Let's be honest: until recently, if I'd told you you'd spend hours of sleep and hundreds of euros on an elf with serrated teeth and a psychopathic smile, you'd have laughed in my face.
And yet, here we are.
Welcome to the world of Labubu, the creatures of Kasing Lung who have decided to colonize Asia (and your wallet) starting from Hong Kong. If you think it's "just a toy," you're missing the point. This is a war, and you are unarmed.
Here's how to navigate this pastel-colored madness without losing your sanity.
What is a Labubu (and why you suddenly want one)
Let's start with the basics. Labubu is part of the "Monsters" universe. He's an elf. He has bunny ears, fur (thick), and teeth that would make a shark jealous. Is he cute? No. Is it disturbing? Absolutely yes. Is it irresistible? Unfortunately.
The big bang happened when Blackpink's Lisa He decided to hang a giant one on his bag. From then on, the market went crazy. In Thailand, they became a commodity more valuable than gold, and in China, shops Pop Mart (the parent company that distributes these synthetic vinyl drugs) have become places of pilgrimage.
The Ugly Truth About Buying in Asia (Hong Kong and China)
If you are planning a trip to Hong Kong, Shanghai or Shenzhen and are thinking: “How cool, I'll go to a Pop Mart store and buy that set I like so much”… come down from the pear tree.
Here's the reality of the facts:
- Sold Out is the norm: The most coveted pieces (such as the Labubu Macaron (or the furry limited editions) don't even touch the shelves. They disappear on pre-order or are snatched up by resellers at 4 in the morning.
- The tails: In Hong Kong, walking into a Pop Mart flagship store on the weekend requires the patience of a Zen monk.
- The “Lottery”: For important releases, you often have to win the right to spend money via an app (often only in Chinese).
How to Enjoy Hunting (Without Getting Fletched)
Don't despair. If you're in Asia, or if you're buying online, there's a way to get out alive and with a Labubu in your hand.
1. Aim for the “Blind Boxes”, but with intelligence
The charm (and ruin) lies in the closed box. You don't know what's inside. It's legalized gambling for design lovers.
- The advice: If you just want a Labubu as a souvenir, buy a single box and trust in karma.
- The warning: If you are looking for that If you're looking for a specific color, skip the blind boxes. You'll end up with five duplicates and a nervous breakdown. Buy the "open box" (the pre-opened box) from reputable retailers. It costs more, but it saves you 10 failed attempts.
2. “Robo Shops” are your friends
In Hong Kong and China, you'll find giant yellow vending machines (Robo Shops). They often have stock that physical stores have sold out of. They're less crowded and give you the same dopamine rush without the human crowds.
3. Beware of fakes
The market is overrun with Labubu who seem to have had a hard life. Always check:
- The Pop Mart logo on the feet.
- The identity card inside.
- The quality of the fur (if it is frayed, it is not “vintage”, it is fake).
Is it worth it?
Look, rationally spending 20, 50, or 100 euros on a little plastic monster makes no sense. But when you "unwrap" one and see that mocking smile staring back at you, you understand that logic no longer exists here.
Labubu are small pieces of accessible art that remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. So, yes, buy one. Maybe just one (lie, you'll buy three). But do so with awareness: It is he who owns you, not the other way around.
Happy hunting!
Do you need help with the itinerary?
If this article has inspired you to travel to Asia on the hunt for Art Toys, or if you want to know the secret shops in Hong Kong where you can find out-of-print gems, email us or leave a comment.
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