents the shift toward celebrating difference, originality, and creativity in collectables, proving that even the oddest designs can win global attention.