Labubu Craze Explodes in California: Fluffy Dolls Turn Into Collectible Gold
Labubu-themed bounce houses, Labubu-inspired drinks, and even a life-sized Labubu mascot — that’s what greeted fans at a buzzing outdoor meetup in Southern California. The event, held at the Stonewood Center in Downey, turned a simple parking lot into a fluff-filled fantasyland, as dozens gathered to snag one of the world’s most in-demand collectibles: Labubu dolls.
Vendors showcased tables full of Labubu merch, from figurines to accessories. Kids bounced around a white trampoline decked with pink and blue streamers, stopping to snap selfies with cutouts of the chestnut-colored Labubu. Adults and children alike clutched shopping bags brimming with Pop Mart’s toy collectibles, while a crowd surrounded a reseller’s tent, trying their luck with “blind bags” — mystery packs containing random Labubu designs.
Since their 2019 debut, Labubus have become a global phenomenon, thanks to viral social media unboxings and limited-edition releases that vanish within minutes. The frenzy has helped Pop Mart, the Chinese toy giant behind the brand, see skyrocketing profits in the past year.
Adding to the hype, celebs like Rihanna, Lisa, and Emma Roberts have been spotted clipping Labubus onto their designer bags — branding them as the new-age luxury accessory. Fans followed suit, turning the toys into a form of “social currency.”
“If you know, you’re in. If you don’t, you’re out,” said Steven Limones, who attended the event with his friend Joshua Fornes. Limones started collecting after his husband received one as a Christmas gift. But what really hooked him? Seeing British stylist Harry Lambert rock a Labubu on Boxing Day.
Created by Kasing Lung, who was inspired by Nordic fairytales after moving from Hong Kong to the Netherlands, Labubu was brought to life through a 2019 partnership with Pop Mart. Each doll comes in a “blind box”, revealing its identity only after unboxing — a major part of the excitement for fans.
Every collection includes six color variants and one secret doll, with a 1-in-6 chance of pulling any specific figure. No duplicates are guaranteed within a full set, keeping collectors constantly chasing the rare finds.
The design? Think elf-like pointed ears mixed with nine devilish teeth — not eight, not ten. Anything else, and you’ve likely got a knockoff known as a “Lafufu.”
“It’s adorable but edgy,” Limones added. “That contrast draws people in.”
But as demand grows, so do the prices. Until recently, Labubus retailed at $21.99. Now, they’re $27.99, and Pop Mart made the change without warning, triggering backlash on forums like Reddit. While some blamed Trump-era China tariffs, the company denied that, stating on TikTok Live that the increase was due to “brand operational strategy” to maintain quality.
And it’s not just harder on wallets — it’s tougher to buy them at all. Pop Mart has started launching certain collections exclusively on its app, axing them from the main site to block resellers and bots. But frustrated users complain of app crashes during checkout. In-store buying? That’s on pause too, after fights broke out over the dolls.
Joshua Fornes voiced his disappointment: “It used to be a scheduled drop. Now it’s random, chaotic. You can’t even line up in stores anymore — people go nuts.”
Pop Mart declined to respond to media inquiries.
Even resellers are feeling the crunch. Princess Bautista, owner of Amari Collectibles, started reselling in February but says the spike in wholesale prices is hurting her business. One popular set — the Exciting Macaron series — has tripled in price from her overseas suppliers.
“I almost quit a few weeks ago,” she admitted. “But the hype is real, and people still buy. So I keep going — no matter what it costs.”
For now, it’s clear: the Labubu craze isn’t going anywhere. Whether it will mirror the Beanie Baby boom or flame out remains to be seen.
As Limones put it: “Labubu is here. Right now, it’s the moment. Who knows if it’ll last — but we’re riding the wave.”
Description:
"Labubu dolls are the latest global collectible craze, with fans camping out, prices soaring, and celebrities turning them into luxury accessories. Discover why everyone’s chasing these tiny monsters."