Popmart Labubu Joins Topps: The Next Evolution of Collectible Cards

For collectors, few things rival the thrill of a new drop: that heartbeat before the box opens, the gleam of chrome, the scent of fresh prints or vinyl. Popmart Labubu has long owned that moment in the designer-toy world. What started as a mysterious Labubu doll from Pop Mart has grown into a full-blown cultural phenomenon, with labubus now dominating display shelves and collector feeds across the globe.

In 2025, the mischievous little monster took its biggest leap yet, moving from blind boxes into the world of TCG and trading cards through a headline-making partnership with Topps. The same fans who once queued for rare Labubu toys are now hunting for limited-edition cards, refractors, and superfractors in chrome-finished packs.

It’s a natural evolution for a collectible empire that refuses to stand still. Popmart’s ability to merge art, storytelling, and scarcity has turned Labubu into one of the most powerful IPs in the modern collectibles space — and now it’s reshaping how card collectors and toy fans see value itself.

 

 

 

From Nordic Dreams to Pop Culture Blitz: The Origin of Labubu

Labubu is the brainchild of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, whose imagination is steeped in mythology, fantasy, and surreal emotional tones. The character first appeared in his 2015 story series The Monsters — a narrative flavored by Nordic myth and childhood nightmares. Labubu was originally conceived as a small, corner-dwelling monster with rough features — a mix of eerie and endearing.

That duality is central: fans felt an emotional tug between unease and whimsy, which gave Labubu more staying power than pure “cute toys.” Over time, Popmart (the company behind Labubu) took up distribution, blind box formats, and global marketing, pushing the brand into international toy circles. 

By 2025, those roots have evolved into a giant. Blind boxes gave way to premium variants, and the collector base expanded across continents.

The 2025 Surge: Why Labubu Is Blowing Up

Numbers rarely lie, and Labubu’s 2025 trajectory is screaming momentum. Popmart’s internal figures show that in the first half of 2025, Labubu / The Monsters‐family revenue hit ~US$670 million. Projections suggest that total sales from Labubu-related products might push past $4 billion this year. That growth dwarfs earlier years — and signals the brand has moved well beyond niche.

This financial performance reflects several forces at work:

• Audience expansion: Labubu’s reach has grown beyond vinyl-toy fans into lifestyle, street culture, and social media virality.
  

• Scarcity & hype mechanics: Limited runs, secret variants, and tight supply keep collectors engaged.
  

• Cross-category extension: With a strong identity as Labubu toy / Labubu original / labubus, the brand can now stretch into adjacent categories — and that’s exactly what the Topps collab is doing.
  

In simpler terms: Labubu isn't just riding trends; it’s building a platform. The move into trading cards / TCG / Topps is logical — and loaded with upside.

What’s Inside the 2025 Topps Chrome Labubu Box

The collab is real. In 2025, Topps partnered with Popmart (and How2Work) to launch the 2025 Topps Chrome® Labubu 10th Anniversary set — the first time Labubu enters the world of trading cards.

Key features:

• Box contents: Each box includes four Chrome base cards, one Chrome parallel, and a collectible keyring case that echoes how some fans display their Labubu dolls.
  

• Parallels & rarity chase: Collectors can pursue Speckle Refractors, 10th Anniversary logo border versions, and ultra-rare SuperFractor (1/1) cards. Autographs are extremely limited — just 22 per subject.
  

• Artwork & design: Cards draw directly from Kasing Lung’s original Labubu art, adapted into Chrome tech (reflective surfaces, texture, depth) while preserving that signature aesthetic. 

• Release timing: Presale opens October 20 on Topps.com.
  

By positioning this drop as both a Topps Chrome / TCG product and a Labubu collectible, the collaboration bridges two collector worlds — vinyl and cards — and gives people in the card shop universe a reason to care about Labubu.

Why Card Collectors & Toy Fans Should Care

1. New demand vector

Toy collectors who’ve owned Labubu for sale, hunted rare labubus, or collected Labubu originals will now cross the threshold of card collecting. That’s new volume coming into the TCG / trading cards domain.

2. Rarity & prestige

Because parallels, autographs, and SuperFractor cards are extremely limited, the chase mechanics mimic what toy fans already know: hunt for secret variants, secret figures, ultra-rare pieces.

3. Display & collectability

The keyring display case is clever: it taps into how many fans show off their Labubu toys visually. This creates synergy between how people collect toys and how they treat cards.

4. Resale & cross-market arbitrage

We’ve already seen toy variants fetch high multiples on resale platforms. The card market brings new liquidity. A rare Chrome Labubu card might appeal to both a card collector and a Labubu fan. That overlap can drive price amplification.

Where to Buy Popmart Labubu Trading Cards

• Pop Mart & official partners: Keep an eye on official Popmart announcements, drops, and limit lists.
  

• Card shops: Local TCG stores might carry Chrome Labubu boxes or singles, especially in big collector hubs.
  

• Online marketplaces & fan forums: Sites focused on cards or collecting will list Labubu for sale or tell you Labubu where to buy.
  

• Pre-orders & drops: The Topps presale date (October 20) is critical — many will try to preorder to avoid missing out.
  

Be cautious: counterfeit or reprint cards may enter secondary markets. Use trusted sellers or grading services where possible.

Protecting Your Popmart Labubu Cards (Yes — You Need to)

Your Popmart Labubu × Topps cards deserve display-level protection. Vaulted’s Card Mag locks your cards in place with a clear, UV-shielded design that prevents scratches and fading.

For flexible display setups, Mag Plus adds stronger polycarbonate, magnetic stacking, and a built-in surface protector — no penny sleeve needed.

Organizing a full set? Vaulted Card Binders keep your collection crisp, UV-safe, and collector-ready.

Vaulted keeps every Labubu card pristine — engineered protection for modern collectors.

The Future Is Hybrid: Toy + Card Collab Ecosystems

The Labubu × Topps move is a test case. If it succeeds, we might see more toy IP + TCG crossovers — think designer figures launching companion card lines.

Popmart Labubu is just the beginning. The collision of toy fandom and card fandom means collectors will expect multiform products (a toy, a card, a digital asset). And in that world, protection, preservation, grading, and display matter even more.

If you’re building a collectible portfolio — whether you collected Labubu dolls, Labubu original figures, or now Chrome cards — the smart move is to treat these assets with the same care as art or rare books.

Final Thoughts

Popmart Labubu’s jump into Topps Chrome / trading cards is not a side project — it’s a signal. The world is telling us that toys and cards are no longer separate lanes.

As a collector, be ready to bridge those worlds. As a brand like Vaulted, this moment offers a chance to become indispensable — not just at the point of sale, but throughout the collection lifecycle.

FAQs

Why is Labubu so famous now?

Labubu’s fame exploded in 2025 thanks to a perfect storm of nostalgia, design innovation, and scarcity marketing. Pop Mart, the brand behind Labubu, mastered the art of collectible storytelling — turning blind boxes into cultural moments. Limited runs, character variants, and artist collabs transformed Labubu toys from niche designer items into global status symbols. The new Topps trading cards partnership pushed visibility even further, bridging the TCG community with toy collectors. With resale values soaring and fan communities growing across Asia, Europe, and North America, Labubu has become a must-own collectible.

What’s the story behind Labubu?

Labubu was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, who first introduced the character in his 2015 series The Monsters. Inspired by Nordic mythology and his own childhood dreams and nightmares, Lung designed Labubu as a tiny, corner-dwelling creature that blends fear and comfort. Its rough, mischievous look and oddly lovable personality made it stand out from traditional “cute” collectibles. Over time, Popmart Labubu became a canvas for creative storytelling — with seasonal editions, special colorways, and now, even Topps Chrome trading cards celebrating its tenth anniversary.

What is a Labubu?

A Labubu is a collectible figure designed by Kasing Lung and produced by Pop Mart. It’s part of the The Monsters universe, which features several fantasy creatures with unique backstories. Most fans know Labubu through blind box toys, limited-edition Labubu dolls, or artistic collaborations under the Labubu original line. In 2025, Labubu also made its debut in the TCG market with Topps, extending its reach from toy collectors to card enthusiasts.

How much is a Labubu?

Prices for Labubu collectibles vary widely depending on rarity and edition. Common Labubu toys retail between $15–$30 USD, while rare variants, event exclusives, or artist-signed pieces can climb into the hundreds or even thousands. With the introduction of Labubu trading cards, pricing follows a similar curve — standard packs are accessible, but rare Topps Chrome parallels and autograph cards command steep resale premiums. Whether you’re buying a Labubu for sale from a card shop or directly through Pop Mart, collectors are treating these pieces as long-term assets, not just cute décor.