Should You Buy Your Kid A Labubu?

If it feels like Labubu is suddenly everywhere, you're not imagining things. The mischievous little figure is popping up on TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit—dangling from designer bags, inspiring long POP MART lines, and uniting collectors in a big way.

For some, it's the one toy their kid won’t stop asking about; for others, it’s a pop-culture curiosity that echoes past collecting crazes. Is this the Beanie Babies 2.0 or the thing that'll dethrone the Hello Kitty craze? Maybe the real question is: what’s so special about these toys that fans get into bidding wars on eBay or refresh websites like they're trying to score Taylor Swift tickets?

To decode the Labubu phenomenon, we turned to Samir Kulkarni, CEO of Showcase, a Canadian-based retail chain currently selling Labubus, to unravel everything from the toy's origins to tips on spotting fakes—or should we say, Lafufus. Plus, we also dig into costs, reveal where Canadians can actually score one, and spotlight other viral toys causing waves right now.

What is Labubu? The mischievous monster explained

Labubu is a collectible character designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, first introduced in the “Monsters” blind box series by POP MART—a Chinese company that’s perfected the art of selling designer vinyl figures in blind boxes—in 2015.

The character's popularity exploded in spring 2024 when BLACKPINK’s Lisa shared a photo of a Labubu attached to her Hermes bag. “Since then, the trend has taken off, with celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, David Beckham, Rosé, Simone Biles and tennis champ Naomi Osaka featuring Labubu on social media,” says Kulkarni.

Thanks to those star-powered endorsements, Labubu fever has surged this year: some releases sell out in minutes, rare figures fetch hundreds on eBay, and with frequent new drops, “there’s always something for collectors to chase,” Kulkarni explains.

Why Labubu is so popular

Labubu’s runaway popularity owes a lot to POP MART's blind box strategy—a collectible toy trend built around surprise. Each box is a sealed package concealing a mystery figure, so buyers won’t know exactly which character they’ll get until they open it.

But as Kulkarni points out, this concept isn’t new. “Blind boxes have been around for years,” he says, citing L.O.L. Dolls, Mini Brands, Sonny Angel, and bag clip blind bags at Showcase as examples that first hooked families on mystery toys without breaking the bank. "That lottery-like thrill is part of the magic that keeps the trend evergreen," he adds.

Social media has only amplified this excitement. "Unboxing videos on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube routinely pull in millions of views, making the reveal not just a personal thrill but a communal event," Kulkarni explains. "With feeds packed with the latest Labubu drops and POP MART building anticipation with launch countdowns, the urge to join in is more irresistible than ever."

Why do kids care?

The trickle-down effect is real. And because of social media, trends are going from celebrity handbags to the schoolyard faster than ever. Plus, kids love the blind-box mystery format. It feels like opening a birthday gift.

But it’s not just the surprise that keeps kids hooked. For younger kids, it’s the thrill of collecting and trading with friends. For tweens and teens, it’s about being part of a global trend that feels bigger than a single toy. In short, Labubu taps into the same mix of surprise, cuteness, and community that made Shopkins, Squishmallows and Pokémon cards irresistible in the past—only now with a TikTok-era twist.

Samantha Connell, associate editor at The Toy Insider, explains that the rarity of certain Labubu figures—like secret or chase editions—can drive up resale value significantly, with collectors sometimes paying far more than retail to complete their sets.

What parents can expect to pay

Labubu prices in Canada can vary depending on where you shop. Connell says most families should expect to pay between $19 and $50 for a single Labubu blind box, with most series settling around $30.

It's equally important to be mindful that shipping fees and import costs can add up when buying Labubu figures from overseas retailers, so the final price may be higher than expected. Knowing these ranges helps parents plan and make informed choices.

Plus, trying to get the exact Labubu your kid wants can cost extra. "Some fans or families will purchase multiple boxes in an attempt to complete the line, often ending up with duplicates of common figures, while others may purchase their desired figure from a reseller," says Connell.

Where to find authentic Labubu toys in Canada

Looking to find authentic Labubu toys in Canada? The best place to start is the POP MART Canada website, which lists official retailers—including the Pop Mart ROBO SHOP in Scarborough, Ontario and new openings like the CF Richmond Centre store in British Columbia. The site also has search tools to help you locate trusted shops across the country, or you can simply shop directly online for guaranteed authenticity.

For online marketplaces, retailers such as Showcase and TinyBoxes.ca also carry Labubu figures. Outside of those retailers, be cautious. Check for authorized retailer tags, read customer reviews, and make sure the figures come in POP MART packaging with the artist’s logo visible.

How to spot fake Labubu toys and why authenticity matters

Inspect Labubus carefully

You've probably spotted "Lafufus" making rounds with the Labubu craze. Although these counterfeits can seem convincing, there are reliable ways to distinguish them.

Collectors say the fur is a telltale clue—Lafufu toys tend to have flatter, less plush hair. Paintwork is another red flag, often with off-tone shades that don’t match up as neatly as on the real thing. The teeth can be revealing, too; genuine Labubu toys feature nine carved teeth, while knockoffs usually have fewer.

Kulkarni adds that fakes typically lack official authenticity markers, such as serial numbers, QR codes, or the UV stamp hidden beneath the right foot.

Watch the price before you buy

Most small or common Labubu toys sell for $15 and up, though rare or special editions can cost much more.

Kulkarni stresses the importance of scrutinizing prices—especially when shopping on resale platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, or Poshmark. “If a listing pops up at a price that seems unrealistically low, take it as a warning,” he says. “If the deal looks unbelievable, it probably isn’t the real thing.”

Buy from authentic sellers

Pop Mart Official Canada is the most reliable source for authentic Labubu figures, both online and at their soon-to-open store. Every Labubu in their lineup is genuine and comes directly from the brand.

For another option, Showcase is “one of the only Canadian retailers carrying genuine Labubu figures,” says Kulkarni. "With more than 150 stores across Canada and the U.S., plus an online shop at shopatshowcase.com, Showcase is a trusted choice."

Parents can also check the POP MART Canada website to find a list of official retailers.

Why authenticity matters

Authenticity is key when buying Labubu toys, as knockoff versions are known for their safety concerns, reduced craftsmanship and little or no appeal for collectors or for safe play.

Exploring similar collectible toys for kids (beyond Labubu)

Labubu may be the star of today’s blind-box craze, but it’s far from the only collectible toy capturing kids’ imaginations.

Here are some similar collectible toys that'll engage their interests:

• Other POP MART series: Molly, Dimoo, Skullpanda, and Hirono are all official POP MART series, each designed by specific artists, and are available as blind box designer toys.
• Other blind box brands: Sonny Angel and Smiski are collectible toys that come in blind boxes, each revealing a surprise figure inside. Re-Ment, a Japanese brand, is also popular for its series of highly detailed miniature collectibles designed for unboxing and building out tiny and creative worlds.
• Miniature collectibles: Mini Brands and Shopkins invite kids (and yes, adults) to collect ultra-detailed, tiny versions of snacks, groceries, and everyday items.
• Plush collectibles: Squishmallows skip the blind box thrill but deliver irresistible softness and collector vibes, turning up in all kinds of sizes and styles, both in stores and online.

The bottom line

Labubu's viral rise is more than a passing trend. It's a snapshot of how modern collectibles spark excitement, connect communities, and create new traditions for kids and nostalgic adults alike.

But as fun as the hunt may be, shopping for a Labubu also calls for some caution. Certain figures can be more pricey than others, and the market is full of counterfeits. To make sure yours is the real deal, always check the serial number and scan the QR code on the box. Authentic Labubu toys also come with a stamp on the foot and subtle physical details that set them apart from fakes.

Beyond authenticity, there's another piece to keep in mind: boundaries. The thrill of collecting can quickly spiral into overspending or frustration if specific figures are hard to track down. Setting limits early helps kids manage the hype and allows families to share in the fun of collecting without stress.