You might think it’s creepy. You might think it’s cute. But no matter where you stand, Labubu is officially the plush toy of 2025… and it’s making waves across South Africa.
Johannesburg, South Africa (28 June 2025) – An unlikely little plush monster is fast becoming 2025’s must-have item (even in Mzansi).
Labubu, a fuzzy toy with pointy ears and an even pointier grin, has gone from an underground collectable to a full-blown pop culture phenomenon.
We’ve seen it before, a craze that takes over the world… Cabbage Patch Kids, Beanie Babies, Tamagotchis, Magic Diaper Babies, Fidget Spinners… and now we have Labubu Dolls.
But What Are Labubu Dolls?
These quirky dolls have an origin story as magical as their appearance. Labubu was born in the imagination of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, debuting in a 2015 children’s picture book trilogy called The Monsters. In Lung’s tales, Labubus are a tribe of friendly, mischievous elf-like creatures… adorable do-gooders whose best intentions sometimes stir up chaos.
Sporting fluffy bodies, big eyes and cheeky fangs, the characters were an instant hit with niche toy lovers. Lung released a few limited-edition Labubu figurines after the books but the character’s real journey to stardom began when Chinese toy company Pop Mart teamed up with him in 2019. Pop Mart brought them to life as a physical collectable doll, and crucially, sold them in surprise “blind boxes,” meaning you only find out which specific figurine you got once you open the box. This element of mystery and luck tapped into a thrill that fans couldn’t resist and it set the stage for Labubu’s meteoric rise.
Of course, with every trend comes a little controversy and Labubu hasn’t escaped it. Some people, particularly on social media, have voiced concern that the dolls “look a bit demonic” or “creepy,”. A few have even gone so far as to suggest they’re evil or “bad vibes”.
But let’s take a breath.
The truth is that the design is meant to be quirky. Think of Labubu like the Dennis the Menace of plush toys: full of energy, a bit chaotic but ultimately kind.
Why is everyone suddenly talking about Labubu in 2025? In one word: hype.
Labubu’s blind-box model fuels a serious case of FOMO for collectors. Every new box could contain a rare design, so fans keep buying “just one more” and posting their reveal videos online.
Pop culture has also supercharged this craze. Global celebrities have fallen in love with these toothy little monsters, turning them into a status symbol. Superstars like Rihanna, David Beckham, Dua Lipa and Blackpink’s Lisa have all been spotted showing off their Labubu collections. Even Hollywood icons are in on it… Cher was seen toting a Labubu at a film festival, and singer Lizzo made headlines for pitching the first ball at a baseball game while sporting a limited-edition Prada Labubu keychain swinging from her belt.
And all this buzz has sent demand through the roof. Limited-edition Labubus (including special holiday releases and brand collaborations) are selling out in a flash and fetching eye-watering prices on resale sites. The most expensive Labubu to date sits at $170,000 (over R3 million).
But The Big Question Is: Where Can You Get One?
While you won’t see Labubu on every toy store shelf just yet, savvy retailers are already getting on board to meet the demand. One example is Panda Pop SA, an online boutique that calls itself “South Africa’s ultimate destination for collectable, authentic & verified designer toys”.
@techgirlza The @PandaPopSA 🔌 ! Labubu blind boxes in South Africa – let’s go! #southafrica #labubu #labubumacarons #labubuthemonsters #johannesburg ♬ original sound – Sam “Tech Girl” Wright
If you’re in a major city, also watch out for toy conventions or pop-culture fairs. Labubu figurines have been known to make appearances at collector stalls alongside anime figures and Funko Pops. But wherever you buy, make sure you’re getting an authentic Labubu (and not a cheeky knock-off) by using reputable sources.
At the end of the day, whether you see Labubu as a collectable, a comfort, a fashion statement or just a quirky little companion that makes you smile, the joy it sparks is real… and in 2025, that joy is something we’re all craving a little more of.
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