If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok recently, you’ve probably seen those quirky, ugly-cute plushies with funny teeth everyone seems to be obsessed with. People are using them as bag charms and hanging them off their luxury handbags and casual totes alike. Suddenly, everyone needs a Labubu to go with their Birkin, or perhaps a Birkin to go with their Labubu!
Before we dive into the Labubu obsession, let’s quickly talk about the recent bag charm craze.
The Bag Charm Trend
Bag charms have become a major trend lately, with adults proudly embracing their inner child by sporting plush keychains from brands like Noodolls and Jellycat, and even paying over $100 for limited-edition Jellycats.
However, Labubu bag charms gained huge popularity after Blackpink’s Lisa revealed her obsession with them. Since then, these quirky, plush, and oh-so-unique accessories have transformed into a major fashion statement and have been spotted on other celebrities including Rihanna adorning one on her Louis Vuitton bag, Dua Lipa and Kim K.
So, what is a Labubu?
Labubus are part of The Monsters Collection at Popmart, and they predominantly come in blind boxes. However, you can also find other collectible items like one-off vinyl plushies and hard statues that are slightly smaller in size. Some of these hard statues also come in various blind box series, such as the Lazy Yoga Series and the Almost Hidden Series.
But what makes them so special? Here’s the backstory: In 2015, character designer Kasing Lung created a fairy world inspired by Nordic mythology. This world was populated with magical characters, both good and evil, collectively known as The Monsters. Among them, the most prominent character is Labubu, a small monster with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth. Despite its mischievous look, Labubu is kind-hearted and always wants to help, though it often ends up achieving the opposite!
Now, let’s talk about the “blind box” aspect. With blind boxes, you never know what you’re going to get. There are various series in The Monsters vinyl plush collection, including the Exciting Macaron, Big Energy, and Have a Seat series. The most recent series is called Wacky Mart, which drops on June 13th. Each series typically has about six different characters, plus one rare secret character. The excitement of not knowing what you’ll get, combined with the chance of pulling a super rare one, makes the whole experience even more thrilling!
Why You Need One
Now, let’s get into why you need a Labubu in your life. Ok, let’s face it. You don’t need to hop on this trend and get one. But if you’re reading this article, you’re clearly intrigued. So, here’s why you might want a Labubu (or any other bag charm for that matter):
- It’s Fun! Whether you choose one charm or a charm per bag, it’s a great way to add some fun and variety to your handbag collection. Some people switch it up depending on their mood, while others keep a bag charm on every bag they own. It’s totally up to you!
- It Adds a Personal Touch to Your Bag: A bag charm lets you customise your bag and make it truly yours. Whether it’s a timeless design or a more affordable option, it’s a simple way to reflect your personality and add a bit of fun to your look.
- It’s a Conversation Starter: People will definitely ask about it. Whether you’re sporting it on your Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote or your Longchamp Le Pliage pouch, it’s guaranteed to get noticed.
- It’s a Trendy Collectible: Labubu and some of these other charms aren’t just a bag charm, they are part of a limited edition collection that grows in value, especially as the popularity of Popmart and similar brands increases.
How to Buy a Labubu
The best way to buy a Labubu is straight from the source, Popmart. However, their drops are always sold out very quickly and they’ve also temporarily paused selling Labubus in-store due to the high demand. If you’re lucky enough to grab one via their website, definitely do it!
If the Popmart option fails, you can also try resellers on StockX or eBay Just be cautious of fakes (aka “Lafufu”). Make sure you check the reviews and buying from a trusted seller to avoid getting scammed.
Labubu Alternatives
If you’re struggling to get your hands on a Labubu or just want a bag charm but don’t particularly like Labubu, here are some great alternatives:
- Popmart offers other adorable collections, including Skullpanda and Cry Baby, with new series dropping frequently.
- Jellycat: Known for their soft, high-quality plush toys, Jellycat offers a range of bag charms, including limited-edition pieces.
- Noodolls: These charming, playful plush keychains are another fun alternative if you’re looking for something equally whimsical.
Labubus are currently the must-have bag accessory for anyone who loves playful, quirky fashion. Whether you’re a fan of collectibles, love to hop on the latest trends or you just want to add a little fun to your outfit, getting your hands on one is definitely a good idea!
