The Labubu doll craze has suddenly taken over the United States — and beyond — with collectors lining up outside Pop Mart stores and resellers charging steep prices online just to get their hands on the weirdly adorable toy. But why the sudden obsession?
More than a decade after its debut, Labubu — pronounced “lah-BOO-boo” — is finally having a mainstream moment in the U.S., thanks in part to the explosive popularity of blind-box collectibles and the rise of “cute horror” aesthetics online.
Originally created by artist Kasing Lung, Labubu blends unsettling features — think sharp teeth and goblin-like ears — with wide eyes and a childlike body that make it both creepy and irresistibly charming. The toy’s quirky design, limited-edition drops and social media buzz have all contributed to its growing cult following, turning it from niche art toy into global phenomenon.
Here’s why Labubu is so famous — and where you can buy it in the U.S.
Why is Labubu so famous?
Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung created a series of stories influenced by the Nordic folklore he enjoyed growing up in the Netherlands. The series “The Monsters” featured the Labubu creatures and Lung partnered with How2Work in 2015 to create dolls inspired by his work.
When Pop Mart collaborated with Lung in 2019, Labubus began picking up in popularity. However, that still doesn’t quite explain why they blew up a decade later.
What really helped launch Labubu into global stardom was its high-profile fanbase — including K-pop idols like Lisa from BLACKPINK, who was spotted with the doll and helped spark a viral trend.
Other K-pop stars and influencers followed suit, posting photos and videos unboxing their own Labubu figures, fueling a frenzy on social media that quickly spread beyond Asia.
What’s in a Labubu box?
Each blind box contains one Labubu figure, part of a themed collection designed by artist Kasing Lung. You won’t know which version you’re getting until you open it — and that mystery is half the fun. The figures come in a range of colors, costumes, and facial expressions, with a few ultra-rare designs that collectors are desperate to find. Some boxes even include hidden “secret editions” not listed on the packaging, making the hunt even more thrilling.
With a retail price of $27.99 in the U.S., Labubu blind boxes don’t come cheap — but fans often buy several at once, hoping to snag their favorite or uncover a coveted rare. And with limited-edition drops selling out fast, the race to collect them all is very, very real.
How to buy Labubu in Texas
You can buy Labubu at Pop Mart stores in the U.S., through the Pop Mart TikTok Shop or popmart.com.
While the vast majority of Pop Mart stores are located in California, there are a handful in Texas:
Dallas-Fort Worth
Houston
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What is a Labubu doll? What to know about the tiny toy from Hong Kong that surged in fame
Reporting by Brandi D. Addison and Meredith G. White, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
