I remember cracking open my first case of the LABUBU "Big Into Energy" series for the shop. It was chaos. Boxes everywhere. As I was sorting through them, I pulled this one box that felt… different. It was lighter than the others, and it had a soft, squishy give to it. My heart did that little collector's flutter. Secret?
Nope. It was Lafufu Serenity.
And honestly, my first reaction was a mix of delight and confusion. It wasn't the vinyl figure I was expecting. It was this adorable, fluffy plush with a vinyl face. It was listed as a regular figure on the box, but it felt special. Little did I know, this little guy would become one of the most talked-about, sought-after, and frankly, confusing figures from a non-secret lineup in recent memory.
If you're here, you've probably seen the chatter. You might be wondering why this specific plush commands such a high price on the secondary market, or maybe you're holding one in your hand wondering if you got a "good" one.*So, What Exactly Is* Lafufu Serenity?
First things first, let's clear up the biggest point of confusion. Lafufu Serenity is NOT a secret or a chase figure in the traditional sense. It's one of the 12 regular designs in the "Big Into Energy" Vinyl Plush Blind Box series from Pop Mart. The actual secret for this series is "Hidden Power," a completely different, glow-in-the-dark design.
So why the hype? It comes down to a few things:
1. It's a Hybrid: Unlike the other figures in most LABUBU series, Serenity isn't a solid vinyl toy. It's a vinyl-plush hybrid. It has the classic LABUBU vinyl faceplate, with its signature toothy grin and expressive eyes, but the entire body is a soft, huggable plush. This makes it a total standout on the shelf next to its plastic brethren. 2. The "Lafufu" Name: The name "Lafufu" is used for the plush versions of The Monsters characters. So, while it's part of a LABUBU series, its construction makes it a Lafufu. This naming convention adds a layer of collector-specific knowledge that can be confusing for newcomers. 3. The Design is Just… Calming:** The color palette is a beautiful, soft gradient of periwinkle blue and lavender. The name "Serenity" fits perfectly. In a collection of often chaotic and brightly colored monsters, this one brings a sense of zen. It's just incredibly aesthetically pleasing.
When we first got the Labubu Big into Energy series in stock at PopNya, Serenity was the first one people asked for by name, even over some of the more dynamic vinyl poses. It just has that appeal.
The Great "Premium Feel" Debate: A Seller's Insight
Okay, this is the part that gets really interesting and where my experience as a seller comes in. A little while after the series release, a thread popped up on Reddit. Someone posted a picture of their Lafufu Serenity and asked, "Why does my Serenity kinda look like a premium?"
The floodgates opened.
Collectors started comparing their Serenity plushies. Some were describing a super soft, dense, almost sherpa-like fur. Others were describing theirs as having a shorter, more standard, slightly rougher minky fabric. They were right. There is a difference.
I went back to my own inventory and checked. I had a few open ones from different shipments, and sure enough, I could feel it immediately. One had a fluffier, more luxurious feel. The fur was longer and denser. The other was still cute, but the plush was flatter and not as soft to the touch. The difference wasn't huge from a distance, but in-hand, it was undeniable.
So what's the deal? Is one a fake? Is there a secret "premium" version?
The answer, from everything I've gathered and seen, is no. It's not about fakes or a hidden variant. It's about batch variations in manufacturing.
This is a super common thing in the toy industry that most people don't see. Pop Mart produces these figures in massive quantities across different factories or production lines. Sometimes, the materials they source for one batch are slightly different from the next. Maybe one factory's supplier for the purple plush fabric changed, or the specs were interpreted slightly differently.
The result is two authentic, real Serenity Labubu figures that have a tangibly different feel. There's no way to tell from the box. The weight is identical. The box art is the same. It's a complete lottery.
As a seller, it's a bit of a nightmare. I've had customers ask if I can guarantee them a "fluffy" one, and the honest answer is I can't, because I can't know without opening the sealed box. This is one of those insider details that makes collecting so maddening and so thrilling at the same time. It's a quirk that you only discover by being deep in the community.
A Closer Look: The Details That Matter
Let's put Serenity under the microscope. When you're assessing one, especially if you're buying from a reseller, here are the details to obsess over.
The Faceplate: The vinyl face is matte, not glossy. This is a key detail. The paint application on the eyes should be crisp, and the little tooth should be sharp and white. The real magic is in the ears.On a good one, this gradient is smooth and beautiful. On a sloppier one, it can be a bit blotchy.
The Plush Body: This is where the variation happens. The "premium" feel comes from a longer pile fabric. Think of the difference between a cheap fleece blanket and a high-end sherpa throw. Both are soft, but one is clearly more plush. The stitching should be clean, especially around the neck where the vinyl head meets the plush body. There shouldn't be any loose threads or puckering.
The Embroidered Details: Serenity has a little embroidered energy symbol on its chest. It should be a clean, light blue thread. The lines should be distinct. I've seen some with slightly messy embroidery, which can be a sign of lower-end quality control on that specific unit, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's a fake.
The Tag: Don't forget the tag! The official Pop Mart tag is usually attached to the side or back. It's a small but important piece of the puzzle for authenticity. It will have the Pop Mart logo, the name of the series, and legal information. The quality of the cardboard and the printing should be high.
These details are what separate a quick glance from a true collector's appraisal. It's the kind of stuff you learn after looking at hundreds, if not thousands, of LABUBU figures, and it's why understanding the basics of LABUBU dolls is so important before you dive into the deep end of the secondary market.
Market Watch: The Wild Price of Serenity
This is where things get a little crazy. A single blind box from the "Big Into Energy" series retails for about $17 USD. If you're lucky, you pull Serenity on your first try. Congrats, you just got the best deal you're ever going to get.
If you're not lucky, you have to turn to the secondary market. And that's where the "chase" aspect comes into play. Despite being a "regular" figure, the demand for Lafufu Serenity has pushed its price into the stratosphere.
As of writing this, I regularly see Lafufu Serenity selling for between $60 and $90 on platforms like Mercari, eBay, and in collector Facebook groups.
Yes, you read that right. That's a 300-400% markup over the retail price of the box.
Why? It's a perfect storm. The unique hybrid design, the beautiful colorway, and the social media buzz (including the "premium feel" debate) have created a massive demand that far outstrips the 1/12 chance of pulling it. People who want to complete the set need it, and people who just think it's cute want it. And many people, like me, just love plushies.
This price point puts it on par with some of the less popular secret figures from other series. It's a testament to the power of a good design. It doesn't need to be labeled "secret" to be highly desirable. It reminds me a bit of the hype around certain Exciting Macaron Labubu figures, where specific designs just capture the community's heart and their wallets.
Real Talk: Should You Chase Lafufu Serenity?
This is the question I get a lot. Is it worth paying $80 for a plush that came from a $17 box? My honest, seller-and-collector opinion? It depends entirely on who you are.
My Verdict:
* For the Casual Fan or New Collector: Honestly? Probably not. Eighty dollars is a lot of money that could get you four or five regular blind boxes, or a confirmed, opened regular figure from a different series that you love just as much. The thrill of the hunt is fun, but paying that much markup for a non-secret can lead to buyer's remorse. There are so many amazing figures in the broader LABUBU collection that you can get for a fraction of the price. * For the "Big Into Energy" Set Completest: You don't have a choice, unfortunately. You need it to complete the set of 12. My advice here is to be patient. Set up alerts on eBay and Mercari. Watch the collector groups. You might find someone willing to trade or sell for a more reasonable price, maybe in the $50-$60 range if you're lucky. Don't jump on the first $90 listing you see. * For the Plush Lover / Aesthetic Collector: I get it. I really do. It's a uniquely beautiful piece. If you love the color, love the plush feel, and you have the disposable income, then go for it. It's a stunning figure that looks amazing on a shelf, on your desk, or even on your bed. Just know what you're paying for: a premium for a very specific, hyped design. * For the "Investor": This is a tricky one. Right now, the price is high. Will it stay that way? Maybe. The unique nature of the plush gives it more staying power than a standard vinyl figure. However, Pop Mart could always release another, even cuter LABUBU plush and the hype could shift instantly. It's not a "blue chip" investment like, say, a sealed case of the first Macaron series. It's a risk. If you're looking for value, there are probably safer bets.
How to Secure Your Own Real Serenity Labubu
If you've decided you need one, your best bet is the secondary market. Here are my tips:
* Demand Clear Photos: Ask the seller for multiple, well-lit photos. You want to see the face, the embroidery on the chest, and if possible, a close-up of the plush texture. If they're claiming it's the "premium fluffy" version, ask for a video or a very clear photo to show the fur length. * Confirm It Includes the Box and Card: For maximum collector value, you want the original box (flattened is fine) and the character card that came with it. A figure without its card is always worth less. * Check Seller Reviews: Standard online shopping advice, but it's extra important in the collectibles world. Buy from sellers with a long history of positive feedback. * Be Wary of Stock Photos: If a seller is using the official Pop Mart stock photo instead of a picture of the actual item in their hand, be cautious. It could be a red flag.
Lafufu Serenity is one of those figures that perfectly encapsulates the weird and wonderful world of designer toy collecting. It's a regular figure that acts like a chase, a source of community debate, and a beautiful piece of art all rolled into one fluffy package. It's not just a toy; it's a story. And for many collectors, that story is worth the price of admission.
Disclosure: PopNya may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page.
