Hello, everyone!
If you’ve strolled down a high street or scrolled through social media lately, you’ve likely spotted a peculiar creature dangling from handbags or starring in TikTok videos. Meet Labubu, the fuzzy, toothy, elf-like doll that’s taken the world by storm. With its mischievous grin and “ugly-cute” charm, Labubu has become the latest must-have accessory, sparking long queues, frenzied online drops, and even scuffles at toy shops. But as we dive into this whirlwind of consumerism, let’s unpack what’s driving this craze, how it compares to past fads, and the environmental toll of our obsession with these collectable plushies.
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The Labubu Phenomenon: Why All the Fuss?
Labubu, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and sold by Chinese retailer Pop Mart, first appeared in 2015 as a character in The Monsters book series. In 2019, Pop Mart turned these quirky elves into collectable toys, with keychain-sized plush versions stealing the spotlight. The real explosion came in 2024 when K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink was seen with a Labubu on her luxury handbag. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a toy—it was a fashion statement and status symbol. Celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and David Beckham followed, cementing Labubu’s place as the accessory du jour.
What makes Labubu so irresistible? It’s the thrill of the chase. Sold in “blind boxes", where buyers don’t know which design they’ll get, Labubu taps into a psychological rush akin to gambling or unboxing a rare Pokémon card. The chance of snagging a limited-edition “secret” doll fuels repeat purchases, with collectors spending hundreds to complete sets. Social media has supercharged this frenzy, with #Labubu racking up over 1.4 million TikTok videos showcasing unboxing moments or styling tips.
Then there’s “little treat” culture, where small indulgences like a £20 (€23.80) Labubu offer a dopamine hit in uncertain times. With economic pressures—rising living costs and elusive goals like homeownership—Gen Z and Millennials are turning to these mini-luxuries. This “lipstick effect", where consumers splurge on small treats during downturns, explains why 59% of Gen Z plan to buy such items, compared to 20% of Boomers.
A Familiar Cycle: Fads That Came and Went
Labubu isn’t the first fad to grip our imagination, nor will it be the last. History is littered with collectables that sparked mania only to fade. Remember Beanie Babies? In the late 1990s, these stuffed animals had people queuing for hours, with rare editions fetching thousands. Collectors believed they were investing in fortunes, but today, most Beanie Babies languish in charity shops or attics; their value has plummeted.
Tamagotchis, the digital pets of the late ‘90s, caused classroom chaos but fizzled by the early 2000s. More recently, Sonny Angels—cherubic baby figurines—had their moment, only to be overshadowed by Labubu. Even reusable water bottles like Hydroflasks, Swells, and Stanleys followed a similar arc, each briefly reigning as a status symbol before being replaced.
These fads share scarcity, hype, and a sense of belonging to an "in-group". Labubu’s blind-box model mirrors the appeal of LOL Surprise Dolls or Pokémon cards. At the same time, its social media virality echoes the NFT craze of 2021, where digital artworks sold for millions before crashing. The lesson? Fads burn bright but rarely last. As one X user put it, “Labubu is another astroturfed piece of landfill junk you’ll bin in months.”
The Dark Side: Consumerism and Status
Labubu mania is a masterclass in modern consumerism. Pop Mart has perfected the “hype playbook", using limited drops, celebrity endorsements, and social media buzz to create urgency. The brand’s revenue soared to $1.81 billion (€1.67 billion) in 2024, with Labubu accounting for 22% of earnings. But this frenzy has a cost. Some collectors have spent thousands, with rare editions reselling for up to $7,000 (€6,440).
This obsession isn’t just about owning a cute toy—it’s about social signalling. Like a designer logo or rare sneaker, Labubu is a status symbol, an “if you know, you know” accessory. As one X user noted, “Labubu used to be about collecting cute stuff, but now it’s a capitalist status symbol hanging off million-dollar bags.” The irony is stark: a £20 (€23.80) toy on a Hermès Birkin, blending high and low culture in a playful yet exclusive way.
The Environmental Toll
Labubu’s charm is undeniable, but its environmental impact is less adorable. The $40 billion (€36.8 billion) toy industry is plastic-intensive. Labubu dolls, made of vinyl and plush, contribute to this problem. Nearly 80% of toys end up in landfills, incinerators, or oceans, where plastic breaks into microplastics, infiltrating ecosystems and even our bodies. Production, reliant on fossil fuels, worsens climate change.
The blind-box model encourages overconsumption, as collectors buy multiple boxes to chase rare editions, often discarding duplicates. Add packaging and shipping emissions, and the footprint grows. Compare this to sustainable fashion, which prioritises longevity concepts at odds with fads like Labubu. As one X post warned, “It’s a landfill fad. Evil capitalist greed.”
Learning from the Past, Looking Forward
Labubu’s rise offers lessons. It’s a reminder to question hype, resist artificial scarcity, and consider our purchases’ long-term impact. While it’s tempting to join the frenzy for the joy or thrill, we can choose items that endure in value and environmental impact. Sustainable alternatives, like upcycled accessories or eco-friendly toys, offer individuality without waste.
As we navigate hyper-consumerism, let’s reflect on what we’re chasing. Is it the thrill of a rare Labubu or a deeper sense of joy? Past fads like Beanie Babies and Tamagotchis show trends fade, but their lessons can shape wiser choices.
What’s your take on the Labubu craze? Have you been swept up in the hype, or are you sitting this one out?
Until next time, stay mindful and keep shining, lovelies! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the Labubu craze in the comments below!
With love,
