Labubu Reviews & Opinions: Is the Hype Real or Just FOMO?

I still remember when I bought my first Labubu vinyl figure back in 2019. It was sitting on a shelf in a small toy shop, looking mischievous with those nine serrated teeth and that distinct "I'm up to no good" grin. Back then, you could just walk in and buy one.

Fast forward to today, and we are in the middle of the latest doll craze that feels more like a stock market frenzy than a hobby. Ever since Lisa from Blackpink was spotted with the "The Monsters" pendant, finding these things at retail price has become an extreme sport. But stripping away the celebrity hype, I want to talk about the actual product. Is the quality there? Is it worth paying triple the price on the secondary market?

Kasing Lung, the creator, really tapped into something weirdly specific with The Monsters characters. They aren't traditionally "cute" like Hello Kitty or generic anime figures. They look like they would bite you, and I think that's the charm.

The design language is distinct. The fur texture on the vinyl figures is usually molded incredibly well—you can feel the ridges. The color palettes are often earthy or pastel but with that chaotic monster edge. It’s a specific aesthetic that fits well on a streetwear fit or a curated desk setup, which brings me to a question I see popping up constantly online.

There is this weird misconception that designer toys are just for girls. Looking at the search data and the community discussions, a ton of guys are asking: do boys like labubu?

Short answer: Absolutely.

I'm in several discord groups dedicated to art toys, and the demographic is pretty split. The appeal for guys often leans into the "kaiju" (monster) aspect of the design. It’s not a doll in the traditional sense; it’s a stylized monster figure. The keychain versions specifically have become a massive accessory in men's streetwear fashion recently. You'll see guys rocking them on technical backpacks or belt loops. It’s less about "playing with dolls" and more about collecting limited-edition art pieces, similar to sneaker culture.

Let's talk about the specific product that broke the internet: the real exciting macaron labubu box. This series (The Monsters - Exciting Macaron) is the plush pendant version that everyone is hunting for.

The labubu packaging for the Macaron series is decent, but honestly, it's not the best Pop Mart has ever done. The box is standard cardboard, fairly flimsy compared to the hard-shell boxes you get with higher-tier Mega Space Molly figures. However, the foil bag inside is thick, and the card included is printed on nice, heavy stock with holographic elements.

The figure itself? It’s a mixed bag. The mixed-media approach—vinyl face with a plush body—is fantastic. The vinyl face captures that signature smirk perfectly, and the paint application on the eyes is usually sharp. I haven't seen many with wonky eyes, which is a common issue with mass-produced blind boxes.

However, the plush body can be inconsistent. On the one I opened last week (Soymilk colorway), the stitching on the back was a little loose. It’s not a dealbreaker, but when you consider the resale prices, you expect perfection.

Here is the painful part. The official labubu blind box retail price usually sits around $17 to $18 USD depending on the series and where you buy it.

But good luck paying that.

Because of the hype, scalpers clear out stock instantly. If you are buying from a reseller, you are likely looking at $35 to $60 for a single blind box, and over $100 for a confirmed "secret" chaser. My advice? Don't feed the scalpers if you can avoid it. Wait for restocks. If you want to see what's currently available without the insane markup, you can check out the LABUBU collection to see what's actually in stock.

With the popularity skyrocketing, scam sites are popping up everywhere. I've seen people asking is bububoxes legit or asking about other random sites with "box" or "toy" in the URL that run heavy ads on Instagram.

I have not personally ordered from "bububoxes," but generally speaking, if a site you've never heard of has full stock of a sold-out series at retail price (or lower), it is a red flag. These are often dropshipping sites that will either send you a fake (and there are very good fakes out there now) or nothing at all.

Stick to major retailers or established collector shops. If the price looks too good to be true, it is.

Once you actually get your hands on them, you have to figure out where to put them. The vinyl figures are small, usually about 3-4 inches, but the Macaron plushies are bulkier and hang.

For the vinyls, a standard acrylic labubu display shelf with steps is the best way to go. You want something enclosed. I learned this the hard way—the textured "fur" on the vinyl figures is a dust magnet. Cleaning dust out of those little crevices is a nightmare.

If you have the hanging plush versions, I've seen people use pegboards (like the IKEA Skadis) to hang them by their clips. It looks like a little monster wall. If you have a dedicated labubu shelf, try to keep it out of direct sunlight. The pastel colors on the Macaron series will fade if they sit in the sun for a few months.

If you are tired of taking Ls on every drop, there are things like labubu that offer a similar vibe but are slightly easier to get (for now).

1. Zimomo: This is actually another character in "The Monsters" universe by Kasing Lung. He looks very similar to Labubu but usually has a tail and spikes on his back. 2. Crybaby: If you like the emotional/expressive face style, Crybaby figures are gaining traction. 3. Molly: While the vibe is different (pouty girl vs. monster), the collectibility and resale value are similar. I actually picked up my first one from the SKULLPANDA collection about two years ago, and the quality is consistently higher than the plush series.

If you're just starting out and want high-quality vinyl without the stress of the Labubu shortage, browsing the full MOLLY lineup is a great way to see what's available.