Labubu vs. Lafufu vs. Crybaby: What's the Difference & Which is Your Favorite?
About Labubu
Step into a enchanting world of Nordic-inspired creatures with The Monsters Labubu collection, born from the imaginative mind of artist Kasing Lung. First introduced through a trilogy of picture books in 2015, this magical series brings to life a cast of captivating characters led by the loveable LABUBU.
At the heart of The Monsters collection is LABUBU, an endearing creature characterized by distinctive pointed ears and playfully serrated teeth. Despite his mischievous appearance, LABUBU embodies a pure and helpful spirit, though his well-intentioned actions often lead to amusing misadventures. This charming contradiction has made LABUBU a beloved figure among collectors worldwide.
About Lafufu
Lafufu is a knockoff of Labubu, a popular character under Pop Mart. The term "Lafufu" often appears in videos on social media platforms such as TikTok, and is also a nickname for these fake Labubu dolls. These counterfeit toys can usually be identified by obvious design flaws, such as facial asymmetry or other inconsistencies with genuine Labubu dolls. Below we will share some key tips to help you distinguish between real and fake Labubu. Keep reading.
About Crybaby
Step into a world of pure emotion with the CRYBABY collection, created by Thai artist Molly Yllom in 2017. Born from a deeply personal experience of loss when the artist's dog Somchun passed away, this touching series transforms grief and vulnerability into art that resonates with collectors worldwide.
At the heart of the collection is CRYBABY, a unique character that transcends traditional boundaries - neither boy nor girl, not even limited to human form. With signature 3D tears and pouting expressions, CRYBABY embodies the profound message that crying can heal and emotions shouldn't be hidden. This universal appeal to authentic self-expression has made CRYBABY a beloved figure in the designer toy community.
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Labubu vs. Crybaby
Labubu and Crybaby are two popular collections of Pop Mart. What are the differences between them? Let's check out.
①Price
The price of Labubu is more expensive than Crybaby.
Labubu's pricing isn't just about a cute figurine - it's a complex ecosystem of design, rarity, and collector culture. Created by Kasing Lung as part of POP MART's designer toy line, these collectibles are deliberately produced in limited quantities, with some special editions released in runs as low as 500-1000 pieces worldwide.
The blind box model adds significant value to the collection. Each figurine represents a calculated artistic choice, with some variants dramatically rarer than others. Standard editions are relatively accessible, but secret or chase variants can command premium prices among serious collectors.
Celebrity endorsements, particularly from influencers like Lisa from Blackpink, have dramatically increased market demand. The collectible's value isn't just in its physical form, but in its cultural cachet and potential appreciation.
Because of all these facts, there is insane demand for The Monsters LABUBU. So prices are only going to appreciate from here - especially when you can no longer get your hands on limited edition releases anymore.
②Features & Collection Highlights
The Monsters Labubu Collection Highlights
Each piece in The Monsters collection showcases the rich mythology and storytelling that inspired its creation. From blind box series to limited edition figures, the collection features:
Detailed sculpts capturing LABUBU's iconic features;
Various poses and expressions reflecting the character's personality;
Special themed releases that expand the magical universe;
Collaborations that reimagine LABUBU in creative new ways.
The Monsters Crybaby Collection Highlights
Each piece in the CRYBABY collection showcases the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength. From blind box series to limited edition figures, the collection features:
Distinctive 3D tear details that define the character's emotional impact;
Various expressions capturing different facets of feeling;
Special themed releases exploring emotional storytelling;
Collaborations that bring fresh perspectives to the CRYBABY world.
③The Story Behind Labubu / Crybaby
Labubu first emerged in 2015 as part of Kasing Lung's innovative "The Monsters" story series, a unique collection deeply rooted in Nordic mythology. The character was conceived as part of a broader "monster tribe" that includes quirky companions like Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, and Pato. Lung, a Hong Kong-based designer, has been a pivotal figure in the designer toy movement, with POP MART serving as the primary platform for his creative expressions.
The origins of Labubu are particularly fascinating due to its intricate design philosophy. Each character in the tribe is meticulously crafted to represent specific emotional states, with Labubu specifically characterized by its tailless design - a deliberate artistic choice that symbolizes vulnerability and simplicity. The character's aesthetic draws from a unique blend of Japanese kawaii culture, Nordic mythological storytelling, and contemporary minimalist design principles.
By 2019, Labubu had transcended its initial collector's niche, becoming a global phenomenon amplified by social media and celebrity endorsements. The global blind box market, valued at approximately $2.8 billion in 2020, saw significant growth partly due to characters like Labubu that offer more than just a toy - they provide a storytelling experience. POP MART, founded in 2010, played a crucial role in this expansion, creating a global platform for artists like Lung to showcase their creative visions.
The character gained massive international traction through key marketing strategies, including limited edition releases and strategic collaborations. When Blackpink's Lisa publicly shared her collection in 2022, Labubu's popularity skyrocketed, introducing the character to millions of global fans. This moment marked a significant turning point, transforming Labubu from a niche collectible to a global cultural icon.
Notably, Labubu's design has won multiple international design awards, recognizing Kasing Lung's innovative approach to character design. The character has been exhibited in art galleries across Asia, including prominent shows in Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Shanghai, further cementing its status as more than just a toy, but a legitimate form of contemporary art.
The mathematical precision behind Labubu's design is equally impressive. Each figurine is created with strict attention to proportion, with most Labubu characters standing between 6-8 cm tall, making them perfectly sized for collection and display. The color palette typically involves soft, muted tones that enhance the character's emotional depth - a deliberate choice that sets Labubu apart from more garish collectible designs.
Beyond its visual appeal, Labubu represents a broader cultural movement. It embodies the growing global appreciation for designer toys that tell stories, evoke emotions, and challenge traditional boundaries between art, design, and collectible merchandise. The character's success reflects a larger trend in consumer culture: a desire for products that offer meaning, narrative, and personal connection.
CRYBABY emerged in 2017 as Molly Yllom's artistic response to personal loss, quickly evolving into a global phenomenon that celebrates emotional authenticity. The character's design philosophy centers on the beautiful simplicity of tears and the power of showing vulnerability. According to POP MART's official statement, CRYBABY "represents a deep emotion from within. Laughter is not the only way to feel better, crying can also heal."
The character has gained significant traction in the collector's market, particularly through high-profile collaborations like the 2024 partnership with The Powerpuff Girls, celebrating the iconic cartoon's 25th anniversary. This collection features 12 figurine designs plus a secret design, transforming beloved characters like Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup through CRYBABY's distinctive emotional lens.
Labubu vs. Lafufu
Labubu is an original character created by Kasing Lung, while Lafufu is a counterfeit or bootleg version of Labubu. These knockoff Labubus flooding marketplaces like AliExpress, eBay, and Temu. Lafufu is often characterized by lower quality materials, inaccurate features, and a generally less polished look compared to the genuine Labubu. Below is an in-depth comparison between Lafufu and Labubu, so keep reading!
①Packaging
Authentic Labubu packaging features a matte finish with smooth textures and embossed details on the series name, while fakes often have a glossy, uneven surface. Look for muted pastel colors and clean printing on the box.
Though, it's worth noting that sometimes fake Labubus come in the original and real box. (Scammers are getting good.) So, even if you see that the box itself meets the requirements, you're still not done yet.
You can also look closely at the smaller details on the packaging, such as the trash can mark at the bottom of the back of the package. In authentic Labubu packaging, the arrow in the trash can symbol has rounded corners, while in fake versions, the arrow corners are square.
②QR Codes
Examine the hologram sticker with the “POP MART” logo on the top right of the package. The QR code on a genuine package is printed sharply and clearly, while counterfeit packaging often features blurry, poorly processed QR codes.
An authentic Labubu will have the “POP MART” logo neatly printed with a three-dimensional effect, giving it a premium appearance.
The logo appears roughly printed in fake versions, with squashed letters and no depth.
Scan the QR code on the packaging. If legit, this code will lead you to Pop Mart's official landing page. A fraudulent code will either direct you to another site, or a false, look-alike Pop Mart site. Some codes even lag for a few seconds, before redirecting you to the official Pop Mart site, so make sure you pay attention for any delay.
Fake Labubus may have QR codes that lead to imitation sites or a lack of QR codes altogether.
Just note, though: While most new versions of Labubus have QR codes, there are a few older models that don't. If your Labubu doesn't have a QR code, yours might just be an old version of the doll. If that's the case, there are still other ways to check if your Labubu is authentic or not.
③Face
The face of a real Labubu has a smooth, matte finish, with crisp paint lines, glossy eyes embedded into the vinyl, and airbrushed blush blended well into the face. Fake Labubus, on the other hand, has sloppy paintings, unpolished features, and dark blush colors. Other details:
Ears & Hairline: Fake figures often have ears spaced too far apart or a hairline set too high.
Blush & Eyes: Authentic Labubu blush is softly diffused, not in harsh circles. Eyes should have clear irises without full black fill or scratches.
Skin Tone: Real Labubu has a pale, peachy color; pink or yellow tones often signal a fake.
Nose: Use a black light to check the paint on Labubu’s nose. Authentic Labubu dolls’ paint will react and glow under black light, while fake ones show no reaction or glow, even when exposed to the same light.
④Teeth
Labubu should have exactly nine teeth. Uneven or misaligned teeth paint is a red flag. These nine teeth, varying in shape and size, while fakes often have fewer or poorly painted teeth.
In authentic Labubu dolls, the teeth grow directly from the blue line, with clear gaps between each tooth.
In fake versions, there is often a noticeable gap between the blue line and the teeth; the teeth are connected with no distinct spacing.
⑤Fur and Material Quality
Labubu plush dolls have soft, fluffy fur with seamless stitching that blends perfectly into the vinyl face.
Fakes use coarse, cheap materials with visible stitches and frayed threads.
Authentic Labubus might have minor QC flaws, but Lafufus often scream “fake” with uneven fur, odd colors (like a too-pink nose), or wobbly limbs.
⑥Feet
Look for a stamp on its right foot. More recent editions of Labubus (as early as 2024 releases) have a seal on the right foot only detectable by UV lighting. Under such lighting, you should see a silhouette of the version of Labubu you received. For example, if your doll is from the Have A Seat series, then it should show a Labubu sitting down. The same rule applies if it's one from the Exciting Macaron series—those Labubus should be standing up in their stamp.
⑦Accessories
You can even verify the identity card, accessories, and Labubu packaging details. Real Labubu keychains and dolls come with a well-printed identity card in pastel tones and a desiccant packet with dark, clear logos. Fakes often lack these inclusions or have blurry and low-quality prints.
⑧Price
If the price is much lower than the official Pop Mart product, there is no doubt that what you bought is fake.
Someone says: "I snagged the Lafufu toy for 9.77 Singapore dollars, or about $7.50, on local e-commerce platform Shopee. The real toy of this size from Pop Mart costs SG$24.90. On Shopee, dozens of listings offer various Lafufus, with prices as low as SG$0.60."
Buying Tips
For secondhand purchases, check reviews, request receipts, and avoid deals that seem too cheap.
Why Is Labubu So Popular?
Labubu’s unique design, which blends mischievous charm with collectibility, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Its blind box releases and collaborations with Pop Mart make collecting Labubu exciting and exclusive. The character’s widespread appeal has been fueled by celebrity endorsements, such as BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who flaunted her Labubu accessory.
Why Are Crybaby So Popular?
CRYBABY's popularity stems from its unique approach to emotional expression in collectible form. The character has become particularly trendy in fashion circles, with collectors often displaying CRYBABY charms on designer bags - part of a growing Y2K maximalist trend. This phenomenon has been amplified by celebrity collectors, with notable K-pop artists like (G)I-DLE's Minnie actively seeking out these coveted pieces.
Should You Buy a Lafufu?
If you’re a PopMart purist hunting “authentic Labubu figures,” Lafufu might not cut it. But if you’re curious about “cheap Labubu alternatives” or love a DIY project, a Lafufu could be your next obsession. Just research your seller—stick to trusted platforms and avoid scam listings.
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