Labubu Took Over the Internet and Turned Recession into a Goldmine

Labubu isn’t just a toy. It’s a $400 million phenomenon with fangs, a fanbase, and a formula that turns economic downturns into emotional paydays.

In a world where budgets shrink and uncertainty rises, people don’t stop spending. They simply shift how they spend. Big splurges become small indulgences. Luxury gets replaced by collectibles that feel personal, comforting, and a little chaotic. That is exactly where Labubu thrives.

This wild-eyed misfit from the Pop Mart universe has become a global symbol of affordable luxury. Fueled by recession psychology, TikTok unboxings, and limited-edition chaos, Labubu has found its way into millions of homes and even high-end auctions. Plushies sell out in seconds. Rare variants resell for thousands. One figure was even auctioned for over $170,000.

Labubu is not just cute. It is strategic. And it might be the smartest brand move of the decade.

What Is Labubu

Labubu is a mischievous forest creature with fangs, oversized eyes, and a strange charm that has captured the imagination of collectors around the world. Created by artist Kasing Lung, Labubu belongs to the Monster Series by Pop Mart, one of Asia’s most influential designer toy companies. At first glance, it may look like a quirky figurine. But Labubu represents much more than that.

Each Labubu toy is typically sold in a blind box format. Buyers do not know which design they will receive until they open the box. This element of surprise turns every purchase into a miniature event. Some versions are widely available. Others are secret editions that are nearly impossible to find. These rare figures often resell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, turning what began as a $10 collectible into a serious investment for some.

Labubu’s influence has grown far beyond vinyl toys. It now appears in plush toys, accessories, fine jewelry, and even gallery-scale art pieces. Celebrities, including Lisa from BLACKPINK, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian, have been spotted with Labubu items, further elevating its status.

In today’s culture of affordable luxuries and emotional consumption, Labubu is perfectly positioned. It is not just a character. It is a lifestyle object, a creative collectible, and a symbol of how people are finding joy through small but meaningful purchases. Labubu has transformed from a toy to a cultural icon.

The Affordable Luxury Formula

Small Spend, Big Feels

• Most Labubu blind boxes are priced at $10–$30.
• That’s cheaper than a Starbucks order in many cities.
• And yet the emotional yield? Off the charts.

This positions Labubu squarely in the “lipstick index” economy, a theory that during recessions, consumers still indulge in little luxuries. Instead of fine dining or Dior, they grab a Labubu.

Drop Culture and FOMO

• Pop Mart uses mystery packaging, rare “chase” figures, and limited editions to fuel demand.
• Fans don’t know what they’ll get, mimicking the thrill of gambling.
• This transforms toys into treasure hunts and drops into cultural events.

The resale market backs this up: rare Labubu variants routinely fetch hundreds, even thousands. In 2024, a life-sized mint green Labubu sold for $170,000 at auction in Beijing.

Emotional Investment Goods

During economic instability, people crave comfort. Labubu taps into this with

• Soft aesthetics, nostalgia, and tactile charm
• Story-driven collections like “Dreamy Night” and “Adventure Forest”
• Character-first marketing that builds parasocial bonds

It’s not a utility purchase. It’s an emotional one. That’s why the Labubu blind box has become a form of “emotional investing,” where ROI is measured in smiles, not stocks.

The Rise of the Kidult Economy

At first glance, toys may seem like something meant only for children. However, a closer look reveals a powerful consumer shift. Adults across the world are now buying toys for themselves, not as a return to childhood but as a form of self-expression, comfort, and creative identity. This movement is widely known as the kidult economy.

Labubu sits at the center of this trend. Unlike traditional collectibles, Labubu appeals to adults through its surreal design, emotional backstory, and the thrill of surprise in every blind box. As a result, it is no longer viewed as a toy but rather as an affordable luxury that blends art, design, and personality.

Furthermore, this shift is supported by strong numbers. Adult-targeted toy sales have surged in markets such as the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea.

In addition, social media has played a major role. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Xiaohongshu are filled with Labubu content ranging from unboxing videos to collector showcases. These posts not only highlight the product but also build a sense of belonging and community. If you are curious about how social content plays into consumer behavior, check out this article on Instagram Reels captions that explores what really drives engagement.

Moreover, celebrity endorsements have added another layer of credibility. Icons such as Lisa from BLACKPINK, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian have been seen with Labubu pieces, pushing the brand from niche to global spotlight.

In conclusion, the kidult economy is not a passing trend. It reflects how modern consumers are finding value in emotional purchases, small indulgences, and items that bring joy. Labubu has become more than a figure. It is a symbol of how playfulness and personal meaning can live side by side in adulthood.

Community as Currency

Labubu blind box’s success is deeply rooted in its community. It is not just a toy people buy. It is a collectible that people share, trade, and proudly display. This sense of belonging transforms every purchase into a social experience.

On platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Xiaohongshu, fans post unboxing videos, shelf displays, and creative photoshoots. These organic moments generate continuous visibility and engagement. Every collector becomes a content creator, and every post acts as free promotion.

Beyond social media, Labubu fans organize swaps, track drops, and trade rare figures. The resale market adds an extra layer of excitement, where some pieces are treated like investment items. Forums, pop-ups, and group chats keep the buzz alive between releases.

The community also drives loyalty. People do not just collect Labubu because it looks cute. They collect because it connects them to others who feel the same. This emotional currency is powerful. It turns buyers into ambassadors and collectors into lifelong fans. For Labubu, the community is not an audience. It is the brand.

Strategic Expansion Beyond Toys

• Plush toys boom
  Plush Labubu figures saw over 1,200 percent growth in sales, attracting new age groups and gifting audiences.
• Jewelry collections
  Pop Mart launched Labubu-inspired rings, earrings, and necklaces through a concept store in Shanghai.
• Fashion and accessories
  Labubu designs appear on lifestyle items like keychains, bags, and apparel, increasing everyday visibility.
• High-end art editions
  Limited Labubu sculptures and oversized figures are now treated as collectible art, some selling for six figures at auctions.
• Media and storytelling
  Plans are in place for Labubu animations, short-form content, and character-driven narratives to expand its storytelling universe.
• Tech integrations
  NFC tags added to premium toys allow buyers to authenticate figures and track rarity.
• Retail innovation
  Robo Shops and concept stores offer immersive Labubu-themed shopping experiences in global cities.

Global Reach and Robo Shops

• Pop Mart now operates over 130 global stores and 2,300 Robo Shops across 25 countries
• 39 percent of the total revenue in 2024 came from international markets
• Over 50 new US stores are planned, making the US its fastest-growing market
• Robo Shops offer 24-hour collectible access and are central to Pop Mart’s global expansion model.

Financial Fireworks and Impact

• According to the Financial Times, Labubu blind box generated approximately ¥3 billion in sales in 2024, equal to around 419 million US dollars
• Pop Mart’s plush toy segment, including Labubu, saw a 1,289 percent growth year-over-year
• The Monster series, which includes Labubu, earned 87 million US dollars in the first half of 2024
• 39 percent of Pop Mart’s total revenue came from international markets, up from 25 percent in 2022
• The company’s market capitalization is estimated between 38 and 40 billion US dollars
• Pop Mart’s share price rose over 200 percent in 2025, reflecting strong investor confidence.

What This Means for You

Labubu blind box is more than a collectible. It represents a shift in how people find comfort, creativity, and connection in uncertain times. When the world feels unpredictable and everyday life becomes routine, something as small as a mystery toy can bring genuine joy.

This phenomenon is not just about the toy itself. It is about what it unlocks. Labubu reminds us that joy does not need to be expensive. It can be playful, personal, and entirely your own. Whether you are buying it for fun, collecting with friends, or simply enjoying the thrill of the unknown, it adds a layer of meaning to an otherwise ordinary day.

You do not have to be a kid to enjoy a collectible. You do not need a reason to smile at something silly and strange. Labubu gives people permission to embrace small pleasures and share them with the world.

In a time where everything feels fast and filtered, Labubu is a quiet reminder that it is okay to slow down and enjoy the little things.

Labubu has teeth. And it’s smiling at the bank.