Labubu Doll: The Toy That Took Over the World

It started with a smile.

Not yours. Not mine. But the mischievous, wide-eyed grin of a tiny creature named Labubu—a doll no taller than a coffee mug, with spiky ears, devilish charm, and an uncanny ability to cause chaos without ever moving an inch.

If you’ve never heard of the Labubu doll, you’re not alone.

But after what happened in China in 2024, it’s safe to say: you will never forget it.

The Doll That Didn't Blink—But Everyone Chased

Once a niche character from the POP MART universe, Labubu was born from the whimsical imagination of German artist Kasing Lung. Designed to be part of “The Monsters” collection, Labubu wasn’t always the star. In fact, it was the weirder, wilder cousin in a world of already strange toys.

But that’s what made it magnetic.

Where other toys tried to be cute, Labubu leaned into creepy-cute.

Where others smiled politely, Labubu smirked like it knew something you didn’t.

And somehow, over the years, that little smirk wormed its way into the hearts of thousands—especially among Gen Z collectors in China, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

What happened next? A storm. A storm with spiked ears and big teeth.

When McDonald’s Got Involved, All Hell Broke Loose

It was supposed to be a playful crossover.

In early 2024, McDonald’s China launched a limited-edition collaboration with POP MART featuring the Labubu doll. For the price of a meal, you could get your hands on one of the six mini figures.

Simple? Not quite.

Within hours of launch, chaos erupted.

Footage began flooding Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and Douyin. People were fighting—physically—inside McDonald’s outlets. Tables overturned. Hair pulled. Uniformed employees scrambling to control mobs.

And all over what?

A Labubu doll.

Some customers ordered dozens of meals, just to collect multiple boxes. Others brought scales to weigh unopened boxes and guess which figure was inside. Entire cities sold out in minutes.

And then came the scalpers.

In the resale market, some Labubu figures were flipping for up to $200 USD, nearly 30x their original value. One particular version, the “Detective Labubu,” became a social currency—more valuable than a new iPhone, at least in the eyes of some die-hard fans.

But what made people go this crazy?

Let’s rewind.

🎉 Labubu Giveaway – Winners Announced! 🎉

A huge thank you to everyone who entered our Labubu Giveaway – the response was incredible, and we loved seeing the excitement! 🧸💫

We’re thrilled to announce our lucky winners:

🥇 Shannon Spiers

🥇 Mandy Macdonald

🥇 Kathleen Mcilwaine

🥇 Nicki Niven

🥇 Chloe Fawcus

🎁 Congratulations to all of you! Your Labubu figures are ready for collection in-store.

📍 Please pop into Day Today Drylaw to collect your prize –

🚨Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us when you do!🚨

Thanks again to everyone who took part. Keep an eye on our page for more fun giveaways coming soon! 👀

A Viral Cult Built on Mystery

The rise of Labubu dolls isn’t random. It’s a perfect storm of modern consumer psychology, TikTok trends, and clever marketing.

First, there’s scarcity.

POP MART is famous for its blind box system. You never know which doll you’re getting—turning each purchase into a dopamine-fueled gamble. This taps directly into the same part of the brain that makes slot machines addictive.

Second, there’s status.

Owning rare Labubu dolls has become a form of self-expression online. On TikTok, the #labubu hashtag has millions of views, with creators filming unboxing videos, organizing shelves, or styling the dolls like celebrities.

Third, there’s community.

Collectors form niche forums, Discord groups, and local meet-ups. People trade, display, and discuss Labubu like they’re art curators. It’s no longer “just a toy”—it’s a lifestyle.

A Deeper Connection?

There’s something almost poetic about the Labubu doll’s expression.

That sly, knowing grin. The eyes too big for its head. The fact that it never changes, but somehow always says something different depending on your mood.

Some fans say Labubu reminds them of their childhood mischief. Others claim it brings them peace in a chaotic world. One viral tweet even read:

“Labubu looks like it just heard all your secrets and loves you anyway.”

That’s oddly comforting.

In a way, Labubu has become a mirror—reflecting back the emotions of a generation looking for identity in an increasingly digitized world.

Critics Call It “Mass Hysteria”

Of course, not everyone’s a fan.

Some critics argue that Labubu represents everything wrong with consumerism. The blind box model? Exploitative. The resale market? A bubble waiting to pop. The chaos at McDonald’s? Proof that we’ve lost our minds.

One editorial in a Chinese newspaper even likened the Labubu craze to “the tulip mania of modern toys.”

But to dismiss it as nonsense is to miss the point.

The Labubu doll isn’t just a toy. It’s a cultural moment. A tiny, grinning symbol of how physical collectibles still hold power in a digital world.

Where Do We Go From Here?

As of now, POP MART continues to expand Labubu's presence. New collections. International releases. Rumors of an animated series.

Collectors are scrambling for early editions. TikTok influencers are building entire brands around Labubu unboxings. And resellers? They’re watching the market like hawks, waiting for the next “golden” release.

But for the everyday fan, there’s still joy in the hunt.

The thrill of pulling open a box. The surprise of a new figure. The community it brings with it.

Final Thought: It’s More Than a Toy

The story of the Labubu doll isn’t just about plastic and packaging.

It’s about us—what we chase, what we value, and what brings us joy in tiny, unexpected packages.

So next time you see that little mischievous smile?

You’ll know exactly what it means.

And maybe—just maybe—you’ll want one, too.