Labubu, the viral plush toy and collectible doll, has taken the world by storm in 2025, becoming the hottest trend across social media, celebrity circles, and resale markets. Originating from Hong Kong and created by artist Kasing Lung as part of 'The Monsters' series, Labubu is an elvish creature with a mischievous smile, wide eyes, and a furry exterior. Despite its cute and mischievous appearance, Labubu is known for its kind-hearted nature and is often mistaken for a boy, though it is actually a girl. The toys gained massive popularity after K-pop star Lisa from BLACKPINK publicly expressed her love for them, sparking a craze that saw demand skyrocket, with Google searches reaching over 2.1 million in recent weeks. Labubu is primarily sold in blind boxes by Pop Mart, which releases new collections regularly, including the latest 'Big into Energy' series. The toys are highly sought after, with regular dolls costing around £17.50 and rare editions reselling for hundreds of dollars, sometimes up to £600. The excitement of the blind box mystery adds to the thrill for collectors of all ages, with fans recording their unboxing reactions and sharing them online. However, the popularity has also led to a fierce resale market, especially in the UK, where Pop Mart temporarily pulled the toys from all 16 stores due to reports of customers fighting over them. Collector Ashley Bushey from Corby has spent over £1,000 on 13 dolls since December and describes the resale scene as a 'battlefield.' She notes that resellers often buy in bulk and sell at inflated prices, which has caused frustration among genuine collectors. Pop Mart announced efforts to create a fairer distribution system to curb reselling and ensure a safe shopping experience. Despite these challenges, the appeal of Labubu remains high, with many fans enjoying the chase and collecting limited editions, accessories, and collaborations, including themed series and crossover collectibles with brands like Kow Yokoyama. In addition to plush toys, Labubu has inspired a range of merchandise such as bag charms, water bottles, and blind box accessories, further fueling the craze. The phenomenon also includes counterfeit Labubu dolls, known as 'Lafufus,' which can be distinguished by specific details like teeth count, stitching quality, and markings on the soles. Overall, Labubu's rise to fame is driven by its unique design, mystery element, celebrity endorsement, and the vibrant collector community, making it a defining toy trend of 2025 with a significant impact on pop culture and resale markets.