Labubu Craze Explained: What Makes This Toy So Popular and Where to Buy in Bulk
2025-05-16 14:50:17
In the rapidly evolving world of collectible toys and figurines, Labubu has taken the spotlight. With its signature wide grin and mischievous charm, Labubu has become a hot topic among collectors, influencers, and toy resellers alike. As the demand for this quirky character soars globally, many wholesalers and toy businesses are asking the same questions: Where is Labubu made? and How can I find a reliable Labubu supplier?
This blog post will dive into the background of Labubu, its booming popularity, where it's manufactured, how businesses can source similar toys in bulk, and why it's important to follow market trends like this. We'll also provide tips on how you can get involved in the collectible toy business while avoiding copyright issues.
What is Labubu?
Labubu is a whimsical collectible toy character created by Hong Kong–born artist Kasing Lung, inspired by Nordic folklore.Introduced in 2015 as part of Lung's "The Monsters" series, Labubu features a mischievous design with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth.In 2019, Chinese toy company Pop Mart began producing Labubu figures, often sold in blind boxes, which has contributed to their collectibility and appeal.
Why is Labubu So Popular Right Now?
Labubu's popularity has surged recently due to several factors:
Celebrity Endorsements: Notably, Lisa from Blackpink was seen with a Labubu keychain, sparking interest among fans.Other celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa have also been spotted with Labubu accessories.
Social Media Virality: Platforms like TikTok have amplified Labubu's appeal, with over 1.4 million related posts, turning it into a viral sensation.
Fashion Accessory Trend: Labubu has become a popular fashion statement, often used as a quirky charm on bags and outfits, aligning with Gen Z's desire for unique and expressive accessories.
Blind Box Marketing: The mystery element of blind box sales creates excitement and encourages repeat purchases, as collectors seek rare editions.
Emotional Appeal: In uncertain times, Labubu offers a sense of comfort and nostalgia, serving as a "pocket of escapism" for many.
These factors combined have led to Labubu's global craze, with high demand causing sellouts and even prompting Pop Mart to halt in-store sales temporarily in some regions due to safety concerns.
Source: Pop Mart
Where is Labubu Made?
One of the most searched questions today is: Where is Labubu made? The answer is quite straightforward: Labubu toys are manufactured in China, primarily through Pop Mart's production facilities or through licensed factories specializing in high-quality vinyl toy production.
This is no surprise—China is the global hub for toy manufacturing, home to the largest supply chain, including plastic mold factories, design studios, and packaging companies. Many collectible figurines like Labubu, MOLLY, and SKULLPANDA are born in cities like Dongguan, Chenghai, and Shenzhen, where toy innovation thrives.
If you're looking to understand how China supports global toy distribution, you might find this China Toys Wholesale Market Guide helpful. It breaks down major markets, sourcing tips, and how you can tap into top manufacturers.
Blind Boxes and the Rise of Designer Toy Culture
To understand Labubu's success, it's important to consider the blind box phenomenon.
A blind box is a sealed package that contains a mystery toy — buyers don't know which specific figure they'll receive until opening it. This model appeals to collectors' thrill of surprise and encourages repeat purchases.
Blind boxes helped reshape the toy market, blending retail psychology with art toy culture. Brands like POP MART turned this concept into an ecosystem — driving demand through limited drops, secret editions, and gamified collecting. Labubu's blind box series thrives in this environment, where rarity and randomness add emotional value.
If you're considering entering the designer toy category or expanding your existing offerings, blind boxes aren't just a trend — they're a proven retail engine. With strong emotional pull, a built-in collector mindset, and impressive repeat purchase behavior, these toys offer unmatched potential for engagement and revenue growth.
Labubu Manufacturer: How to Find A Trusted Supplier
If you're searching for a Labubu manufacturer, it's critical to understand that due to branding concerns, most factories do not openly use proprietary character names. Instead, look for:
Designer toy manufacturers
Blind box OEM/ODM providers
Plastic toy factories with custom molding capability
When choosing a manufacturer, consider the following:
Experience: How long have they been producing designer toys or dolls?
Customization: Do they offer custom designs or accept OEM orders?
Material Quality: Are they using safe, non-toxic plastics?
Compliance: Are their products tested for export regulations (EN71, ASTM, etc.)?
MOQ Flexibility: Can they accommodate smaller batches for limited-edition runs?
Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Shantou are strong regions to focus on during your sourcing process.
If you're a wholesaler or toy shop owner looking to ride the Labubu wave without legal risks, here are a few suggestions:
Avoid counterfeit toys or replicas that mimic branded characters too closely.
Work with OEM suppliers who can help you create your own unique designs.
Focus on trends, not specific IP. The blind box concept, for instance, can be used with animals, robots, fantasy creatures, or seasonal themes.
Start with samples before placing large orders.
Stay updated with what's trending on social media like Instagram or TikTok to identify what characters or concepts are catching attention.
Why Zhorya is Your Ideal Partner for Trendy Toys
At Zhorya, we specialize in wholesale toys for global buyers, offering a wide range of plastic toys, dolls, RC products, building blocks, and blind box-style collectibles. Our catalog includes:
Custom blind box toys
Plastic dolls for kids
Remote control novelty items
Educational and interactive toys
With over 1.8 million toy products listed and years of B2B experience, Zhorya is your gateway to China's toy manufacturing hub—whether you're looking for creative new designs or planning to launch your own character-based collectibles.
We also offer OEM/ODM support, compliance with major toy safety standards, and factory-direct pricing to support your business growth.
✨ Ready to expand your toy business? Visit Zhorya and discover the possibilities.
Conclusion
Labubu's popularity shows how fast trends can shape the toy market. Instead of chasing licensed IPs, smart wholesalers focus on the ideas behind the hype—like blind boxes, unique designs, and social media buzz. With the right manufacturer, you can build your own brand and stay ahead of the curve.
Partner with Zhorya to tap into China's top toy factories and ride the next big wave in collectibles.
