Labubu Owner Issues Warning to Fans Clipping the Doll to Their Bags

Labubu owners thought they were just joining a cute little internet obsession, then the warning started rolling in, and suddenly the trend feels way less fun. One Labubu fan is telling other collectors to stop clipping the dolls to their bags like they’re harmless keychains.

The issue? A Reddit user says they used to hide their Labubu when they got told “no,” and they’re worried kids will do the same. Even worse, they’re not just talking about feeling embarrassed, they’re talking about stress and confusion, plus the real-world risk of being targeted while walking to or from school.

And with Pop Mart UK reportedly suspending Labubu sales, the whole craze is getting tangled up fast.

The Labubu craze has taken the internet by storm

PEDRO PARDO/AFP

That’s when the “cute toy” turned into a “please don’t bring it to school” kind of warning from the Labubu owner who remembers hiding theirs in a bag.

They also expressed concern for younger fans. “A few of my friends’ kids love their Labubus too, and I’ve been telling their parents to make sure they don’t sneak them into school. If they’re anything like I was, being told ‘no’ would just make me hide it in my bag and show it off later.”

The worry is that kids could become targets while walking to or from school, turning a cute toy into a potential risk.

“I don’t even feel that happy anymore when I look at my Labubus,” the user said. “Just stress and confusion. Seriously, what on earth has the world come to?”

Once our basic physiological and safety needs are met, we naturally seek to fulfill our psychological needs such as belongingness and esteem (source). Collecting specific items, like Labubu dolls, may create a sense of community among collectors and help enhance self-esteem through the ownership of unique collectibles.

“I don’t even feel that happy anymore when I look at my Labubus,” one Reddit user said.

Jeremy Moeller

Pop Mart UK had recently suspended all Labubu sales

Reddit

Meanwhile, Pop Mart UK suspending Labubu sales makes the bag-clipping behavior feel even more chaotic, like everyone is trying to grab the last piece of the hype.

It’s a lot like the dad in AITA for prioritizing my job over a family vacation, insisting adults must join.

And if you’ve seen the posts where fans treat their Labubus like identity badges, you can see why the threat of getting targeted hits harder than the usual collector drama.

The fervor surrounding Labubu dolls highlights a deeper psychological connection that collectors often seek. The act of collecting these adorable, wide-eyed figures is not merely about ownership but about identity and community. Labubu's quirky charm resonates with fans who find in them a unique means of self-expression. With each doll clipped to a bag, collectors are not just showcasing a toy but telling a story about who they are and what they value. This phenomenon underscores the idea that collections can serve as a reflection of personal narratives, allowing individuals to forge connections with both their past and their present. However, the recent warning from a Labubu owner about potential risks adds a layer of caution to this joyous venture. Fans may need to reconsider their attachment to these dolls, as the thrill of collecting now comes with a reminder of responsibility and awareness.

Other Reddit users quickly chimed in with support and similar experiences.

“It’s always something, isn’t it? People are crazy,” one wrote.

“I’m so sorry that a hobby — something that should be fun and bring us joy — has come to this,” another added.

A third shared a personal account: “Someone tried to grab onto mine as I walked through some crowds in Covent Garden. Stay safe, buds!”

One user summed it up bluntly: “People are just the absolute worst.”

Another said: “The audacity of people sometimes honestly amazes me. They’re a plastic toy. They’re not worth committing actual crimes for.”

In response to the growing frenzy, Pop Mart UK announced back in May:

“Due to the increasing demand for our beloved Labubus, we've seen a significant rise in customer turnout on restock days — with long queues forming outside our stores and Roboshops.”

“To ensure the safety and comfort of everyone, we will temporarily pause all in-store and Roboshop sales of THE MONSTERS plush toys until further notice.”

The company added that it's working to improve the shopping experience both in-store and online.

Despite the pause, fans noticed a recent Instagram update that advertised the dolls were now “back,” hinting at a potential return of the collectibles. But for many, the excitement is now mixed with caution.

So if you're one of the lucky few who managed to snag a Labubu, maybe keep it at home — at least until the storm settles.

So when the Reddit user says they don’t even feel happy looking at their Labubu anymore, it lands like a reality check on the whole “just show it off” mindset.

Influence of Social Media on Collecting

Research suggests that social media can significantly influence collecting behavior.

The Labubu phenomenon is not just a fleeting trend but rather a reflection of deeper psychological needs amplified by social media's pervasive influence. The allure of these adorable, wide-eyed dolls speaks to our desire for connection and self-expression. However, the recent warning from a Labubu owner serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of our attachments. While the joy of collecting and showcasing these dolls can enhance personal identity, there is a fine line between passion and obsession. The cautionary tale suggests that an uncritical embrace of trends can lead to unintended consequences, urging fans to consider the implications of their choices. As the excitement of the Labubu craze continues to grow, it is essential to navigate this obsession thoughtfully, lest it overshadow our well-being.

Nobody wants a toy to become the reason you feel unsafe.

Before you judge the “hide it in your bag” impulse, see if OP was wrong about leaving the laundry basket to her husband.