In a world where authenticity often feels fleeting, a new cultural wave has emerged, with toys like LABUBU and CRYBABY becoming symbols of self-expression and community. More than just collectibles, these trinkets offer a way to showcase one's individuality and foster connections with others who share a similar passion, all while celebrating the small thrill of unboxing a blind item.

LABUBU: The Whimsical Elf of Mischief

In the dynamic world of viral toys, few have captured hearts quite like LABUBU. Created in 2015 by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung as part of his The Monsters series, LABUBU is inspired by Nordic mythology. With her signature pointy ears and serrated grin, LABUBU embodies a mischievous elven spirit, representing childhood adventure and imagination through her expressive faces.

Kasing Lung's exclusive licensing agreement with Chinese toymaker POPMART in 2019 propelled LABUBU into the global spotlight, with the toy's fame reaching new heights when BLACKPINK's Lisa shared her collection in a photo featuring fellow member Rosé on Instagram. This endorsement sparked a frenzy among fans, who rushed to get their hands on their own LABUBU figurines, resulting in the toy selling out worldwide.

CRYBABY: The Vulnerable Voice of Emotion

While LABUBU represents mischief and fun, CRYBABY offers a deeper, more introspective connection. Created by Thai artist Molly (Nisa Srikumdee) in 2017, CRYBABY is characterized by her tearful eyes, representing the release of emotions in a fast-paced, often overwhelming world.

Molly's interest in the concept of tears began in childhood, when her parents would often tell her to stop crying. This led her to question why society views crying as a symbol of weakness, especially in public. CRYBABY seeks to encourage people to embrace vulnerability and find comfort in expressing their feelings.

As the first Thai artist to sign with POPMART, Molly has seen CRYBABY's popularity skyrocket, particularly after a collaboration with beloved childhood cartoon series, The Powerpuff Girls. The charm of CRYBABY was further amplified when (G)I-DLE's Minnie shared how she struggled to get her hands on the sold-out charms, only to receive them as a gift from BLACKPINK's Lisa.

Blind Box Culture and The Role of Social Media

Originating in Japan, blind box culture revolves around the thrill of unboxing randomly distributed toys or figurines sealed in mystery packages. This concept adds an element of thrill to collecting, as buyers remain "blind" to the contents until they open the box.

Brands like POPMART have played a significant role in popularizing this trend by collaborating with artists to create unique designs and leveraging endorsements from celebrities and social media influencers, amplifying the visibility of blind box collectibles. In particular, platforms like TikTok have popularized the trend as videos of users opening their blind boxes go viral, inspiring others to jump on the bandwagon.

The Commodification of Collectibles

While blind box culture has become immensely popular in recent years, it has also faced criticism for encouraging excessive consumerism and waste. Buyers often wind up with an accumulation of duplicates and unwanted figures in their pursuit of rare items, leading to concerns about sustainability and the environmental impact of disposable packaging.

The commercialization of trinkets has also sparked debates about authenticity, as some argue that items like LABUBU and CRYBABY have become overly commodified. New drops often sell out within minutes, leading to a booming resale market where prices soar. While some see these collectibles as meaningful tokens of self-expression, others believe their sentimental value is being overshadowed by consumerism.

The Future of Trinket Culture

Despite these concerns, blind box culture has continued to thrive, driven by the element of surprise, need for self-expression and desire to connect with their interests. In a world that often feels fast-paced and impersonal, toys like LABUBU and CRYBABY serve as a reminder to slow down, embrace emotions, and find beauty in the small things.