In 2022, lime green figures around 2-3 inches known as Smiskis took the internet by storm.

The next year, Sonny Angels, small figurines with an angel-like head and wings, captivated people of all ages because of their versatile use as a fashion accessory or collectible item. 

Now, in 2025, it’s the Labubus’ turn

These collectables all found their way into Sunny Hills, from students to staff.

THE BIRTH OF THE FOREST ELF 

The Labubu is no ordinary toy, however. Unlike past trends such as Smiskis or Sonny Angels, which sell for $20-40, the bug-eyed dolls tend to be priced much higher, often starting around $50 and climbing steeply for limited editions. 

According to Today News, this line of collectable plush toys — the brainchild of Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung — was introduced in 2015 as part of his book series: “The Monsters.”

Later in 2019, Lung collaborated with Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company, and turned the “monsters” into a global toy phenomenon. 

Growing up fascinated by Nordic folklore and mythology, Lung took an interest in elves and included them in his tales, which later became known as Labubus.

In a May interview with Perfect Magazine, the creator said Labubu is a character that embodies his inner creative spirit and can be described as a king forest-elf that brings people happiness.

“We live in the real world where our everyday reality is sad,” Lung said. “If Labubu brings joy to people, then I would like for them to be alive.”

The family line of the elves doesn’t stop with Labubus, though. These figures have their own lineage filled with Labubu’s leaders, girlfriends, friends, best friends and family.

THE BIG BOOM 

A worker at Pop Mart in Glendale — who wanted to remain anonymous — said collectors are drawn to Labubus because of their rare status. 

“A big part of it right now is the scarcity because there is a high demand for Labubus; we are not able to sell them in store right now, so they’re only online,” the employee said. “The blind box aspect is very big, and it’s like gambling in a way since the dolls are so rare and hard to get.”

The employee also noted that although Labubus are the current craze, there may be other figures getting ready for their rise to fame.

“Other products, such as the Crybaby and SKULLPANDA, are becoming popular because of the pendant aspect since people can put the charms on their bag,” the Pop Mart worker said.

Jing Daily noticed the mania of these collectables and attributed the craze to celebrity endorsements, such as pop group BLACKPINK’s Lisa. The demand for Labubus surged almost overnight after the pop star was seen with the figurine on her bag.

Along with the original plushies, the Labubu craze has reached its peak with companies like Pop Mart creating human-sized versions priced at up to six figures. 

One particular student on campus said people willing to pay this much money for a doll show their fixation on social status. 

“I think it represents exactly what the people of this generation are,” senior Manveer Anand said. “They’re more caught up on how they look in front of others and their status rather than being educated.” 

3D design teacher Chablis Bates owns multiple types of Labubus — all ranging in design, including the Exciting Macaroon, Lychee Berry and Toffee — and said these dolls are more than just a fashion trend for some. 

“It’s a fashion statement because it can be a charm on your bag,” Bates said. “They originated from an artist, so as an art teacher, that’s really cool to me because I like to collect weird artsy things as a hobby.”

With these dolls blowing up overnight, Bates said the Labubus’ popularity came from celebrity influence and the blind-box aspect. 

“I think it all had to do with Blackpink’s Lisa because it really blew up when she put it on her bag,” the art teacher said. “I also think what makes it trendy is the mystery and unboxing of it, which snowballed into this huge trend.”

THE RISE OF THE IMPOSTOR MONSTERS

As Labubus continue to grow in popularity, the market for counterfeit dolls — now known as Lafufus — has also expanded, said an anonymous Pop Mart worker. Collectors are warned to be cautious when purchasing these dolls, as fake versions can be difficult to spot.

However, the worker said there is a system that ensures collectors are purchasing authentic Labubus, protecting the integrity of the brand and the investments of fans. The employee said buyers can avoid counterfeit dolls by scanning the QR code on the box, which will direct them to a verification website.

The official manufacturer, Pop Mart, and consumer safety agencies identified the characteristics a buyer can check for, such as nine teeth, a pale peach-toned complexion and high-quality stitching.

Despite these precautions, some students, like senior Welcy Calderon, have reported encountering fake dolls while trying to complete their collections. 

“I ordered a Labubu on eBay because Pop Mart sold out, and when I received it, the doll had stitching along the back, so I knew it was fake,” Calderon said. “I was really disappointed because all the Labubus I bought in the past were real; this made me realize I should only order at Pop Mart.”

FINDING ITS WAY ONTO THE HILL

While some enjoy the thrill of collecting, others are drawn to the way Labubus double as accessories. Students clip them onto backpacks, purses and even belt loops, making them as much a fashion statement as a toy.

“I don’t think they’re very stylish; I think they are more of a cute hobby,” said senior Ashley Cal, who owns two from the “Have a Seat” series. “Even though I like them, I think it will be a short-lived trend because of how quickly they went viral — people will get tired of them sooner or later.”

But not all reactions are positive.

Freshman Sofia Mendoza said the dolls’ odd appearance can be unsettling.

“They are way too expensive and they kind of scare me,” Mendoza said. “I think everyone’s just trying to fit into this trend because it’s cool.”

Similarly, freshman Anthony Diaz was unimpressed since the trend first began. 

“My first impression was that they looked soft and fluffy,” Diaz said. “I don’t think they’re worth the hype because it’s just colored dolls that are so expensive.”

This is not the case for junior Evan Lee, who understands the hype behind these bug-eyed dolls.

“I have one Labubu, and it was called the Pop Mart Monsters Coca Cola Series; it’s so cute,” Lee said. “At my church, I hear people talking about Labubus all the time, so the noise around them makes sense.”

Others, like junior Lizz Garganera, said the excitement feels familiar.

“Trends like this have occurred many times in the past where there’s no deep meaning behind them,” Garganera said. “I have not seen that many in person, but on TikTok, I see Labubus everywhere.”

Whether clipped to backpacks, dangling from jeans or tucked away in collections, Labubus have fit into Sunny Hills’ life just as quickly as they found their way into global fashion trends.