What are Labubu dolls? And why are people so mad over them?

The fluffy, anthropomorphic dolls are the internet's latest craze, popping up all across TikTok and Instagram, and even featuring on Madonna’s birthday cake.

Journalist with the Irish Sun Jodie McCormack explained that the accessories skyrocketed in popularity after a K-Pop music star was spotted with one.

“The Labubu is actually a book character, so it came from a Hong Kong artist and it was a book series,” she told The Hard Shoulder.

“That book series came out in 2015 and in 2019, this artist actually partnered Pop Mart to make these.

“They’re kind of branded as designer toys; they’re not, you know, your typical toys that kids would play with, they’re on a little keyring and you just attach them - they’re nearly a fashion accessory.

“They came out in 2019, and I think around 2024, the K-Pop artist Lisa from Blackpink was spotted with one, and they have skyrocketed ever since.”

A large queue formed at the Pop Mart shop in Piccadilly, central Manchester, UK, as Pop Mart launches version three of the art toy 'Big Into Energy' Labubu series at 11am on 25 April 2025. Image: Terry Waller/Alamy Live News

Labubus can sell from around €20 to up to €30,000 depending on their rarity.

“Basically, the whole premise around them is you get them in a box, there’s a little bag inside the box, and it’s a secret,” Ms McCormack said.

“You don’t know what Labubu you’re going to get, so you don’t go in and buy a specific one.

“You buy a box and it’s kind of a mystery as to when you open it, what one you’re going to get.”

Labubu figurine dress up like a photographer, wear sweater, with a sling camera, posing for picture. Image: 17 August 2025.

According to Ms McCormack, there are even knock-off Lafufu dolls, although they sell for similar prices as the originals.

“There’s very minor differences, and all in all they are quite similar,” she said.

“Things like, so the ears on a Labubu point slightly inwards, whereas the ears on the Lafufu tend to point upwards.

“There’s, you know, the hands and feet, they’re just better quality on the Labubus.

“On the Lafufus they tend to just spin around and fall off; they’re better quality plastic, I guess, on the real Labubus.”

Main image: Labubu doll counter in a POP MART store in Shanghai, China on June 12, 2025. Image: Cynthia Lee. 12 June 2025