Have you scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately and seen a little mischievous-looking monster with big teeth and floppy ears? You might have seen it perched on a bookshelf, dangling from a keychain, or even taking a tiny seat at a coffee shop. If so, you’ve officially entered the world of Labubu, and you’re not alone.

These little creatures are at the heart of a massive global phenomenon, with people lining up for hours, paying crazy amounts on the resale market, and feeling a rush of pure dopamine every time they get their hands on one. But for anyone over a certain age, the whole thing can feel… a little bit baffling. So, what’s the deal with these monsters, and why does this trend seem to be a tale of two generations?

First things first, let’s meet the star of the show. Labubu is a character created by the artist Kasing Lung as part of his “The Monsters” series. It’s part of a growing trend of designer toys or art toys, which are basically collectible figures that blur the line between toy and art.

The real engine behind the hype, though, isn’t just the character itself—it’s the way it’s sold. Labubu is primarily distributed by a company called Pop Mart, a giant in the collectible toy space. Their secret weapon? The blind box.

You don’t know which specific figurine you’re getting until you open the box. It’s a gamble. You might get a common one, or if you’re lucky, you could pull a super rare “secret” or “chase” figure that’s worth a small fortune on the secondhand market.

Why the Younger Generation Is All In?

For Gen Z and younger Millennials, the Labubu craze makes perfect sense. It’s not just about getting a toy; it’s about participating in a culture.

It’s the thrill of the hunt! The blind box is basically a real-life gacha game. It’s an instant hit of dopamine, the same feeling you get from a surprise gift, a winning lottery ticket, or an epic “unboxing” video. The surprise is a huge part of the fun.

It’s also a social status symbol. Labubu and other designer toys are more than just collectibles—they’re a form of personal expression and a sign that you’re in the know. Showing off a rare figure on your shelf or in a social media post signals that you’re part of the community and understand the culture. It’s the same logic behind collecting rare sneakers or limited-edition streetwear.

These figures aren’t meant to be hidden away. They’re designed to be displayed, to add personality to your living space, and to contribute to your overall aesthetic. They’re a simple way to curate your environment and show off your interests to the world, both online and off.

Why It Might Look Like Madness to Others?

Now, for those of us who grew up in a world where toys were, well, just toys, the Labubu phenomenon can be baffling. For many in older generations, the idea of an adult spending significant money on a small plastic figure—especially one that has no obvious function or utility—is hard to wrap their heads around. Toys were for kids, and collectibles were serious investments like stamps or baseball cards. The perceived value just isn’t there.

The core concept of a blind box seems financially irrational. Why would you pay a premium price for something you don’t even know you’re getting? To a generation that values direct, tangible returns on investment, the blind box lottery feels less like a fun game and more like a waste of money.

Perhaps the most confusing part is the resale market, where common figures go for a small markup and rare ones can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The idea of paying triple the original price for a piece of plastic seems like a form of madness, driven by hype rather than any real intrinsic value.

At the end of the day, the Labubu phenomenon isn’t just a toy craze; it’s a reflection of a deeper cultural shift. It highlights the generational differences in how we view value, community, and the role of objects in our lives. For some, it’s a frivolous fad. For others, it’s a joyful hobby and a meaningful part of their identity.

So, what about you? Are you a seasoned monster hunter, or are you still wondering what all the fuss is about?

References

Hypebeast: “A Deep Dive into Kasing Lung’s The Monsters.” This article provides an in-depth look at the artist and his creative process, confirming his role as the creator of Labubu and the broader “The Monsters” universe.

The Global Times: “Blind box maker Pop Mart’s IPO a boon for designer toy art culture.” This news report discusses the rise of Pop Mart and its collaboration with key artists, specifically mentioning the success of Kasing Lung’s Labubu character.

Pop Mart’s Official Website: The company’s official artist collaborations page features Kasing.

Holmag.Inc