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Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Labubus & Where To Throw Some Money At One

Written by:
Arshia Anand

With the highly anticipated debut of Pop Mart in Melbourne this week, the city’s love affair with eccentric collectibles has reached a fever pitch. And this time, it’s all about Labubus—the adorably fanged monster with a name that sounds like you’re accidentally summoning an elvish demon.

Every year, a new must-have toy steals the spotlight, and now, post-Jellycat mania, the world has anointed its next must-own oddity. “I think it’s about the clout but also the joy. Opening a box and not knowing what you’re gonna get is pretty cool. And when you want a specific one and get it? You can’t compare that feeling," Labubu-possessed local collector Doreen Daniels says.

Influencer Doreen DanielsImage credit: Doreen Daniels | Supplied

Unless you’re sitting on a gold mine (literally), the 24K gold Labubu will remain a fever dream, but fret not for there are plenty of ways to snag your own pocket-sized monster in Melbourne.

Want in on the deets? Here’s how to claim yours in Melbourne… without selling a kidney.

Everything You Need To Know About Labubus

What Is A Labubu?

Labubu is the cult-favorite monster elf designed by Kasing Lung for Chinese toy giant Pop Mart for their THE MONSTERS series. These mischievously charming collectibles double as streetwear accessories, often clipped to bags, keys or even styled into high-end fits.

Sold primarily in blind boxes (with the exception of single-sold plushes), each Labubu unveils itself as a surprise, turning every purchase into a thrilling gamble. 

They first exploded on the scene after BLACKPINK’s Lisa was spotted with one in 2024, catapulting them to KAWS-level art-toy prestige. "I was scrolling through TikTok when I started noticing Labubus everywhere—day after day, they kept blowing up. Seeing my favorite influencers, celebrities like Lalisa, and how Asian and K-pop culture embraced them... that's what made me really want one," shared Daniels.

P.S. If you're all about that Labubu Matcha Dubai Chocolate Moonbeam Ice Cream life, check out Melbourne's best matcha spots and Dubai chocolate bars to pair with your collectible addiction.

What’s The Cost Of A Labubu In Australia?

Like any hype-worthy collectible, Labubu prices swing wildly depending on rarity—but expect to fork out around $70 AUD for a standard blind box. That said, "standard" doesn’t exist in the resale market, where rare editions, like the 4ft-tall mint-green Labubu that sold for $750,000 AUD in Beijing last month, trade at fine art rates.

At Pop Mart Australia, official prices range from $32 for a basic mini to $1,580 for the Tony Tony Chopper One Piece crossover collab.

Where To Buy A Labubu?

Skip the sketchy resellers, here’s where to cop a legit Labubu without ending up with a Lafufu:

In-Person & In Store

Pop Mart

Melbourne Central, Chadstone, Northland

The official source, stocking everything from blind boxes ($32+) to special editions ($1,500+). Look for their viral yellow robo-shops—vending machines packed with Labubus (and none of the judgment when you buy five in a row). 

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That Funking POP Store! 

Unit 428/189B S Centre Road, Tullamarine

That Funking POP Store! Is a hidden gem for plushie outfits (yes, outfits) and mid-range blind boxes, which is ideal if your Labubu needs a glow-up.

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The Archive Store

Melbourne CBD, Malvern East

This hype-beast store is where rare/expensive Labubus live (starting at $150), alongside streetwear drops.

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For Online Shoppers

Pushas

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by PUSHAS (@pushasofficial)

Pushas stocks authentic, limited-edition Labubus—from $70 entry-level picks to $2,000+ collector items.

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Main image credit: Pop Mart | Supplied

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