I wasn't going to fork out for a Labubu so nabbed a budget alternative from B&M instead – it's SO much cuter too

The Sun

2 days ago

THEY'RE the ugly little monsters people are going mad for.
But if you're not willing to fork out for a Labubu - which can fetch a whopping £70 online - there's a budget-friendly alternative you can get in your local B&M.
7
7
7
7
Becky took to her TikTok page to share a video of herself and a friend doing an unboxing of the Hello Kitty toys, which come on a keyring ready to attach to your bag.
The £5 Backpack Buddies are in blind bags so you don't know which one you're getting, but there are eight different designs to collect.
"If you don't want to spend a fortune on the Labubus, B&M have different collections where you get mystery toys - similar sort of concept," she said.
"So we picked them up from B&M that are our favourites."
Becky said her favourite designs were the cat dressed up in a cute yellow bear outfit, or the one sitting in a teacup.
And she was lucky enough to get the latter, as she beamed with delight before showing what the keyring looked like attached to her bag - which was also a Hello Kitty design.
"Hello Kitty bag, Hello Kitty keychain... that is SO cute!" Becky grinned.
Her pal also got the same one, and said she was thrilled that they'd picked out matching designs.
"You need to branch out to B&M," she captioned the video.
"Loved opening these! Such a great concept," her chuffed friend commented on the clip.
The new Dove range that's even got Dani Dyer clearing the B&M shelves - it 'smells incredible' & prices start at £1.45
"Gonna go find this and tell my daughter it's a Hello Kitty Labubu!" a mum wrote in the comments section.
"I love Hello Kitty and have been hunting in B&M for something like this and I've never found them!" someone else sighed.
"I'd rather a Hello Kitty or Pokémon than a Labubu but I think that's just my age," another admitted.
"Omgg the fact you guys got matching - that's so cuteeee!!!" someone else gushed.
While another admitted: "Off to B&M first thing tomorrow morning now.
"Bet these will sell out quick!"
What are Labubu and why are they so popular?
LABUBU is a brand of plushies designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and loved by celebrities like Olivia Attwood, Dua Lipa and Rihanna.
The brand made its debut in 2015, but skyrocketed in global popularity after hitting Pop Mart shelves in 2019.
Pop Mart is a Chinese toy retailer, known for its collectible designer models that are often sold in a blind box format, meaning you don't know what you've got until you've opened it.
After mammoth success overseas, the Labubu craze has now made its way to the UK.
The first three months of 2025 were wildly successful for the brand, with Brits searching high and low to nab one of the quirky figurines.
Since opening stores in London and Manchester over the last 12 months, Labubu dolls have become cult collectibles among grown British women.
Labubus come in an array of vibrant colours, unique shapes and various sizes, spanning from plush toys to striking vinyl figures.
They come as little toys you can hook on your handbag, as well as mega-sized figures and quirky home decorations.
With their bunny ears and creepy smiles, Labubu dolls have surged in popularity since being spotted on the bags of celebrities including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Olivia Attwood and Gemma Collins.
Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, the vinyl figures are sold in 'blind boxes' — so fans do not know which version they are getting.
7
7
7