It’s small. It’s kind of ugly. It’s somewhat cute… and also, a tiny bit creepy. No, it’s not a gremlin or something your Grandmother collects in a glass cabinet — meet the Labubu: the mischievous, wide-eyed creature currently taking over TikTok, Instagram, your group chat, and (if you’re lucky) your shelf.
The funny little collectable is everywhere ATM, but how did a stuffed toy become fashion’s latest status symbol? And (because we know you’re thinking it) where can you buy one? Scroll on for everything you need to know.
What Are Labubus?
A Labubu (yes, it’s singular and plural — like mochi or squid) is a goblin-esque — and dare we say, ugly — creature dreamed up by artist Kasing Lung, in collaboration with Hong Kong-based popular collectable toy brand, Pop Mart.
Think of them as impish forest spirits with bug eyes (so yes, cute, we guess), fangs, and the chaotic energy of someone who drinks four iced lattes before noon. They’re part of a larger “Monster Family” universe — a whimsical, storybook-inspired world Lung created that blends childlike wonder with a dash of darkness.
Each Labubu is around 10cm tall and comes in a “blind box,” which means you don’t know which design you’re getting until you open it. Yes, that’s part of the thrill. Some are ultra-rare, and some are so coveted they resell for hundreds.
Why Are Labubus So Popular?
We’re living in the golden age of adult collectables (and consumerism). Sonny Angels — those tiny, slightly controversial, cherubic boys with novelty hats — led the charge. Right behind them were Jellycats, the irresistibly soft plushies that come in the form of lobsters, toast, and everything in between. And now? Labubus have entered the chat as the next must-have collectible.
Collecting what some would call “childish toys” has been argued by some to be a way for adults to embrace their inner child and find comfort in nostalgia amid periods of global uncertainty. The trend sits neatly alongside the “I’m just a girl” movement.
Many individuals on TikTok who are buying into these trends are women in their 20s and 30s. In a world where aesthetic is everything and serotonin is in short supply, tiny collectables have become a way to inject the playfulness from childhood into adult life. Like Sonny Angels, Labubu taps into the joy of mystery (blind box openings = instant dopamine) and the thrill of collecting every kind.
They’re also hyper-postable. TikTok unboxings rack up millions of views. Collectors carefully curate shelves that feel like miniature dream worlds. And honestly? It’s kind of meditative. A gentle form of escapism for the chaos we live in.
Also worth noting: the FOMO is real. Pop Mart often releases limited-edition collections that sell out in seconds, which fuels the frenzied hype. The rarer the Labubu, the more powerful your bragging rights.
Where to Buy Labubu in Australia
Ready to fall down the Labubu rabbit hole? We got you. While they’re not stocked in your average Westfield (yet), here’s where to score them in Australia:
- Pop Mart Official AU Website and Stores: The go-to for the newest collections and international shipping. Just be ready to act fast, some series sell out within minutes.
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Miniso: Select stores sometimes stock Labubu blind boxes and other Pop Mart lines. Hit or miss, but worth a cheeky peek.
- Amazon AU: Occasionally stocks official Labubu series, though it depends on current releases and availability.
- eBay & StockX: For the rare or sold-out ones. But be warned: prices here are spicy. If you’re chasing a Holy Grail Labubu, be prepared to drop serious coin.
So go on. Open that blind box. Chase that rare. Join the goblin-core girlies. We’ll see you (and your shelfies) on TikTok.
