Why Are Labubus So Expensive?

Labubu figures, from the popular The Monsters series by Pop Mart, have taken the designer toy world by storm. With their mischievous expressions, quirky personalities, and unique aesthetics, they've become a favorite among art toy collectors. But if you've tried to buy one, you've probably asked: Why are Labubus so expensive?

Let's break it down with some clear reasons—and sources to back it up.

1. Limited Editions and High Demand

Labubus are often released in limited quantities, especially the rarer editions like collaborations (e.g., with Kasing Lung) or special holiday versions. The scarcity drives up both demand and market value. Reference: Pop Mart regularly releases limited-edition blind box series and exclusive event items, often selling out quickly (Pop Mart Official Store).

Collectors know that once a specific Labubu is sold out, it may never be reproduced, making the resale price climb significantly—sometimes 2–10x the original retail price on platforms like eBay, Xianyu (China), and StockX.

2. Designer Collaboration and Artistic Value

Labubu was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, who is a well-respected figure in the art toy community. His designs are considered art pieces, not just toys. That automatically places Labubu in the category of designer collectibles, which are typically more expensive than mass-market figures.

Reference: Kasing Lung's background in children's illustration and art toy design has been covered in interviews and art toy expos (e.g., ToySoul HK).

The more recognized the artist, the higher the perceived value. Think of it like collecting limited-edition prints from a famous painter—but in vinyl form.

3. Quality of Craftsmanship and Materials

Labubu figures are made from premium vinyl and resin materials, with detailed sculpting and painting. Compared to mass-produced toys, these figures often go through more rigorous quality control and hand-finishing steps.

Reference: Designer toy manufacturers like Pop Mart emphasize craftsmanship, with internal QA and production standards similar to boutique art brands (Pop Mart Investor Info).

In short: you're paying not just for the character, but for artistic craftsmanship.

4. The Blind Box Culture

Many Labubu figures are sold through blind boxes, where buyers don't know which figure they'll receive. This randomness creates a "gotta catch'em all" mindset, encouraging bulk buying, trading—and sometimes frustration when people can't get the one they want.

This culture drives up the value of rare or "secret" figures, which can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Reference: The blind box trend and its psychological appeal have been explored in retail marketing research, such as by The Toy Association.

5. Resale Market and Hype

Because of their popularity, Labubus have a strong secondary market. Platforms like:

• eBay

• Xianyu (闲鱼, in China)

• Pop Mart's community groups

...all contribute to resale price inflation. Collectors and resellers often snatch up entire boxes during initial launches, driving scarcity. Some rare Labubu editions have been resold for 10x their retail price.

Reference: Secondary market trends are frequently reported in collector forums like Toy Chronicle and Reddit's r/VinylToys.

6. Emotional & Cultural Attachment

Many collectors have a strong emotional connection to Labubu, viewing them as part of their identity, aesthetic, or childhood nostalgia. Labubu's quirky, expressive design resonates with fans across Asia and globally, especially among millennials and Gen Z.

The cultural buzz—especially on platforms like Instagram, Xiaohongshu (RED), and TikTok—has helped Labubu become a fashionable lifestyle item, not just a toy.

Reference: Influencers and collectors regularly post unboxings and collections, turning Labubu into a symbol of taste and status (Xiaohongshu Trends).

7. Event Exclusives and International Releases

Pop Mart often releases Labubu event exclusives at toy expos like Beijing Toy Show (BTS) or Thailand Toy Expo, and those are either:

• Only sold at the event

• Lottery-based (limited winners)

• Released in extremely limited stock

This exclusivity adds both regional limitations and urgency, further raising prices on the collector market.

Reference: Event exclusives are cataloged on toy blogs and resale platforms like HobbyDB and Toy Chronicle.

8. The Rise of Custom Collectibles

The designer toy boom has inspired more fans and companies to explore custom anime figures and unique character designs.

If you're a creator or brand looking to make your own collectible figure line (think: your own "Labubu"), companies like SinguTech offer custom anime figures tailored to your design—complete with prototype modeling, material selection, and mass production options. Whether you want to prototype an original character or a licensed collaboration, custom figures let you tap into the collectible craze in your own unique way.

It's More Than Just a Toy

So, why are Labubus so expensive? Because they're more than toys. They're:

• Limited-edition designer art pieces

• Crafted with quality and care

• Tied to a strong collector culture

• Backed by emotional value and global demand

Whether you see them as an investment, a piece of art, or a personal treasure, there's no denying the premium placed on Labubu's charm, design, and rarity.