30 May 2025
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With the increase in the popularity of the furry rabbit-like monster, fake Labubus known as a ‘Lafufu’ are appearing.
Pop Mart recently shared on Instagram that all Pop Mart UK stores and ROBO shops will stop selling The Monsters until further notice. This makes getting your hands on one of these furry creatures even more difficult. Because of this the trend of the fake Labubu is taking over: or in other words the Lafufu. So don’t get caught buying a Lafufu; instead, follow our tips to spot a fake Labubu.
What is a Lafufu?
A Lafufu is the term coined by collectors that refers to a fake Labubu. It is not an official Pop Mart brand and can be found on online marketplaces and knock-off websites.
Despite being the fake version, the Lafufu trend has become a phenomenon all on its own due to its affordability and their uglier aesthetic. They are usually sold at a lower price than the real thing, which is why they have become a common phenomenon. However, there are tell tale signs and ways to spot the fake monsters.
How to Know if a Labubu is Fake
One of the main ways to spot a real Labubu is to look at the back of the box. There will always be an ID card on the left side of the box. To find the ID card, look for a small metal square sticker. This sticker has a QR code and a unique number for your monster, if real, the QR code would take you straight to the Pop Mart website.
On the left side of the back of the box, there will be a red and white Pop Mart logo, which also has a logo of The Monsters next to it. Underneath both logos, there will be a How2Work logo. The feel of the box also matters, as the real ones have a matte and smooth finish, while the fake ones tend to be more glossy.
Suggested article: Are Labubu’s worth the hype?
Real vs Fake Labubu Box
The real Monster box is usually in much better shape. The fake box would often arrive damaged and squished.
 Image on the left shows the back of a fake Labubu box |
 Image on the right shows the back of an authentic Labubu box |
 Front of the real Labubu box |
 Side of the fake Labubu box |
 Side of the real Labubu box |
It is hard to tell the difference between a real and fake box. They look very similar. However, you can notice some key signs. The colors used are different, and the font on the fake box appears darker.
The monsters themselves have key signs of authenticity; the ears will be a different length from each other, and the eyes will appear glittery. The colour of the real doll will be a deeper, darker pink, where a fake doll would appear yellow. The tag that displays the monster's logo will be the right side up, whereas on the lafufu it will be upside down.
 Fake doll on the left and real on the right |
Can a Labubu Have 10 Teeth?
Looking at your monster's teeth is one of the main ways to determine if the Labubu is legit. Authentic Labubus have nine teeth, which are triangular and look sharp. This is because the monster's teeth resemble fangs, and if yours has more or fewer than nine, it is most likely a Lafufu.
Looking at your monster's teeth is one of the main ways to determine its authenticity. Authentic Labubus have nine teeth, which are triangular and look sharp. This is because the monster's teeth resemble fangs, and if yours has more or fewer than nine, it is most likely a Lafufu.
What is the Story Behind Labubu?
Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung created the Labubu in 2015. He took inspiration from Nordic folklore as well as his own vivid imagination. They were part of a popular series of collectable toys. Described as a small, elf-like creature with long pointy ears, a mischievous grin, and a row of 9 sharp teeth.
Lung originally made the characters as part of a storybook series called 'The Monsters.' Where the Labubu's were a group of playful female elves. There was originally about 100 Labubu figures in the picture books collection, but more characters have been introduced since the deal with Pop Mart.
The Labubu dolls are quickly becoming one of the most sought-after collectable figures. Selling out seconds after coming back in stock all over the world.
Why are Labubu's so Popular?
The real turning point for the Labubu figures came in 2019. Designer Kenny Wong (also known as Lung) entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Pop Mart. The figures are sold in blind boxes which has created an added sense of excitement to the trend, with many people gaining millions of views on their unboxing videos.
Their popularity grew in April 2024, when Blackpink’s Lisa shared a post featuring the Monsters Fall Wild Series as a bag charm. The post went viral in Thailand even catching the attention of the Thai Royal Family, which started a viral spending spree.
The monster's fame has now reached the UK, with reality TV star Olivia Attwood displaying her own Labubu collection on Instagram. She has been posting photos of the furry creature hanging from her designer bag and sharing TikTok videos of herself hunting for Labubu blind boxes with her 2.4 million followers.