📋 Table of Contents
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Introduction: The Rise of Labubu
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Who (or What) Is Labubu?
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How Labubu Became a Rakhi Sensation
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Where to Buy Labubu Rakhis & Price Ranges
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Design Trends: Plush, Plastic, Personalised
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Social Media Buzz & Celebrity Love
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Cultural Meaning Behind the Trend
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DIY Labubu Rakhi Ideas
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Expert and Vendor Views
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Pros & Cons – Is It Just a Fad?
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Conclusion – Tradition with a Twist
1. Introduction: The Rise of Labubu
Every Raksha Bandhan season sees fresh rakhi designs, but 2025 belongs to Labubu rakhis—quirky, visually arresting creations moulded after the ‘ugly‑cute’ Labubu dolls. Suddenly, these mischievous monsters are threatening sibling bonds with playful heft. What started as a collectable fad is fast becoming a festival staple. FNP+13Wikipedia+13Indiatimes+13The Times of India+7FNP+7The Times of India+7Bigsmall.in+11Jagran English+11My Baby Babbles+11My Baby Babbles+11Loksatta+11FNP+11The Times of India+10Hindustan Times+10The Economic Times+10Indiatimes+2The Times of India+2The Times of India+2The Times of India+5Bigsmall.in+5Bigsmall.in+5
2. Who (or What) Is Labubu?
Originating from Pop Mart’s designer series “The Monsters,” Labubu is a plush/vinyl elf-like creature designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. Known for its playful grin and sharp ears, it surged to global fame in recent years—thanks partly to K‑pop idols and blind‑box collectors. Over 300 variations exist, spanning vinyl figures to plush toys priced anywhere from $15 to $1,000+. The Economic Times+2Wikipedia+2Indiatimes+2.
3. How Labubu Became a Rakhi Sensation
The Labubu‑Rakhi phenomenon evolved organically:
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Vendors spotted its social media traction under hashtags like #Labubu and #LabubuRakhiin in The Times of India.
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Mumbai & Navi Mumbai shops saw demand grow fast as Instagram and TikTok drove awareness, Loksatta.
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Instagram boutique pages began bundling Labubu key‑chains and plush figures onto rakhis.
Fashionable, playful, and distinctive, these designs appeal both to kids and trend‑savvy youth.
4. Where to Buy Labubu Rakhis & Price Ranges
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Navi Mumbai markets: Retailing between ₹200–₹350, accessible to all ages.The Times of India+13Loksatta+13FNP+13My Baby Babbles.
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FNP & Bigsmall: Known online sellers offering plush and playful Labubu-themed rakhis for ₹199–₹399 Indiatimes+14FNP+14Bigsmall.in+14.
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Speciality retailers: Differentiated by materials (plastic, felt, personalised wood rakhis) and added flair like roli-chawal or gift boxes priced around ₹400–₹2,100. Indiatimes+13Loksatta+13Zwende+13.
5. Design Trends: Plush, Plastic, Personalised
Labubu rakhis today come in multiple styles:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Plush Rakhis | Soft fabric figures for a tactile appeal. |
| Hard Plastic Key‑chain Rakhis | Durable & trendy for brothers. |
| Wooden/Personalised Rakhis | Custom name prints on plywood, neat finish. The Economic Times+14Bigsmall.in+14The Whizz Kids+14Indiatimes+5Wikipedia+5The Times of India+5Jagran English. |
| Full Gift Hampers | Includes sketchbooks, candies in the Labubu theme. |
| Minimal Key‑chain Ties | Clean, simple, on nylon threads for wider wearability. |
6. Social Media Buzz & Celebrity Love
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Celebrity sightings: Ananya Panday’s faux-Labubu goes viral, drawing attention to counterfeit culture.Indiatimes+5ABP Live+5The Times of India+5.
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Bollywood & influencers: Khushi Kapoor, Urvashi Rautela, Shilpa Shetty, and Orr, by the internet st, shared their Labubu pride, reinforcing its popularity, Indiatimes+4Wikipedia+4The Economic Times+4.
7. Cultural Meaning Behind the Trend
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Tradition meets novelty: Rakhi has evolved from simple threads to trendy status statements—siblings showing off unusual but heartfelt bands.
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Social media cachet: Flashing a Labubu Rakhi is now content-worthy, driving likes and shares.
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Symbol of closeness: Despite its playful origins, the sentiment behind it remains sibling affection, just wrapped in irony and art.
8. DIY Labubu Rakhi Ideas
Handcrafting Labubu rakhis can be fun and budget-friendly:
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Mini plushies or key-chains from local markets (~₹200 for two) tied with braided thread FNPBigsmall.in+2Bigsmall.in+2FNP+2.
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Felt cut-outs traced from printouts, decorated and glued onto ribbons.
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Wooden charm rakhis: Engrave names on plywood cut-outs and tie with thread.
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Commemorative gift boxes: Include Labubu stickers, sweets, and a personal note.
9. Expert & Vendor Views
A vendor named Bharat Rajpurohit noted:
“Since social media pushed it, we’ve sold over half our stock and taken advance orders. Labubu rakhis will stay trending this Raksha Bandhan.” FNP+3My Baby Babbles+3The Whizz Kids+3The Times of India+13Loksatta+13My Baby Babbles+13The Times of India
10. Pros & Cons – Is It Just a Fad?
👍 Pros
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Novelty factor, social media-friendly.
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Affordable and gender-neutral.
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Allow personalisation and creativity.
👎 Cons
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Counterfeit Labubus are common — authenticity is questionable. Indiatimes+9Wikipedia+9The Times of India+9.
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Critics say mixing a devilish toy and a spiritual festival seems odd or “demonic,” ABP Live.
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Could be overshadowed by the next viral item—like edible rakhis or superhero bands.
11. Conclusion – Tradition with a Twist
Labubu rakhis embody a festive remix—honouring sibling bonds with bold, playful kitsch. They’re cheap, shareable, and social‑media ready, making them ideal for today’s digital sibling culture. Whether a lasting trend or just hype, they’ve redefined Raksha Bandhan style for 2025. Celebrate the sibling tie—no matter how quirky the thread.
