Why Is Labubu So Expensive? The Truth Behind the Price Tag

Labubu might look small and playful, but its price tag surprises a lot of people. Some figures are sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. So, what makes it so expensive?

There are a few main reasons. First, Labubu is not just a toy. It’s a designer collectible made in limited quantities. Most of the time, it comes in blind boxes, so you don’t know which one you’re getting until you open it. Rare figures are very hard to find, and that makes them more valuable.

Second, demand is much higher than supply. Pop Mart, the company that produces Labubu, releases new figures in small batches. These sell out within minutes. If you miss the official release, you’ll have to buy from a reseller, usually at a much higher price.

Third, Labubu has become a trend. Celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Rihanna, and other influencers have been seen with Labubu toys, and that exposure has made them even more popular.

When you combine rarity, hype, quality design, and limited availability, you get a collectible that’s expensive and in high demand.

The Rise of Labubu’s Popularity

Labubu wasn’t always expensive. In fact, when it first appeared as a figure in 2015, it was mostly known by a small group of collectors and fans in Asia. But everything changed in 2019 when Kasing Lung partnered with a toy company called Pop Mart.

Pop Mart is based in China and is famous for selling collectibles in blind boxes. These boxes hide the toy inside so the buyer doesn’t know what they are getting until they open it. This surprise factor makes the experience more fun and addictive.

Pop Mart began producing Labubu figures in different themes and costumes. Each collection had several versions, with a few rare ones hidden inside. Fans began buying more and more boxes just to find the rare ones.

Social media also played a huge role. People started sharing unboxing videos, reviews, and photos of their Labubu toys. When celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Rihanna were seen with Labubu keychains and dolls, interest exploded worldwide.

Blind Boxes and Rarity Drive Up the Price

One of the biggest reasons Labubu is so expensive is because of how it’s sold. Most Labubu figures come in blind boxes. Each box contains one toy from the collection, but only a few lucky boxes contain rare secret versions.

These secret Labubus are what collectors chase after. In some series, the odds of getting a rare figure are as low as 1 in 72 or even less. Because of that, people often buy many boxes hoping to find the rare one.

This creates scarcity. The more rare a figure is, the more valuable it becomes. Collectors are willing to pay high prices to complete their sets or own the most exclusive versions. As a result, the resale value shoots up, especially for secret editions or limited releases.

Limited Editions Make It Even Harder to Get

On top of blind boxes, Pop Mart releases special collections that are available for only a short time or at specific locations. These are called limited editions.

For example, some Labubu figures were only sold at pop up stores, museum events, or international toy conventions. Others were part of brand collaborations or festival themed releases.

Once these limited editions are sold out, they are gone forever. The only way to get them is through resellers, who often charge two to ten times the original price.

This creates a sense of urgency and pressure. Fans feel like they have to act fast or miss out. This behavior drives demand even higher and pushes prices up even more.

Celebrity Influence and Trend Culture

Another major reason behind Labubu’s high price is its connection to pop culture. When a celebrity posts a photo with something, it usually goes viral, and that’s exactly what happened with Labubu.

When Lisa from BLACKPINK shared pictures of her Labubu keychain and plushie, fans all over Asia and beyond started searching for them. Other stars like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and local influencers also jumped on the trend.

Suddenly, Labubu wasn’t just a toy. It became a fashion accessory, a social media status symbol, and something that people showed off as part of their identity.

As with many trendy items, popularity makes prices go up. And once something is seen as cool or rare, people are often willing to spend more just to say they have it.

Labubu as an Art Toy, Not Just a Toy

It’s important to understand that Labubu is not mass-produced in the same way as regular toys you find in stores. These are known as designer toys or art toys. They are made in small batches, often with careful detail and unique designs.

The artist behind Labubu, Kasing Lung, still plays a major role in the creation of every new figure. His designs are based on his art style and personal stories. Each figure feels like a little piece of art rather than a product from a factory.

Many collectors don’t just buy Labubu to play with it. They buy it because they see it as a form of modern art. That changes how people view the price. Instead of thinking, This is an expensive toy,vthey think, This is a valuable collectible.

Some Labubu toys have even been displayed in art galleries and auctions. One extra large figure was sold for over $170,000 at an auction in China. That’s the kind of price you usually see for artwork, not toys.

The Role of the Resale Market

Because Labubu figures are so hard to find, many fans turn to the resale market. This includes websites like eBay, StockX, and collector forums. Sellers who got the toys during the original release now list them at much higher prices.

It’s common to see a Labubu figure that was originally sold for $25 now being listed for $300 or more. Rare editions often go for over $1000, and special collaborations or event exclusive figures can reach even higher.

This resale market fuels the idea that Labubu is expensive and valuable. It also creates competition. People feel like they need to act quickly before prices go up even more.

In some places, it has become hard to buy Labubu from official stores because resellers buy them in bulk to flip them for profit. This makes it even harder for regular fans to find them at the original price.

Supply Can’t Keep Up With Demand

One key reason why Labubu is so expensive is simple: not enough supply.

Even though Pop Mart produces a lot of Labubu figures, the demand is much higher. Fans from around the world are waiting for each new drop. And because most releases are small or exclusive, there are never enough to meet the full demand.

This limited supply means that new collections sell out quickly. People often have to wait in long lines, refresh websites again and again, or try to win lotteries just to get a chance to buy one.

When there is more demand than supply, prices naturally go up. That’s basic economics. In Labubu’s case, the demand just keeps growing with every release.

Quality and Design Also Matter

Labubu toys are not cheaply made. Each figure has a carefully crafted look, with bright colors, detailed paintwork, and special packaging. Some versions include accessories, outfits, or unique textures.

Many fans appreciate the effort that goes into each figure. The designs are playful, emotional, and often filled with small surprises. The themes change with the seasons, with some figures inspired by holidays, fairy tales, fashion trends, or even popular anime.

This level of creativity adds value. People are not just paying for plastic. They are paying for the experience of owning something thoughtful and artistic.

Global Reach and Hype Culture

Labubu is no longer just popular in one country. It has fans in China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, the United States, Europe, and beyond. Pop Mart has opened stores in major cities, and their online sales ship worldwide.

This global reach means that demand is spread across millions of people. As soon as a new release drops, fans everywhere rush to get it.

Online hype also plays a role. Videos, posts, and memes about Labubu get millions of views. Every time someone shares their collection or shows a rare find, it adds to the excitement.

Labubu has become a part of modern internet culture. And as long as people keep talking about it, the prices will likely stay high.

Labubu Is Now a Lifestyle

What started as a character in a storybook has now grown into a full lifestyle brand. There are Labubu plush dolls, keychains, clothes, phone cases, home decor, and even themed cafes and pop up events.

Fans wear Labubu gear, decorate their rooms with Labubu art, and create online groups just to share their passion. Owning a Labubu is more than just having a toy. It’s being part of a community.

This emotional connection makes people more willing to pay higher prices. They don’t just see it as a figure. They see it as a piece of themselves.

The Most Expensive Labubu Dolls Ever Sold

Most Labubu toys are priced around $25 to $30 at launch. But in the resale market, some figures have been sold for unbelievable amounts.

One of the most famous sales happened in China where a giant Labubu figure was sold at auction for over $170,000. It wasn’t a regular release. It was a limited art piece, made in collaboration with artist Kasing Lung, and only one was ever made.

There are also rare blind box editions that fetch huge prices online. Secret figures, the ones that show up in only 1 out of every 72 boxes — often sell for $300 or more. Some rare collaboration editions, like the Labubu x Vans or Labubu x Pronounce, have been listed for over $3,000 on resale sites like StockX.

Special event only Labubus or location exclusive figures, such as those sold in Paris, Japan, or during limited art events, are also among the most expensive. These are nearly impossible to find unless you’re there in person or willing to pay high resale prices.

For serious collectors, owning one of these ultra rare Labubus is like owning a piece of pop culture history.

What’s So Special About Labubu?

Every version of labubu tells a different story. One day, Labubu is dressed like a forest spirit. Another day, it’s a pirate, a witch, or even a fashionable model. The themes change with every collection, so each figure feels new and exciting.

What makes it even more special is the surprise. Since most Labubu toys come in blind boxes, opening one feels like opening a mystery gift. You never know what you’re going to get.

And then there’s the emotional side. Fans love Labubu because it feels personal. The designs reflect moods and moments from playful to calm, from wild to thoughtful. It’s not just a toy on a shelf. It feels like a little friend with a story.

Are Labubu Worth Collecting?

If you enjoy art, storytelling, and collecting something unique, then yes, Labubu is worth collecting.

Labubu figures are more than just toys. They are mini artworks, each one carefully designed and painted. They’re made in small batches, and many of them become rare quickly. That’s why their value often goes up, not down.

Collectors also love the fun of the hunt. Since you don’t know what’s in the box, there’s excitement every time you open one. Finding that one figure you’ve been searching for can feel like a big win.

But beyond money or rarity, many people collect Labubu because it brings them joy. It’s a way to be part of a community, to share something creative, and to decorate your space with something that has meaning.

Labubu may not be for everyone, but for those who love it, it’s absolutely worth it.

Why Are People Going Crazy Over Labubu?

It might seem wild to see grown adults waiting in long lines or spending hundreds of dollars on a toy. But when it comes to Labubu, the hype is real and it’s easy to understand why once you look closer.

Labubu is different from most toys. It has a unique look, a backstory, and a creator who treats it like a piece of art. That already makes it feel special. But what really drives the craze is the mix of rarity, surprise, and style.

Then comes the influence of celebrities and social media. When someone famous shows off their Labubu, the whole internet wants one too. Fans post their collections online, showing off rare finds and trading with others. The buzz keeps growing.

Labubu isn’t just a toy anymore. It’s a trend, a fashion piece, a collectible, and for many, a passion. That’s why people are going crazy for it and the craze doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

How Much Does Labubu Cost?

The cost of a Labubu figure can vary a lot depending on the type, collection, rarity, and where you’re buying it from.

If you’re buying a standard Labubu blind box directly from Pop Mart or an official store, the price is usually between $10 to $30 USD. These are the regular releases that include one random figure from a themed collection. You don’t know which version you’ll get until you open the box, which is part of the fun.

However, if you’re looking for a specific Labubu figure, especially one that is rare, limited edition, or secret, the price can go way up. On resale platforms like eBay, StockX, or collector forums, prices for rare Labubus often range from $100 to over $1,000 USD. Some special editions, like Labubu collaborations or event exclusive drops, have even been listed for several thousand dollars.

There are also plush Labubu dolls and large size figures that can cost more. These are not blind box items and are often priced higher from the start, usually around $60 to $200 USD, depending on the size and series.

In short:

• Regular blind box Labubu: around $10 to $30
• Rare/secret resale Labubu: $100 to $1,000+
• Large plush or special editions: $60 to $200+
• Ultra-rare art pieces or auction items: $2,000 and above

The final cost really depends on how rare it is and how badly someone wants it. And in Labubu’s world, the most wanted pieces usually don’t stay cheap for long.

Final Thoughts: Is Labubu Worth the Price?

It’s a mix of many things. The original art and story behind the character. The surprise of blind boxes. The rarity of limited editions. The influence of celebrities and social media. The high demand. The low supply. The resale market. The craftsmanship. The connection to fans.

All of these pieces come together to create something powerful. Labubu is not just a toy. It’s a symbol of creativity, style, and belonging. For many people, the price is worth it because of the joy and meaning it brings.

But like anything popular, it also has its critics. Some people feel the prices are too high. Others think it’s just a trend. That’s normal. In the end, it all comes down to what it means to you.

If Labubu makes you smile, reminds you of something magical, or helps you feel part of something fun — then maybe it is worth every penny.