🔥 The Unstoppable Rise of Labubu Dolls in Early 2026
As the new year unfolds, few trends have captured the imagination of social media users quite like Labubu dolls. These quirky, fuzzy creatures from Chinese toymaker Pop Mart have transitioned from niche collectibles to a full-blown global phenomenon. Originating as part of blind box series—where buyers purchase sealed packages without knowing the exact figurine inside—Labubu dolls feature mischievous elf-like monsters with pointed ears, sharp teeth, and endearing expressions that blend cuteness with a hint of mischief.
In 2025, the craze propelled Pop Mart's profits to nearly triple, turning these pocket-sized toys into symbols of status and fun. By early 2026, posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) show the momentum continuing, with users sharing hauls, custom displays, and debates over authenticity. What started as a subtle buzz in mid-2024 has exploded, fueled by celebrity endorsements and the addictive thrill of the unknown in each blind box unboxing video.
The appeal lies in their versatility: dangling from designer bags as keychains, adorning desks, or forming elaborate collections. Yet, not everyone is charmed—some call them creepy due to their demonic grins and exaggerated features, sparking endless online discourse. This duality keeps the conversation alive, making Labubu the perfect viral craze for algorithm-driven feeds.
Origins and Design: Crafting the Labubu Magic
Labubu dolls were created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, whose Nordic folklore-inspired designs caught the eye of Pop Mart in 2015. The character debuted in a collaborative series, but it wasn't until 2021's "The Monsters" line that Labubu stole the spotlight. Standing about 10 centimeters tall in plush form or smaller in vinyl, each doll boasts unique colorways, outfits, and accessories, with rare "secret" editions hidden in roughly 1 in 144 boxes—a scarcity model that drives collector frenzy.
Blind box culture, rooted in Japanese gachapon machines, was popularized in China by Pop Mart since 2010. Buyers pay around $13-20 USD per box, embracing the gamble that mirrors loot boxes in video games. This gamification taps into dopamine hits from surprises, explaining why unboxing videos rack up millions of views on TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Pop Mart's strategy includes limited drops at pop-up stores and vending machines worldwide, from Shanghai to Los Angeles. In 2025, their revenue surged past $1.2 billion USD, largely thanks to Labubu, as reported by major outlets covering the brand's ascent.
📱 Social Media Ignition: Lisa's Game-Changing Moment
The true explosion began in 2024 when K-pop superstar Lisa from Blackpink was spotted with a Labubu keychain on her bag. Her Instagram post, showing the doll peeking out amid luxury fashion, sent demand skyrocketing. Fans worldwide rushed to stores, with X posts crediting her for turning Labubu into a "cool girl" essential.
By mid-2025, Vogue Business noted the toys booming across Asia and beyond, with TikTok challenges like #LabubuHaul garnering billions of views. Users recreated Lisa's look, spawning memes and duets. In Indonesia, the trend hit fever pitch post-Lisa, leading to sell-outs and resale prices hitting $100+ for rares.
Early 2026 X chatter reflects sustained hype: fans celebrate restocks, while newcomers discover the charm through viral threads. NBC News highlighted Lisa's role in exploding demand, positioning Labubu as more than toys—social currency signaling trendiness.
🌍 Global Domination: From Asia to Worldwide Shelves
What began in China spread rapidly. In the US, California meetups drew hundreds, as covered by The Guardian, where fans traded rares amid price hikes. Europe saw queues in London Pop Mart stores, while Australia's collectors formed online communities.
By 2025's end, Labubu was named a viral cultural moment by CNA, alongside global events. Posts on X from early 2026 show it thriving in diverse markets: Somali daycare controversies aside, it's a unifying fad. In India and the Middle East, influencers blend it with local fashion, amplifying reach.
The Guardian detailed how these dolls became bag charms across Asia, even post-peak, underscoring enduring appeal. Pop Mart's overseas expansion, with stores in 20+ countries, capitalized on this, boosting stock values.
Photo by mdreza jalali on Unsplash
😍 vs 😱 Adorable Collectibles or Creepy Companions?
Opinions split sharply. Admirers praise the "ugly-cute" aesthetic—kawaii with edge—that resonates with Gen Z's ironic tastes. Collectors build "families," photographing setups like dioramas. Fortune linked it to China's "new consumption" among youth, where toys signal identity.
Critics decry the sharp teeth and fiendish vibes as nightmare fuel, dubbing them "demonic dolls." X users joke about Pazuzu resemblances or backyard burials, while parents question appeal for kids. CBS Baltimore explored this divide, noting Baltimore's rare stock drawing crowds despite debates.
- Pro: Therapeutic unboxing reduces stress, fosters community.
- Con: Encourages impulse buying, environmental waste from plastics.
- Neutral: Reflects fantasy escapism in tough times.
DesignRush analyzed five trends, like scarcity marketing, urging brands to note emotional pulls.
💰 Economic Powerhouse: Pop Mart's Triple Profit Leap
Labubu fueled Pop Mart's 2025 dominance, with shares soaring. BBC reported near-tripled profits, crediting soft power via cute exports. From £13.50 retail, resales hit premiums, creating a secondary market on eBay and Depop.
In 2026, despite fakes like "Lafufu" (bald knockoffs amid shortages), originals hold value. X posts warn of scams, advising authenticity checks via Pop Mart apps.
BBC on Pop Mart's global conquest details this boom.⚠️ Counterfeits and Challenges in the Craze
Shortages birthed fakes, with X buzzing about "Lafufu." Buyers verify via tags, QR codes. Pop Mart combats via lawsuits, but resale chaos persists.
- Spot fakes: Inferior fur, misspelled branding.
- Safe buys: Official stores, apps.
- Resale tips: Platforms like StockX for verifieds.
Sustainability concerns rise—plush production impacts environment—but Pop Mart pledges recycled materials in 2026 lines.
🔮 2026 Outlook: Fading or Evolving with Mirumi?
Entering 2026, Labubu endures, but challengers like Japan's Mirumi robot charms emerge as next hype, per X and NDTV. AdAge called Labubu 2025's fashion craze, predicting endurance as status symbols.
Prism News lists it among 2025's top moments, carrying into new year. Collectors advise diversifying, watching drops.
Photo by David Kristianto on Unsplash
🎨 Cultural Phenomenon and Collector Guide
Labubu embodies Gen Z's blend of nostalgia, irony, consumerism. BBC ties it to Chinese soft power, outlasting fads.
Actionable advice for newbies:
- Start small: Buy singles online.
- Join communities: Reddit's r/PopMart, X threads.
- Display ideas: Shadow boxes, bag clips.
- Budget: Set limits to avoid addiction.
- Rare hunts: Track restocks via apps.
As hobbies like this inspire creativity, many pursue passions professionally—explore higher ed career advice for design or marketing roles in trends.
Wrapping Up the Labubu Saga
Labubu dolls prove viral crazes can redefine play, blending adorable allure with creepy charm to captivate 2026 audiences. Whether collecting for joy or spotting investment, the trend highlights social media's power.
Share your takes in comments—have you snagged a secret Labubu? For stable pursuits amid fads, check Rate My Professor, higher ed jobs, or university jobs. Aspiring trend analysts? Craft a winning academic CV for research gigs.
