Why you can’t get your hands on a Labubu right now — and what to do if your child’s obsessed
The cute-but-creepy collectable toy has been pulled from UK stores after fights broke out — here’s what parents need to know.
Labubu — the bunny-eared, toothy-faced toy that’s taken TikTok and playgrounds by storm — has become this year’s most unexpected sell-out. But if you’ve been scouring the shelves in vain, you’re not alone.
Pop Mart, the Chinese toy giant behind Labubu, has paused all in-store sales across its 16 UK locations after fights and chaos erupted over stock drops.
“People were shouting, basically saying there were no more Labubus left. I even witnessed a fight between a worker and a customer,” said Victoria Calvert, who visited the Stratford Pop Mart store, told the BBC. “It was really scary.”
Why has Labubu been pulled from stores?
Pop Mart told the BBC the suspension was about keeping shoppers safe. “Although no employees have been injured, we’ve chosen to act early and prevent any potential safety issues,” the company said.
Crowds had started queuing overnight, with fans turning up as early as 3am to secure one of the rare, surprise-packaged toys. And when stock ran out? That’s when tempers flared.
Retail experts say the scarcity model is part of the hype — but it’s also backfired. “Out-of-control crowds could affect the brand’s playful and fun appeal,” said Susannah Streeter from Hargreaves Lansdown.
Labubu 101: Why are kids (and grown-ups) so obsessed?
Labubu is a cheeky monster character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, popularised through Pop Mart’s “blind box” toys. Each box contains a surprise design, with some ultra-rare versions sparking huge resale markups.
Fans love the thrill of not knowing which one they’ll get — and that makes each unboxing a mini event (often filmed for TikTok). It also makes them highly collectable.
Celebs like Dua Lipa and Rihanna were spotted wearing Labubu charms, and just like that, what was once a niche toy became this year’s must-have.
What our community says: Is it just a fad?
We asked the MadeForMums audience what they thought of the Labubu craze — and the verdict was mixed.
“I’ve literally just found out about them this weekend from my 10-year-old,” said mum Andrea. “She sounded like she was speaking a foreign language.”
“My daughters are obsessed,” said Sinéad. “We have four so far and two keyrings. They’re cute but creepy.”
And from Jo: “I’ve bought two – one for me and one for my daughter. We love that they’re so creepy-looking. Plus, opening the packaging is very ASMR friendly.”
But not everyone’s a fan. “I think they’re terrifying – crazy prices, and another fad!” said mum Amy.
Where can you still buy a Labubu?
While you’ll have to wait for Pop Mart’s UK shops to reopen with a new queuing system, there are still a few ways to find an authentic Labubu:
- Amazon: Search for Pop Mart’s official store — some designs are restocked randomly.
- Hamleys London: One Reddit user tipped off that there was “no queue and loads of stock” in store during their visit.
- Independent retailers: Some shops like KershKicks stock real Labubus — but check for reviews.
- eBay & Vinted: Second-hand listings are common, but be cautious of fakes. Count nine teeth, check for Pop Mart branding and UV stamps.
If you’re price-sensitive, one community mum recommended a savvy alternative: “If anyone’s collecting, the cheaper option is the Lafufus — half the price!”
What is a Lafufu?
If you’ve heard someone mention “Lafufu” in the same breath as Labubu, you’re not alone. According to some savvy mums in our community, Lafufus are a budget-friendly alternative.
These knock-off or unofficial versions of Labubu are often sold on sites like Temu or eBay, with designs that mimic the original’s style but at a fraction of the price — typically under £15.
“They’re half the price,” said Katie Davies, a member of the MadeForMums Community. “If anyone’s collecting, the cheaper option is the Lafufus — true story!”
Just be aware: while they look similar, they’re not official Pop Mart products, so they won’t have the same collector value or brand detailing. But if your child is more into cuddling than collecting, they can be a fun, guilt-free placeholder.
Will the Labubu craze last?
Some reckon we’re already nearing peak Labubu. “I work near the London Pop Mart and have seen massive queues,” said one Reddit user. “But I reckon the craze will be over by the end of summer — other countries have already flooded the market.”
For now, Labubu remains part of the wider “kidult” trend — think grown-ups buying Jellycats and Beanie Babies for themselves. And it’s showing no sign of slowing just yet.
Until stock returns, prepare for continued demand, possible resale chaos — and a little mischief along the way.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.