“Why do kids love these weird little monsters so much?” That’s the question many parents are asking. Strange new toys are all the rage again.
Not long ago, it was all about creepy characters like Kissy Missy and Huggy Wuggy. And now? Kids everywhere are asking for something called Labubu.
So… who is Labubu? And is it safe to buy one for your child?
In most cases, kids don’t care that a toy looks scary. What matters is that everyone else has it — and they don’t want to miss out.
But let’s be honest: Huggy Wuggy actually did raise real concerns. Psychologists found that the character’s backstory, the games, and the general “creepy vibe” around it triggered anxiety, fear, and even emotional distress in some children.
With Labubu, it’s a bit different.
The Story Behind Labubu
Labubu — the sharp-toothed bunny-eared creature — was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung.
In 2019, toy company Pop Mart signed a deal to turn the character into a plush toy line.
One of the first to show off Labubu to the world? A member of the K-pop group Blackpink, who used the toy as a fashion accessory. We’ve already written about the massive influenceOne of the first to show off Labubu to the world? A member of the K-pop group Blackpink, who used the toy as a fashion accessory. We’ve already written about the massive influence of Korean pop culture — and it clearly played a role in Labubu’s rise to fame.
And let’s not forget the genius marketing: Labubu toys come in blind boxes — so buyers don’t know which version they’re getting. Some are rare, even collector’s items worth up to $1,000!
The mystery factor has made Labubu a hit not just with kids, but also with adults.
In fact, many women now hang these little monsters from their handbags. That alone says a lot about the trend’s popularity.
Should You Buy a Labubu for Your Child?
So far, psychologists haven’t raised major concerns — the trend is still fairly new. But most experts agree: Labubu isn’t as harmful as Huggy Wuggy or Kissy Missy.
These toys don’t come with scary stories. That means your child can imagine their own narrative, without outside influence. Yes, Labubu has teeth — but overall, it’s more cute than creepy.
Experts say that if your child isn’t scared by it, it’s probably fine to buy. Of course, very young children may not be ready for a monster-toothed plushie — use your judgment.
But the bigger issue here is the trend itself. Kids often don’t want a specific toy — they want whatever’s popular. Even if they don’t truly like or need it.
That’s something parents need to think about and talk through.
Can Labubu Be Used to Learn Language?
Absolutely! Toys like Labubu are great for imaginative play — which means great opportunities to practice speaking Russian.
You can use them to act out scenes, role-play dialogues, or even stage full-on performances.
Each toy can have its own story, its own personality, its own little world. It sparks creativity and language skills at the same time.
In the end, whether or not to buy Labubu is your call as a parent. Only you know how sensitive or imaginative your child is — and whether they’ve earned such an expensive toy. Just keep the conversation going. Talk to your child, be curious about their emotional world — and you’ll always stay connected.
Have you already bought a Labubu for your kid? Or will you if they ask? Tell us what you think in the comments!
