Labubu, the mischievous elf-like character from Pop Mart’s blind box series, has become a global phenomenon—but who’s actually buying them? Here’s a breakdown of the key age groups driving the trend and why they love these quirky collectibles.
1. Gen Z (Teens to Early 20s) – The Social Media Hype Generation
Why they love Labubu:
✅ TikTok & Instagram trends – Unboxing videos, shelfie displays, and customization posts go viral.
✅ Affordable status symbol – At 20–40 per blind box, it’s a cheaper flex than designer items.
✅ Playful self-expression – Labubu’s “ugly-cute” aesthetic fits Gen Z’s love for quirky, anti-perfectionist vibes.
How they engage:
- Clipping figurines onto backpacks & keychains.
- Trading rare variants with friends.
- Posting #Labubu hauls on TikTok.
More: What is the age range for Labubu?
2. Millennials (Mid-20s to Late 30s) – The Nostalgic Collectors
Why they love Labubu:
✅ ”Kidult” culture – A way to reclaim childhood joy in adulthood.
✅ Therapeutic dopamine hit – The blind box surprise mimics loot boxes in gaming.
✅ Affordable luxury – A small indulgence compared to big-ticket purchases like homes or cars.
How they engage:
- Building display-worthy collections at home.
- Hunting for limited editions & collaborations (e.g., Labubu x Skullpanda).
- Using them as desk decor for work-from-home serotonin boosts.
More: Labubu Craze: Should Parents Embrace It or Be Concerned?
3. Midlifers (40s & Above) – The Unexpected Superfans
Why they love Labubu:
✅ Stress relief & nostalgia – Collecting feels like a modern-day hobby, like stamp collecting.
✅ Social bonding – Some join Facebook groups & collector meetups.
✅ Investment potential – Rare Labubu resells for hundreds (even thousands) of dollars.
Real-world example:
- In Singapore, 42% of toy resellers on Carousell are 41+ years old, with some spending $1,000+ yearly on blind boxes.
More: Labubu’s ‘Rebel Smile’: Teaching Kids Individuality Through Toy Design
4. Kids (Pre-Teens) – The Casual Fans
Why they like Labubu:
✅ Cute & playful designs – Especially the plush versions.
✅ Playground trading – Some kids treat them like collectible currency.
✅ Parent-approved – Safer than digital loot boxes in games.
Note: Labubu isn’t marketed primarily to kids, but parents report 9–12-year-olds getting into them.
Why Labubu Appeals to EVERY Generation
🔹 ”Ugly-Cute” Charm – Its sharp teeth and goofy grin make it uniquely lovable.
🔹 Blind Box Thrill – The gamble of getting a rare variant keeps collectors hooked.
🔹 Social Status – Celebrities like Lisa (Blackpink), Rihanna, and Lady Gaga have been spotted with Labubu, boosting its hype.
🔹 Emotional Comfort – For adults, it’s a stress-relieving hobby; for teens, it’s social currency.
More: Labubu Blind Boxes: Teaching Kids About Patience & Disappointment
Who Buys Labubu the Most? (Quick Summary)
| Age Group | Why They Love It | How They Engage | Spending Habits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen Z | Trendy, social media hype | TikTok unboxing, fashion | 20–100/month |
| Millennials | Nostalgia, “kidult” therapy | Collecting, reselling | 50–300/month |
| 40s+ | Stress relief, investment | Collector meetups | 100–1,000+/year |
| Kids | Cute, fun to trade | Playground swaps | Occasional gifts |
Final Verdict: Labubu is a Cross-Generational Hit
While Gen Z & Millennials drive most of the social media buzz, older collectors (40+) are a surprisingly big market. Whether for fun, profit, or therapy, Labubu’s appeal spans teens to retirees—proving that quirky collectibles aren’t just for kids anymore!
