There’s a new contender in the ‘designer toy market’ and celebrities including Olivia Attwood and pop sensation Rihanna can’t get enough of them, but Labubu dolls are far from a plaything
Collectibles have long reigned champion in toy stores across the country. From LOL Dolls and Mini Brands to Shopkins and Bitty Pops, blind bags specifically – where the buyer enjoys the excitement of buying an unknown version – have been one of the biggest sellers for years.
Made popular with the tween market, mainly thanks to young YouTube influencers posting ‘unveiling’ or ‘unboxing’ videos on social media, these mystery bags and boxes have generated millions in sales.
Now, it’s time for adults to come out to play with new Labubu Dolls gaining popularity since a rise in celebrities such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Olivia Attwood buying into the trend. But what exactly are they?
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The brainchild of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, they have become a sought-after collectible in the burgeoning designer toy market. POP MART licensed and produced, the collectible toys first gained popularity around 2019 – 2020 but now they’re having a revival with celebrities catching on to the cutesy trend.
This mischievous, often grumpy, potato-like monster with distinctive pointy ears and a frequently zippered mouth has captured the hearts – and wallets – of collectors worldwide. Whilst most are affordable, rare versions can reach a much higher price point for serious fans.
Unlike traditional toys, Labubu figures are considered art toys, designed for display rather than play. Their appeal lies in their unique aesthetic, limited availability, and the thrill of the chase associated with blind box releases.
The element of surprise inherent in blind box purchases adds to their allure, as seen in Olivia Attwood’s recent Instagram post where she excitedly sat down to open her mystery bag after a visit to a pop-up store in Harrods’ penthouse. She went on to happily reveal an olive-coloured fluffy doll, and said: “Half the addiction is the POP MART blind box – you don’t know what you’re going to get!” as she pulled out one that adorably matched her coat.
Not knowing which specific design awaits inside the box creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, driving demand and encouraging repeat purchases.
The scarcity of limited-edition Labubu figures also fuels their desirability and increases their value amongst collectors. And they’re not easy to get your hands on either. Genuine Labubu’s are hard to find in the UK, but POP MART have an official store on AliExpress where you can purchase single mystery boxes or a 6pc whole set.
The hashtag alone (#labubu) has 1.1million posts on Tiktok and with searches online skyrocketing by a whopping 73% in the past year, these cute smiling monsters, that either hang on bags or are displayed on shelves, are more in demand than ever.
Priced reasonably at under £17 for one doll, there’s an opportunity to save even more if you act fast, too.
AliExpress is celebrating its 15th Anniversary with a massive sale from now through until 26 March, offering up to 80% off thousands of products, including these coveted Labubu dolls.
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