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Imagine walking through Bangkok’s bustling Siam Center, spotting a fuzzy, toothy creature dangling from a passerby’s bag. It’s a Labubu Big Energy doll, Pop Mart’s latest obsession, and it’s not just a toy—it’s a cultural juggernaut. Sparked by Blackpink’s Lisa in Thailand, these Nordic-inspired elves have gone from niche collectibles to global must-haves, with fans camping overnight and paying hundreds for rare versions. This guide dives into what makes the Labubu Big Energy series so special, why it’s a collector’s dream, and how to navigate its wild popularity without falling for fakes or breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways
- Labubu Big Energy is Pop Mart’s vibrant V3 series, featuring six themed figures (Love, Happiness, Loyalty, Serenity, Hope, Luck) and a rare secret ID figure, all with tie-dye fur and glittery eyes.
- Lisa’s 2024 Instagram post from Thailand ignited the craze, especially in Southeast Asia, turning Labubu into a fashion icon and tourism mascot.
- Avoid counterfeit “Lafufu” dolls by checking QR codes and packaging details, as fakes flood platforms like AliExpress.
- Smart collectors use strategies like timing Thursday 9 p.m. ET drops or joining communities like Reddit’s r/labubu to score figures.
- Budget-friendly tips include buying sealed cases or monitoring restocks to dodge inflated resale prices.
What Makes Labubu Big Energy So Special?
The Big Into Energy Series Unveiled
Launched on April 24-25, 2025, the Labubu Big Energy series (officially The Monsters: Big Into Energy V3) is Pop Mart’s boldest drop yet. It features six figures—Love, Happiness, Loyalty, Serenity, Hope, and Luck—each with a unique tie-dye pattern and sparkly eyes, crafted from ABS, PVC, and PC. The real prize? A secret ID figure with a 1/72 chance of being unboxed, driving collectors wild. These 6.69-inch vinyl plush pendants clip onto bags or keys, blending quirky charm with practical flair. A single blind box retails for $25-$100, while a case of six costs $168, but high demand often pushes prices higher on resale markets.
Kasing Lung’s Nordic Roots
Labubu isn’t just a cute doll—it’s a creation of Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised artist Kasing Lung. Inspired by Nordic fairy tales, Lung introduced Labubu in his 2015 children’s book series, The Monsters Trilogy, as a mischievous yet kind-hearted elf alongside characters like Zimomo (the spiky-tailed leader) and Tycoco (a skeleton with a top hat). In 2019, Pop Mart turned these storybook elves into collectibles, with Labubu Big Energy showcasing Lung’s “punk-cute” aesthetic. Think of it as a gremlin with a heart of gold, designed to stand out in a world of generic plushies.
The Lisa Effect: How Thailand Sparked a Global Craze
Blackpink’s Lisa Lights the Fuse
The Labubu Big Energy phenomenon owes much to Lisa, the Thai-born Blackpink star turned solo artist. In April 2024, she posted an Instagram story hugging a Labubu plush from the Fall in Wild series, followed by photos of a Labubu Big Energy pendant on her $2,600 Kaithe Elena bag at Coachella. In Thailand, where Lisa’s influence is unmatched, fans swarmed Pop Mart stores, and the craze spread like wildfire across Southeast Asia. By July 2024, Thailand named Labubu an “Amazing Thailand Experience Explorer,” with a life-sized mascot visiting Bangkok landmarks. Her posts, including a Vanity Fair interview where she unboxed figures with glee, racked up millions of views, cementing Labubu’s status as a fashion icon.
From Thailand to the World
Thailand was ground zero, but the Labubu Big Energy hype quickly went global. In Singapore, fans fought over limited-edition Merlion Labubus at the 2024 Pop Toy Show. In London, collectors queued for five hours at Pop Mart’s store, while New York saw overnight campouts. Celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Emma Roberts joined the trend, clipping Labubus to Louis Vuitton and Hermès bags. TikTok fueled the fire, with #labubu videos hitting 1.6 million posts by mid-2025, many showcasing unboxings or custom outfits. Thailand’s role as a trendsetter, driven by Lisa’s fanbase, made it Asia’s largest Labubu market, with 41% of Pop Mart’s overseas revenue in 2024.
Why Collectors Are Obsessed
The Blind Box Thrill
The Labubu Big Energy series thrives on Pop Mart’s blind box model—you buy a box without knowing which figure’s inside. It’s like rolling dice for a rare Pokémon card, with the secret ID figure as the ultimate prize. This randomness, paired with limited drops, creates a frenzy. In 2024, Pop Mart’s website crashed during a Labubu Big Energy restock, and a Beijing auction saw a four-foot Labubu sell for $170,000. Compared to Sonny Angel or Be@rbrick, Labubu’s wearable design adds a unique edge, turning it into a status symbol for fashionistas and collectors alike.
A Cultural Symbol
Labubu’s “ugly-cute” vibe—think Stitch from Lilo & Stitch—resonates with “kidult” collectors who crave nostalgia and self-expression. In Thailand, some believe Labubu brings luck, leading to Buddhist amulets and tattoos featuring its toothy grin. Singapore’s PAP used a Labubu in a TikTok to promote a welfare project, showing its cultural reach. The dolls’ chaotic yet charming aesthetic, as one fan put it on Reddit, embodies “anti-perfectionism” in a post-pandemic world, making Labubu Big Energy a symbol of playful rebellion.
Where to Find Labubu Big Energy
Trusted Places to Buy
Scoring a Labubu Big Energy doll requires strategy. Pop Mart’s website and app are the go-to, with blind boxes at $25-$100 and cases at $168. Amazon and Kicks Crew offer verified stock, while StockX guarantees authenticity for resales. In Thailand, Pop Mart’s Bangkok concept store is a hotspot, though stock vanishes fast. South African fans can try BlindBoxZA (R699, ~$38 USD), while UAE collectors rely on Sweeterlook for same-day delivery. High shipping costs—up to $81.37, per Reddit—are a pain, so check local roboshops (Pop Mart vending machines) for cheaper options.
The Resale Market
Missed a drop? eBay and StockX are your best bets, but prices soar. The secret ID figure sells for $200-$500, while common ones like Hope or Luck go for $50-$100. A sealed Labubu Big Energy case averages $268 on StockX, a 60% markup. To save, set price alerts or join r/labubu for trades. One collector shared how they snagged a Serenity figure for $70 by bidding on eBay’s “Buy It Now” listings, avoiding scalpers’ inflated rates.
Avoiding Fake Labubus
Spotting the Real Deal
Counterfeit “Lafufu” dolls are everywhere, especially on AliExpress. To verify your Labubu Big Energy, scan the QR code on the packaging via Pop Mart’s portal. Check for intact, untampered boxes and a nine-tooth grin—fakes often have more or fewer teeth. Unlike the Have a Seat series, Labubu Big Energy lacks a foot stamp, which confused early collectors but is a legit design choice. A Reddit user lost $50 on a fake with poor stitching, a lesson in sticking to trusted sellers like Heartforcards on Amazon.
Red Flags to Watch
Fakes often have faded colors, flimsy packaging, or missing QR codes. If a deal seems too good—like a $10 Labubu Big Energy—it’s likely a scam. Pop Mart sued 7-Eleven in California for selling counterfeits, and Thai police arrested a couple for a $61,276 Labubu scam in 2024. Always double-check reviews and buy from verified platforms to avoid heartbreak.
Pro Tips for Collectors
Mastering Drop Timing
Pop Mart’s Labubu Big Energy drops hit Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET, selling out in seconds. Use the app’s “pick one to shake” feature to guess figures by weight—a trick collector Desmond Tan swears by. Join communities like BlindBoxZA or r/labubu for restock alerts. One fan scored a Luck figure by camping outside a London store at 4 a.m., beating the rush. Multiple devices or bots can help, but respect community ethics to avoid backlash.
Customization and Community
Collectors get wild with Labubu Big Energy, dressing figures in bootleg Prada or Miu Miu outfits or building LED-lit display cases. TikTok videos show fans crafting tiny sunglasses or bags for their dolls. In Thailand, Lisa-inspired fans trade at Bangkok meetups, while Singapore’s Zoe Tay decked out a Labubu for Halloween 2024. Join these groups to swap tips or trade duplicates, turning collecting into a social adventure.
How Big Into Energy Stands Out
Vs. Exciting Macaron (V1)
The 2023 Exciting Macaron series had pastel vibes and retailed for $20-$80. Labubu Big Energy goes bolder with tie-dye and glitter, priced at $25-$100. Collectors prefer V3’s vibrant look, but V1’s softer aesthetic suits minimalist fans. If you want a statement piece, Big Into Energy is the pick.
Vs. Have a Seat (V2)
The 2024 Have a Seat series used UV foot stamps for authenticity, unlike Labubu Big Energy’s QR-only verification. V2’s muted tones feel subtle next to V3’s loud colors. A StockX user praised V3’s fluffier fur, making it a favorite for Instagram-worthy setups.
Solving Common Pain Points
Keeping Costs Down
Labubu’s price tag hurts—$25-$100 per box adds up. Buy a sealed case ($168) for better odds at rare figures, or wait for Pop Mart’s seasonal sales. One collector saved $50 during a 2024 Black Friday deal, scoring a full Labubu Big Energy set. Check Amazon for bundles to stretch your budget.
Beating Stock Shortages
With drops selling out instantly, persistence is key. Monitor Pop Mart’s app or StockX for restocks, and join waitlists at local stores like labubuindia.in. In Thailand, roboshops restock sporadically—check daily if you’re nearby. A Reddit user bagged a Hope figure by refreshing the app during a surprise restock.
The Future of Labubu
A Lasting Trend?
Pop Mart’s $1.8 billion revenue in 2024, with $423 million from Labubu, shows its staying power. The company plans 40 U.S. stores by late 2025, making Labubu Big Energy more accessible. Future series might add AR features or eco-friendly materials, keeping fans hooked. Compared to Squishmallows, Labubu’s blind box thrill gives it an edge.
Sustainability Concerns
Blind boxes raise waste concerns due to their plastic packaging and ABS/PVC materials. Pop Mart hasn’t addressed recycling, but collectors can trade locally to reduce impact. Imagine a sustainable Labubu line—fans would jump at it. For now, check r/labubu for second-hand deals to keep your collection green.
Takeaway
Ready to dive into the Labubu Big Energy craze? Shop at Pop Mart or Kicks Crew, verify with QR codes, and join r/labubu for drop tips. Lisa’s Thai spark turned these dolls into a global obsession, and with smart strategies, you can snag yours without overpaying. Clip a Luck or Serenity figure to your bag, trade with friends, or build a custom display—Labubu’s here to stay, so make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the big deal with Labubu?
Labubu’s a quirky, Nordic-inspired vinyl doll that exploded thanks to Lisa from Blackpink. Its Labubu Big Energy series, with tie-dye designs, is a collector’s must-have, blending fashion and blind box excitement.
How rare is the secret Labubu Big Into Energy?
The secret ID figure in Labubu Big Energy has a 1/72 chance per blind box, making it super rare. It resells for $200-$500, so check QR codes to ensure authenticity.
Is Labubu a guy or a girl?
Labubu’s gender isn’t specified—Kasing Lung calls it a mischievous elf. Fans see Labubu Big Energy figures as gender-neutral, letting you interpret their playful vibe however you like.
What time does Labubu Big Into Energy release?
Labubu Big Energy drops on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET via Pop Mart’s app or website. Set alerts and join virtual queues, as stock sells out in seconds.
Which Labubu is rarest?
The secret ID figure from Labubu Big Energy is the rarest, with a 1/72 pull rate. Its unique design fetches $200-$500 on resale markets like StockX.
Is Labubu evil or good?
Labubu’s a good-hearted elf in Kasing Lung’s Nordic-inspired story, despite its cheeky grin. Labubu Big Energy themes like Love and Hope reflect its playful, positive vibe.
