The Labubu doll has become a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, going from a niche art toy to a must-have item. This strange treasure has won over celebrities, collectors, and casual admirers with its wicked grin, pointed ears, and nine sharp teeth. Its sudden rise, which was propelled by social media, celebrity endorsements, and the excitement of blind boxes, has made it a must-have item. This has led to long queues, sellouts, and even fights in stores. In the world of collectible card games, the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals expansion has also caused a lot of excitement, with fans rushing to pre-order and look at the list of destined rivals cards. This blog talks about the Labubu doll obsession, how it is similar to the Destined Rivals mania, and how these collectibles have become huge in culture.
Where the Labubu Doll Came From
In 2015, Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised artist Kasing Lung created the Labubu doll as a character in “The Monsters,” a series of storybooks. Lung created a fun world based on Nordic folklore, with Labubu, a loving but naughty elf-like creature, and other creatures like Zimomo, Tycoco, and Mokoko. Art toy fans instantly fell in love with Labubu’s “ugly-cute” look, which had a fuzzy body, big eyes, and a toothy mouth. How2Work made the Labubu doll at first, but it became popular in 2019 after the Chinese toy manufacturer Pop Mart teamed up with Lung to make the figure a collectible hit.
Pop Mart’s clever “blind box” technique, in which purchasers don’t know which figure they’ll get until they open the box, created an element of surprise that kept collectors coming back. The Labubu doll craze took off because of this risk and the fact that there were only a few of them made. By 2025, Pop Mart had put out more than 300 different Labubu toys, from $15 keychains to $960 mega-sized figures. A four-foot-tall Labubu sold for $170,000 at auction in Beijing.
What Made Labubu Dolls So Popular
A perfect storm of cultural, sociological, and marketing forces has made the Labubu doll famous. This is why it’s more than just a toy:
1. Endorsements from Celebrities
In 2024, the Labubu doll became quite popular when K-pop sensation Lisa from BLACKPINK was seen with a Labubu keychain on her bag. This one moment set off a frenzy, especially in Asia, where fans hurried to copy her look. Celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, and David Beckham followed suit, showing off Labubus on expensive bags. This made the doll a fashion accessory. This trend grew even more on social media, as fans and influencers posted unboxing videos and styling suggestions under hashtags like #labubu, which got 1.6 million TikTok postings.
2. The Blind Box Draw
The excitement of blind packaging is a big reason why the Labubu doll mania is so big. Each box has a random figure from a themed series, including “Big into Energy,” “Exciting Macaron,” or “Fall in Wild.” There is a small possibility that you will get a rare “secret” figure, like the gray Labubu with rainbow fangs from the Big into Energy series, which goes for $500 on StockX. Desmond Tan, a collector, says that “shaking the box” to estimate what’s inside is like a treasure hunt. This mystery part, which is like Pokémon trading cards or cereal box prizes, plays on the fact that everyone loves surprises and things that are hard to find.
3. Feeling nostalgic and emotionally connected
Adults who want to escape into the past are drawn to the Labubu doll. Design scholar Gozde Goncu Berk says that movements like Labubu show how people are worried about social issues and want to go back to simpler times. These soft, playful creatures bring comfort and delight to a world that is too complicated. People dress their Labubus in personalized clothes, like miniature Prada jackets and Miu Miu caps, to make them look like they belong to them. The Labubu doll has become a cultural symbol because it combines nostalgia and self-expression.
4. Marketing through social media and going viral
The Labubu doll mania has been helped by TikTok and Instagram. Videos of people opening boxes of their collectibles get millions of views, and Reddit groups like r/Labubu (with 92,000 members) provide suggestions on how to get uncommon figures. Every week, Pop Mart delivers new items that are unveiled on TikTok livestreams. Fans rush to the website to get them before they sell out. The company’s strategy of only making a few of each item, like the Beanie Babies fad, creates a lot of buzz. Resellers on eBay and StockX charge hundreds or thousands of dollars for rare editions.
The Destined Rivals Connection: A Collectible Craze That Is Similar
The Labubu doll is the most popular plush toy, but the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals expansion, which came out on May 30, 2025, is just as popular with collectors. Destined Rivals has card game lovers buzzing with excitement. It features 244 cards, featuring strong Pokémon EX like Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, Cynthia’s Garchomp ex, and Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex. The set’s story, which pits heroic trainers against the evil Team Rocket, adds drama. The destined rivals card list includes rare image cards and hyper-rare gold-etched cards that collectors really want.
Destined Rivals booster packs are like Labubu’s blind boxes in that they give fans a chance to get rare cards, like Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet promo from the Elite Trainer Box. There was a lot of demand during the pre-order period for the projected rivals, and stores like Magic Madhouse and The Hobby Bin ran out of stock. Both Labubu and Destined Rivals play on the same collector psychology: the thrill of hunting for rare objects, the excitement of being part of a community, and the happiness of having something one-of-a-kind.
The Money Side of Labubu and Destined Rivals
The Labubu doll and Destined Rivals both have a profitable business model based on scarcity and exclusivity. In 2024, Pop Mart was worth $38 billion, more than toy companies like Mattel and Hasbro. This was mostly because of Labubu’s success. A single blind box costs $20 to $30, while uncommon figurines like the Vans collaboration Labubu may sell for $3,000 on resale sites. Also, in secondary markets, Destined Rivals cards, especially secret rares with collector numbers over 244, sell for a lot of money. For example, a Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex card is a very valuable collectible.
StockX, eBay, and Whatnot are all great places to buy and sell things, and Labubu collectors and Destined Rivals fans are willing to pay extra for limited editions. But this has caused problems with bogus products, such “Lafufu” knockoff dolls and fake Pokémon cards that are going around. It is recommended that collectors check the QR codes on Labubu boxes or compare the Destined Rivals cards to verified photographs to make sure they are real.
Cultural Effects and Global Reach
The Labubu doll has become more than just a toy; it’s become a cultural phenomenon. Buddhist amulets and tattoos are inspired by the belief that it brings good luck in Thailand. The People’s Action Party in Singapore utilized a Labubu keychain as a mascot for a community event, which shows how popular it is with the general public. Destined Rivals has also gotten a lot of interest around the world, with tournaments and trading events bringing in players and collectors from all over. Both of these things are part of a bigger trend where collectibles are becoming less clear-cut as toys, fashion, and investments.
Labubu has an impact on fashion, with enthusiasts attaching dolls to Birkins or making their own clothes for them. Destined Rivals, on the other hand, generates fan art and deck-building methods that are published on sites like Reddit. The Labubu doll and the Destined Rivals card list have come to stand for community, creativity, and the excitement of the pursuit, bringing together people of all ages, from Gen Z to millennials.
How to Get In On the Fun: Buy Labubu and Destined Rivals
If you want to get in on the Labubu doll craze, Pop Mart’s website and stores are the best places to go. They get new dolls every Thursday online and Friday in-store. But things often sell out, so it’s a good idea to check stores like Amazon, Kicks Crew, or your local toy store. Watch out for phony “Lafufu” dolls; real Labubus have accurate stitching and come in genuine boxes. People that collect can get ideas on how to get unusual items in groups like r/PopMartCollectors.
You may pre-order Destined Rivals from stores like Magic Madhouse or Pokémon Center, but there isn’t a lot of stock. You may see the destined competitors card list on sites like tcg.pokemon.com or The Hobby Bin. This helps collectors plan what to buy. People who want uncommon cards often buy booster packs and Elite Trainer Boxes.
Problems and Criticisms
There is some disagreement over the Labubu doll and Destined Rivals crazes. Some TikTok users have called out Labubu collectors for buying too much and selling it instead of really liking it. those have also been watching fights at Pop Mart stores and those who sell things for more than they paid for them. Fans of Destined Rivals also have to pay more for rare cards, and some say that resellers are taking advantage of the high demand. People in both communities are encouraged to focus on the fun of collecting instead of making money.
Fake items are another problem. Fake “Lafufu” dolls often have weird traits, while fake “Destined Rivals” cards don’t look as well as real ones. Collectors need to be careful and use online tips and advice from other collectors to avoid scams.
The Future of Labubu and Their Rivals
The Labubu doll isn’t slowing down at all. Pop Mart plans to open 40 more locations in the U.S. by the end of 2025. New series, partnerships, and events like toy fairs will keep the frenzy going. In the same way, Destined Rivals is expected to help Pokémon TCG expand, and future expansions will build on its popularity. Both of these things show how collectibles are still popular in the internet era because they connect people and creativity in a real way.
Conclusion
The Labubu doll and Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals are more than just things to acquire; they’re cultural movements. These things, like Labubu’s blind box excitement and the strategic intricacy of the destined rivals card list, play on our love of surprise, nostalgia, and self-expression. The fun is in the chase, whether you’re looking for a rare Labubu or a destined rivals pre-order. It brings people together. As these crazes change throughout time, they remind us that even in a complicated world, a naughty doll or a strong card may bring people together and make them happy.