So you typed "lala u" into your search bar.
And now you're staring at a very talented choreographer named Sienna Lalau, a website for a baby carrier called Lalabu, and maybe even a music festival. You're confused. I get it. It's a weird jumble of results.
But I have a strong hunch you're not here for dance tutorials or baby slings.
You're probably looking for this little guy. The one with the big, expressive ears and the mischievous, toothy grin. You're looking for LABUBU.
It's an easy mistake to make. As someone who runs PopNya, an online shop dedicated to these little monsters, I hear it all the time. Customers come in asking for "that la-boo-boo thing" or "the little elf with the teeth." The name is unique, and it gets jumbled. But the confusion between "lala u" and LABUBU is a perfect example of something that happens constantly in the world of designer toys. It's a world full of strange names, passionate fans, and, unfortunately, a lot of knockoffs that prey on newcomers who get the name slightly wrong.
The Great Name Mix-Up
The designer toy scene is exploding, and with that explosion comes a lot of telephone-game style misinformation. A friend shows you a picture, you half-remember the name, and you end up searching for something that sounds kinda right. In this case, "lala u" is a classic example.
It's not just you. This happens with so many popular figures. The most infamous example in the LABUBU world is "Lafufu." Search for that, and you'll find a sea of cheap, poorly made fakes. They look almost like LABUBU, but the name is tweaked just enough to avoid direct copyright claims on some platforms. It's a deliberate tactic. These knockoffs often have dull paint, cheap-feeling plastic, and just lack the soul of the real thing. If you're curious about the nitty-gritty of telling them apart, I've written before about spotting a fake Lafufu, because it's a skill every new collector needs.
The point is, a simple spelling error can be the difference between starting an amazing collection and getting a box of disappointing plastic. The search algorithm doesn't know you mean the art toy; it just serves up what matches the letters you typed.
So, let's get you on the right track.
The Real Deal: Who is LABUBU?
LABUBU is the star character in "The Monsters" universe, a whimsical and slightly spooky world created by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung. Kasing was inspired by Nordic folklore and his own childhood drawings, and you can see that blend of fairy-tale wonder and monster-movie mischief in every figure.
LABUBU itself is a curious, rabbit-like creature. It's not just one design; it's a canvas. Each series from Pop Mart reimagines LABUBU in dozens of different themes. One day it's a fluffy macaron, the next it's a rugged camper, a sweet cupcake, or a piece of classical art.
The appeal is hard to pin down, but for me, it's the personality. That toothy grin isn't just a smile. It can be cheeky, shy, happy, or even a little sinister depending on the design. The oversized ears droop or perk up, adding another layer of emotion. They feel substantial in your hand, solid, well-painted, and full of tiny details you only notice on the second or third look. This isn't just a toy; it's a small piece of art designed by a specific artist with a clear vision. For anyone wondering about the story behind the brand and the artist, understanding who owns LABUBU is a fascinating part of the collecting journey.
Real Talk: Why Getting the Name Right Is Your First Line of Defense
Okay, let's be honest. Does it really matter if you call it "lala u" or LABUBU?
Yes. It absolutely does.
This isn't about being a pedantic collector who corrects everyone. This is about protecting yourself and your wallet. Searching for "LABUBU" on trusted sites will lead you to authentic products. Searching for "lala u," "laboo," or "lafufu" on giant marketplaces like AliExpress, Temu, or eBay is like sending up a flare that says, "I'm new here and I don't know what I'm doing!"
You will be flooded with fakes.
I've ordered fakes before, purely for research, so I can help my customers identify them. The difference is staggering. A real Pop Mart LABUBU has crisp paint lines, a satisfying weight, and comes in high-quality packaging. A fake often has a chemical smell right out of the box. The paint is sloppy, bleeding over the lines. The plastic feels light and brittle. Sometimes the colors are just off. You might think you're saving $5, but you're not buying a discounted collectible; you're buying a piece of junk that has zero resale value and none of the charm of the original.
The authenticity of your collection is everything. It's why so many people ask questions like, "Are Pop Mart Labubus real?" It's the foundation of the hobby. An authentic LABUBU can hold or even increase in value. A fake is worthless the second you buy it.
A Collector's Playbook: Your First Steps into the LABUBU World
So, you're ready to dive in the right way. Awesome. Here's a simple playbook to get you started.
First, know where to look. Your safest bets are official Pop Mart stores (both physical and online) and authorized retailers. We, of course, pride ourselves on being a trusted source at PopNya. When you're ready to start your hunt, you can always browse our LABUBU figures to see what's available. Searching for the correct name, "LABUBU," is your key to unlocking these legitimate shops.
Second, embrace the blind box. Most LABUBU series are sold in "blind boxes." You don't know which figure you're getting until you open it. This is the heart of the collecting experience for many. It's the thrill of the chase. A standard case contains 12 unique figures. Buying a single box costs around $15-$18, and it's a great, low-cost way to see if you enjoy the experience. For a first-timer, I'd recommend The Monsters Exciting Macaron series or The Monsters Camping series. They're both iconic and full of incredibly charming designs.
Third, understand the market (just a little). Pulling one of these from a blind box is like winning the lottery. This is where the market can get wild. For example, I've seen the "Little Scare" secret figure from The Monsters Constellation series, which comes from a $17 box, sell for over $250 on the secondary market. You don't have to play that high-stakes game, but it's good to know it exists. It's what makes opening every box so exciting.
Fourth, find your people. The community around designer toys is massive and generally very welcoming. The r/popmart subreddit is a great place to see what other people are collecting, ask questions, and share your own pulls. There are also countless Facebook groups dedicated to buying, selling, and trading. Just be cautious, always use secure payment methods like PayPal Goods & Services when dealing with strangers online.
The LABUBU Universe is Bigger Than You Think
Once you get into it, you'll realize LABUBU isn't just the 3-inch vinyl figures. The world Kasing Lung has built is expansive.
There are huge, 400% and 1000% scale LABUBU figures that are more like centerpiece art installations. There are fluffy plushies that are impossibly soft and cuddly. There are keychains, phone grips, and even collaborations with brands for special edition releases.
You'll also start to notice the other characters from The Monsters family, Zimomo, a more monstrous version of LABUBU with a giant zipper mouth; Tycoco, the little skull-headed friend; and Pato, the perpetually surprised-looking cat. They all have their own fans and their own dedicated series.
As you fall deeper down the rabbit hole, you'll even encounter the creative side of the fandom. People search for things like a "LABUBU outline" so they can create their own colorways or fan art. It's a universe that invites participation.
So, the next time you think of that little monster with the big ears, remember the name: L-A-B-U-B-U. It's your password to a really fun, sometimes chaotic, but always delightful world of collecting. It's the difference between finding a community and finding a dead end.
And if you're ready to see what all the fuss is about, a great place to start is by just looking. See which design speaks to you. That's the best part of this hobby, finding the one that makes you smile.
Disclosure: PopNya may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page.
