If you’ve been anywhere near the world of collectible toys lately – especially on Instagram, TikTok or in quirky little pop culture shops – you’ve probably come across the Labubu toy. It’s a bit weird, a bit cute, and totally addictive. These cheeky little critters have taken off in a big way, especially across Asia and now making waves in Australia too. No matter if you’re a long-time collector or just curious about what all the fuss is about, join Tastebuds as we have a proper talk about the Labubu craze, what makes these toys so special, and how you can tell the real deal from the dodgy knock-offs.
What’s a Labubu?
First off, Labubu isn’t just any old toy – it’s a designer art toy created by the artist Kasing Lung. Originally from Hong Kong, Lung has a significant following in the designer toy scene thanks to his unique, slightly dark but whimsical art style. Labubu is one of the characters from his “The Monsters” series, and it’s quickly become the star of the show.
Labubu looks a bit like a mischievous imp – sharp teeth, pointy ears, wild eyes, and a grin that says, “I just did something cheeky, and I’m not even sorry.” Despite the gnarly smile, there's something oddly endearing about the little fella. Some versions are adorable, others are more on the creepy-cute side, but all of them carry that signature Kasing Lung charm.
These toys are usually produced by Pop Mart, a Chinese brand that’s become a massive player in the world of blind-box collectibles. That means you often buy a sealed box without knowing which version you’ll get – which only adds to the thrill for collectors.
Why’s Everyone So Obsessed?
Good question. At first glance, Labubu seems a bit odd – especially if you’re more into traditional cute collectibles like Be@rbricks or Funko Pops. But that’s part of the appeal. Labubu breaks the mould. It’s strange, expressive, and feels like a real piece of art rather than just merchandise.
People love the variety too. There are heaps of different series – Labubu as a Ship Captain, Labubu dressed like a bunny, Halloween editions, glow-in-the-dark ones, golden ones, even Labubu as a sushi chef. The designs are wildly imaginative, and many of them are released in limited quantities, which drives collectors wild. If you manage to score a rare chase figure or a limited edition drop, you’re owning a little piece of art history.
Plus, let’s be honest: they look unreal on a shelf.
The Aussie Labubu Scene
In Australia, the Labubu trend is growing fast. You’ll find them popping up at conventions like Oz Comic-Con and Supanova, in inner-city designer toy stores (usually nestled between Japanese vinyl figures and art books), and of course, online. There’s a solid community on social media – especially Instagram – where Aussie collectors show off their hauls, trade figures, and even customise them.
Labubu appeals to the kind of person who’s into niche pop culture, who appreciates collectable art, or who just loves weird little creatures with character. It’s not about toys at all – it’s about self-expression, collecting what you love, and connecting with like-minded people.
Labubu or Lafufu – How to Spot a Knock-Off
As with anything popular, there’s always someone trying to make a quick buck with cheap knock-offs. And unfortunately, the world of Labubu is no exception. With its rising fame, fake versions have started flooding dodgy websites and online marketplaces. Here’s how you can spot a phoney and make sure you’re getting the real deal.
1. Price that’s too good to be true
Let’s face it… genuine Labubu figures aren’t exactly cheap. A blind box usually goes for about $20–$30 AUD, and limited editions can go for a lot more. If someone’s flogging a “new” Labubu for $5, it’s probably fake.
2. Packaging details
Official Labubu boxes from Pop Mart are top-notch. The print is crisp, the colours pop, and the logos are spot on. Fakes often have blurry printing, weird fonts, or mismatched colours. Also, look for the Pop Mart holographic sticker – it's a good sign of authenticity.
3. Build quality and paint
A real Labubu figure will feel solid and well-made. The paintwork is sharp, with no smudges or bleeding. Fakes often look sloppy – off-colour eyes, teeth that look like they’ve been painted by a toddler, limbs that feel flimsy – or even extra features on the face like freckles (unless it’s a limited edition release).
4. No QR code or verification
Many official Pop Mart toys now come with a QR code or scratch-off panel to verify the product via their app. If the box is missing this, or it’s a weird-looking QR that goes nowhere, that’s a big red flag.
5. Seller reputation
Buy from trusted places. That means authorised Pop Mart retailers, big-name toy stores, or reputable online shops. If you’re buying from a reseller, check their reviews or socials to see if they’re legit.
Where to Buy Authentic Labubu Blind Boxes
Has every store you rummaged around run out of your favourite Labubu? Buy them here at Tastebuds, or gift them in a hamper to someone – or to yourself.
- Pop Mart Labubu Blind Box
- Labubu’s Pink Pamper Hamper
- Labubu’s Crafty Crochet Hamper
- Labubu Craze Teen Hamper
Labubu might seem like just another toy trend at first, but spend a bit of time with the community and it’s easy to see why people are hooked. It’s not just the design (though that’s a massive part of it) – it’s the creativity, the thrill of collecting, and the way each figure feels like a character with its own little story.
If you’re buying your first blind box or hunting down a rare glow-in-the-dark exclusive, there’s something undeniably joyful about getting your hands on a Labubu. Just make sure you’re getting the real thing, and not some half-baked fake that’ll fall apart faster than you can say “limited edition.”
So next time you’re in a pop culture shop and you see that cheeky grin staring back at you, don’t be surprised if you walk out with a new obsession in a tiny box.
