I see it all the time now. On the subway, at the mall, scrolling through Instagram. A little monster with big, expressive eyes and floppy ears, dangling precariously from a designer handbag or a canvas tote. The labubu on a bag trend is real, and honestly, I have mixed feelings about it.
On one hand, I love it. It's a way to take your collection out into the world, to share the joy of Kasing Lung's creations. It's a conversation starter. A fellow fan might spot your Zimomo and you share a knowing glance. It's community.
On the other hand, my collector's heart clenches every time. I think about the dirt, the scratches, the potential for a faulty clasp to send a $100+ chase figure skittering across a grimy sidewalk, never to be seen again. As the owner of PopNya, I've heard the horror stories from customers. It's rough.
So, this isn't going to be another post just showing you cute pictures. This is a playbook. This is the stuff you need to know before you clip your precious monster to your daily carry. We're going to talk about the right way, the risky way, and the "please don't do this" way.
The Three Paths to Bag Charm Glory
Fundamentally, there are three ways people are getting their labubu on a bag. Each has its own pros, cons, and a secret level of risk that most people don't consider.
1. The Official Route: The Plush Keychain
This is the safest, most straightforward method. Pop Mart knew what they were doing when they released "The Monsters Exciting Macaron" series. These aren't just vinyl figures with a chain slapped on; they are purpose-built plush keychains.
They're soft, lightweight, and come with a sturdy, high-quality metal clasp already attached. The design is brilliant, they look like little macarons, with the Labubu head peeking out. They are, without a doubt, the best entry point for this trend.
But here's the real talk. Not all Macarons are created equal in the eyes of the market. The series retailed for around $15-$17 per blind box. But the moment Lisa from BLACKPINK was spotted with the cream-colored Soymilk Macaron, its price on the secondary market went absolutely nuclear. I've personally seen it sell for over $80. Toffee, the brown one, is another fan favorite for its neutral tone, often fetching $50-$60.
The Seller's Tip: The clasp on the Macaron series is a high-quality lobster clasp, but even the best clasps can have weak points in the spring mechanism. I've had one customer mention their clasp started to lose its "snap" after about six months of heavy use on a backpack. My advice? Every few weeks, give it a few test clicks. If it feels mushy or doesn't close securely, it's time to retire it to a less-used bag or transfer the plush to a new, more secure clasp. For a deeper dive into the keychain craze, my breakdown of the Macaron vs. Pin for Love series might give you some more perspective.
2. The DIY Route: Converting a Vinyl Figure
This is where things get creative, and also… dangerous. The idea is simple: you take a standard vinyl Labubu figure from any of the dozens of blind box series, and you turn it into a keychain yourself.
It's popular because it gives you unlimited options. Love the look of the Satyr from The Monsters Camping series? Want to show off the Tycoco from the Flower Elves series? The DIY route is your only option.
But how you do it matters. A lot.
I've seen people use hot glue to attach a bail to the back of the head. Please, for the love of all that is collectible, do not do this. Hot glue is not permanent. It will fail, especially with temperature changes (think a hot car or a cold winter day).
The "correct" DIY method involves drilling a tiny pilot hole and carefully screwing in a small metal eyelet pin. You then attach your own split ring and clasp to this eyelet. This is much more secure.
The Collector's Warning: This is a permanent modification. It immediately impacts the resale value of your figure. A common figure you've drilled into is now worth significantly less. If you drill into a secret or a chase figure… well, most serious collectors wouldn't even consider buying it.
Vinyl figures are heavier and more rigid than the plush keychains. They will swing and knock against things. I've seen so many with scuffed paint, chipped ears, or broken accessories (like the delicate wings on some figures) from being used as bag charms. My heart breaks a little every time. If you're committed to this path, I strongly suggest you get familiar with the world of Labubu accessories to find the right hardware.
3. The Statement Piece: The Official Labubus Bag
Then there's the ultimate flex: the labubus bag itself. Pop Mart has released a few of these, most notably the Classic Bag Series Labubu Reversible Plush Bag. It's a full-on, functional (sort of) purse in the shape of a giant Labubu head.
I own one. I bought it for the shop, you know, for "research."
It's undeniably cute. It turns heads. People stop me to ask about it. It's a massive, fluffy statement. But let's be brutally honest about its practicality. It's tiny inside. It can hold my phone (just barely), a cardholder, a lipstick, and my keys. That's it. There's no internal organization, just a fuzzy void.
The reversible feature is… a gimmick. You can turn it inside out to a plain black bag, but why would you? You bought a giant Labubu head bag to show off the giant Labubu head. The strap is a basic, non-adjustable nylon webbing. It does the job, but it doesn't scream "premium."
This isn't your everyday bag. This is a "going to a convention" bag, a "meeting up with collector friends" bag, or a "I feel like being extra today" bag. It's an accessory, not a utility. And for its retail price (usually around $50-$60), you have to really love the look to justify the limited function.
The Unspoken Dangers of a Bag-Bound Labubu
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty. The stuff the cute TikTok videos don't show you.
Dirt, Grime, and Color Transfer
Your bag goes everywhere. It sits on floors, gets shoved into lockers, and rubs against your clothes. Your poor Labubu is on the front lines of this battle.
* Plush: The Macaron plushes are magnets for dust and lint. Lighter colors like Soymilk and Lychee will show dirt very quickly. And the worst offender? Color transfer. If you wear dark, raw denim, be prepared for your light-colored Labubu to develop a faint blueish tint on its back. Spot cleaning with a gentle detergent or a fabric pen can help, but it's a constant battle. * Vinyl: Vinyl seems more durable, but it has its own problems. The matte finish on many figures can get scuffed, creating shiny spots that are impossible to fix. And if it bangs against your keys or a zipper? You're looking at a permanent scratch or paint chip.
Theft and Loss: The Ultimate Heartbreak
This is the hardest part to talk about. These toys are valuable, not just monetarily, but emotionally. Losing one is devastating.
Theft is a real, if unfortunate, possibility. A flashy Labubu on a nice bag is a target. I would never, ever recommend putting a rare or expensive secret figure on a bag you carry in a crowded city or on public transport. It's just not worth the risk.
But the more common tragedy is simple loss. A clasp gets snagged on your jacket and pulls open. A DIY eyelet screw works its way loose over time. You set your bag down, and it just… disappears.
My #1 Pro Tip for Securing Your Labubu: Double up. Do not trust a single clasp, no matter how good it seems. Go to a hardware or craft store and buy a small, high-quality locking carabiner or a threaded locking ring. Attach your Labubu to your bag with its original clasp, and then use the secondary locking mechanism to secure the Labubu's ring to the bag's hardware. It adds one extra step to taking it on and off, but it could be the difference between keeping your friend and losing them forever. If you're serious about this, it's worth reading a more in-depth guide on how to buy and secure a Labubu keychain without getting scammed or losing it.
Real Talk: My Seller & Collector Verdict
So, after all that, what's my final take?
I think the labubu on a bag trend is a beautiful expression of fan love. It's a way of integrating this hobby into our daily lives. I support it, but I support doing it smart.
For me, the answer is clear: Use the right tool for the job.
The Macaron plush keychains are the best option, period. They are designed for this purpose. They are lightweight, relatively durable, and the risk of them damaging your bag (or vice versa) is low. Yes, some are expensive now, but you can still find commons from the series for a reasonable price if you hunt around. They are the perfect intersection of cute, official, and functional.myshopify.com/blogs/labubu/the-great-labubu-bag-charm-debate-macaron-vs-the-world).
I am personally against drilling into vinyl figures. I just can't bring myself to do it. These are pieces of art to me, and permanently altering them feels wrong. If you absolutely must, please practice on a figure you don't care about first. Or better yet, find a common figure from our LABUBU collection that you won't mind dedicating to the cause.
And the big plush bag? It's fun! It's a novelty. If you have the disposable income and want a fun, quirky piece, go for it. But don't expect it to replace your daily driver.
Ultimately, you should display your collection in a way that brings you joy. If that means putting a Labubu on your bag, do it! Just be mindful of the risks. Choose a common, easily replaceable figure for daily duty. Save your beloved, rare, or secret Labubus for the safety of your shelf at home. That way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds without risking a collector's worst nightmare. Your display case is their safest home, a truth every collector eventually learns, especially when it comes to the unspoken realities of protecting your collection.
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