Labubu toys are everywhere, with their fluffy, quirky appearance gaining popularity among both kids and adults. Though they seem like simple trinkets, they have a deeper psychological significance.
Psychologist Dr. Tracy King explains that Labubu and similar trinkets serve as a source of comfort and identity for Gen Z. “These objects offer small moments of control in an unpredictable world,” she said. In a time when traditional life milestones seem distant, these toys provide a sense of safety and belonging.
Dr. King compares Gen Z’s experience to navigating an escape room, where life’s challenges are unclear and constantly shifting. Instead of saving for long-term goals, Gen Z is investing in immediate comforts, with small items like Labubu filling the gap.
For many, Labubu represents a journey back to childhood. “These toys evoke feelings of care and nostalgia,” Dr. King notes. It’s a form of emotional healing and reconnecting with a lost sense of security.
In a fragmented world, the Labubu trend is more than just a fad—it’s a meaningful psychological response.