If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen at least a few videos featuring a rabbit-like critter with shark teeth called ‘Labubu.’
Labubu is actually an “elvish creature” who first appeared in a series of children’s books called ‘The Monsters,’ published in 2015 by Dutch-born Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung.
While Labubu is just one of many monsters who appear in the books, her toothy grin and bunny ears have charmed audiences worldwide, becoming the new ‘Hello Kitty’ of mascot characters.
Ten years later, Chinese figure retailer Pop Mart has cornered the market on Labubu merchandise, selling different versions of the critter as plushies, keychains and dolls in locations around the world.
Labubu is part of a larger cast of characters from a 2015 children’s book series called ‘The Monsters.’
They first started selling Labubu vinyl figures in “blind boxes” in 2019 — and since then, she’s become a worldwide sensation, taking over social media and creating massive lines of fans at Pop Mart stores everywhere.
However, Labubu figures have become so insanely popular that some customers are literally taking out insurance on the dolls for fear that they might get stolen to be resold online.
Labubu fans insure their figures as theft rises
Travel insurance provider Passportcard cites that one in three Millennials or Gen Zers have thought about insuring their Labubu merch when traveling abroad.
More specifically, one in four Australian travelers have thought the same, with an average of 20% of total travelers fearing the figures will be a specific target for pickpocketers abroad.
“It might seem ridiculous to insure a toy, but it speaks volumes about how emotionally invested people are in what they pack,” Peter Klemt, PassportCard’s Australia chief, said in a statement.
“When you consider some Labubus are now selling for nearly $652 USD on resale sites, it makes sense why they want to protect them.”
In fact, several Labubu fans have come forward with stories of how their plushies were stolen while out and about, such as TikToker Sarah Mariesan, who says her figure got lifted from her bag while shopping at The Grove in Los Angeles, California.
Two different Labubu fans and international jetsetters admitted to the Daily Telegraph that they’ve taken out insurance packages on their grinning Labubu figures.
“I’ve been hearing about many people having theirs stolen,” 24-year-old Olivia Bubalao revealed. “I did some research and, once I found an insurance package that included my Labubu in personal items of value, then it was a no-brainer.”
“If I lost one on a trip I’d feel sad, especially nowadays with how hard they were to get and how long ago I bought them – they’re a part of me at this point,” Rachael Clayton said, who took out a $98 policy on her Labubu collection.
You don’t have to be traveling abroad to have your Labubus lifted; one TikToker says a thief broke into their car and stole a series of plushes sitting on their dashboard.
While Labubu might look a bit mischievous, Pop Mart describes her as “kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often accidentally achieves the opposite.”
Her appealing design has sparked a mania for merchandise, even catching the eye of major celebrities like K-Pop diva Lisa from BLACKPINK, Rihanna, and even Dua Lipa.
