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From Labubu Love to the Next Big Thing: What Collectors Need to Know (Before Everyone Else Does)
Vicky Parry
14th Aug 2025
A few weeks ago we looked at the incredible Labubu phenomena from an investment perspective.
If you’ve scrolled TikTok lately, chances are you’ve met Labubu — the cheeky little creature with a grin like it knows all your secrets and ears that look like they’ve had a serious caffeine hit. They’ve hopped from collector’s shelves to viral videos, turning grown adults into giddy kids again.
But here’s the twist — where there’s hype, there are fakes. The “Lafufu” knock-offs have swooped in, and they’re everywhere: online marketplaces, dodgy market stalls, even wrapped up as “mystery gifts” from suspiciously cheap sellers. They’re cheaper, sure… but they’re also potentially dangerous (and definitely not investment material).
So, how does this all affect Labubu’s value? And more importantly — how can you spot the next big craze before the rest of the world catches on? Whether you collect for love, profit, or the thrill of the hunt, trend forecasting could become your secret superpower.
Trend Forecasting Is Now a Superpower
Collectibles aren’t just toys anymore — they’re cultural barometers, investment vehicles, and in some cases, unexpected economic indicators. Sound dramatic? It’s not. The way a product goes viral tells you more about spending behaviour than a shelf of dusty financial reports.
David Lang, Chair of Sacramento State’s Economics Department:
“Consumers turn to small-ticket indulgences like Labubus as affordable luxuries — this lipstick-index trend can—even if unintentionally—signal economic anxiety.”
— New York Post
Quick Tip: Watch the “small luxuries” market. If people are buying more affordable treats, a new collectible might be brewing under the radar.
Owen Lamont, writer of the “Owenomics” newsletter:
“Buying a blind-box Labubu mirrors the thrill of high-risk investing… artificial scarcity drives value — just like with crypto.”
— MarketWatch
Translation? The same human impulses that make people buy Bitcoin also make them queue for a mystery toy. Both can soar in value — or fizzle just as quickly.
Safety First: Why Knockoffs Matter
Fake Labubus aren’t just bad for your wallet — they can be downright dangerous. No safety checks, no proper labelling, and sometimes toxic materials. That bargain “cute creature” could end up costing far more than you saved.
UK Chartered Trading Standards Institute warns:
“Counterfeit Labubu dolls are unsafe — missing CE/UKCA marks, with detachable parts posing choking and chemical hazards.” Over 2,000 fakes were seized.
— The Guardian
Quick Tip: Always check for a CE or UKCA label, a holographic sticker, a scannable QR code, and the official UV stamp before parting with your cash.
In the UK alone, over 100,000 fake Labubus were stopped at the border this year. Think of them like knock-off designer handbags — they may look similar, but the quality (and value) just isn’t there.
What TikTok Is Telling Us
Social media is now the front line of trend forecasting. The #Labubu hashtag has racked up millions of views, with collectors showing off “unboxings” and trading tips. When you see a sudden spike in content around a niche product, that’s your signal — something is brewing.
MoneyMagpie tip: Watch not just the content, but the comments. If you’re seeing “where can I get one?” over and over, demand is about to explode.
Fantasy Forecasting: Our Five “Just a Guess” Predictions
Okay — we don’t have a crystal ball (and if we did, it would probably be a limited-edition one), but based on TikTok trends, fashion collabs, and collector behaviour, here are our totally speculative guesses for what might be next:
| # | What We Think Could Be Next |
|---|---|
| 1 | Charmcore X Luxury – Think plush charms replacing high-end bag accessories. Cute meets couture. |
| 2 | Modular DIY Collectibles – Mix-and-match toys with endless customisation for maximum personal flair. |
| 3 | Embedded Verification Drops – NFC/QR tags with digital twins to prove authenticity. |
| 4 | Nostalgia IP Collabs – Expect childhood favourites (Polly Pocket, Sanrio) in luxury crossovers. |
| 5 | Creator-Led Plush Lines – TikTok makers launching limited plushies with built-in fan stories. |
Collector Culture: More Than Just Money
Sure, some people are in it for profit. But for many, the joy is in the hunt, the community, and the stories we attach to these objects.
People magazine shared:
- The hashtag #Labubu has 2.3 million posts, proving the craze is as much about community as it is about the product.
- Collector Caitlin Sackett (25 Labubus) and Dani Barron (150+ Labubus valued at $10K) highlight how collecting fuels creativity and joy.
— People
Quick Tip: Want to feel ahead of the curve? Join online collector groups — they often spot rising trends before they hit the mainstream.
What To Do Next
- Spot the fakes: Check labels, holograms, QR codes, and the tooth count (yes, Labubu has nine!).
- Track hashtags: Rising search numbers can mean a product is about to boom.
- Watch nostalgia: Old brands making comebacks often bring big value jumps.
- Think limited: Smaller runs = higher scarcity = more potential value.
- Join the conversation: Forums, TikTok lives, and Facebook groups can be your early-warning system.
Do they want Jellycats? I can sell some as have loads. Are they are valuable?