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Why Is Everyone — Including Celebrities — Obsessed With Labubu Dolls?
A quirky new collectible is capturing the hearts of kids, adults, and even international celebrities: Labubu dolls. Seemingly overnight, these mischievous little creatures have become a viral sensation, popping up everywhere from TikTok and Instagram to major retail shops and even high-profile auctions.
Labubu: The Little Monster That Took Over Pop Culture
Originally created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung as part of the “Monster Little” universe for toy giant POP MART, Labubu is a character that is both adorable and strange. While the creature has existed for years, its rise to social media stardom is recent, thanks in large part to the unboxing trend on platforms like TikTok. Videos tagged with #Labubu routinely rack up thousands of views, with collectors showing off their latest finds and mystery box hauls.
The thrill of the “blind box”—where buyers don’t know which version of Labubu they will receive—is a core part of the experience. Psychologists note that this element of surprise, combined with artificial scarcity as stores quickly sell out, makes the chase just as appealing as actually owning the doll. This phenomenon has quickly spiraled into a full-blown craze, echoing other collecting frenzies like the rise of Funko Pop or Beanie Babies in past decades. For a deeper dive on the pop culture impact of blind box toys, visit POP MART’s history of collectibles.
Celebrity Endorsements Fueling Demand
Celebrities are not immune to Labubu-mania. Big names like Lizzo, Hailey Bieber, and Simone Biles have shared their growing collections online. Former Playboy Playmate Holly Madison has posted Labubu unboxing videos on TikTok and Instagram, sparking thousands of excited comments from fans eager to join the trend. “Holly you are keeping me young because I had no idea about these adorable little gremlins and I want one so bad,” wrote one fan under Madison’s Instagram post.
Reality TV star Bethenny Frankel also joined in, sharing her Labubu collection in a TikTok video that instantly went viral. “I went from thinking this is the most stupid thing that I’ve ever seen to thinking it’s the most brilliant thing that I’ve ever seen,” she gushed, showing off various outfits and accessories for her Labubu in a clip that resonated with followers who see collecting as a way to reconnect with their inner child.
How Much Would You Pay for a Labubu?
Not satisfied with just being a social media hit, Labubu dolls have also become highly sought-after collectibles with a booming resale market. Boutique shops like Royal One inside Las Vegas’ Miracle Mile Shops have reported selling out of Labubu merchandise almost daily, with prices ranging from $60 for smaller toys to $650 for rare, larger editions.
In March 2025, the fervor reached a new height when a life-sized, four-foot Labubu fetched over $170,000 at auction in Beijing, as reported by NBC News. The auction—billed as the first ever dedicated solely to Labubu collectibles—raised over $520,000 across just 48 lots, cementing the dolls’ status as high-value collector’s items.
A Subculture of Events and Community
The Labubu craze is now spilling over into community events. AREA15, Las Vegas’ immersive art and entertainment space, is throwing a Labubu-themed rave for adult fans on August 1, 2025. Their event promises “a whimsical world of color and music” where fans can dance, connect, and celebrate the character’s quirky charm. Find full event details on AREA15’s official event page.
Labubu’s Journey From Niche Toy to Mainstream Icon
Labubu’s meteoric rise is a textbook example of how social media and influencer culture can turn even the most niche product into a worldwide phenomenon. With its roots in kawaii art, its viral unboxings, celebrity endorsements, and even high-roller auctions, Labubu stands as a symbol of our time: playful, social, and driven by community buzz.
For more on Labubu’s creator Kasing Lung and his work with POP MART, visit POP MART’s Labubu encyclopedia. To see the collectible’s auction history and global fan stories, explore NBC News’ analysis of Labubu’s market boom. And if you’re ready to join the craze yourself, check out Royal One’s latest Labubu collection or follow trending Labubu tags on TikTok for the latest unboxing videos.
Whether you’re a seasoned toy collector, a casual fan, or simply curious about the viral magic of Labubu, there’s never been a better—or more colorful—time to get involved.
