It is a plush doll, a key chain, a bag charm, and a collectible that recently sold for six figures. Meet Labubu, the internationally recognized toy. 

The journey of these characters began long before their current fame, created by artist Kasing Lung. After moving to the Netherlands at a young age, Lung became deeply inspired by local folklore, a passion that led him to create a tribe of elves called Labubus. These characters first appeared in his 2015 book, The Monsters. 

Not long after, Lung translated his illustrated characters into a toy series. However, these initial releases didn’t gain significant attention until his collaboration with POP MART, a Chinese toy company. This partnership proved to be a turning point. According to POP MART, the first launch of the Monsters series “broke the sales record in the art toy category,” solidifying Labubu’s place in the collectible market. 

The toys have since exploded in popularity, becoming a favorite accessory for many celebrities, including artists like Rihanna and Dua Lipa, as well as numerous K-Pop stars. Their widespread visibility on bags and other accessories has only fueled their demand. These collectibles continue to sell out quickly, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. 

Regarding the toy’s popularity, sixth grader Desiree Alvarez believes it is largely a result of celebrity influence. “I think people are obsessed with these things because a lot of celebrities and famous people are getting them, so others joined the trend,” she stated. This suggests that the popularity and demand is due to influence rather than actual attraction and fondness for the toys. 

The dolls’ high price point has been a large topic of discussion.  Seventh grader Lina Zadeh offered a strong critique, stating “No. I think they should be sold for about twenty dollars,” a strong contrast to the thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands others are willing to pay for these highly demanded dolls. 

Despite the current success, not everyone is convinced Labubus will remain a staple in the world of collectibles.  Eighth grader Josephina Aguera expressed her belief that they will “fall out because people will stop wearing them on their clothes and bags,” suggesting that their relevance is tied to a fleeting fashion trend rather than lasting value. Whether they’re a fleeting fashion trend or a lasting collectible, Labubu has proven

that a little elf with big teeth can have an even bigger impact on a wallet.