This fuzzy, toothy, mischievously adorable creature has Bollywood and K-pop in a chokehold. Here’s how you can bring home your own Labubu.
What in the Fluffy, Fang-Faced World Is Labubu?
Imagine if a gremlin, a forest troll, and your childhood teddy bear got together and created the ultimate mischief-maker — you’d get Labubu, the monster toy that’s currently causing mass hysteria across shelves and social feeds.
What started as an oddball character in a Hong Kong storybook has transformed into a full-blown collectible obsession. Born from the wonderfully chaotic mind of illustrator Kasing Lung, Labubu — with its snaggle-teeth, pointy ears, and permanently cheeky expression — is the kind of toy that doesn’t just sit pretty, it starts conversations.
Thanks to Chinese pop-culture powerhouse Pop Mart, this mischievous monster has leapfrogged from niche designer toy to viral icon status. And now? It’s gatecrashing Indian pop culture like a glam-rock band at a silent yoga retreat — popping up in celebrity Instagram posts, Gen Z mood boards, and the hearts (and bags) of every plush-obsessed fan from Mumbai to Mizoram.
How Labubu Went Viral: BLACKPINK, Bollywood & Bag Charms
The monster madness really kicked off when BLACKPINK’s Lisa, fashion royalty and queen of cute, posted her beloved Mokoko Labubu plushie on social media. Cue: global meltdown. Suddenly, Labubu wasn’t just a toy — it was a vibe.
Cut to India: Ananya Panday, Tahira Kashyap, and a growing list of influencers have joined the Labubu party, showing off their toothy little friends like prized possessions. It’s giving: whimsical status symbol.
And with plush charms becoming the ultimate “It” accessory — dangling from bags, phones, and even crocs — Labubu is now the unofficial mascot of quirky-cute cool.
Blind Boxes, Big Feelings: Why Everyone Wants a Labubu
So, why is this bug-eyed Nordic monster hotter than summer in Delhi?
- Surprise, Surprise: Most Labubus come in blind boxes — you don’t know which version you’ll get until you rip that packaging open. It’s like Kinder Joy for grown-ups.
- Collector’s Goldmine: With limited edition drops, seasonal costumes (hello, Halloween Labubu!), and collabs like Mokoko Lisa, it’s a flipper’s fantasy and a collector’s paradise.
- Cuteness Overload: Equal parts creepy and cuddly, Labubu hits that weird-cute sweet spot. It’s Tim Burton meets Sanrio.
- Celebrity Seal of Approval: Once the cool kids start flaunting it, it’s only a matter of time before FOMO does the rest.
But not everyone is on board. Jatin Varma, founder of Comic Con India, has thoughts:
“Labubu is a shortcut. It moves fast, means little, and often leaves behind just shelf clutter and online noise. But culture takes longer. It stays weird, it’s harder to flex, and way easier to love.”
Ouch. But also, fair.
Where to Score a Labubu in India (Without Selling a Kidney)
Finding a legit Labubu in India can feel like hunting a unicorn in Colaba, but some heroic sellers are making it easier.
1. Bear Hugs India
- What’s Hot: Plushies, vinyl toys, blind boxes, and the exclusive Mokoko Lisa edition.
- Price: ₹2,299 to ₹5,499
- Vibe: Reliable, well-stocked, and ships quick.
2. Hype Fly India
- Where: Instagram drops & pop-ups
- What’s Cool: Rare Labubu editions, often sold out elsewhere
- DM-Based: Channel your inner sneakerhead and slide into their DMs.
3. Kalakaar
- What’s There: Pop Mart goodies galore, including Labubu figurines
- Aesthetic: Kawaii meets pop culture
4. Culture Circle / LittleBox India / Dawntown / InaBox Store
- Style: Quirky, underground collector hubs
- What’s Inside: Blind boxes, plush toys, even seasonal drops
- Pro Tip: Follow them on Instagram to snag the newest releases before they vanish.
5. Amazon India (but tread carefully)
- Selection: Hit or miss
- Tip: Always double-check authenticity, ratings, and seller reviews — fakes abound!
Let’s Talk Moolah: How Much Does Labubu Cost?
Globally, Labubu dolls retail for USD 20–30 (that’s around ₹1,700–₹2,600). In India, due to shipping and customs, prices range from ₹2,299 to ₹5,499, especially for exclusive or imported editions.
Blind boxes (where you don’t know which Labubu you’re getting) usually start at ₹3,000. Plush versions are slightly more affordable — but the limited-edition ones? They’re the holy grail.
Summing Up
If you’ve ever cried over a Pixar monster, curated a shelf like it’s an art gallery, or felt emotional over an inanimate object — Labubu’s your jam.
Yes, it’s trendy. Yes, it’s expensive for a doll. But Labubu’s charm isn’t just in the hype — it’s in the weirdness, the whimsy, and the fact that it makes grown-ups giddy like kids at a candy store.
Just remember what Jatin Varma said — real fandom is messy, slow, and full of inside jokes. If Labubu’s your entry point into that world, welcome. If not, it still makes a really cool shelf buddy.
TL;DR
- Labubu is a designer monster toy from Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, made famous by Pop Mart.
- BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Ananya Panday, and others helped spark the craze in India.
- You can buy these toys in India via Bear Hugs, Kalakaar, Culture Circle, and other niche platforms.
- Prices range from ₹2,299 to ₹5,499 depending on type and rarity.
- Quirky, cute, collectible — Labubu is here to steal hearts (and wallets).
