Labubus have taken the world by storm. The monster-like figurines, recognizable by their slightly creepy grin, are seen hanging from bags and outfits, and are sometimes resold for triple the original price. Where exactly the Labubu craze originated is hard to pinpoint, but one thing is certain: this won’t be the last trend in the world of blind box collectibles.
Labubu
You either hate them or love them: the Labubu. The monstrous character, designed by Japanese artist Kasing Lung, was introduced in 2015 by POP MART. The figures were originally part of Lung’s book series The Monsters, inspired by Norwegian fairy tales. In 2019, POP MART began releasing blind box versions, which have since gained global popularity.
Where exactly this craze comes from is hard to pinpoint. The little creature has been around for several years, and the figurines have been available at POP MART for quite some time. Maybe it was Dua Lipa, who went viral with the little monster hanging from her bag, or perhaps it was Central Cee, who showed off his army of Labubus on Instagram.
Who exactly sparked the craze remains unknown, but when even Rihanna is spotted with one of these creepy creatures dangling from her bag, you know they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. But why is everyone so obsessed with these little monsters? And perhaps an even better question: what comes after Labubu?
Blind box
Aside from the fact that I secretly find the Labubus pretty adorable, part of the success of these gimmicks lies in the blind box concept. Much like the ever-popular Pokémon cards - long beloved by collectors - you don’t know which Labubu you’ve got until you tear open the sealed packaging.
Each series also includes a rare secret Labubu, whose value can sometimes rise to hundreds of euros. Unboxing videos on TikTok and Instagram often go viral, further fuelling the hype around the phenomenon.
The blind box aspect of the Labubus comes with both pros and cons. Not knowing which Labubu you’ll get adds a certain thrill. It’s fun; until you don’t get the one you were secretly hoping for. And then what? Just leave it at that? Of course not.
Feeding that thrill, and sometimes the disappointment, keeps fans coming back, again and again, hoping to finally get that one they’re after. And when brands like sacai start releasing their own limited-edition Labubu, the hype only grows stronger.
Nothing new
It’s not the first time people have queued for hours outside POP MART stores for the release of a new figure. From Sonny Angels to Bearbricks, collecting blind box collectibles has been a well-known phenomenon for years, both in the Netherlands and beyond.
Not a fan of those grinning Labubus? Don’t worry, there are plenty of alternatives that are only expected to grow in popularity. From Peach Riot to Sanrio, these blind box gimmicks are definitely ones to watch.
Peach Riot
Peach Riot is both a punk band and the name of a collectible figurine series. The band consists of Gigi, Frankie, and Poppy, three high school girls who form their own band. Designed by Libby Frame and brought to life by POP MART, Peach Riot has become a favourite among blind box collectors.
Peach Riot figures are available as rubber figurines, keychains, and other accessories. Certainly one to watch.
Mofusand
Another cuddly collectible is Mofusand, a plush cat created by Japanese illustrator Juno. The kitties come in a variety of costumes and outfits, from shark suits to strawberry hats. Mofusand appears in all kinds of forms, from stickers and plush toys to collectible figures and merchandise.
Hirono
Blind box collectible Hirono is also gaining popularity these days. This mysterious figure was designed by Chinese artist Lang and is recognisable by its slightly bored grin. Hirono comes in a variety of imaginative outfits, often featuring subtle references to art, literature, and dreams.
Sanrio
Sanrio figurines have been available at POP MART for some time, but they are currently experiencing growing popularity, especially online. Sanrio is a collection of characters, with Hello Kitty as the main star. Other well-known figures include her friends Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, and My Melody, each recognizable by their cute, minimalist appearance.
Skullpanda
Skullpanda, designed by Xiong Miao in collaboration with POP MART, is inspired by the artist’s inner world and emotions. The character, recognizable by its melancholic and dreamy designs, reflects themes such as identity, loneliness, and self-reflection.
Skullpanda serves as a kind of alter ego for Miao: a figure that is both tough and vulnerable, and that you can simply hang on your bag. A must-have for collectors.
Smiski
Chances are, you haven’t heard of Smiski yet. This quirky green figurine is especially popular in America and Asia, thanks in part to its comical poses and deadpan facial expressions. The glow-in-the-dark figure (about 5 to 7 cm tall) gets its name from the Japanese word ‘sumi’, which means ‘corner’ - the place where Smiskis love to hide.
A blind box collectible you might not be able to hang on your bag, but can definitely hide in surprising spots around your room.
Miniso
Many of the figurines mentioned above are available at the famous POP MART store. So far, this Japanese shop can only be visited in Amsterdam, which often means waiting in line for hours to get your favourite little monster. A good alternative to POP MART is Miniso.
This chain, recognizable by its red, smiling logo, has locations all across the Netherlands, from Eindhoven to Rotterdam and Almere. With series like Sanrio, BT21, We Bare Bears, and Mikko, Miniso is also the place to go for cute blind box figurines (without having to camp out for hours).
So, if you’re getting a bit tired of Labubu (and understandably so) here are some alternatives that we believe will do very well in the future. Maybe even better.
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Labubu is a monster-like figurine designed by Japanese artist Kasing Lung. Labubu became known through the book series The Monsters and has been released as a blind box collectible by POP MART since 2019.
Labubus stands out because of their unique, creepy charm and the wide variety of designs sold in blind boxes. Recently, celebrities like Dua Lipa, Lisa, Central Cee, and Rihanna were spotted with a Labubu, which fueled the hype even more.
Blind box collectibles are collectible figurines that you buy in a sealed package without knowing which variant is inside. These collectibles, like Labubus, Sonny Angels, and Sanrio figures, are mainly sold at POP MART, but are also available at stoes like Miniso.
