Latest news with #Lafufus
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fake Labubu Identity: How to identify if your Labubu is fake or real?
So, you finally got your hands on one of those little gremlins everyone on social media is obsessed with? You own a Labubu. Congrats! But wait, is it the real deal or did you accidentally adopt a knockoff cousin called Lafufu? Yes, the Popmart viral sensation has officially hit collector chaos levels. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now And like all good things that blow up online, the fakes have come flooding in faster than you can say 'limited edition.' If you're staring at your new plush monster wondering whether it's a fashion-forward icon or a sneaky imposter - don't worry, we have got you. Let's break it down. What even is a Labubu? Labubu isn't just a weird little elf-beast thing. She (yes, she - according to the OG children's books by Kasing Lung) is the star of The Monsters series and has become a fashion-forward freaky-cute collectible thanks to a collab with Chinese retail giant Popmart. Think big buggy eyes, crocodile teeth, and a dash of chaotic energy. Throw in a blind-box unboxing experience and a rare-chase factor (1 in 72 boxes has an ultra-rare piece!) and you've got a recipe for instant Instagram clout. Even celebs like Dua Lipa and Rihanna are toting Labubus around like they're the new Birkins. So of course… chaos ensued. Enter: The Lafufu Because the internet can't have nice things without bootleg versions popping up, we now have Lafufus. These are fake Labubus. Kinda cute, kinda wonky, and definitely causing confusion. They're being sold all over online marketplaces often for dirt cheap. But here's the thing: not all knockoffs are evil. Some people actually prefer their Lafufus. More on that in a sec. How to spot a fake (aka Lafufu vs Labubu) If your Labubu came with side-eye and an iffy-looking foot, don't panic just yet. Here's how to suss out whether your monster baby is legit or living a lie: Packaging Real Labubus come in Popmart-branded box with a scannable QR code. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lafufus are often sold in a plastic bag that looks like it once held leftover noodles. Red flag. Details Authentic Labubus have pretty little touches - tiny blush, UV-reactive foot markings, tiny hands. Lafufus? Blobs with hair. Look out for weird fur, missing limbs, or one eye higher than the other. Build quality Labubus might have slight imperfections (hey, they're handmade), but Lafufus can be wild. We're talking floppy legs, weird fur textures, and paint jobs that scream 'art class at age 5.' Price check Found one for under £10? It's almost definitely a Lafufu. Legit Labubus are usually £25 and up, especially if they're rare or part of a collector's set. Okay but, should you even buy a Lafufu? Here's the hot take: Maybe? We're not gonna shame you for choosing the budget-friendly option, especially when Labubu resale prices are reaching iPhone levels (INR 2,89,000). If you don't care about QR codes or collectible street cred, Lafufus are actually (kinda) great. Creative playground Some collectors buy Lafufus just to customize them. They repaint, fluff, shave, stitch outfits—you name it. It's like Build-a-Bear meets chaotic art therapy. Affordable entry into the fandom If you're Labubu-curious but don't want to drop half your paycheck on a doll with a snarl, Lafufu lets you join the monster party without financial regret. Just be honest about what you're getting. Don't fall for listings pretending to be real Popmart goods when they're clearly not. If it says 'Labubu' but shows up looking like it had a rough night in the washing machine - you've got yourself a Lafufu. Real or fake, love your weird little monster At the end of the day, whether your toy is a certified collectible or a rogue Lafufu with a slightly lopsided grin, it's still a part of the culture. What matters is that you love it. Labubu or Lafufu, real or remix, just make sure you're buying from legit sellers, managing your expectations, and maybe not spending your rent money on a monster in a box. (Unless you really want to. No judgment.) And hey, if Rihanna can rock one, so can you. Even if yours cost £9.99 (INR 1,100) and came with a mystery odor. Want more tips on spotting fakes or customizing your Lafufu into a punk-rock icon? Just holler, Labubu world is wild, and we are here for the chaos.
North Wales Chronicle
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Labubu collector describes ‘battlefield' resale market as toys pulled from shops
Pop Mart, which makes the furry bag charms, announced it would be pulling all of its Labubu plushies from its 16 UK stores until June over safety concerns. The toy makers wanted to 'ensure the safety and comfort of everyone' following reports of customers fighting over them and queuing overnight outside shops. However, a UK-based collector scouring re-sale sites to secure one of the collectable characters has described the market as a 'battlefield' after sales were paused in the UK. The toys' popularity began in 2024 after K-Pop star Lisa from girl group Blackpink shared a photo on social media of her with one, with other celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa following suit. Part of its appeal may come down to Pop Mart's decision to sell the toys in blind boxes, which contain a random plushy chosen from the series, meaning customers do not know which toy they will receive until they open the box. Ashley Bushey, 32, said she spent more than £1,000 on 13 Labubu toys, and countless hours scrolling on TikTok Shop, Vinted and Facebook re-sale groups to expand her collection. Miss Bushey, a Northamptonshire-based coffee shop supervisor, said she predominantly tunes in to Pop Mart's regular TikTok livestreams which showcase the toys for fans to purchase. 'It's a battlefield. (Pop Mart) are live every day from 2pm to 7pm and I sneak out at work, like I'm always trying to score one on the (livestream),' she told the PA news agency. She said she spends 'more time than I care to admit' finding Labubus, but added 'especially now, because they're so hard to get' after Pop Mart's decision to pause UK sales. 'I'm not even a big collector in the scheme of things. If you go into Facebook groups, I mean, some of them are insane,' she said. Miss Bushey said she collects 90s and early 2000s toys and started buying Labubus from Pop Mart's The Monsters series in December, describing them as 'so ugly that they were cute'. All the Labubus in The Monsters collection are female, which make male versions of the toys extremely rare finds. The toy collector said she managed to find a rare, male toy named Zimomo which she bought for £200, but added she has seen some limited edition Labubus listed at £600 on Vinted and eBay. In comparison, regular Labubus retail at £17.50, but are often bought by re-sellers who list them for up to £30. Thanks to popular demand of the toys, created by the Hong-Kong born artist Kasing Lung, many go to re-sale markets and compete with fakes dubbed 'Lafufus'. Real Labubus can be verified with a QR code on the bottom of each box, but some re-sellers may disguise a fake toy inside authentic boxes. 'There are people that are really sneaky,' Miss Bushey said. 'People are scanning these QR codes and seeing if they're real, but then the toy inside is fake, so (re-sellers) are opening them from the bottom and then putting fake ones inside of it.' Lafufus can be identified by twisted limbs, misshapen heads, or the incorrect number of teeth whereas real Labubus have nine. Pop Mart said it is reviewing the way its toys are distributed to help create a fair and safe environment for its customers. It said on Instagram on Friday: 'Over the past few weeks, we've seen overwhelming enthusiasm from fans, with long queues forming outside stores – in some cases, even the night before. 'While this speaks to the love and excitement surrounding Labubu and The Monsters, it's important for us to ensure a safe, fair and comfortable shopping experience for everyone – both our customers and our store teams. 'We're currently working on a new approach for the distribution that will allow everyone a fairer chance to purchase.'
Belfast Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Labubu collector describes ‘battlefield' resale market as toys pulled from shops
Pop Mart, which makes the furry bag charms, announced it would be pulling all of its Labubu plushies from its 16 UK stores until June over safety concerns. The toy makers wanted to 'ensure the safety and comfort of everyone' following reports of customers fighting over them and queuing overnight outside shops. However, a UK-based collector scouring re-sale sites to secure one of the collectable characters has described the market as a 'battlefield' after sales were paused in the UK. The toys' popularity began in 2024 after K-Pop star Lisa from girl group Blackpink shared a photo on social media of her with one, with other celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa following suit. Part of its appeal may come down to Pop Mart's decision to sell the toys in blind boxes, which contain a random plushy chosen from the series, meaning customers do not know which toy they will receive until they open the box. Ashley Bushey, 32, said she spent more than £1,000 on 13 Labubu toys, and countless hours scrolling on TikTok Shop, Vinted and Facebook re-sale groups to expand her collection. Miss Bushey, a Northamptonshire-based coffee shop supervisor, said she predominantly tunes in to Pop Mart's regular TikTok livestreams which showcase the toys for fans to purchase. 'It's a battlefield. (Pop Mart) are live every day from 2pm to 7pm and I sneak out at work, like I'm always trying to score one on the (livestream),' she told the PA news agency. She said she spends 'more time than I care to admit' finding Labubus, but added 'especially now, because they're so hard to get' after Pop Mart's decision to pause UK sales. 'I'm not even a big collector in the scheme of things. If you go into Facebook groups, I mean, some of them are insane,' she said. Miss Bushey said she collects 90s and early 2000s toys and started buying Labubus from Pop Mart's The Monsters series in December, describing them as 'so ugly that they were cute'. All the Labubus in The Monsters collection are female, which make male versions of the toys extremely rare finds. The toy collector said she managed to find a rare, male toy named Zimomo which she bought for £200, but added she has seen some limited edition Labubus listed at £600 on Vinted and eBay. In comparison, regular Labubus retail at £17.50, but are often bought by re-sellers who list them for up to £30. Thanks to popular demand of the toys, created by the Hong-Kong born artist Kasing Lung, many go to re-sale markets and compete with fakes dubbed 'Lafufus'. Real Labubus can be verified with a QR code on the bottom of each box, but some re-sellers may disguise a fake toy inside authentic boxes. 'There are people that are really sneaky,' Miss Bushey said. 'People are scanning these QR codes and seeing if they're real, but then the toy inside is fake, so (re-sellers) are opening them from the bottom and then putting fake ones inside of it.' Lafufus can be identified by twisted limbs, misshapen heads, or the incorrect number of teeth whereas real Labubus have nine. Pop Mart said it is reviewing the way its toys are distributed to help create a fair and safe environment for its customers. It said on Instagram on Friday: 'Over the past few weeks, we've seen overwhelming enthusiasm from fans, with long queues forming outside stores – in some cases, even the night before. 'While this speaks to the love and excitement surrounding Labubu and The Monsters, it's important for us to ensure a safe, fair and comfortable shopping experience for everyone – both our customers and our store teams. 'We're currently working on a new approach for the distribution that will allow everyone a fairer chance to purchase.'
South Wales Guardian
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Labubu collector describes ‘battlefield' resale market as toys pulled from shops
Pop Mart, which makes the furry bag charms, announced it would be pulling all of its Labubu plushies from its 16 UK stores until June over safety concerns. The toy makers wanted to 'ensure the safety and comfort of everyone' following reports of customers fighting over them and queuing overnight outside shops. However, a UK-based collector scouring re-sale sites to secure one of the collectable characters has described the market as a 'battlefield' after sales were paused in the UK. The toys' popularity began in 2024 after K-Pop star Lisa from girl group Blackpink shared a photo on social media of her with one, with other celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa following suit. Part of its appeal may come down to Pop Mart's decision to sell the toys in blind boxes, which contain a random plushy chosen from the series, meaning customers do not know which toy they will receive until they open the box. Ashley Bushey, 32, said she spent more than £1,000 on 13 Labubu toys, and countless hours scrolling on TikTok Shop, Vinted and Facebook re-sale groups to expand her collection. Miss Bushey, a Northamptonshire-based coffee shop supervisor, said she predominantly tunes in to Pop Mart's regular TikTok livestreams which showcase the toys for fans to purchase. 'It's a battlefield. (Pop Mart) are live every day from 2pm to 7pm and I sneak out at work, like I'm always trying to score one on the (livestream),' she told the PA news agency. She said she spends 'more time than I care to admit' finding Labubus, but added 'especially now, because they're so hard to get' after Pop Mart's decision to pause UK sales. 'I'm not even a big collector in the scheme of things. If you go into Facebook groups, I mean, some of them are insane,' she said. Miss Bushey said she collects 90s and early 2000s toys and started buying Labubus from Pop Mart's The Monsters series in December, describing them as 'so ugly that they were cute'. All the Labubus in The Monsters collection are female, which make male versions of the toys extremely rare finds. The toy collector said she managed to find a rare, male toy named Zimomo which she bought for £200, but added she has seen some limited edition Labubus listed at £600 on Vinted and eBay. In comparison, regular Labubus retail at £17.50, but are often bought by re-sellers who list them for up to £30. Thanks to popular demand of the toys, created by the Hong-Kong born artist Kasing Lung, many go to re-sale markets and compete with fakes dubbed 'Lafufus'. Real Labubus can be verified with a QR code on the bottom of each box, but some re-sellers may disguise a fake toy inside authentic boxes. 'There are people that are really sneaky,' Miss Bushey said. 'People are scanning these QR codes and seeing if they're real, but then the toy inside is fake, so (re-sellers) are opening them from the bottom and then putting fake ones inside of it.' Lafufus can be identified by twisted limbs, misshapen heads, or the incorrect number of teeth whereas real Labubus have nine. Pop Mart said it is reviewing the way its toys are distributed to help create a fair and safe environment for its customers. It said on Instagram on Friday: 'Over the past few weeks, we've seen overwhelming enthusiasm from fans, with long queues forming outside stores – in some cases, even the night before. 'While this speaks to the love and excitement surrounding Labubu and The Monsters, it's important for us to ensure a safe, fair and comfortable shopping experience for everyone – both our customers and our store teams. 'We're currently working on a new approach for the distribution that will allow everyone a fairer chance to purchase.'
Business Insider
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Labubu's bootleg cousin 'Lafufu' is janky, cheap, and weirdly irresistible. It's fueling a thriving market of fakes.
As soon as I ripped open the packaging of my brand-new Lafufu, I giggled. It was my fault. Instead of buying an authentic Labubu from Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, I caved and bought a Lafufu. The sad, budget fuzzy doll stands in for the real deal — a toy that has taken the world by storm and made millions for its Chinese owner. The term Lafufu is an affectionate nickname for these counterfeit Labubus and is often used in videos on social media platforms like TikTok. The most obvious knockoff sign was my Lafufu's lopsided face, which made its creepy smile look extremely unsettling. The next thing I spotted was its missing hands, but upon closer inspection, I saw they had been attached backward. I compared it to my coworker's real Labubu and noticed that the devil really is in the details. The paint job on the legit Labubu was cleaner. My Lafufu, meanwhile, felt flimsier, and its white fur was coarser. The Lafufu's limbs weren't completely mobile — its feet could not be rotated 360 degrees. And most unfortunately, my poor Lafufu also appeared to have a receding hairline, while the real Labubu had an ample crown of fur on its head. I snagged the Lafufu toy for 9.77 Singapore dollars, or about $7.50, on local e-commerce platform Shopee. The real toy of this size from Pop Mart costs SG$24.90. On Shopee, dozens of listings offer various Lafufus, with prices as low as SG$0.60. Purchasing it was a two-minute affair, a far cry from waiting in line for hours outside a Pop Mart outlet ahead of product drops. In the UK, Pop Mart has temporarily paused physical sales of the toy because queues were getting out of hand. Labubu and The Monsters toy line was a lucrative product category for Pop Mart in 2024, with sales totaling 3.04 billion yuan, or about $426 million. Pop Mart's stock is up more than 530% in the last year. While some people may buy Lafufus as a Labubu replacement, others are going out of their way to secure the fake version. Joey Khong, a trends manager at London-based market research agency Mintel, said, "Like most fakes, Lafufus reflect a combination of systemic market inequalities and genuine human motivations: the desire to belong, to experience joy, and to participate in the cultural moment." Juda Kanaprach, the cofounder of Singapore-based market research firm Milieu Insight, told me Lafufu is having its "own little cultural moment." "Whether it's about humor, aesthetics, or just jumping on a trend, everyone's coming at it from a different angle," Kanaprach said. "And that, to me, makes this whole thing more than just a 'fake toy' moment." Representatives for Pop Mart did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. A cheaper, funnier alternative to Labubu Lafufu buyers told me they love the fakes because of how ugly they are, not in spite of it. Miabella Rivera, a college freshman from San Diego, said she got a Lafufu for $12 because the real ones were "impossible to get." "My Lafufu came without eyes, so I had to superglue them on, but it still turned out really cute," Rivera said. Renn Lazzerin, who works at an elementary school in Los Angeles as a behavior analyst, has two Lafufus. The first was an unintentional buy — she was scammed by an online seller claiming the doll was authentic. But soon after, she bought a second Lafufu knowingly, because of how ugly it was. "The eyes pop out, it has blush blindness, and the teeth are misprinted," Lazzerin said. "The fake Labubu offers a different serotonin rush than getting an original. It's like, how ugly can it get?" she added. Khong, the trends manager, said fakes can often look more eccentric or intriguing than real Labubus. "While anyone with enough money can buy a 'real Labubu' straight from the store, a rare, well-made fake with a unique outfit or expression might require more taste, effort, or insider knowledge to source," he said. Austin D'Souza, the managing director of Ozzie Collectables, an Australian collectibles store, said Labubus are made with high-quality materials. "Authentic Labubus are crafted with care and creativity, and counterfeit versions can detract from the unique experience that collectors seek," he said. "The packaging of genuine products typically features high-quality printing and branding, whereas counterfeit packaging may appear less polished or have inconsistencies," D'Souza added. Buying a Lafufu has convinced some people to pick up real Labubus Despite being obvious fakes, Lafufus may be driving up demand for authentic Labubus. "Even though they're fake, they keep the brand in people's minds. Everyone's sharing them online, making fun of them, and talking about them, which keeps the attention and interest around the real Labubu going," said Kanaprach, from Milieu Insight. "Buying a fake Labubu was not good enough for me, so I punched the real one to make me feel better about owning just one," said Kimberly Hernandez, a special education assistant from Los Angeles. The popularity of counterfeits comes with risks Kanaprach said Pop Mart needs to stay ahead of the game because too many fakes could flood the market. At some point, well-made fakes may become indistinguishable from the real deal. "Labubu just needs to keep things special, always come up with new designs, keep it limited, and remind people why the original is still worth it," she said. Khong said a larger problem for brands like Pop Mart is keeping their core fans engaged and satisfied "while riding the volatility of popularity or trend cycles." While I see the allure of a Labubu — despite never having purchased one myself — I think I'm satisfied with my SG$9.77 Lafufu. After a few days of staring at its lopsided grin, its deformities have even become endearing.
