What Is the Labubu Trend Everyone’s Talking About? A Simple Guide to the Viral Toy Taking Over Twitter
If you’ve opened Twitter or TikTok this October, you’ve probably seen them: tiny, mischievous creatures with pointy ears, buck teeth, and wide, chaotic eyes—perched on desks, tucked into backpacks, or starring in stop-motion skits. They’re called Labubus, and in October 2025, they’ve gone from niche collectible to full-blown internet obsession.
The trend exploded after a 22-second video by Los Angeles–based creator Mia Tran showed her Labubu “stealing” her coffee mug while she worked. Set to whimsical lo-fi music, the clip ended with the caption: “My Labubu has more personality than my coworkers.” It’s now been viewed over 18 million times.
Since then, U.S. influencers—from illustrators to therapists to toy reviewers—have jumped in, using Labubus to explore everything from creative burnout to the joy of small comforts in uncertain times. But if you’re new to this, you might be wondering: What even is a Labubu? And why is everyone suddenly obsessed with a weird little monster?
Don’t worry—you’re not behind. Let’s unpack the trend, where it came from, and why it’s resonating so deeply right now.
What Is a Labubu, Exactly?
Labubu is a character created by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong–based artist known for blending folklore, nature, and fantasy in her toy designs. First introduced in the early 2010s, Labubu is part of the Pop Mart universe—a global collectible toy brand famous for its blind-box figures (think: high-design, limited-edition mini sculptures).
Visually, Labubu looks like a cross between a forest spirit and a gremlin:
- Pointy ears
- Jagged little teeth
- Big, expressive eyes
- Often dressed in whimsical outfits (mushroom caps, tiny armor, floral crowns)
But what makes Labubu special isn’t just the design—it’s the personality fans project onto it. Unlike passive collectibles, Labubus are treated like tiny roommates with opinions, mischief, and emotional support superpowers.
Why Did the Labubu Trend Blow Up in October 2025?
Several cultural currents collided to make this the perfect moment for Labubu mania:
- Post-pandemic “small joy” seeking: After years of heavy news cycles, people are gravitating toward tiny, tactile comforts—plants, stickers, miniatures. Labubus fit right in.
- Digital fatigue: In a world of AI avatars and virtual meetings, a physical, hand-painted toy feels refreshingly real.
- Creative expression: Creators use Labubus as characters in micro-stories—giving them jobs, backstories, even therapy sessions. One viral Twitter thread showed a Labubu “quitting” a toxic workplace (a stand-in for the creator’s real burnout).
- Community and surprise: Pop Mart’s blind-box model means you never know which Labubu you’ll get—fueling unboxing videos, trades, and fan art.
As illustrator Dev Patel wrote on X:
“My Labubu sits on my desk and judges my life choices. It’s the healthiest relationship I’ve had all year.”
How Are U.S. Influencers Using Labubus?
It’s not just about collecting—it’s about storytelling. Here’s how American creators are bringing Labubus to life:
- Mental health metaphors: Therapists like Dr. Lena Ruiz use Labubus in posts about anxiety (“My Labubu hides under my notebook when I have Zoom calls—relatable?”).
- Workplace humor: Graphic designers post Labubus “attending” team meetings or “deleting” bad client emails.
- Art and customization: Many fans repaint or re-outfit their Labubus, turning them into witches, astronauts, or even tiny versions of themselves.
- Anti-consumerism twist: Some creators joke that their Labubu “bought itself” after they caved to retail therapy—adding self-aware humor to the trend.
The charm? Labubus aren’t perfect. They’re weird, a little ugly-cute, and full of chaotic energy—which, honestly, matches how a lot of us feel in 2025.
Where to Buy (and What to Know Before You Do)
Labubus are sold primarily through Pop Mart stores (in malls like Westfield or Mall of America), their official website, and retailers like Target and Amazon. Most standard figures cost $14–$18, while special editions (glow-in-the-dark, metallic, collaborations) can go for $30+.
A few tips if you’re curious:
- Blind boxes mean surprise: You won’t know which design you’re getting unless you buy a “chase” or full set (which costs more).
- Beware of fakes: Counterfeit Labubus flood third-party marketplaces. Stick to authorized sellers.
- It’s okay to just enjoy one: You don’t need a collection to “get” the trend. Many fans own just a single Labubu that lives on their nightstand or desk.
And no—despite the memes—you don’t need one to be creative or emotionally well. But for many, it’s a low-stakes way to inject playfulness into daily life.
Top Voices to Follow on Labubu & Creative Wellness
These U.S.-based creators blend toy culture, mental health, and design in smart, joyful ways:
- Mia Tran
- Platform: TikTok
- Handle: @miatran.creates
- Followers: ~625,000 (as of early 2025)
- Digital artist who sparked the October 2025 Labubu wave with her relatable “tiny roommate” skits.
- Dr. Lena Ruiz, LMFT
- Platform: Instagram
- Handle: @gentlemind.co
- Followers: ~144,000
- Therapist who uses Labubus and other toys to explain emotional regulation and inner child work.
- Toy Chronicle
- Platform: X (Twitter)
- Handle: @toychronicle
- Followers: ~91,000
- Trusted source for news on collectible toys, including Pop Mart drops, authenticity tips, and release dates.
- Jasmine Wu
- Platform: Instagram
- Handle: @labubu.diaries
- Followers: ~96,000
- Artist who customizes Labubus and shares whimsical daily comics featuring her “Labubu family.”
FAQ: The Labubu Trend Explained
Q: What is a Labubu?
A: A mischievous, folklore-inspired collectible toy created by artist Kasing Lung and sold by Pop Mart.
Q: Why is Labubu trending in October 2025?
A: U.S. creators are using Labubus as playful metaphors for mental health, work stress, and the joy of small comforts.
Q: Where can I buy a real Labubu?
A: Official Pop Mart stores, PopMart.com, Target, and Amazon (sold by Pop Mart directly). Avoid third-party resellers with suspiciously low prices.
Q: How much does a Labubu cost?
A: Standard blind boxes are $14–$18. Special editions range from $25–$60.
Q: Do I need to collect multiple Labubus?
A: No! Many fans own just one and treat it like a tiny companion or desk mascot.
Q: Are Labubus only for kids?
A: No—they’re marketed to adults as art collectibles and stress-relief companions.
Q: Is this just another fad?
A: Maybe—but it’s rooted in real human needs: play, storytelling, and finding lightness in hard times.
Q: Can I customize my Labubu?
A: Yes! Many fans repaint or re-outfit theirs. Just use non-toxic paints and sealants to preserve the figure.
At its heart, the Labubu trend isn’t really about toys. It’s about giving ourselves permission to be playful, imperfect, and a little silly—even (especially) when life feels heavy. In a world that demands constant productivity, sometimes the most radical act is placing a tiny, toothy gremlin on your desk… and letting it remind you that joy can be small, strange, and entirely your own.