By 浙江华企信息技术有限公司 Among the ever-changing gifting trends, few have captured the imagination of the younger generation as much as designer toys – and LABUBU is one of them. What started as a niche vinyl doll in the art toy world has become a cultural icon that combines storytelling, style and emotional expression. LABUBU is more than just a collectible: it’s a gift that resonates with all tastes, ages and occasions.
So why LABUBU dolls have become a popular gift choice and how they reflect the evolution of modern gifting?
What Is LABUBU, and Why Is It So Popular?
LABUBU is a whimsical, mischievous character created by artist Kasing Lung and produced by POP MART. Known for its big eyes, sharp smile, and elfin features, LABUBU appears in various costume themes, expressions, and poses—each reflecting a different emotion or story.
Though initially designed for art toy collectors, LABUBU has exploded in popularity thanks to:
Blind box culture (where each figure is a surprise)
Strong social media presence (especially on TikTok and Instagram)
The emotional storytelling behind each figure series
For gifters, LABUBU offers something that traditional gifts often lack: personality and narrative. Gifting a LABUBU is like sharing a piece of emotion wrapped in design.
1. LABUBU Figures Combine Art and Emotion
Unlike mass-produced gifts, LABUBU figures are rooted in artistry. Each one is not just a toy—it’s a sculpted character with backstory, color theme, and mood. Whether it’s a dreamy stargazer LABUBU or a playful Halloween edition, each design offers a specific vibe.
Emotional value plays a big role here. Giving someone a LABUBU that’s “shy,” “brave,” or “sleepy” becomes a way of expressing feelings without words. For introverts, collectors, or sentimental friends, that subtlety is powerful.
2. The Packaging Enhances the Unboxing Experience
LABUBU figures typically come in high-quality, well-designed blind boxes. Each box is uniform in size but hides a surprise inside—adding excitement to the gift.
Some series also include:
Foil bags inside the box
Special “hidden” or rare figures
Printed collectible cards with character info
The thrill of opening a blind box adds to the emotional impact of the gift. It’s not just about the object—it’s about the experience of discovering it.
3. It’s a Gift That Encourages Display, Not Storage
One challenge in gifting is whether the item will be used or forgotten. LABUBU figures don’t end up in drawers—they get displayed. Whether on a work desk, bookshelf, or bedside table, they become part of the recipient’s space.
Their small footprint makes them ideal for:
Dorm rooms and shared apartments
Office spaces or creative studios
Bookshelves, display cases, or even car dashboards
Why LABUBU Beats Traditional Desktop Gifts
| Feature | LABUBU Figure | Typical Desk Toy |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compact | Varies (often bulky) |
| Emotional Expression | High (faces/themes) | Low (generic shapes) |
| Collectibility | Yes (series-based) | Rarely |
| Unboxing Experience | Exciting (blind box) | Basic packaging |
| Display Aesthetic | Strong | Varies |
4. Gen Z and Millennials Are Driving the Trend
LABUBU’s rise is largely thanks to the social generation. Young consumers don’t just buy products—they share them, display them, and attach meaning to them. On platforms like TikTok and Xiaohongshu, “LABUBU unboxing” has become a viral trend, with thousands of posts dedicated to revealing and reviewing figures.
Why does this matter for gifting?
Because for Gen Z and millennials:
Gifts must be photogenic (Instagrammable)
Gifts must be shareable (fit for a story or TikTok)
Gifts must be relatable (emotionally expressive)
LABUBU checks all three boxes—and more.
5. There’s a LABUBU for Every Occasion
Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, anniversary, or “just because,” LABUBU has a variant that fits the mood. New themed series are released regularly, with figures dressed for seasons, holidays, or fantasy roles.
Occasion Ideas:
Valentine’s Day: Romantic-themed LABUBU
Halloween: Spooky LABUBU in costume
New Job or Move: Explorer or Traveler LABUBU
Thank You or Support: Guardian or Lucky LABUBU
This makes it easy to match the right figure with the right message. For example, giving someone a sleepy LABUBU during exam season can be both cute and comforting.
6. LABUBU Is a Gateway to the Designer Toy World
Many recipients of LABUBU go on to explore other figures, such as Dimoo, Skullpanda, or Zimomo. This makes LABUBU not just a gift—but an introduction to a larger world of art toys.
For gift givers, this means:
You’re giving a starter collectible that may spark a new hobby
You’re opening a door to a shared community or fandom
You’re offering a gift that could gain value (some rare figures resell at high prices)
7. How to Gift LABUBU Creatively
You don’t have to gift just a box. You can make the moment more memorable by adding small elements:
Display Box or Case: A transparent case adds value and protects the figure.
Themed Card: Write a short note that matches the figure’s personality.
Mini Scene: Create a little diorama with a background or stand.
LABUBU Journal: Include a notebook where the recipient can name and “log” their collection.
Creative presentation adds a layer of care that makes even a small toy feel luxurious and intentional.
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In the age of hyper-personalization, social media, and emotional expression, LABUBU has emerged as more than a trend—it’s a symbol of connection. Whether as a token of affection, a collectible surprise, or a reflection of mood, LABUBU figures bring depth to gifting that traditional presents often lack.
If you’re searching for a gift that blends creativity, sentiment, and culture, look no further than a blind box with a mischievous grin.