Why Gen Z’s Obsession with Tiny Wide-Eyed Figurines Like Labubu Reveals More Than Just a Fad
At first glance, Labubu and its soft, quirky companions seem like just another wave of collectible toys flooding social media feeds. But beneath the pastel hues and viral hype lies a surprising emotional story — one that experts say speaks volumes about Gen Z’s coping strategies in a world rife with uncertainty, anxiety, and burnout.
If you’ve noticed a mini Labubu dangling from backpacks or popping up in TikTok videos, you’re witnessing the tip of a growing cultural phenomenon. Alongside other beloved trinkets like Squishmallows and Jellycats, Labubu has soared in popularity, evolving from a simple collectible into a symbol of comfort and identity for many young adults.
According to Daniel Fisher, head of categories at the live commerce platform Whatnot, Labubu sales have exploded — increasing by 300% month-over-month since spring — with the number of sellers doubling in the same timeframe. What’s fueling this boom? It’s not just savvy marketing or celebrity endorsements; it’s something deeper.
Clinical psychologist Tracy King sheds light on why these seemingly whimsical toys resonate so profoundly:
“Labubu isn’t just a toy — it’s a lifeline. For a generation wrestling with precarious futures and global chaos, these figures provide a small, manageable source of comfort and control.”
King emphasizes that for Gen Z, traditional markers of adulthood like stable jobs or home ownership often feel like distant or shifting targets. Instead, this generation navigates a landscape more akin to a puzzle with missing pieces — economic struggles, climate anxiety, and the lingering trauma of a pandemic all stack the odds.
In that context, the simple act of collecting a tiny plush figure or cute figurine is far from trivial. King explains:
“These items offer emotional regulation — brief moments of joy that help calm an overwhelmed nervous system.”
Psychologist Dr. Daniel Glazer echoes this sentiment, framing the trend as a form of modern self-care:
“Micro-purchases like Labubu act as ‘micro-luxuries,’ small yet meaningful tokens of autonomy and happiness amid broader instability.”
Importantly, King stresses this behavior isn’t a regression into childishness but a form of healing:
“Engaging with these collectibles is an expression of inner child work — tapping into nostalgia, safety, and emotional resilience.”
Far from being a fleeting trend, she argues, trinket culture reflects a lasting shift in how young adults confront burnout and overstimulation:
“It’s a cultural response to an era of chronic stress, where tiny comforts become crucial anchors.”
The phenomenon has even penetrated mainstream pop culture, with stars like Blackpink’s Lisa and Dua Lipa showcasing Labubu in their style — further validating the toy’s emotional significance.
More than mere accumulation, Labubu collecting is becoming a vibrant social practice: curating collections, trading with peers, and streaming live sales create community and connection in an often fragmented world.
In summary: Gen Z’s fascination with Labubu and similar toys reveals a nuanced psychological landscape. Beneath the surface of collectible enthusiasm lies a generation seeking emotional stability, control, and self-soothing amid the pressures of modern adulthood. These figures aren’t just cute distractions — they are meaningful tools helping young people manage anxiety, build identity, and find joy in small things. As trinket culture grows, it invites us to rethink assumptions about what comfort looks like for a generation facing unprecedented challenges — one tiny plush companion at a time.