What’s the Deal with Labubu? The Weird Little Toy Everyone Is Obsessed With
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately or just walking down the hall in school, you’ve probably spotted a strange little creature clipped to someone’s backpack. Big eyes. Spiky hair. Creepy-cute vibes. Yep, we’re talking about Labubu – the latest obsession taking over teen bags, For You pages, and even grown-up fashion circles.
So… what is Labubu? And why is everyone in Ireland suddenly carrying one around?
Here’s everything you need to know.
First of All, What Is Labubu?
Labubu is a small collectible creature from the The Monsters toy line by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and vinyl figure company Pop Mart. He’s got a mischievous smile, pointy teeth, and a look that’s somewhere between gremlin and gremlin-but-make-it-cute. Originally popular in Asia, Labubu has blown up internationally thanks to TikTok, celebrity fans, and the rise of “weirdcore” aesthetic.
These days, it’s the Labubu keychains that are taking over – especially the ones clipped onto schoolbags, belt loops, or even phone cases. They’re quirky, mysterious, and instantly recognisable. Basically, it’s giving main character energy.
Why Is Everyone So Obsessed?
Like most Gen Alpha trends, it’s a perfect mix of TikTok virality + scarcity = status symbol.
There’s also a bit of mystery around it. Labubu doesn’t have a backstory like Barbie or Bratz. It’s just… there. But that’s what makes it cooler – it feels niche, random, and weirdly emotional. Teens in Japan and Korea started treating Labubu keyrings like little companions or “emotional support goblins,” and the vibe totally carried over to Ireland.
Add in the fact that some of them are rare (think blind boxes, like mini Pokémon cards for your bag), and suddenly it’s a full-blown collector moment.
Where Can You Get One in Ireland?
Right now, most Irish teens are buying Labubu keyrings online – mainly through TikTok Shops, Vinted, eBay, or international sites like Pop Mart or Kawaii Panda. Some shops in Dublin have started to stock them too (especially those that sell anime merch or collectibles), but be careful of fakes – if the quality feels dodgy or the box is already open, it’s probably not the real deal. While there are several Pop Mart stores in the UK, none are currently in Ireland.
Forbidden Planet Dublin sometimes has Labubus in stock. Check their social media for updates on availability.
The prices can range from €10 to €30, and rare ones can go way higher – which is kind of wild for a keyring, but that’s the world we’re living in.
Why It’s Lowkey the Perfect Teen Trend
Honestly? Labubu is weird in the best way. It’s not trying to be trendy in a basic way. It’s not made by a giant corporation trying to sell you perfection. It’s messy, strange, and a little bit creepy – which feels very accurate for being a teenager right now.
It’s also a bit of harmless fun. No filters. No competition. Just a funny little guy hanging off your schoolbag like a chaotic sidekick.
TL;DR: Labubu Is the New Squishmallow (But Edgier)
Whether you’re deep in the Labubu lore or just vibing with the aesthetic, this little creature is officially a thing. And like all good teen trends, it doesn’t need to make sense – it just needs to feel cool. And right now? Labubu is it.
Thinking of getting one? Go for it. Weird is in. And we’re kind of obsessed too.