Labubu who? People are now ditching originals and buying the fake ones called Lafufus

Saloni Jha | Jul 24, 2025, 14:16 IST

( Image credit : Indiatimes )

Move over, Labubu! The cult-favourite Chinese monster doll is being replaced by its viral knockoff cousin, Lafufu. With influencers and celebs flaunting these bootleg plushies, Lafufus are no longer a secret shame. From Ananya Panday's faux pas to global TikTok obsessions, here is how Lafufus are becoming an iconic dupe trend.

Labubu, the mischief-eyed plushie with devilish teeth, started as a niche collectible from Chinese brand Pop Mart, inspired by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung's storybook characters. But once celebs like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian flaunted them, they exploded on TikTok. Suddenly, everyone from Shanghai to London was queuing up for the furry creatures.

Face too pale, foot not glowing? Your Labubu might be a Lafufu — how to spot the fake toy everyone’s falling for | Credit: X/popcrave

( Image credit : Face too pale, foot not glowing? Your Labubu might be a Lafufu — how to spot the fake toy everyone’s falling for | Credit: X/popcrave )

Meet Lafufu: The bootleg baddie everyone is now loving

Labubus became the status accessory. Retailing in blind boxes from $20 to $30, their secret editions sell for hundreds, with one life-sized version auctioned for over $170,000. But here is the plot twist: Pop Mart does not sell in India. So naturally, the bootlegs crept in. Enter the Lafufu.

Planning to buy a Labubu? Here’s how to spot the fake ones | Credit: Instagram/labubusobsession

( Image credit : Planning to buy a Labubu? Here’s how to spot the fake ones | Credit: Instagram/labubusobsession )

When Bollywood girlie Ananya Panday casually flexed her Labubu keychains, she had no idea she was flaunting Lafufus. Her friend Orry exposed the doll drama in a viral video, revealing Ananya's friend had accidentally ordered 100 fake Labubus online. Tragic? Maybe. Iconic? Absolutely.

Where can you get the viral creepy Labubu doll in India? } Credit: X/pampurins

( Image credit : Where can you get the viral creepy Labubu doll in India? } Credit: X/pampurins )

Lafufus are the chaotic evil twins of Labubus. With wonky eyes, crooked teeth, and random colour schemes, they are so bad, they are good. Victoria Bystritsky from California admitted her gas station Lafufu had her cracking up because it looked so off. Gen Zs are embracing the cringe and loving the irony.

Labubu doll craze Chinese fund manager who drops liquor stocks to ride Gen Z’s emotional spending wave | Credit: X/labubusera

( Image credit : Labubu doll craze Chinese fund manager who drops liquor stocks to ride Gen Z’s emotional spending wave | Credit: X/labubusera )

Why Lafufu (the fake Labubu) is the new “it” toy

Let us be honest. Rare Labubus are harder to get than a Taylor Swift ticket. Lafufus? Dirt cheap, street-available, and full of weird charm. Reddit threads are spilling tea on where to get them. TikTok is full of Lafufu unboxings. Shein, Alibaba, even gas stations are selling them.

After Labubu dolls, Labubu bongs and outfits go viral | Credit: TDH Mx

( Image credit : After Labubu dolls, Labubu bongs and outfits go viral | Credit: TDH Mx )

And owning a Lafufu is not embarrassing anymore. Millennials and Gen Z are flipping the narrative, proudly posting their knockoffs. The counterfeit is becoming a cultural icon, not a shameful dupe.

Labubu vs Lafufu: How to spot the fake

Real Labubus have nine precise teeth, a peachy matte face, and a hidden UV seal. They come in premium packaging with QR codes. Lafufus? Expect questionable stitching, neon eyes, and chaotic energy.

The rise of the Labubu obsession | Credit: x/dimestorepaglia

( Image credit : The rise of the Labubu obsession | Credit: x/dimestorepaglia )

Pop Mart is not laughing though

Pop Mart is fuming. China is seizing thousands of fake dolls. Europe is cracking down too, with 370 dolls seized in Scotland for being unsafe. The company has now filed a trademark for "Lafufu" as a defensive legal move. But for now, the Lafufu army continues to grow.

Pop Mart sues 7-Eleven for selling fake Labubu toys | Credit: Pop Mart, 7-Eleven

( Image credit : Pop Mart sues 7-Eleven for selling fake Labubu toys | Credit: Pop Mart, 7-Eleven )

Also the peer pressure is too much now, are you planning to buy it anytime soon?

GENERAL

Saloni Jha