The Ultimate Guide to LABUBU Dolls: Prices, Authenticity, and Why Everyone Wants One

I still remember the first time I saw a LABUBU doll. It wasn't the cute, fluffy plush version everyone is hunting for right now. It was a small vinyl figure from an older series, and honestly? I was a little confused. It had these sharp, jagged teeth, a mischievous grin, and looked like it was up to no good. But that's exactly why I—and apparently millions of others—fell in love with it.

Fast forward to today, and trying to get your hands on a labubu original figure or the viral plush pendants feels like trying to buy concert tickets. Between the scalpers and the genuine collectors, the market is wild. If you are trying to figure out what are labubus, why they cost so much, or just want to know if that listing on eBay is a real labubu, I've got you covered.

Before we talk about prices, let's look at where this thing came from. LABUBU is part of a group of characters called "The Monsters," created by the Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung.

Kasing Lung published a storybook back in 2015, and that's where these characters were born. Labubu the monsters aren't just random toys; they have a backstory. Labubu is actually a girl (surprise!), and she's known for being kind of naughty but having a good heart. She's usually seen with Tya (the skull character), Spooky, and the big boss, Zimomo.

Pop Mart picked up the license, and that's when things really exploded. They turned Kasing's art into the labubu blind box series we see everywhere today.

If you're asking why are labubus so popular suddenly, the answer is pretty simple: Blackpink's Lisa.

I’ve been collecting these for years, and the community was always active, but it was niche. Then Lisa posted an Instagram story with a "The Monsters - Tasty Macarons" plush pendant on her bag. Overnight, the price of that specific labubu doll skyrocketed.

It’s not just the celebrity endorsement, though. The design language hits a sweet spot. They aren't "cute" in the traditional Hello Kitty sense. They have an edge. The combination of the fluffy texture on the new plush dolls with those signature scary-cute teeth makes them stand out on a bag or a shelf.

When you start looking to buy, you'll see two main categories. Knowing the difference saves you from overpaying.

These are the classic collectibles. You buy a small box, and you don't know which figure is inside until you open it. This is the labubu mystery box experience. These are usually hard plastic (vinyl) and stand about 3-4 inches tall. * Retail Price: Usually around $15 - $17 USD. * Popular Series: The Monsters Art Gallery, Have a Seat, and the classic Fruits series.

This is what's trending right now. The labubu doll big size figures and the smaller plush pendants (like the Macaron series) are soft, fuzzy, and come with a keychain loop. * Retail Price: $24 - $30 USD (if you can find them). * Resale Price: This is where it hurts. I've seen the Macaron set go for $400+, and single dolls selling for $40-$80 depending on the color.

If you are looking to start your collection without spending a fortune, I'd recommend browsing the LABUBU collection to see which series appeals to you most before dropping cash on the hype items.

This is the most common question I get: how much is a labubu actually supposed to cost?

The confusion comes from the difference between retail price (what Pop Mart sells it for) and market price (what resellers charge).

* Standard Blind Box: Retail is ~$17. Resale is usually $20-$25 unless it's a rare "secret" figure. * Plush Pendant (Macaron/Have a Seat): Retail is ~$24. Resale is currently averaging $45 - $70. * Big Figures (Zimomo/Mega sizes): These can retail for $100+ and resell for thousands.

So, how much are labubus if you buy them today? If you catch a restock, they are affordable. If you miss out, you're paying a "hype tax."

Finding where to buy labubu without getting scammed is tricky because stocks run out instantly.

1. Official Pop Mart Channels: This is your best bet for retail prices. They have a website and official stores in some cities. The downside? They sell out in minutes. 2. Trusted Collector Shops: There are specialized toy stores that import genuine stock. I often tell friends to check out specific LABUBU figures at trusted hobby shops rather than risking it on general marketplaces. 3. Second-Hand Markets (eBay/Mercari): You can find everything here, but you have to be extremely careful about fakes.

With the prices going up, the factories making fakes are working overtime. I bought a fake once on purpose just to compare, and here is how you spot a real labubu vs. a dud.

* The Feet Stamp: On a vinyl authentic labubu, check the bottom of the feet. The Pop Mart logo and copyright text should be crisp and embossed clearly. Fakes often look mushy or printed on. * The Box Foil: Inside a labubu blind box, the figure comes in a foil bag. Genuine bags usually have a specific matte finish and clean crimping. The fakes often use shiny, cheap-feeling foil. * The Face/Teeth: This is the biggest giveaway. On the plush dolls, look at the teeth spacing. Fakes often have teeth that look "glued on" or crooked in a way that isn't intentional. The fur on a labubu original plush is dense and soft; fakes often feel like cheap carnival prizes. * The Hologram: Most newer Pop Mart boxes have a holographic authenticity sticker. No sticker? Big red flag.

If you are hunting for the plush versions, you'll hear people talking about labubu colors. In the "Tasty Macarons" series, the colors determine the value.

* Soymilk: The cream/white one. Very popular. * Sesame: The dark grey/black one. * Lychee Berry: The pink one (super high demand). * Green Grape: The green one. * Sea Salt Coconut: The blue one. * Toffee: The brown one. * Chestnut Cocoa: The rare "secret" color.

People often search for white labubu, which usually refers to the Soymilk version or the rare sketches from the artist.