It's funny how some designer toy series just stick with you. For me, one of those is The Monsters Camping series. Released way back in 2020, it feels like a relic from a different era of collecting. This was before the insane hype of the Exciting Macaron Labubu and before you needed to enter a raffle just to buy a blind box. It was a simpler time, and honestly, the theme couldn't have been more perfect.
The world was on lockdown, and everyone was dreaming of the great outdoors. Then Kasing Lung and Pop Mart dropped this collection of adorable little monsters ready for an adventure. It was aspirational. It was cute. It was exactly what we needed. Looking back now, I think that timing is a huge part of why the labubu camping series became an instant classic. It wasn't just a toy; it was a tiny escape.
Today, getting your hands on a full set is a different story. You won't find these sitting on shelves. As a seller at PopNya, I get emails about this series constantly. People are either trying to complete their set or just starting their hunt for a favorite figure they missed years ago. It's a series that has aged incredibly well, and its demand has only solidified over time.
What Made The Monsters Camping So Special?
It's more than just nostalgia. The execution of this series was, and still is, top-tier. Kasing Lung's designs have always captured a sense of childlike wonder and mischief, and putting Labubu and his friends in a camping setting was a stroke of genius. Each figure tells a little story.
Let's just talk about some of the standouts, because they deserve the attention.
The Fishing Labubu is a perfect example. He's got this determined look on his face, a little bucket, and a fishing rod with a tiny fish on the end. It's a simple concept, but the execution is everything. A word of warning if you're buying this one on the secondary market: that fishing rod is delicate. I've seen more than a few listings for figures with a snapped or missing rod. Always ask the seller for detailed photos.
Then there's the Chopping Wood Labubu. This one just feels satisfying. He's got a plaid shirt, a little axe, and a determined expression. The texture on the log he's about to chop is a great detail. He feels sturdy and substantial, a great contrast to the more delicate figures in the set.
But the one everyone seems to love, the one that gets the most "oohs" and "aahs," is the Sleeping Bag Labubu. It's just Labubu, snug as a bug in a puffy green sleeping bag, with only his face and ears poking out. It's so different from the typical standing figure. It's a moment of pure comfort and coziness captured in vinyl. It's a fan favorite for a reason, and honestly, it's one of the most unique molds in the entire Labubu universe. It's a piece that shows how creative you can get within the blind box format.
The whole labubu camping series is filled with these thoughtful touches. The Map Labubu is poring over his route, the Guitar Labubu is ready for a campfire song, and the Roasting Marshmallow Tycoco is just pure, simple joy. The series works because it feels like a complete, cohesive world. You can imagine all of them together, out in the woods, causing a bit of trouble.
The Legendary Secret: The Campfire
Okay, we have to talk about the secret. The chase figure. The grail.
In the Labubu Camping series, the secret isn't just another Labubu in a different color. It's a whole diorama. It's the Campfire. The figure has a sitting Labubu and Tycoco warming themselves by a glowing (well, translucent orange plastic) campfire. The fire piece itself is beautifully sculpted, and the entire scene is just… perfect. It's the centerpiece that ties the whole collection together.
This is what set a new standard for secret figures. It wasn't just rare; it was a completely different and more elaborate piece of art. And the market reflects that.
When this series was in stores, a blind box was about $12. Today? I've seen the Campfire secret alone consistently sell for between $150 and $220 on platforms like StockX and eBay, depending on its condition and whether it includes the original box and card. That's a massive jump, and it speaks to the enduring appeal of the design. It's not quite the wild ride of some of the rarer Green Labubu Survival Guide figures, but it's a steady, high-value piece that collectors actively hunt.
This price stability tells you something important: the demand isn't just hype. It's driven by genuine appreciation for the design. People want the Campfire because it completes the story of the series.
Real Talk: Is The Labubu Camping Series Worth Hunting Down in 2024?
So, here's my honest take as a collector and seller. Is this series worth the effort and the secondary market prices today?
Yes, but with a few caveats.
If you are a die-hard Labubu fan, this series is a non-negotiable part of the collection's history. It is a key moment in the brand's growth and has a charm that some of the newer, more complex series arguably lack. The designs are pure, simple, and effective. For me, it's a top-five Labubu series of all time. It has heart.
However, if you're a new collector, starting with this series can be a bit daunting. You're looking at paying a premium for every single figure, and a full case is nearly impossible to find sealed. You'll be piecing it together one figure at a time from various resellers. This can be a fun treasure hunt, but it can also be expensive and frustrating.
My advice? Don't try to complete it all at once. Pick one or two figures that really speak to you and start there. Maybe you just want the Sleeping Bag Labubu for your desk. Go for it. You can find individual, opened-box figures for a reasonable price (think $20-$35, depending on the character's popularity). This way, you can enjoy the best of the series without breaking the bank. If you want to dive deeper into the world of collecting, you can always browse our LABUBU collection to see what's currently available and get a feel for the different series out there.
One thing I have to warn you about is the "shake test." Back in the day, people swore by shaking blind boxes to guess the figure inside. Do not bother with this for the Camping series. I can tell you from handling hundreds of these boxes, it's a waste of time. The small accessories, the fishing rod, the axe, the marshmallows, all rattle in a very similar way. You're more likely to damage the box than you are to guess correctly. It's a myth that needs to be busted.
A Quick Comparison: Camping vs. Fall in Wild
Pop Mart and Kasing Lung revisited the outdoor theme with the "Fall in Wild" series a couple of years later. It's interesting to compare the two.
* Labubu Camping (2020): This series feels more whimsical and story-driven. The theme is classic summer camping. The accessories are integral to the action of each figure (fishing, chopping wood). The color palette is bright and primary. * Fall in Wild (2022): This series has a more aesthetic, autumnal vibe. It's less about the action and more about the cozy feeling of the season. The figures are often interacting with nature in a gentler way, like holding a mushroom or wearing a leaf cape. The colors are muted earth tones.
I love both, but they serve different purposes. The Monsters Camping is a playful adventure. Fall in Wild is a cozy, atmospheric mood piece. There's room for both in a collection, but the original Camping series holds a special place for its pioneering spirit and narrative charm. It walked so that other outdoor-themed series could run. For a broader look at the different types of Labubu out there, our ultimate guide to LABUBU dolls is a good place to start.
The Final Word (From My Collector's Heart)
Every time I pack an order that includes a figure from the Labubu Camping series, I get a little pang of nostalgia. I remember the excitement of opening my first case, the thrill of pulling the little Tent figure, and the desperate, months-long search for the Campfire secret.
This series is more than just a set of vinyl toys. It's a time capsule. It captures a specific moment in time for both the world and the collector community. The designs are timeless, the secret is legendary, and the overall feeling is one of pure, unadulterated joy.
While it may be harder to find now, the hunt is part of the fun. It's a series that rewards patience and passion. If you ever see one of these little campers out in the wild on a reseller site or at a toy convention, grab it. They don't make them quite like this anymore. It's a piece of Labubu history that deserves a place on any collector's shelf.
Disclosure: PopNya may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page.
