Labubu dolls and ‘blind boxing’: Why you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for product safety

August 28, 2025

Read on to find out more about Labubu dolls and why you need to be hyper-vigilant when buying them for yourself or for your loved ones.

Also, please see a quick link to the CCPC product recall article.

What are Labubu dolls?

They’re part of the Labubu The Monsters vinyl figure collection made by China-based retailer Pop Mart. They are a line of cute, collectible monster plush toys that can be hung from a handbag. They’re popular among children, but it’s Generation Z who has taken up the craze most fervently, queueing in large numbers outside shops and buying and bidding for the dolls online.

Why do I need to be careful?

The brand’s extraordinary success has led to a flood of unauthorised dolls entering the market – online, in street stalls, and even in retail shops. A recent recall from Eason’s Wexford involved Labubu dolls that could not be verified as authentic Pop Mart products, raising concerns about safety.

Unauthenticated dolls – sometimes referred to colloquially as ‘Lafufus’ – may be poorly made, with loose parts posing a choking hazard. They may also contain unsafe paints, plastics or dyes. When in doubt, always buy from official or reputable sellers.

Where can I buy one?

There isn’t a dedicated Pop Mart store in Ireland but you can find them in select shops. Genuine Labubus are also available online directly from Pop Mart.

What if I can’t get a Labubu doll in a shop?

When you buy from businesses based in Ireland or the EU you have strong consumer rights. Please be aware that that if you purchase from a private seller or from a shop outside Ireland and the EU, your consumer rights may not be protected if something goes wrong.

Read the CCPC guidance on buying outside the EU.

What is ‘blind box’ packaging?

The thrill of not knowing which figure you’ll get is a key part of Labubus’ appeal. There are over twenty Labubu series, with names like Big Into Energy, Have a Seat, and Tasty Macarons.

Each series typically contains up to twelve characters, plus one secret edition that could be an ultra-rare variant. While you can choose a specific series, the exact figure inside the box remains a mystery, adding to the lucky dip effect.

Return to News