Labubu collecting made simple: key product types and terms

Whether you’re chasing a rare variant or planning a display, knowing Labubu product forms and the lingo cuts through confusion and saves time and money. Labubu releases come in distinct forms—blind-box figures, plush pendants, vinyl figures, and deluxe art editions—and each behaves differently on shelves, in trades, and on resale markets.

Blind-box figures are sealed boxes that conceal which sculpt or variant is inside. Series releases typically include multiple designs plus lower-odds chase or secret figures. A chase is a deliberately low-odds variant within a blind series; a secret is an unannounced, very rare variant. Those odds and the presence of chases or secrets shape both the hunt and the value when trading or selling.

Plush pendants and plush series are the soft, wearable side of Labubu collecting. These are often bag-clip or pendant-sized pieces sold in blind-pendant blind-packs, designed for everyday use and fashion display. Regional exclusives commonly appear in plush lines, so travel and event drops can yield pieces you won’t see in your local shop.

Vinyl figures are the heavier, more display-focused pieces. They’re often larger, made of vinyl, and sometimes released as limited editions or event exclusives tied to shows or pop-ups. Deluxe and art editions sit at the top end: higher-end runs with special materials, artist proofs, or hand-finished touches. Expect those to appear in pop-up stores, galleries, or auctions rather than regular retail channels.

Common shorthand collectors use: BNIB means brand new in box, BNIF means brand new in foil or original pack, reissue denotes a later production run of a prior design, and event exclusive indicates a variant limited to a show, store, or location. Rarity language varies by series, so the same word can mean different production quantities across different drops.

Practical value comes down to preparation. Track release channels closely: official Pop Mart stores, app announcements, and authorised partners are primary sources. Storage and display differ by form: plush needs dust protection and gentle handling to avoid crushing; vinyl needs protection from heat and UV to prevent warping and fading; boxed BNIB or BNIF condition preserves value for resale. Reissues can reset market dynamics, so verify catalog numbers and edition details before paying top price.

Verify sources for release details, plan storage based on material, and set realistic expectations about odds when opening blind products. Knowing the types and terms means less GAS and more smart collecting—whether you’re curating a shelf, trading with friends, or hunting that secret Labubu.