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Truth behind bizarre new dolls taking over Gen Z and why everyone appears to have one now

It seems that everywhere you look, there's a familiar-looking creature hanging from bags and phones.

Popularized by celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa, the Labubu keyring doll is inescapable, with Gen Z being particularly obsessed.

This furry, gremlin-like character, designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and distributed by the Chinese toy company Pop Mart, has soared to incredible popularity.

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Featured in countless TikTok videos, fans are posting 'unboxing' clips and lining up to grab these 'secret' or limited edition dolls.

So, what's fueling this peculiar craze? From the origins of the Labubu doll to its price and where you can purchase one, everything you need to know is right here.

So, what's the story behind the Labubu doll?

You might be surprised to discover that despite Labubu's overwhelming popularity, the character isn't actually new.

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The elf-like creature was first crafted back in 2015 by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and was introduced in a whimsical story titled The Monsters.

Inspired by Nordic folktales, the book reflects the artist's childhood in the Netherlands, where his family moved when he was seven.

In 2019, Pop Mart brought the character to life, and it reportedly went viral in April 2025 when Blackpink's Lisa shared a TikTok photo of her vinyl plush doll pendant from The Monsters Fall in Wild series as a bag charm.

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Kevin Zhang, Pop Mart International’s head of strategic partnerships, told Tatler Asia that this sparked a "buying frenzy in Thailand".

Now, the Labubu doll is available in a multitude of colors and styles.

Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with Labubu dolls?

You've likely seen TikTok videos of people queuing for a Labubu, with influencers like Olivia Attwood unboxing them. From vinyl figures to plush toys, there are various Labubu options, but keychain dolls are the most coveted.

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The main attraction? Labubu is sold in a blind box format similar to Pokémon cards, meaning buyers don’t know which toy they’ve purchased until they open it. The rarest Labubu dolls are often 'secret' colorways or limited editions, such as the Monsters Zimomo I Found You doll. If fans don’t get the color they desire, they often buy more.

Curious about the hype? Discover where you can purchase a Labubu doll in the UK and US below.

Many fans are heading to Amazon's expansive Pop Mart section to buy Labubu dolls, with new releases every Friday.

As mentioned, they sell out quickly, so you might have better luck finding them on resale sites like eBay, StockX, and Depop. However, exercise caution when buying resale Labubu dolls, as counterfeit versions are common.

You can also find these collectible dolls in retail stores in London, such as Selfridges, Hamleys, and Pop Mart Roboshops, located throughout the city.

Where to buy Labubu dolls in the US now:

The Monsters Big into Energy Vinyl Plush Pendant Blind Box

Amazon/Pop Mart

Buy now.

The Monsters Tasty Macarons Vinyl Face Blind Box

Amazon/Pop Mart

Buy now.

Monsters Have A Seat Vinyl Plush Box

Amazon/Pop Mart

Buy now.

Visit Amazon to shop Labubu on PopMart now.

Where to buy Labubu dolls in the UK now:

As of this writing, some of the most sought-after Labubu dolls are available on Amazon. From the Monsters Angel In Clouds Vinyl Face Doll to the Monsters Have A Seat Vinyl Plush Blind Box, check out our top picks below. Good luck!