Would Labubu Monsters Appreciate in Value? A Discussion

If you’ve spent any time in the world of designer toys or collectables lately, you’ve probably heard about Labubu Monsters. These quirky little figures from the brand POP MART, often in collaboration with the artist Kasing Lung, have taken the collectables scene by storm. But with all the hype and growing interest, the big question a lot of collectors (and even casual fans) are asking is: Would Labubu Monsters appreciate in value over time?

Join Tastebuds and take a friendly stroll through the world of Labubu, collectable trends, and what could influence their value in the future.

First Off – What Even Are Labubu Monsters?

Labubu is a mischievous, cheeky little creature created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. With his distinctive wide grin and expressive eyes, Labubu has become the poster child of several collectable lines under POP MART — a Chinese designer toy company that’s now a global force.

The Labubu Monsters series is just one of many that feature the character. The toys often come in blind boxes, meaning you don’t know which figure you’re getting until you open it. This adds a bit of mystery and excitement to collecting — and sometimes frustration if you’re after that elusive secret edition.

Why Are People So Smitten by Labubu?

Well, for starters, they’re adorable. Or creepy-cute, depending on your taste. Either way, there’s something incredibly appealing about Labubu’s oddball charm. Beyond aesthetics, there’s also a real sense of storytelling and world-building around the character, which adds emotional value for fans.

On top of that, the production runs for each series are usually limited. This scarcity, coupled with the blind box model, creates a high demand — especially for rare or secret figures.

So, Do They Go Up in Value?

This is our short and straightforward answer: some do, some don’t.

Like with most collectables, not every piece will appreciate. However, certain Labubu Monsters have definitely increased in value, particularly those that are rare, were part of exclusive releases, or were collaborations.

For example, early Labubu figures or those from special events (like Asia-exclusive conventions) have fetched impressive prices on resale platforms like eBay or StockX. Some rare figures that originally cost around $15–$20 AUD in a blind box can now sell for over $200 AUD — and sometimes even more if they’re in mint condition and unopened.

What Makes a Labubu Figure Valuable?

There are a few factors that influence whether a Labubu toy will go up in value:

1. Rarity – The more rare the figure, the more likely it’ll be worth something down the track. Secret editions, limited runs, and region-exclusive releases are your best bet here.
2. Condition – Like with most collectables, mint condition is everything. If you’re keeping Labubu as an investment, it’s best not to open the box.
3. Packaging – The original box, foil wrap, and even the collector’s card inside all add to the value. A complete package is far more desirable to serious collectors.
4. Hype and Popularity – Trends matter. If Labubu maintains or grows in popularity, demand (and prices) will likely rise too.
5. Artist and Brand Influence – Kasing Lung’s reputation and POP MART’s rising profile in the global designer toy scene add credibility and collectability.

Should You Invest in Labubu?

If you’re purely looking for an investment, you’ll need to treat it like any other speculative market — with a bit of research, a good eye for trends, and a fair bit of luck.

Start by tracking which series or figures tend to sell out quickly. Join online collector groups (there are plenty on Facebook, Reddit, and Discord) to keep up with the buzz. Also, pay attention to re-releases — if a figure gets a second run, it could drop in value.

But here’s the thing — most people don’t get into Labubu just for the money. The joy of collecting, trading with fellow fans, and the artistic appreciation of each figure often outweigh the financial side.

That said, there’s certainly a potential for value growth, especially if you’re smart about what you buy and hold onto.

Risks to Keep in Mind

As with any collectable market, there are risks:

• Oversaturation – If POP MART floods the market with too many Labubu releases, prices might drop due to lower demand.
• Fakes ("Lafufus") – Sadly, counterfeit figures are a thing. Always buy from reputable sellers.
• Changing Trends – What’s hot now might not be next year. Remember Beanie Babies?

So it’s best to go in with your eyes open and enjoy the process rather than banking on it for your retirement fund.

So, would Labubu Monsters appreciate in value? In many cases, yes — especially rare, limited, or well-preserved figures. But like any collectable, it’s a bit of a gamble.

The best approach? Buy what you love. If you’re drawn to the characters, the art style, and the thrill of collecting, then you’ve already got your money’s worth — even if prices don’t skyrocket. And if they do go up? That’s just a bonus.

In short, we recommend you enjoy Labubu rather than use these cute monsters as an investment. Just don’t forget to enjoy the ride.