Labubu Mania: Fans Are Now Insuring Their Toys as Thefts Surge Worldwide
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 an “elvish creature” who first appeared in a series of children’s books called The Monsters, published in 2015 by Dutch-born, Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung.
While Labubu is just one of many monsters featured in the books, her mischievous toothy grin, bunny ears, and wide-eyed expression have charmed audiences worldwide, earning her comparisons to the next Hello Kitty in the world of mascot culture.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and Chinese figure retail giant Pop Mart has capitalized on the character’s growing fame. Labubu now stars in global collections of plushies, keychains, and vinyl figures sold everywhere from Asia to Europe and the U.S.
The real viral explosion came in 2019 when Pop Mart introduced Labubu in its popular blind box format—sealed boxes where fans don’t know which version of the figure they’re getting until they open it. Since then, she’s become a social media darling, sparking huge collector lines, resale hype, and TikTok with millions of views.
Labubu Theft Is Real—and Fans Are Insuring Their Toys
The collectible craze has reached such intense levels that some fans are taking out insurance on their Labubus—yes, toy insurance is now a thing.
According to travel insurance provider PassportCard, one in three Millennials or Gen Zers has considered insuring their Labubu figures when traveling overseas. The trend is even more pronounced among Aussies, with one in four Australian travelers admitting they’ve thought about it too. Around 20% of travelers overall fear their Labubus could be targeted by pickpockets abroad.
“It might seem ridiculous to insure a toy, but it speaks volumes about how emotionally invested people are in what they pack,” said Peter Klemt, PassportCard’s Australia chief. “When you consider some Labubus are now selling for nearly USD 652 on resale sites, it makes sense why they want to protect them.”
Some fans have already learned the hard way. TikToker Sarah Mariesan says her Labubu figure was stolen out of her bag while shopping at The Grove in Los Angeles.
Two collectors recently told the Daily Telegraph they opted to get insured before traveling overseas.
“I’ve been hearing about many people having theirs stolen,” 24-year-old Olivia Bubalao said. “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.”
Another fan, Rachael Clayton, took out a $98 policy to protect her seven Labubu figures. “If I lost one on a trip, I’d feel sad, especially nowadays, with how hard they are to get and how long ago I bought them. They’re a part of me at this point.”
What Makes Labubu So Addictive?
Labubu’s appeal isn’t just about her look—it’s also about the thrill of the chase.
Pop Mart’s blind box concept has gamified collecting: fans buy figure after figure, trying to score rare designs, secret editions, or the ultra-rare “mystery Labubu.” Miss out, and you either trade… or pay inflated prices on resale platforms.
Some limited-edition Labubus now resell for hundreds of dollars. And for fans, especially younger collectors and Gen Z influencers, owning one is about more than bragging rights—it’s personal.
Despite her mischievous face, Pop Mart describes Labubu as “kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often accidentally achieves the opposite.”
She’s even caught the eye of global celebrities: Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and several Chinese pop stars have all been spotted flaunting Labubu accessories or posting about them online.
With summer travel in full swing and more fans flaunting their prized plushies abroad, it’s no surprise that Labubu insurance is becoming part of the packing checklist.
After all, if your toy is worth more than your Airbnb, wouldn’t you insure it too?