Similar toys gain popularity after Labubus take off
You might know Labubus, the popular toy and fashion accessory sold by PopMart, but have you heard of one of its rivals?
Wakukus are a similar collectible blind box toy made by the company Letsvan that have begun getting attention as an alternative to Labubus.
You may have seen some TikTok users post Wakuku unboxing videos online.
Wakukus are sold by Chinese retailer Miniso and have become one of the company’s popular products.
People have been posting Wakuku unboxing videos on social media platforms like TikTok. (Image credit: kivenleano_/TikTok, alygraphs/TikTok)
In an email to CBC Kids News, Miniso said they had sold “nearly 3,000” Wakuku blind boxes since the toy’s Canadian launch in May 2025.
However, make no mistake, Labubus are still the hot, trendy toy.
In an email to CBC Kids News, a representative from PopMart said that in the first half of 2025, Labubu sales rose globally by more than 660 per cent year over year to 4.81 billion yuan, or about $940 million Cdn.
One downside to the popularity of Labubus though is that because everyone wants one, they can be hard to find.
PopMart currently has no physical stores in Canada, although it’s expected to open its first Canadian store in Richmond, British Columbia, soon.
As of Sept. 25, all bag charm Labubus on their Canadian webstore are sold out.
Some physical stores are able to purchase Labubus themselves, but because they are so popular and in demand, they often charge higher prices for them.
For example, on PopMart’s official website, a “Big Into Energy” series Labubu costs $37.99 Cdn.
Meanwhile, on the webstore for Canadian retailer Showcase, the same doll is priced at $119.99 Cdn.
The retail price for a Wakuku at Miniso is $32.99 Cdn.
However, due to the increase in their popularity, Miniso told CBC Kids News that current inventory in Canada is running low.
What’s the difference?
Labubus, left, have become popular toys and fashion accessories. Wakukus, right, are another similar toy and have seen a rise in popularity since the Labubu craze began. (Image credit: Angelina Katsanis/AFP/Getty Images, Miniso Canada).
Where to buy
Labubu: PopMart’s online store.
Wakuku: Miniso retail stores. According to the company’s Instagram, they have more than 70 stores across the country.
Price
Labubu: $37.99 Cdn, although some can be more expensive.
Wakuku: $32.99 Cdn.
Style
Labubu: A bunny-eared monster with sharp teeth. Comes in a variety of fur colours and styles.
Wakuku: A monster in various animal-themed outfits, such as foxes and rabbits. They come in different colours and styles. Some come with accessories like hats.
Now that you know a little bit more about both toys, we want to know which you prefer! Vote in our poll below.
So, what’s the deal with blind boxes? CBC Kids News contributor Mela Pietropaolo explains what blind boxes are and what they do to your brain. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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