In the ever-evolving world of collectibles, few characters have captured the hearts of fans as quickly and deeply as Labubu Plush. With its quirky smile, elfin ears, and unmistakable charm, Labubu has become more than just a toy — it’s a cultural icon. But where did this little monster come from, and how did it rise to fame?
Let’s explore the complete history of Labubu, from its humble beginnings in a sketchbook to becoming a viral sensation across the globe.
Labubu was born from the artistic mind of Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong–Belgian illustrator and storyteller. Known for his dark, dream-like characters, Kasing created Labubu as part of his illustrated book series called The Monsters. These books featured strange, whimsical creatures in mysterious worlds, with Labubu quickly standing out among them.
Unlike typical “cute” characters, Labubu had a slightly mischievous look, sharp teeth, and an unpredictable grin. It wasn’t perfect, and that’s exactly what made it relatable. Labubu represented something raw, real, and playful.
Labubu’s big leap came when Pop Mart, a leading designer toy brand in Asia, collaborated with Kasing Lung. Known for turning artistic characters into collectible toys, Pop Mart introduced Labubu to the world as a vinyl figure and later, as plush dolls.
The first official Labubu toys were launched in 2019, as part of Pop Mart’s blind box series. The concept was simple but genius: each box contained a surprise version of Labubu in various costumes and themes — fantasy, fashion, food, animals, and more.
Collectors couldn’t get enough.
Labubu’s popularity skyrocketed as more people began sharing their collections online. From unboxing videos to aesthetic shelf displays, Labubu Plush became a hit on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.
What fueled the craze?
By 2022, Labubu Plush was more than a toy — it was a lifestyle.
Since its debut, Labubu has appeared in dozens of themed collections. Some of the most iconic ones include:
Each release offered new expressions, costumes, and creative twists, making Labubu feel alive and ever-evolving.
In 2023 and 2024, Labubu Plush began to attract attention outside of Asia. It became a global trend, with fans from Europe, North America, and the Middle East joining in. Pop-up shops, art exhibitions, and fan events featured Labubu as a central figure.
For many, Labubu wasn’t just a toy — it was an emotional companion. Some saw it as a symbol of their inner child. Others embraced it as part of their home décor, creative workspaces, or even fashion statements.
The plush format especially helped widen its appeal, offering something cozy, soft, and comforting.
With great popularity came some growing pains:
Despite these challenges, Labubu’s loyal fan base kept the character’s spirit alive, celebrating its uniqueness with every new release.
As of 2025, Labubu shows no signs of slowing down. New themed collections continue to launch regularly, and fan communities remain strong.
There are even talks of animated shorts, merchandise expansions, and collaborations with fashion brands, hinting that Labubu might be headed toward even bigger stages.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or someone just discovering this quirky elf-monster, Labubu Plush is a character worth knowing — and maybe even collecting.
Labubu’s journey from sketchbook doodle to global plush sensation is a reminder that originality still wins hearts. It doesn’t take perfection to become beloved — sometimes, it just takes a wild grin, a unique personality, and a little bit of magic.
Labubu is more than just a plush toy. It's a story — and for many, a soft, mischievous piece of joy.