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 announced on their Instagram account that all Pop Mart UK stores and ROBO shops will pause the sale of The Monsters until further notice. This makes getting your hands on one of these furry creatures even more difficult. So don’t get caught out buying a Lafufu and follow our tips for spotting a fake Labubu.
How to Know if a Labubu is Fake
One of the main ways to spot a Lafufu is to take a look at the back of the box. There should always be an ID card on the left side of the box. The ID card is a metallic-looking, small square sticker which will contain a QR code and a number that is unique to your monster.
On the left side of the back of the box, there should be a red and white Pop Mart logo, which also has a logo of The Monsters next to it. Underneath both logos, there should be a How2Work logo.
Suggested article: Are Labubu’s worth the hype?
Real vs Fake Labubu Box
Usually, the quality and condition of the box are far superior on the authentic Monster box, with the fake box usually coming 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 |
The sides of the boxes are very similar, but there are signs that the box is fake by the colours of those monsters and the font used is darker on the fake box.
The monsters themselves have key signs of authenticity; on the real creature, 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 rather than yellow, and 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 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.
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?
A Labubu is a character for a popular series of collectable toys that are designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. They can be described as a small, elf-like creature with long pointy ears, a mischievous grin, and a row of 9 sharp teeth.
Lung created the monsters by drawing on inspiration from Nordic folklore, allowing Lung to blend fantasy with his vivid imagination.
Since its rise to fame, particularly through collaborations with Pop Mart, Labubu has become a popular figure in the fast-growing world of art toys and blind box collectibles. Whether you’re a serious collector or just discovering this charming monster, Labubu is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after collectable figures.
Why are Labubu's so Popular?
The real turning point for The Monsters came in 2019, when designer Kenny Wong (also known as Lung) entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Pop Mart, a market leader in blind box toys.
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, sparking a massive buying frenzy in Thailand, even catching the attention of the Thai Royal Family.
The monster's popularity has now reached the UK, with reality TV star Olivia Attwood displaying her own Labubu collection on Instagram. She’s posted photos of the furry creature hanging from her Hermès Birkin bag and frequently shares videos of herself hunting for Labubu blind boxes with her 2.4 million followers.