Labubu dolls – those mischievous, toothy, “ugly-cute” plush monsters from Pop Mart’s “The Monsters” series – continue to captivate collectors worldwide in 2026. Created by artist Kasing Lung, these viral bag charms and blind box figures exploded in 2025 thanks to celebrity fans like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa. Now, entering February 2026, the hype has evolved: the 10th Anniversary celebrations are in full swing with massive limited editions, Lunar New Year Year of the Horse drops are fresh, plush pendants dominate as everyday accessories, and resale prices have cooled for commons while rares hold strong value.
Whether you’re a newbie hunting your first blind box or a seasoned collector chasing secrets, this ultimate guide covers everything: origins, top series, authenticity checks, care tips, current trends, and smart buying strategies. Let’s dive in! 🤗
What Are Labubu Dolls? Origin and History
Labubu first appeared in 2015 as a side character in Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung‘s children’s book series “The Monsters” – a kind-hearted but clumsy elf-like creature with pointy ears, nine sharp teeth, and a wide, mischievous grin. In 2019, Pop Mart partnered with Kasing Lung to turn The Monsters into collectible blind box figures and plush toys, launching the global craze.
Key features that define a real Labubu:
- Exactly 9 sharp teeth (fakes often have more/less or uneven).
- Fluffy plush body (or vinyl face in figures) with an “ugly-cute” aesthetic.
- Signature grin and expressive eyes that mix adorable with slightly spooky.
The 2025 boom came from TikTok unboxings, celeb bag charms, and blind box surprises. By 2026, over 100 million units sold globally, but the market has matured – less “mania” frenzy, more dedicated collecting with anniversary hype keeping it alive.
See our Halloween 2025 Cute Monster Plush Guide for more monster vibes from last year!)
Why Labubu Is Still a Big Deal in 2026
Early 2026 shows a shift: Labubu “fatigue” hit late 2025 with resale prices dropping 50%+ on commons, but the brand remains strong thanks to:
- 10th Anniversary Milestone: Mega editions, Zimomo plush, pendant blind boxes, and global tour exhibitions (like Paris March 2026).
- Lunar New Year Releases: Year of the Horse collections like “Have a Good Run” and “Golden Gallop” plush pendants featuring Labubu in horse outfits, plus multi-IP collabs (with Dimoo, Hirono, Skullpanda, Crybaby).
- Community & Diversification: Collectors branching to emotional IPs like Crybaby (tearful designs) and Hirono (whimsical portability), but Labubu leads resale on platforms like StockX.
- Accessibility: Official Pop Mart Amazon storefront makes authentic buys easier.
Here’s a quick comparison table of Labubu vs. rising Pop Mart alternatives in February 2026:
| Collectible | 2026 Popularity Trend | Key Appeal | Avg Retail Price | Resale Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labubu (The Monsters) | Stable with Anniversary Boost | Viral plush pendants, limited drops | $20–$300+ | High for rares/anniversary |
| Crybaby | Rising Fast | Emotional, tearful aesthetics | $25–$80 | Growing strong |
| Skullpanda | Steady-High | Edgy-cute, dark themes | $20–$100 | Medium-High |
| Hirono | Emerging Strong | Whimsical, portable designs | $15–$60 | Rising fast |
| Hacipupu | Gaining Momentum | Playful & unique | $20–$70 | Emerging |
Top Labubu Series & Collections in 2026
2026’s standout is the The Monsters 10th Anniversary Series – Zimomo Vinyl Plush ($299+), Mega Labubu 400%/1000% editions (up to $1269), pendant blind boxes mixing Labubu with other Monsters characters.
Current top series ranking (based on collector buzz, rarity, and value in Feb 2026):
- The Monsters 10th Anniversary Series – Limited pendants, Mega figures, Zimomo plush. High resale, global tour tie-ins.
- Have a Good Run / Golden Gallop (Year of the Horse 2026) – Plush pendant blind boxes with Labubu + multi-IP in horse outfits. Fresh Lunar New Year drop, super cute & collectible.
- Pin for Love Series – Romantic mini pendants, alphabet-themed minis (A-Z + secrets), great for beginners.
- Let’s Checkmate Series – Chess-inspired hanging plush, playful and versatile.
- Big into Energy / Rock The Universe – Energetic plush, still popular from 2025 carryover.
- Wings of Fantasy (Pronounce Collab) – Premium fantasy edition with wings, timeless high-value pick.
Pro tip: Pop Mart drops new arrivals Thursdays at 9 PM – check official site or Amazon storefront first!
Amazon affiliate pick: Grab an authentic starter blind box from Pop Mart’s official storefront – Shop Pop Mart Labubu on Amazon (As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This ensures 100% authentic with direct shipping.)
“Pop Mart The Monsters 10th Anniversary Series Zimomo Vinyl Plush Doll limited edition 2026”)
How to Buy Authentic Labubu in 2026 (Spot Fakes Easily!)
Fakes (“Lafufu”) are everywhere – especially on unofficial sellers. Always buy from verified sources to avoid scams.
Real vs. Fake Checklist (2026 Updated):
- Teeth: Exactly 9 sharp, even teeth. Fakes often 8/10 or uneven.
- Foot Tags: Pop Mart logo on left foot. Newer ones have UV-detectable stamp on right foot.
- Quality: Clean sculpting, soft matte plush (fakes feel oily/shiny), precise paint no chipping.
- Box/QR: Official boxes have sharp typography, no spelling errors (e.g., not “bOb Mart” or “PopmArt”).
- Where to Buy Safe: Pop Mart official website/app, their Amazon storefront, or verified retailers. Avoid shady resellers or super-cheap deals.
Our 2025 Halloween Budget Monster Favors had early authentic tips – still relevant!)
Care, Display & Storage Tips for Your Labubu Collection
Keep your Labubus looking fresh:
- Cleaning: Gentle microfiber cloth or soft brush; avoid water/chemicals on plush.
- Display: Use as bag charms with loops, or shelves in dust-free acrylic cases.
- Storage: Cool, dry spot away from direct sun (prevents fading/colors shifting).
- Protection: For plush, stuff lightly to maintain shape.
Amazon suggestion: Protective display cases or storage boxes – Check these on Amazon
(Disclosure: Affiliate link, we earn commission on qualifying purchases).
“Labubu plush collection display ideas 2026 with acrylic protective cases
Labubu Trends in February 2026: What’s Hot & What’s Next?
- Plush Pendants Everywhere: Hanging loops make them perfect bag/desk accessories – Year of the Horse series leading.
- Anniversary & Lunar Drops: 10th Anniversary global tour (Paris March 2026), Horse-themed multi-character pendants.
- Diversification: Collectors mixing in Crybaby, Hirono for emotional/portable vibes; Twinkle Twinkle emerging as joyful alternative.
- Resale Shift: Commons down, but anniversary/rares hold or appreciate.
- Community: TikTok/Instagram unboxings still viral; customizers & resale on StockX/eBay.
FAQs (for schema & AI snippets):
Is Labubu still worth collecting in 2026? Yes – anniversary and Lunar drops add fresh energy, and rares maintain strong long-term value.
Best beginner Labubu in 2026? Start with Pin for Love mini pendants or Have a Good Run blind box – affordable surprise fun under $50.
How to avoid fakes on Amazon? Stick to Pop Mart’s official storefront – guarantees authentic.
