A collectible toy just turned heads in the global market, and wallets. A rare Labubu figurine has been sold on eBay for an astonishing $10,500 (AED 38,535), making it the most expensive Labubu toy ever sold. Originally priced at just $85 (AED 312), the figure has skyrocketed in resale value, a 125-fold increase.
The Toy That Broke the Internet
The record-setting piece is part of a 2023 collaboration between Pop Mart and Vans. It features a gray-brown Labubu doll wearing a miniature Vans sweatshirt, sneakers, and a blue-orange cap marked "The Monsters." Released in limited numbers and sold as a blind box item, the toy quickly became a collector’s prize.
What Makes Labubu So Popular?
Labubu figures were created by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, who drew inspiration from Nordic mythology. Since their debut, these quirky, wide-eyed creatures have gained massive popularity, especially through Pop Mart's blind box sales model. Buyers typically spend between $20 to $40 (AED 73–147) without knowing which toy they're getting, a gamble that adds to the thrill.
But it's the rare “secret” editions that are truly valuable. Odds of finding one can be as low as 1 in 72 or even 1 in 144. One such edition, a pink figure from the “Catch me if you like me” series, recently sold for $2,000 (AED 7,340) on eBay.
Growing Market Demand
Labubu fans go to great lengths for new drops. In some regions, collectors line up for hours outside Pop Mart stores before sunrise. The UK community has even nicknamed the rush for new toys the “Labubu Hunger Games,” following reports of crowd trouble and restock delays.
Experts say the Labubu craze isn’t going anywhere. Lori Verderame, a collectibles appraiser from the History Channel, believes the figures will retain their market value due to their unique appeal. Alex Fung, Pop Culture Director at Goldin Auctions, agrees, noting that early editions are likely to be the most valuable over time.
As demand rises, so does the hype. And for some collectors, these small creatures are turning into big investments.
