They’re essentially Beanie Babies round 2.
If you’re lucky enough to have no idea what the heck a ‘Labubu’ is, let me introduce you to the viral craze.
For whatever reason, it’s become a huge status symbol to have some possessed Furby-like plushy thing on your keychain. Stanley tumblers are out, Labubus are in.
They come in different colors and styles. They are in a blind box, so you buy it and then find out which one you got. Here’s a very sought-after one right now.
Back in April in Chicago, people lined up for blocks to secure a Labubu at a Pop Mart (the company that makes them).
Real Life: Why Did People Line Up All Night At An Illinois Store For A Toy?
Labubus have been everywhere in 2025, popular across all ages, and going for sometimes hundreds of dollars. Recent statistics from Demand Sage looked at just how much the toothy plushy has taken over the world and to no surprise, it has a grip on Illinois.
How Bad Is Illinois’ Obsession?
Two interesting stats from this: 60% of Labubu site visitors are women and also, the most expensive Labubu doll sold at auction was a life-sized piece that was $170,000.
Illinois is the 7th most Labubu-obsessed state according to the statistics. Illinois ranked high (42 in the search index) as to how many people are searching for Labubus.
They are the only Midwest state to be that obsessed with Labubus.
And note, Illinois focuses in on the real Labubus. Not the offshoot, known as Lafufus (yes really).
Top 5 Chain Restaurants The QCA Wants Most
We asked residents in Iowa and the QCA what chain they wanted the most. Here are the top 5 they said!
Gallery Credit: Getty Images
19 Items You Cannot Bring Into The Illinois State Fair
Here’s what you can’t bring into the Illinois State Fair, the grandstand, and the fairground’s camping areas.
Gallery Credit: Canva