Have you seen those dolls with their wild fur, odd grins,wondering why people are buying such odd looking dolls .Those strange looking are Labubu dolls and have become the collectible for many, often evoking a strange mix of adoration, envy, and urgency. Dolls are supposed to cute and cuddly but with the labubu dolls, we see endless unboxing reels, the sold-out drops, the resale madness and one question is
Is this just a harmless craze, or are we leaning into something deeper… possibly even unhealthy?
What Even Is a Labubu
For those unfamiliar, Labubu is a character from the “The Monsters” series. It’s small, and somewhere between cute and creepy. Think big eyes, spiky hair, and an expression that looks like it knows something you don’t.
But Labubu isn’t just a toy. It’s become a symbol of aesthetic, status as one sells for ₹7,000. A doll worth ₹7000? And yes, it sells out in seconds.
Why are people buying it?
There’s something oddly exciting about buying a limited edition which sells out in seconds and also they come in blind boxes so you do not know what you are getting actually. There’s genuine joy in collecting. Psychologically, it gives us a sense of structure, achievement, and even identity. The dopamine hit of securing a rare piece or completing a set isn’t imagined it’s real. We’re wired to seek and conquer.
But here’s where things shift: when the act of collecting becomes compulsive. When it’s not about love or joy anymore, but about validation, competition, or even anxiety over “missing out.”
Labubu as a Status Symbol: Why It’s Not Just a Toy
Let’s be honest , everything today has the potential to become a status symbol. From stanley water bottles to playlists, we’re subtly (or not so subtly) showing the world who we are by what we own.
Labubu fits perfectly into this social equation. It’s limited edition. It’s aesthetic. It’s hard to get. And in today’s algorithmic culture, scarcity is currency. The rarer the Labubu, the more likes your reel gets, the more envy your post creates, and the more validated you feel. That’s not a dig , it’s a reality we’re all navigating.
In a world where identity is curated online, Labubu isn’t just a toy it’s a badge. Owning one signals that you’re culturally tuned-in, financially capable, and “part of the club.”
And deep down, isn’t that what many of us are seeking? Belonging? Recognition? A little spark of worthiness?
When the Craze Turns Concerning
But when joy turns into pressure, or when ownership becomes tied to self-worth, it’s time to check in. Are we buying because we want it or because we fear being left behind? Are we enjoying it or chasing validation?
Spending beyond limits, hoarding unopened boxes, or feeling extreme FOMO from missing a drop these are not just consumer habits. They might be signals from deeper emotional needs: the need to feel in control, to feel enough, to feel seen.
Conclusion: A Mirror, Not a Monster
Labubu, for all its odd charm, is not the problem. It’s a mirror. It reflects how we connect, consume, and express ourselves in a digital age. It reveals what we long for comfort, identity, even when we do not find it pleasing.
So is it a craze? Yes. Is it an unhealthy obsession? Maybe, for some. But more than that, it’s a conversation starter about what we value, how we cope, and who we are beneath the surface of trends.
