The line outside Five Little Monkeys toy store in Albany stretched far before opening, with eager fans bouncing with anticipation. What could spark such excitement? Enter Labubu, the quirky plush monsters that have captured the hearts of millennials and Gen Z across the Bay Area and beyond.

These blind-box collectibles, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, blend a mischievous charm with an unexpectedly creepy cuteness. Inspired by Nordic folklore during his time in the Netherlands, Lung originally developed Labubu in a 2015 storybook series before collaborating with Pop Mart in 2019 to launch a designer toy line.

For local artists like Nikaela Bradford, a tattoo artist at Magnetic Arts in Berkeley, Labubu represents more than just a toy. “I’ve always loved cute and kind of creepy little characters that inspire my art,” Bradford shares, sporting Labubu earrings and proudly displaying her collection.

The toys’ scarcity has only heightened their appeal. A single “Have A Seat” Labubu blind box retails for $27.99 on Pop Mart’s official website but can fetch up to $69.99 in local stores due to limited availability. Nelson Ng, owner of Fugitive Toys in Burlingame, notes that since February, Labubu has gone viral, making them increasingly difficult to obtain.

Pop Mart has noticed the global phenomenon, projecting a 350% profit increase and 200% revenue surge in just six months. The demand has transformed these small monsters from collectibles into cultural touchstones for a generation that appreciates the intersection of cute and slightly unsettling.

For Bay Area collectors, tracking down a Labubu has become a thrilling hunt. Local stores like Pop Mart in San Francisco, ToysHut in Fairfield, and Fugitive Toys in Burlingame occasionally stock these coveted creatures, but availability remains unpredictable.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, toy collector, or simply drawn to unique design, Labubu represents more than just a trend, it’s a creative expression that resonates with a generation seeking playful, unconventional art.