A customer messaged the PopNya store last week with a simple request: "Do you have any red LABUBUs?"
It's a question I get a lot, and it always makes me pause. Because the answer isn't a simple yes or no. The real answer is, "Which one?" That one little word, "red," opens up a whole can of worms in the LABUBU universe. It's a perfect example of how a simple color can represent totally different eras, price points, and levels of collector insanity.
For most people, especially newcomers who found LABUBU through TikTok or Instagram, "red LABUBU" means one thing: the Strawberry from the Exciting Macaron series. But for older collectors, it might mean something else entirely. And for others, it's not even a vinyl figure, but a plush keychain.
So, if you're on the hunt for a red LABUBU, let's get specific. As someone who has bought, sold, and personally collected all of them, I want to walk you through the main contenders. This isn't just a list; it's a field guide to help you decide which one you actually want, what you should pay, and how to avoid getting burned.
The Hype King: The Exciting Macaron "Strawberry"
Let's start with the big one. The Strawberry Macaron. This is the figure that, thanks in no small part to Lisa from Blackpink. Sent the LABUBU market into a complete frenzy in late 2023 and early 2024.
This isn't just a toy; it's a status symbol.
The design is simple and brilliant. It's a glossy, vibrant, candy-apple red LABUBU with a little green stem on its head. It comes with a small macaron accessory and a keychain attachment. It's undeniably cute. The problem is, its popularity created a perfect storm of scarcity and insane demand.
When this series was released, it was just another LABUBU keychain blind box. Retail was about $15-$17. Then the hype hit. Suddenly, this one specific figure was being unboxed all over social media. The aftermarket price exploded. I personally saw confirmed sales on platforms like StockX and various collector groups go from $30 to $50 to, at its absolute peak, over $100 for this one little keychain. It was madness.
The Fake Problem is REAL
That kind of price spike for a mass-produced item leads to one thing: fakes. And boy, did the fakes arrive. The red Strawberry Macaron is arguably one of the most counterfeited LABUBUs out there, right alongside the elusive green grape Macaron.
If you're shopping for this one on eBay, Mercari, or AliExpress, you are navigating a minefield. I've handled dozens of both authentic and counterfeit versions while sourcing for PopNya, and the fakes are getting scarily good.
Here's what most guides won't tell you:
* The Gloss Isn't Right: An authentic Strawberry has a deep, almost wet-looking gloss finish. The fakes are often shiny, but it's a cheaper, more plastic-looking shine. It lacks depth. * The "Stem" Feel: The little green stem on top of the head is a separate piece of PVC. On a real one, it's seated perfectly and has a slightly softer, more pliable feel. On many fakes, it's hard, brittle plastic and might have a visible seam or glue residue around the base. * The Weight: This is a classic test. Authentic POP MART vinyl has a certain density. The fakes often use cheaper, lighter plastic. If you've held a real LABUBU before, you can often feel the difference instantly. The fake feels hollow and cheap. * The Keychain Hardware: This is a big one. The clasp on an authentic Macaron keychain is sturdy, with a clean, metallic finish. The fakes often use flimsy, lightweight metal that feels like it will break in a week. The color is often a bit too yellow or brassy.
Honestly, buying a Strawberry Macaron from an unverified seller today is a huge gamble. The market is saturated with fakes, and unless you're getting it from a reputable source, the odds are not in your favor. If you want to learn more about the wild world of this series, I broke down more details in my Honest Labubu Macaron Buyer's Guide.
The Collector's Choice: The "Real LABUBU Happiness" Figure
Now, let's rewind the clock. Before the Macaron madness, there was another red LABUBU. This one comes from an older blind box series called The Monsters "Happiness" series. And this, for many long-time collectors, is the real LABUBU Happiness figure.
This is a completely different beast. It's a standard 3-inch vinyl figure, not a keychain. It's not glossy; it has a beautiful matte finish. The design is classic Kasing Lung. The figure is a solid, rich red color, and it's holding a small, four-leaf clover. Its expression is one of simple, contented joy.
This figure is a totally different philosophy of collecting.
It's not about hype or flexing. It's about the art. The Happiness series was about capturing simple emotions and moments. This red LABUBU is pure, unfiltered joy. It's the feeling of finding a lucky clover.
Why It's a Great Choice:
* Availability & Price: Because it's not the "it" toy of the moment, you can actually find this figure. It's not sitting on shelves, but on the secondary market, it's far more reasonable. You can typically find one for between $20 and $35, which is a fraction of the Strawberry's peak price. * Authenticity: While fakes of anything popular can exist, the counterfeiters have focused their energy on the Macarons. The market for the Happiness series is much safer. The demand isn't high enough to warrant mass-producing high-quality fakes. * The Vibe: This figure just feels different in a collection. It's calmer. It's more timeless. While the Macaron screams "2024 trend," the Happiness LABUBU feels like a piece that will look great on your shelf forever. It's a quiet, confident piece of art.
When someone searches for "real labubu happiness," they might be looking for this specific figure, or they might be searching for the genuine joy that collecting these toys can bring. In a way, this little red guy embodies both. It's a tangible piece of happiness, free from the stress and drama of the hype market.
The Fun One: The Big into Energy "Chili Pepper" Plush
Okay, so what if you don't want a vinyl figure at all? What if you want something soft? Enter the third major "red LABUBU": the Chili Pepper from the "Big into Energy" series.
This series turned The Monsters into plush pendants designed to look like different foods and objects that give you "energy." It was a brilliant concept, and the Chili Pepper is one of the standouts.
This is a small, bright red plush LABUBU with a green stem, designed to look like a chili. It has a zipper on the back that opens to a tiny storage pouch (you can maybe fit a couple of coins or an AirTag in there, not much else) and a sturdy clip to attach to your bag.
I have to say, as a seller, these were incredibly popular. We sold through our initial stock at PopNya almost instantly. They hit that perfect sweet spot of being a recognizable character, a fun object, and a practical accessory. I covered the whole series in my collector's guide to the Big into Energy hype.
The Details That Matter:
* The Material: The plush material POP MART used for this series is fantastic. It's a short, dense, velour-like fabric that feels very premium. It's not like a cheap carnival plush. The red is a deep, saturated color that really pops. * The Stitching: The embroidery for the eyes and mouth is tight and clean. This is often a giveaway on fakes, the stitching will be loose or uneven. * The Zipper & Clip: The hardware is surprisingly robust. The zipper is a high-quality YKK zipper, and the clip is a solid piece of metal, much like the ones on the Macaron series. It feels secure, which is what you want for something you're hanging off a multi-hundred dollar handbag.
This red LABUBU isn't for the shelf; it's for the world. It's meant to be seen and used. It's a conversation starter. It's less of a "collectible" in the traditional sense and more of a fashion accessory. It's pure fun.
Our Take: Which Red LABUBU Should You Get?
So, we have three main contenders, all "red," but all completely different. As a seller and a collector, here's my honest verdict.
If you're driven by the hype and want the "it" item, the Strawberry Macaron is your target. But I'm giving you a serious warning: be extremely careful. Do not buy from sketchy sites. Assume any deal that looks too good to be true absolutely is. Your best bet is to buy from a specialty store or a highly-rated collector who can prove its provenance. The thrill of the hunt is real, but so is the risk of getting a $10 fake for $70.
If you're a true art toy collector who loves Kasing Lung's work, you should absolutely seek out the Happiness series LABUBU. It's a beautiful, classic figure that is the heart and soul of The Monsters. It's more affordable, much safer to buy, and brings a sense of calm, genuine joy to your collection. It's an "if you know, you know" kind of piece.
If you just want something fun, cute, and practical, the Chili Pepper plush is the easy winner. It's well-made, eye-catching, and you can actually use it. It's a way to show your love for LABUBU in your daily life without worrying about scuffs or aftermarket bubbles. It's all of the fun with none of the stress.
The "red LABUBU" you choose says a lot about your collecting journey. Are you chasing the trend, appreciating the art, or just here for a good time? There's no wrong answer. Each of these red monsters has a different kind of satisfaction. The key is knowing what you're really looking for before you start the hunt.
If you're ready to see what's out there, you can always browse our LABUBU collection at PopNya. We're always working to source authentic, interesting pieces for fellow collectors.
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