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If you’ve walked past a toy shop recently and spotted a line of adults (plus a few bewildered partners and kids) snaking around the block, chances are, they’re queuing for a Labubu doll.

Yep, grown adults are lining up for dolls. You’ve probably heard your teens talking about Labubu or seen them popping up in your social feeds. And like so many other viral fads before them, it seems like these curious creatures are now everywhere in Australia. So here’s everything you need to know about them.

What Is a Labubu?

Labubu is a quirky character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, best known from ‘The Monsters’ series made with Pop Mart. These aren’t regular kids’ toys, they’re collectible art toys. At least, that’s what the adults who are forking out hundreds of dollars for them are telling themselves!

“In 2015, Kasing Lung created a fairy world in his three Nordic Fairy Tale picture books, where live The Monsters, which are both good and evil, including Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky and Pato. Among them, the most famous one is Labubu, a small monster with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth. Despite a mischievous first impression, Labubu is very kind-hearted and always wants to help others while accidentally doing bad things. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we should grin like Labubu, and naturally we will become happy.”
– Pop Mart

Labubu dolls are small, only about 10cm tall, made of vinyl, and usually sold in blind boxes, so you don’t know which one you’re getting until you open it.

The jury is out on whether they’re cute or creepy. But they’ve become somewhat of a status symbol, being used as ‘charms’ for expensive handbags.

https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleysurr/video/7500348679182765343

Why Are People Obsessed With Labubu Dolls in Australia?

The Labubu craze has taken off in Australia. Collectors are snapping them up online, swapping them in Facebook groups, and lining up for hours at Pop Mart vending machines or shop events.

So what’s the big deal?

Image: bark.lin

Nostalgia with a twist: Labubu has that old-school toy feel with a touch of quirkiness. Honestly, it’s probably because no matter how old we get, secretly we really do love soft toys!

The thrill of the blind box: Not knowing which character you’ll get makes it exciting. It’s basically a lucky dip for adults.

Limited releases: Pop Mart doesn’t restock the same series forever. Once they sell out, you might be hunting that one rare doll for months.

Creative fun: Collectors style, photograph and even make tiny outfits for their Labubus.

The Rise Of The Labubu Doll In Australia

Search for ‘Labubu doll Australia’ and you’ll find a growing number of local sellers, events, collector groups and online discussions. Some people casually collect one or two. Others have shelves packed with Labubu in every version imaginable. And when you consider they range anywhere from around $30 up to thousands.

Image: amy.everyday

Is It Just A Phase?

Maybe. Probably. But Labubu has been around for a while now, and its popularity keeps growing. There are international conventions, special edition crossovers and surprise drops that sell out fast. It doesn’t feel like it’s slowing down anytime soon.

Should You Get One?

If you’re curious, start with one and see what the fuss is about. But be warned, it’s addictive. You might find yourself watching unboxing videos at 2am or stalking restock alerts online.

What do you think of these dolls? Do you have any? Let us know in the comments below.

(Featured Image: bark.lin)

  • They do nothing for me and to me they look a little creepy.
    I guess its just like adults collecting Barbie dolls as an investment but honestly I think you are better off saving your money and putting it into a term deposit rather than cluttering up your home with toys. But each to their own

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  • Although they look cute I can not understand why people are queuing or lining up for hours at Pop Mart vending machines or shop events at all, nor do I understand why you would spend a significant amount of money on these. It’s not really an interactive toy at all, but may be good to look at for some.

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  • They’re certainly not something that I would be interested in collecting. I’d rather spend my money on essentials or spoil myself with a day out having coffee with friends. I may not be able to keep looking at it but to me a memory is worth more than a doll. Saying that I do have a doll that my Nanna bought for me when I was 6 and I still have her. That’s one thing I’ll never give away

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  • They don’t appeal to me, particularly, but part of the joy for collectors is sometimes that not everyone gets whatever it is you’re interested in. And almost anything can look ridiculously expensive if you’re not interested in it. I have to admit I wouldn’t spend money on this sort of thing, but then again I have other interests…

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  • They are cute but I can’t understand why adults would want to spend money on them when times are tough for so many. Obviously we all have different priorities lol. There are so many collectible ranges around and people get hooked in. I think I’ll just adore them from afar.

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  • Another crazy addiction for some. It doesn’t interest me personally but I know a fair few people who are obsessed. It will die down soon enough

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  • What will they think of next? Yes, it is 100% a phase. Stuff like this doesn’t really hold value like it did make in the day. These toys are all mass produced and not great quality. That’s the difference between a collectable that is handmade like a Charlie Bear. These are super creepy too.

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  • I have never heard of these before and personally think they are silly and a waste of money. They look kind of creepy if I am being honest and not something I would spend my money on. I am sure there are plenty of people who will love these but I am not one of them.

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  • The lucky dip factor can indeed be quite exciting for children and not knowing what doll will be chosen. It would seem, it is also appealing to teenagers and adults too. I do indeed like a surprise when opening a lucky dip or gift. The dolls are an interesting combination of cute and monster like features.

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  • I didn’t know about until my daughter bought 2 for herself, I think it’s cute but also ugly lol

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  • I heard my son’s girlfriend talking about these the other day, but all I heard was soft body, vinyl face. Thanks so much for your article (that’s sarcasm BTW) I just had to search online and had to buy one in the hopes of getting an Alice in Wonderland one….

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  • There is definitely the craze, it’s real and i am seeing and hearing more about these dolls almost everywhere, radio, tv etc. my kids absolutely know it and want one but also understand theyre hard to come by. Theres no way im lining up for hours in hopes to score one

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  • I fell in love when I got a blind box from time zone now I get more excited than my teenager when I find them. They are quite expensive so I haven’t bought anymore yet but I can’t wait to.

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  • I haven’t seen these before. I think they are cute in their own way and if people want to collect them, why not?

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  • I haven’t seen or heard of them before, but they are certainly cute ! The fact they come in blind boxes can be exciting indeed and has a surprise effect, however when you are seeking to collect the whole series, you really might like to know which character you buy and in that regard it’s less attractive

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  • I have never heard of these dolls until now and it is an interesting article and interesting toy. I did some further research and there is quite a large range of these dolls and the prices do vary. It seems to be a current craze that has been taken up by celebrities too. I would not want a doll hanging off my handbag but everyone has their own style.

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  • I had no idea what these were until I saw Suzie Toot’s tweet and did a mini deep dive. They are pretty cute, and every few years a new collectable fad comes onto the scene. I do love the little LV bag paired with a devious toothy smile, it’s pretty adorable and weird

    Reply

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