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NDTV
14 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- NDTV
Matcha Latte To Labubu Charms, Why Gen Z Is All About The 'Little Treat Culture'
No one vouches for 'little treats' like Gen Z does. It is a term that they have coined for periodical - daily or weekly indulgences, such as their favourite matcha latte, fresh bakes, weekly manicures, a luxury lip treatment, a stuffed toy or a Labubu charm, or a trinket they always wanted to get their hands on. It might serve as a momentary dopamine hit, and more, as a form of practicing self-love and self-care. What Is The 'Little Treats Culture'? Little treats culture is an on-trend lifestyle practice where Gen Z makes use of small delights and pleasurable experiences such as snacks or treats from time to time, to keep themselves motivated. This motivation is to keep up with their daily tasks while overcoming all the hiccups and hurdles that are part of daily life. This trend, like all trends these days, is social media-fuelled. Take, for example, the Labubu dolls and the cultural storm that they have caused. Labubu is part of a character group, The Monsters. These adorable plushies have become a must-have accessory for every Gen Z (and millennial) after celebrities K-pop star Lisa were spotted with them. Or, swapping a mug of boring americano for a prettier looking matcha latte, for a premium, of course. All of these fit right in with the little treat culture, where people share how they literally bribe themselves with these small but significant treats to accomplish tasks and manage their responsibilities. It went viral on social media back in 2024, and since then, there has been no stopping for Gen Z. View this post on Instagram A post shared by rhode skin (@rhode) What Experts Say Are experts on board with the 'little treats culture'? What do they have to say? NDTV spoke to Dr Astik Joshi, Child, Adolescent & Forensic Psychiatrist from New Delhi, who backs the idea of the little treat culture. "It is about giving oneself small, enjoyable rewards like a dessert, a coffee, or even a 10-minute break as a way to cope with stress, lift mood, or acknowledge daily efforts. It's a form of self-recognition that helps people feel emotionally supported, in small ways," he says. Dr Gorav Gupta, CEO and Senior Psychiatrist, Tulasi Healthcare, Gurugram, agrees. He tells NDTV, "Little treat culture is popular because it's simple, comforting, and emotionally grounding. At a time when stress is high and big wins feel far from reality, little treats offer a sense of control, relief, and encouragement. They remind us that small joys still count, and that's a powerful message for today's generation." What Are These Little Treats? Dr Astik tells NDTV, "A chocolate is absolutely enough if it gives a sense of comfort or pleasure. In fact, a 'treat' can be anything such as a walk, music, journaling, or even saying no to something that is overwhelming. But the value lies in its emotional impact, not its size or price." Let us be honest, a little treat bandage applied over a gaping wound caused by stress, anxiety or daily life works like magic on the healing front. Little Treat Culture In The Age Of Social Media In this era of social media, it would be sheer blasphemy to not factor in the plethora of netizens' opinions, and the influence it has on Gen Z. Social media adds fuel to the engine of little treats by showcasing relatable, everyday self-care practiced by Gen Z via reels, videos, memes, and other quick content formats. While the social media storm on self-care and the joy of giving oneself a treat makes life worth living and encourages the self-treat culture, it could also introduce a pressure to keep up with these treats while not overspending on them. So, now, to the good and the bad. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Big Chill Café (@bigchillcafe) Why The Little Treat Culture Works First, the pocket-friendliness, which makes the little treat culture attractive to Gen Z. Most Gen Z people are conscious of their finances. So, the idea of affordable treats are totally up their alley. It not only makes this culture inclusive and sustainable, but also helps them feel rewarded without a crippling financial guilt. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Theobroma Patisserie India (@theobromapatisserie) These little treats have the potential to offer periodic dopamine hits that keep us getting back to the grind. This happens while we are juggling things like hectic work weeks, intense arguments or more such triggers in real life. They also help life feel a little in control. What Little Treat Culture Does For Gen Z And What It Doesn't Dr Astik Joshi says, "This habit can offer quick emotional relief, improve motivation, and encourage self-compassion. However, it's important to understand its limits." Little treats cannot replace therapy; a much-needed deep emotional healing, or consistent mental health support when people are dealing with anxiety, depression, a burnout and more. So, while it is a source of comfort, it comes with its limitations when it comes to mental health problems. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez (@rarebeauty) "Little treats may help your mental health positively by providing affordable rewards to self and a sense of accomplishment upon dealing with daily life stressors," Dr Astik Joshi tells NDTV. Basically, little treats work as treat-style baits you reward yourself with to help overcome things or experiences that helps you deal (better) with daily stress. Dr Astik says, "Rewarding oneself builds emotional resilience. These little acts tell the brain, 'effort is worth it,' which reinforces positive behaviour and nurtures self-worth. It supports emotional fulfilment by helping Gen Z take voluntary pauses for sheer joy." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Benefit Cosmetics India (@benefitindia) Is The Tittle Treat Culture Worth Your Money? It all lies in the name. Little treats are called little because they won't particularly break the bank. Speaking to SELF, financial therapist and speaker Lindsay Bryan-Podvin says, "Millennials and Gen Z are rejecting 'grit language' and fear of punishment as motivators. Instead, these young folks are responding to the promise of satisfaction and self-reward." While a person's emotional relationship with their comfort purchase is an important one for the pursuit of their happiness, this elusive happiness should not be the only factor that should be considered. The little treats that Gen Z sees as small expenses in the moment, certainly add up over time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by arsheen ִ𐙚 (@tooshietrash) Lindsay says, "If this sweet little treat is impacting your bottom line, then you need to be mindful about where to pull back." The key, of course, is to know when to step back. One does deserve a little treat from time to time and every bit of the joy coming their way along with it, but only till it doesn't take a heavier toll in the long run. In a world full of iced matcha lattes, peptide lip treatments, deli-made fresh bakes and shiny trinkets, all we can say is that little treats are winning. And Gen Z certainly is on board.
Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
$1.6 billion in a day: How Labubu dolls made this CEO a global sensation overnight
What do bunny ears, blind boxes, and celebrity handbags have in common? Apparently, a $1.6 billion boost to a CEO's net worth. Wang Ning, the 38-year-old founder and CEO of Pop Mart International Group, saw his fortune leap by a staggering $1.6 billion in a single day—all thanks to the runaway success of Labubu, the shaggy, mischievous figurine taking the world by storm. Labubu, dreamed up by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, originated in the 2015 picture book The Monsters and was once a niche designer toy. That changed after Lung teamed up with Pop Mart in 2019, launching Labubu into global toy superstardom. With its bunny ears and gremlin-meets-Teletubby vibe, the doll has become a cultural phenomenon. A major driver of Labubu's success is Pop Mart's use of 'blind boxes'—sealed packages that don't reveal which character is inside. This gamble has proven addictive for collectors. In 2024 alone, Labubu accounted for roughly $400 million in revenue. The craze has had its wild moments. In the UK, store launches sparked chaos and even scuffles, prompting Pop Mart to suspend in-store sales of Labubu across its 16 locations. The company plans to resume in June but continues to sell the dolls online. Social media and celebrity culture have only supercharged Labubu's appeal. Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Blackpink's Lisa have been seen toting the dolls, often clipped to luxury bags. On TikTok, the #Labubu hashtag has exploded with over 1.4 million posts, feeding the frenzy. LISA is recognized by Vogue Italia and Teen Vogue as the driving force behind the worldwide surge in popularity of Labubu plush, highlighting her pivotal role in setting the global trend. — Pop Core (@TheePopCore) May 26, 2025 This success has propelled Pop Mart's app to the top of the US shopping charts and massively boosted investor confidence. According to Forbes, Wang Ning's real-time net worth as of April 2025 is $18.7 billion. Born in Henan province in 1987, Wang graduated from Zhengzhou University in 2009 and founded Pop Mart the following year. What started as a small collectibles business is now a global toy empire—with bunny ears leading the charge.
NDTV
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
This 38-Year-Old Chinese CEO Added $1.6 Billion To His Fortune In A Day, All Thanks To A Viral Doll
Wang Ning, the chairman and CEO of Chinese toy maker Pop Mart International, became $1.6 billion richer in a single day, all thanks to his company's viral Labubu dolls. The seemingly innocuous doll is based on a character designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung for his 2015 picture book series 'The Monsters'. The doll features distinctive bunny ears and a mischievous grin. It gained popularity after Mr Lung partnered with Pop Mart in 2019. Since then, the doll has become the latest collectable trend among Gen Z and has also been spotted hanging from the luxury bags of celebrities like Rihanna, Blackpink's Lisa, and Singaporean socialite Jamie Chua. In fact, the Labubu craze is so much that it added billions to its creator's fortune. According to an April 2025 Forbes report, Wang Ning, the man behind these viral dolls, became $1.6 billion richer in a single day, thanks to his company's soaring popularity in the United States. Today, Mr Ning's net worth stands at $18.3 billion, per Forbes Real Time Billionaires List. Pop Mart's success with Labubu translated into an impressive digital performance as the company's app became the most downloaded shipping app in the US. Even with the ongoing trade tensions between China and the US, Americans queued up for hours to buy the rabbit-looking dolls. This digital surge, coupled with robust sales, significantly contributed to the substantial increase in Mr Ning's net worth. "Pop Mart's shares got a short-term boost due to the app's ranking in the US and the rush to acquire its dolls," Kenny Ng, a Hong Kong-based securities strategist at Everbright Securities International, told Forbes. What are Labubu dolls? Labubu is one of the characters created by Kasing Lung. It belongs to Mr Lung's imaginative storybook world, 'The Monsters', which also features other whimsical characters such as Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky and Pato. According to Mr Lung's book, Labubu is an elf, a girl distinguished by high-pointed ears, no tail, and a unique face that ranges from innocent to impish. Labubu is admired for her kind-hearted character. Her slightly eerie, toothy grin and kooky expressions are a hit among children. Over the years, Labubu has been reimagined in over 300 variations, in different colours, outfits, sizes and themes. In 2019, Pop Mart teamed up with Kasing Lung to launch Labubu figures in their The Monsters series. These are sold in blind boxes, and each sealed package hides a surprise design. This element of surprise has fueled a buying frenzy, encouraging repeat purchases to complete collections. In 2024 alone, the company reported a revenue of $1.8 billion, with Labubu contributing nearly $400 million to that figure.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why is everyone hating yet buying the viral Labubu doll, and where can you get it in India?
Imagine an elf, a gremlin, and a macaroon had a chaotic little lovechild, that's Labubu, the creepy doll. With those pointy ears, oversized eyes, and a grin that is equal parts cute and unhinged, this tiny character is the latest obsession that has crept its way out of art books and into the clutches of global pop culture. And plot twist, Labubu has now officially entered India. While many are hating on it, the craze of this doll is not dropping anytime soon, especially in millennials. Who made the Labubu doll? Created by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung in 2015, Labubu started as a sketch, a giggly, fairy-tale creature inspired by Nordic folklore. Fast forward a decade, and Labubu is not just a doodle, but a full-blown cultural tsunami. From Lisa of BLACKPINK flaunting it on her designer handbag to fashion royalty like Kim K and Rihanna giving it their seal of approval, Labubu is the toy du jour that's slaying your For You page and your wallets. Why is the Labubu doll trending? Part of the whimsical universe called The Monsters, Labubu is actually a girl, though her sharp grin and rogue energy often say otherwise. With over 300 versions in circulation — think glittery, punk, dessert-themed, even One Piece crossovers, Labubu's versatility is one of her biggest flexes. Some even blink. Others sit. Most steal hearts (and coins). Labubu doll sales But here's the real tea: Labubu dolls are sold in blind boxes, which means you do not know which version you are getting until you rip it open like it's Christmas morning. It is giving emotional roulette, and people are addicted. Pop Mart, the Chinese toy brand behind the madness, has made nearly $400 million off Labubu in 2024 alone. If you need Labubu doll clothes, please contact me. #Labubu Where to get Labubu dolls in India, what is its price? Now for the juicy part, where to get her in India. You can find Labubu online on Indian sites like Kalakaar, Hype Fly India, and Crep Dog Crew. Prices start around Rs 5,000, but special editions and plush charms can shoot up to Rs 12,000 or more. Hype Fly even has a Buy One Get One deal, so yes, double the chaos. The demon Labubu and DVa doll 🩷🩷🩷 #Labubu In short, Labubu is not just a toy, she is a vibe, an aesthetic, and now, an accessible Indian obsession. Get ready to hunt, unbox, and join the cult of the cheeky little elf with a devilish smile, and put it on your luxury bag, either to ruin its vibe or to 'just hop on the trend.'
NDTV
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
How Labubu Dolls Became The Hottest Accessory Among GenZ And Celebrities
At a Hong Kong studio in 2015, artist Kasing Lung sketched a tiny, mischievous elf-like creature. Inspired by Nordic fairy tales, it had wide eyes and a playful grin. The name was Labubu. A decade later, the simple doodle has exploded into a pop culture phenomenon, captivating celebrities, collectors, and fans across the world. From hidden surprises inside blind boxes to viral TikTok reels starring K-pop stars, Labubu dolls are the latest craze. What Are Labubu Dolls? Labubu is part of Kasing Lung's storybook universe The Monsters, which includes characters like Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, and Pato. Labubu quickly became the breakout star. She is an elf, and in Mr Lung's original books, Labubu is actually a girl. She is distinguished by high-pointed ears, no tail, and a unique face that ranges from innocent to impish. Despite her slightly eerie, toothy grin and kooky expression, Labubu is portrayed as a kind-hearted character. The vibe lies somewhere between the children's picture book Where the Wild Things Are and a mischievous Teletubby. Over the years, Labubu has been reimagined in over 300 variations, in different colours, outfits, sizes, and themes. Labubus In Blind Boxes In 2019, Chinese toy company Pop Mart partnered with Kasing Lung to produce Labubu figures as part of their The Monsters series. These figures are sold in "blind boxes". These sealed boxes offer mystery collectables, meaning you won't know which version of Labubu you have until you open it, creating excitement and high demand among collectors. The series includes various themed collections, such as "Exciting Macaron," "Fall in Wild," and collaborations with brands like Coca-Cola and anime series One Piece. Labubu's popularity also led to the launch of plush pendants, now commonly seen as bag charms. These come in themes like "Tasty Macarons" and "Have A Seat", with adjustable limbs, dessert-inspired names, and expressive faces, from blinking to wide-eyed. Cultural Craze Of Labubu Dolls Walk into any Pop-Mart outlet today, and you will see long queues winding out the door. Some fans line up for hours just to get a crack at the latest Labubu blind box drop. Fuelling this excitement was a viral moment when K-pop band BLACKPINK's Lisa was spotted accessorising her luxury handbags with a Labubu plush. Fellow bandmate Rose followed suit, flaunting a Labubu keyring during a visit to Lisa's place. Celebrities Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian have all been spotted with Labubu charms on their luxury handbags, turning the quirky toy into a fashion accessory. Even legendary footballer David Beckham was seen with one. Labubu Dolls: Market Impact The soaring demand for Labubu dolls has translated into massive financial gains for Pop Mart. In 2024 alone, the company reported a revenue of $1.8 billion, with Labubu contributing nearly $400 million to that figure. Much of this success is driven by the frenzy around blind box collectables and the resale market, where rare "secret edition" Labubu figures can fetch up to $1,000 on platforms like eBay and StockX.
