The past few months have been a blur. A fluffy, pastel-colored, monster-shaped blur. If you've been anywhere online, you've seen it. The labubu doll craze isn't just a headline in some trend report; for us at PopNya, it's been our entire reality. My inbox is a constant stream of "Do you have Macarons?" and "When are you restocking?" It's a level of frenzy I haven't seen since the early days of the Skullpanda hype, but this feels… different. Bigger.
This isn't just another new toy craze. It feels more personal. People aren't just collecting; they're decorating their lives with these little monsters. They're on purses, on car dashboards, in office cubicles. So, what's the real labubu news from someone who is packing and shipping these things day in and day out? Let's get into it.
The Great Macaron Hangover
The Monsters Exciting Macaron series, the plush keychain one, was the explosion. It was the spark that turned a collector's hobby into a global phenomenon. We all saw the videos of insane lines and the now-infamous clip of Lisa from Blackpink with her bag full of them. That was the tipping point.
But what happens after the explosion? A hangover.
For weeks, a single blind box of the Macaron plush was going for $40, $50, even $60 on secondary markets. Retail is around $17. It was pure madness. I had people emailing me, willing to pay almost anything. Now? Things are starting to settle. Pop Mart has ramped up production (finally), and more stock is trickling into official channels. The secondary market price for a random box has cooled to a more sane $25-$30.
Here's the real talk: The people who paid $60 for a Soymilk are probably feeling a little bit of buyer's remorse right now. This is the classic hype cycle. The initial scarcity drives prices into the stratosphere, and then, as supply starts to meet demand, it comes back to earth.
The biggest issue now is the fakes. The Macaron series, especially, is being counterfeited at an alarming rate. I wrote a whole honest Labubu Macaron buyer's guide because we were seeing so many people get burned. The fakes are getting good, but there are still tells. The texture of the fur is often wrong (too slick or too matted), the tags have typos, and the weight just feels off. The most obvious tell is often the price. If you see a Macaron plush for $10, run. Just run.
Is This Just a "New Stuffed Animal Craze"?
A lot of the mainstream coverage focuses on the plushies, calling this the new stuffed animal trend. And they're not wrong. The labubu stuffy is what brought millions of new fans into the fold. But it's also created a weird divide in the community.
I get comments all the time from long-time collectors of Kasing Lung's vinyl figures who are almost… resentful of the plushie hype. They feel like the art and the history of the characters are being overlooked for a fluffy keychain. And I get it. The vinyl figures are where it all started. The artistry in a series like "Have a Seat" or the "Forest Concert" is incredible.
But here's my take as a seller: the plushies are a gateway. They are the friendly, accessible entry point into the wider world of The Monsters. I've had dozens of customers start with a Macaron keychain and then come back a week later asking about the vinyl blind boxes. They get hooked by the cute bubu craze and stay for the deep lore and artistry. So, are the plushies overshadowing the vinyls? For now, yes. But I think in the long run, it's creating a bigger, more diverse fanbase for Kasing Lung's entire universe, which is a good thing for everyone. It's why we still make sure our LABUBU collection features both the vinyls and the plushies.
So, Why Are People Going Crazy Over Labubu?
Every news article gives the same two answers: Lisa from Blackpink and the blind box "gambling" mechanic. And sure, that's part of it. But it's so much deeper than that. I've been thinking about this a lot, especially after reading emails from customers.
So, what is the point of a labubu?
It's a small, tangible piece of joy in a world that can feel pretty bleak. The design is genius. Labubu is a monster, but not a scary one. It has sharp teeth but big, curious eyes. It's mischievous but also endearing. That duality is what makes it so compelling. It's a little bit of chaos you can control and carry with you.
One of my customers told me she clips her Lychee Berry Labubu to her work bag, and when she's having a stressful day, she just looks at its goofy, buck-toothed grin and it makes her smile. It's a tiny emotional support monster. That's the magic. It's not about the hype or the resale value for most people. It's about that little hit of dopamine.
The "hunt" is also a huge part of it. The feeling of shaking a blind box, guessing which one is inside, and the thrill of pulling the one you wanted (or even better, a secret!) is addictive. It's a shared experience. People post their unboxings, trade with friends, and bond over their collections. It's community building, one blind box at a time. This isn't just the latest doll craze; it's a social phenomenon.
Real Talk: The Quality Control Question
This is something the big news outlets won't talk about. When you ramp up production to meet insane demand, does quality suffer? Honestly, sometimes it does.
I've been a collector long enough to notice the small things. With some of the more recent, mass-produced batches of Macarons, I've seen minor inconsistencies. Nothing major, but things a seasoned collector would spot. A slightly off-center paint application on the cheek blush, a bit of glue residue near the keychain clasp, or the fabric of the little bib feeling a tad thinner than on the initial runs.
For example, the first wave of the Exciting Macaron Labubu felt incredibly premium. The flocking was perfect, the stitching was tight. In some of the restock waves, I've had to quality-check a bit more carefully. A box I opened for myself had a Toffee whose bib was sewn on slightly crooked.
Does this mean you shouldn't buy them? No, not at all. The overall quality is still fantastic for a mass-market collectible. But it's a reality of rapid growth. Pop Mart is trying to get product into the hands of millions of fans, and sometimes tiny details get missed. It's something to be aware of, especially if you're buying from resellers who might not be as transparent about minor flaws. It's why I'm so particular about the stock we carry at PopNya.
What's Next? The Rumor Mill and The One Piece Collab
The crazy labubu train isn't slowing down. The biggest piece of news on the horizon is, without a doubt, the The Monsters x One Piece Labubu crossover. This is going to be an absolute bloodbath. You're combining one of the hottest designer toy properties with one of the biggest anime franchises of all time.
The designs look incredible. Labubu as Luffy, Zimomo as Zoro, Tycoco as Sanji… it's a perfect match. My prediction? This will make the Macaron craze look like a quiet Tuesday. The demand will be astronomical from both Labubu collectors and One Piece fans. If you want this series, you need to be prepared. Follow official announcements, know the drop times, and be ready to click fast. Don't expect to just walk into a store and find it on the shelf a week after release.
Beyond that, there are always whispers of new series. I've heard rumors of a potential "Sweets House" V2, and fans are always clamoring for a re-release of the original "Forest Concert" series. Pop Mart keeps their cards close to their chest, but one thing is for sure: they know they have a golden goose, and they're going to keep the content coming.
A Seller's Warning: Don't Get Swept Away
Look, I run a store that sells these things. It's in my interest for people to buy them. But I'm also a collector first. And as a collector, I have to say: be smart. The FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is real, and it's powerful.
Don't let the hype pressure you into paying triple the retail price for a common figure. Unless it's a super rare secret or a limited edition you absolutely must have, just wait. Pop Mart is a business; they will restock popular series. The popular doll right now might not be the popular doll in six months. Collect what you genuinely love, not what you think is a good investment.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it is. The fake market is thriving on people's desperation. Stick to reputable sellers and official channels. If you're buying secondhand, ask for detailed photos, check seller reviews, and pay through a service that offers buyer protection.
And honestly, it's okay to skip a series! I've seen people go into debt trying to complete every single set. This is supposed to be fun. If it's causing you financial stress, take a step back. The joy is in the art and the character, not in having a complete checklist. There are so many amazing designs out there; you can find a pink Labubu or a green one that you love without having to chase the most hyped-up secret.
The latest toy craze will eventually pass and evolve into something else. The people who will still be here are the ones who genuinely love the little monster with the big teeth. Be one of those people.
Disclosure: PopNya may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page.
