The first time I ordered a "Mega" Labubu for the store, I thought I was prepared. I'd seen the photos. I knew the dimensions. I was wrong. The delivery driver wheeled a box to my door that was, and I am not exaggerating, the size of a washing machine. My first thought wasn't "Wow, cool collectible!" It was "Where in the world am I going to put this box, let alone the toy inside it?"
This is the reality of collecting labubus grandes that you don't see in the perfectly curated Instagram photos. It's not just about adding a bigger toy to your shelf; it's a logistical and financial commitment that catches most people by surprise. As someone who buys, sells, and personally collects these, I want to walk you through what you're really getting into.
What Exactly Counts as a "Grande" Labubu?
First, let's clear up the terminology, because it can be confusing. The term "labubus grandes" is a catch-all people use, but in the collector world, we're usually talking about a few specific things.
The most common is the Mega Collection, which is Pop Mart's line of 400% and 1000% figures. For Labubu, this has primarily been the 400% size, which stands at around 35-40cm (about 14-16 inches) tall depending on the ears. These are the big vinyl guys you see, like the stunning Mega Royal Macaron or the sought-after Mega Toffee. A labubu original gigante almost always refers to one of these official Pop Mart Mega figures.
But there are other "grandes" too: * Giant Plushies: Pop Mart has released massive Labubu plush toys that are incredibly soft and often over 50cm tall. They have a totally different feel and presence than the vinyl figures. They're more like a piece of pop art furniture. * Large Format Statues: These are less common, but sometimes Kasing Lung collaborates on larger, non-articulated resin or polystone statues. These are high-end art pieces with a price tag to match.
For this guide, I'm focusing mainly on the 400% Mega vinyl figures, as they're the most common "grande" that collectors are chasing.
The Unboxing: An Operation, Not an Event
Unboxing a blind box is a thrill. Unboxing a Mega Labubu is a workout. The outer shipper box is thick, brown, and boring, but it's your first line of defense. Inside, you'll find the actual art box, which is usually gorgeous and something you'll want to keep.
But the real magic is inside that.
The figure is typically encased in custom-molded, high-density black foam. It's not cheap styrofoam that snows everywhere; it's serious, protective material. You have to carefully pry the two halves apart to reveal the figure. The whole process feels premium, as it should for the price.
I've unboxed Megas for customers and for my own collection that have tiny paint scuffs or faint scratches, particularly on the high-gloss models. It seems to happen during the demolding or initial packing process at the factory. They are almost always tiny flaws you can only see up close, but it's a good reminder that these are still mass-produced art toys, not handcrafted sculptures. Perfection is not guaranteed.
The Hidden Costs: Shipping, Space, and The Spouse Approval Factor
This is the part where dreams meet reality. A Mega Labubu might retail for, say, $150-$200. That feels high, but maybe manageable. But that's not the final price you'll pay, not by a long shot.
The Shipping Nightmare is Real Shipping carriers have a system called "dimensional weight." They don't just charge you for how heavy the box is; they charge you for the space it takes up on a truck or plane. And the box for a Mega Labubu is mostly empty space.
Let me give you a real-world example from our store, PopNya. A Mega Labubu figure weighs about 2-3 kg. But its dimensional weight, because of the massive box, is often calculated at 10-15 kg. You are paying to ship a 15kg package, even though the toy itself is light. For international buyers, this can easily add another $100-$200+ to the cost. I've had so many customers get to checkout, see the shipping cost, and abandon their cart in shock. It's the single biggest barrier to owning one of these.
The Space Commitment Look at your shelf. Now imagine placing a gallon of milk on it. That's roughly the footprint of a 400% Labubu. They don't just sit on a shelf; they command it. They are deep and wide, and their big ears add a lot of height.
I have a Mega "Toffee" Labubu in my office. It started on my bookshelf, but it looked so comically oversized that it now has its own dedicated spot on top of a cabinet. It's a centerpiece. It's a statement. It is not something you casually squeeze in next to your Exciting Macaron Labubu blind box collection. Before you buy, I seriously recommend cutting a piece of cardboard to its rough dimensions (say, 10" wide x 8" deep x 15" tall) and placing it where you plan to put the figure. You might be surprised.
The Spouse Approval Factor (SAF) This is a running joke in the collector community, but it's 100% real. Bringing home a $15 blind box is one thing. Bringing home a giant, child-sized monster that costs several hundred dollars and now lives in the living room is a different conversation. If you share your space, this is a joint decision. Trust me.
Real Talk: Are Labubus Grandes a Good "Investment"?
This is the question I get all the time. People see the hype, they see the sold-out status, and they think buying a labubu original gigante is a ticket to profit.
Honestly? For 95% of people, the answer is no.
They are not a good investment vehicle compared to other collectibles. Here's why:
1. They are Illiquid: "Liquidity" is how easily you can sell something. A rare secret from a blind box series is easy to sell. You can ship it in a small box for a few dollars. Selling a Mega Labubu is a nightmare. You have to find a buyer willing to pay the astronomical shipping cost, and the risk of it getting damaged in transit is much higher. This makes them hard to move. 2. The Market is Fickle: Yes, some Megas have shot up in value. The "Toffee" is a great example.The hype cycle for these is intense but can be short. The Labubu Big into Energy Mega was a huge deal on release, but the aftermarket price has since stabilized. It's not the guaranteed money-maker people thought it would be. 3. Opportunity Cost: The money you tie up in one $200 Mega (plus $100 shipping) could have bought you two full cases of blind boxes. Statistically, you'd have a much better chance of pulling a valuable secret from those cases, which would have a higher percentage return and be far easier to sell. I've seen people get frustrated trying to flip a Mega for a $50 profit after fees and shipping, when a single secret figure from a series like The Monsters x One Piece Labubu can jump from a $15 cost to a $150+ value overnight.
My Honest Verdict: Buy a Mega Labubu because you are deeply in love with the design. Buy it because you want a glorious, oversized centerpiece for your collection that makes you smile every time you see it. Buy it because you've accepted the cost and have the perfect spot for it.
Do NOT buy it because you think it's a smart way to make a quick buck. It's not. It's a passion purchase, through and through.
How to Buy a Giant Labubu (and Avoid Getting Burned)
If you're still with me and you're ready to take the plunge, here's how to do it safely.
* Official Retailers: This is your best bet. Buying directly from Pop Mart or an authorized retailer like our store, PopNya, guarantees authenticity. The downside is that hyped releases sell out in seconds. You have to be ready the moment they drop. * Secondary Marketplaces (with caution): Platforms like StockX, eBay, or specialized Facebook groups are your next option. StockX is good because they authenticate the item, giving you peace of mind. On eBay or in groups, you're relying on the seller. * Red Flags for Fakes: Fakes of Megas are less common than blind boxes because they're harder to produce, but they exist. Watch for sellers with no history, stock photos instead of real pictures, and prices that are "too good to be true." Ask for photos of the NFC chip in the foot or on the box, this is a key feature of modern Pop Mart products for authentication. If you're new to spotting fakes, reading up on guides for smaller figures, like The Honest Labubu Macaron Buyer's Guide, can teach you what to look for in terms of paint quality and finish.
Always, always ask for detailed photos from every angle. Ask about the condition of the art box. A serious collector will understand and be happy to provide them.
These giant figures are, in many ways, the ultimate expression of love for Kasing Lung's work. They're absurd, impractical, and expensive. They take up too much space and cost a fortune to ship. And yet, when you finally have one standing there, with its big goofy ears and mischievous grin, it's hard to regret it. They have a presence that no small figure can match.
If you've weighed the pros and cons and decided you're ready for that kind of commitment, then go for it. Just go in with your eyes open. And maybe a tape measure. If you're curious about what's out there, you can always browse our LABUBU collection to see if we have any of these magnificent monsters in stock.
Disclosure: PopNya may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page.
