In mid‑July 2025, Forbes released a compelling feature suggesting the next Labubu investment might sell for five figures. As rare editions of this quirky plush‑vinyl hybrid fetch tens of thousands, investors and collectors are taking notice. What makes Labubu stand out, and why might the next collectible soar in value? In this article, we examine the phenomenon from its roots at Pop Mart to its status as a mainstream collectible asset, assess market trends, review investment pros and cons, and explore what lies ahead for the next Labubu investment wave.

What Makes Labubu Stand Out as an Investment

The creator of Labubu, Hong Kong‑born artist Kasing Lung, launched the whimsical monster‑elf design in 2015. Pop Mart took notice in 2019, adding Labubu to its blind‑box product line. That combination of charming design, surprise packaging, and limited quantities sparked explosive interest. Standard Labubu vinyl or plush figures retail between $15 and $30. However, rare variants have shattered expectations—Sotheby’s sold a “Three Wise Labubu” for $28,300 in May 2025, and a giant edition fetched $170,000 in Beijing. These unprecedented outcomes have positioned Labubu as a prominent alternative asset for collectors worldwide.

Beyond rarity, a rise in celebrity endorsements, from BLACKPINK’s Lisa to Rihanna and David Beckham, added glamour and prestige. Pop Mart’s Q2 2025 results reflected this surge, reporting over 200 percent revenue growth and 350 percent profit growth. The toy’s success led to a market value topping $43 billion for the company, a figure that eclipses legacy toy giants like Hasbro and Mattel. These metrics underscore the transformative potential in a next Labubu investment.

Market Trends and Collector Dynamics

The collectible toy market is undergoing rapid evolution. Blind‑box formats are particularly resonant, delivering both nostalgia and impulse appeal. With Labubu, buyers chase limited drops and rare variants through physical and digital channels, Pop Mart’s blind‑box machines and online retail, alongside resales on forums and platforms like eBay and StockX.

A recent listing on eBay illustrates the rising interest, 16 bidders drove the price to over $8,900 for a special edition. Experts argue that the bidding may exceed $10,000 before the auction ends. Analysts compare this to Beanie Babies in the 1990s, a phenomenon that combined scarcity, pop culture resonance, and collector mania. The next Labubu investment could emerge from a collaboration or limited release with cross‑brand appeal, like the popular Labubu x Vans series.

Celebrity exposure and social media trends add further layers. TikTok frequently features fans showcasing their Labubu collections, while fashion brands have featured the figure in runway footage. This dynamic generates ongoing buzz and drives speculative investment.

Risks and Caveats in Labubu Investing

Despite dramatic returns, several risks surround the next Labubu investment.

Trend Volatility: The collectible bubble could deflate quickly, unless new designs sustain demand. Labubu’s scarcity can cause spikes, but market fatigue is possible.

Counterfeits: The rise of knock‑offs, so‑called “Lafufu” dolls, undermines authenticity. Some collectors report confusion between rare authentic pieces and lower‑quality fakes.

Market Saturation: Pop Mart has released over 300 Labubu variants, and though success has accompanied limited runs, too many iterations could dilute value.

Regulatory and Social Pushback: In rare cases, countries have raised concerns over the toy’s odd design or “demonic” associations. Europe and Asia have seen bans or recalls due to crowd safety issues.

While these risks exist, they don’t overshadow the momentum behind a potential next Labubu investment priced at five figures.

How to Approach a Next Labubu Investment Strategically

For collectors and investors eyeing high‑value Labubu variants, adopting a thoughtful strategy is key:

1. Focus on Rarity and Collaboration
2. Limited editions, especially artist collaborations or event‑exclusive variants, consistently command premiums. Investors should monitor Pop Mart announcements and blind‑box release calendars.
3. Authenticate Properly
4. Learn features like the nine‑tooth trademark, unique QR coded cards, and packaging differences to identify authentic items over counterfeits.
5. Stay Connected to Community
6. Join collector forums, Discord channels, or social media groups. These communities offer insight into upcoming releases and rapid market feedback.
7. Evaluate Resale Venues
8. High‑end auctions like Sotheby’s or specialized channels may offer better returns than generic platforms like eBay, especially for rare pieces.
9. Assess Supply‑Demand Imbalances
10. Monitor Pop Mart’s store counts and restock events. For instance, the opening of physical stores in the U.S. may influence supply, whereas celebrity endorsements may prompt fresh demand surges.

The Future of Collectible Toy Investments

Labubu is part of a larger wave of adult‑oriented collectibles, an “ugly‑cute” trend popular on social media and embraced by Gen Z and millennial buyers. Other characters like Jellycats or artist‑collab figures are tapping similar psychology.

Capturing the next investment win means staying ahead of the next rare release, perhaps a manga‑themed Labubu or milestone anniversary figure. The next Labubu investment might build upon this path, driven by cultural collaborations and speculative growth.

However, long‑term viability depends on sustained brand control and creative freshness from Pop Mart. If managed well, Labubu could transcend fad status and solidify collectible investor class.