If you've been on Indian Instagram or visited any urban gift shop recently, you've likely encountered Labubu - the wide-eyed, toothy vinyl figure that has become a full-blown global phenomenon. From Lisa of BLACKPINK hanging them on her Birkin bag to Indian celebrities posting unboxing videos, Labubu has captured a cultural moment in a way few toys have in recent memory. Here's everything you need to know.
What exactly is a Labubu?
Labubu is a designer toy character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung as part of his 'The Monsters' series. The character is described as a mischievous forest elf with:
- Large, round eyes with distinctive iris patterns
- A wide, toothy smile showing multiple pointed teeth
- Pointy ears (sometimes with tufts)
- A compact, plush or vinyl body
- Available in hundreds of colourways, collaborations, and limited editions
Labubu figures are manufactured and distributed by Pop Mart, a Chinese designer toy company that produces 'blind box' collectibles - you buy a sealed box not knowing which variant you'll get, creating the same excitement as a mystery unboxing.
Why has Labubu become such a massive trend in 2025-2026?
The celebrity effect
Lisa from BLACKPINK was spotted with Labubu keychains dangling from luxury bags in 2024, and the image went viral globally. In a market as brand-conscious as India, luxury bag + cute character accessory created an immediately aspirational association. Since then, multiple Indian celebrities and influencers have joined the trend.
The blind box psychology
The gamification of collecting - not knowing which variant you'll get - creates the same neurological excitement as a slot machine win when you open a box. This drives repeat purchases ('I'll try for the rare one') and social sharing of unboxing moments.
The collector community
Labubu has a global collector community with dedicated trading groups, rarity tracking, and resale markets where rare variants sell for 10-50x their retail price. In India, Facebook groups, Discord servers, and WhatsApp communities for Labubu collectors have grown significantly in 2025-2026.
The accessory format
The keychain/bag-charm versions of Labubu make them wearable accessories, not just display pieces. This dramatically expands the audience beyond traditional toy collectors to fashion-conscious young adults who wouldn't identify as toy collectors at all.
Types of Labubu products available in India
Blind box figures (original Pop Mart)
Sealed boxes containing a random variant from a collection series. Original Pop Mart products are the authentic version. Each series has a 'secret' rare variant (lower probability). Retail price: Rs. 800-1,500 per box for authentic Pop Mart products in India.
Labubu keychains and bag charms
Smaller plush or vinyl keychains designed to hang from bags, zippers, and phone cases. The most accessible version for casual fans. Available in official Pop Mart versions and inspired designs. The bag-charm format drove the mainstream fashion adoption of the trend.
Labubu plush figures
Larger soft plush versions for display and hugging. Softer aesthetic than the rigid vinyl figures. Popular as desk décor and bedroom accessories.
Inspired/similar designs from Indian market
The Labubu aesthetic has inspired similar monster-elf character designs widely available in India at significantly lower price points. These are independent products inspired by the character type rather than licensed Labubu products.
Authentic vs inspired: what to know before buying in India
The Labubu market in India has both authentic Pop Mart products and a large number of inspired designs. What to know:
- Authentic Pop Mart Labubu - comes in sealed Pop Mart branded packaging with QR code authentication. Available through official Pop Mart retailers (limited in India), some premium toy stores, and authorized resellers. Price Rs. 800-1,500+
- Inspired designs - similar monster/elf character aesthetic from other manufacturers. Not licensed Labubu products. Significantly cheaper (Rs. 150-400). These are independent products in the same category.
- If buying as a collectible investment, authenticity matters significantly. If buying as a cute accessory for personal use, the choice is personal preference and budget.
How Indian collectors are engaging with Labubu
- Bag charms on school and college bags
- Desk accessories in offices (particularly in creative and tech industries)
- Display collections on shelves and bookcases
- Gift giving - particularly for Gen Z birthdays and Christmas
- Trading in collector communities for rare variants
What makes a Labubu variant valuable in the collector market?
- Rarity - 'Secret' and 'Double Secret' variants have lower pull rates (1:72 or rarer) and command premium prices
- Collaboration editions - Pop Mart x Starbucks, Pop Mart x Disney and similar collab releases are highly sought after
- Discontinued series - older series no longer in production increase in value over time
- Condition - unopened sealed boxes are worth more than opened figures for resale
Shop Labubu-inspired collectibles and cute accessories in India
DeoDap stocks a range of collectible figures, cute character accessories, and bag charms at affordable prices with fast delivery across India. Perfect for fans of the aesthetic and collector culture.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy authentic Labubu in India?
Authentic Pop Mart Labubu is available through Pop Mart's own website (with international shipping), authorized Pop Mart retailers (limited presence in Indian malls in metros), and verified resellers on Instagram and collector communities. Verify packaging QR codes for authenticity.
Why are Labubu toys so expensive?
Authentic Pop Mart Labubu pricing reflects the designer toy category (similar to limited edition sneakers), the blind box model, and import costs in India. Rare variants command premiums from global collector demand. Inspired designs at lower price points capture the aesthetic without the collector premium.
Are Labubu toys appropriate for young children?
Labubu figures are designer collectibles, not children's toys. Small parts and vinyl construction mean they are not suitable for children under 14. The target audience is teenagers and adults aged 15-35.
