Lafufu Craze: How Fake Labubu Dolls Are Flooding China’s Markets
In a small town market in China’s Hebei province, toy collectors are witnessing a curious shift. The once highly sought-after Labubu dolls from Pop Mart — usually kept in pristine display cases — are being replaced by knockoff versions casually tossed into bags and sold by the dozens.
These imitations have been nicknamed “Lafufu,” with collectors jokingly giving rise to spinoff names such as Lagogo, Lababa, and even Lapoopoo. Far from hurting demand, these counterfeits have taken social media by storm, inspiring funny memes, viral unboxing videos, and parody reviews.
The Boom of Counterfeit Collectibles
Pop Mart recently reported a stunning 400% jump in profits during the first half of the year, thanks to the official Labubu’s cult-like following. Yet, counterfeit versions are spreading just as fast.
Most Lafufu dolls are produced in small-scale factories in Guangdong and Hebei before being shipped across China and exported overseas. The United States alone accounts for more than 40% of sales from one factory, while others reach Southeast Asia and Europe.
Authorities, however, are alarmed. The US and UK have warned consumers that counterfeit dolls may pose serious safety risks, including detachable eyes, hands, and feet that could choke young children. Chinese regulators have also cracked down, seizing more than 1.8 million fake dolls since the start of the year.
China’s state media has voiced concern that the country’s reputation for creativity is being undermined. “Without strict protection of intellectual property, there can be no sustainable innovation competitiveness,” Xinhua wrote in a commentary.
Why Fans Still Buy Lafufu
Despite the dangers, many fans say Lafufu is simply more fun and affordable. Unlike the official versions, some fakes can sing, dance, or light up. They also sell for a fraction of the price.
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A Labubu plush pendant costs 99 yuan ($14) at official retail.
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On resale platforms, rare editions are flipped for over 1,400 yuan ($195).
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In the United States, where prices are already higher, collectors resell individual dolls for around $60 each.
By contrast, Lafufu often sells for as little as a tenth of the price.
Danielle Horres, a 50-year-old mom from Texas, bought a Lafufu for $20 at a local flea market. She even named it “Gary.” “The fake ones actually do things the real ones don’t — like sing and dance,” she said with a laugh.
For others, like Mao Mao, a 29-year-old pastry chef in Fujian, the attraction is about rejecting inflated prices. “It was once 99 yuan. Now people pay hundreds. I can’t justify that. At the end of the day, it’s just a doll,” she said.
A Hotspot for Global Counterfeits
China remains the world’s biggest source of counterfeit goods. In 2023, 84% of the value and 90% of the quantity of seized fake goods in the US came from China, according to an American trade review.
Factories in Dongguan alone produce 30,000 to 40,000 Lafufu dolls each month. One version, nicknamed Lagogo, sells for just 18.8 yuan ($2.60) and comes with glowing ears and music.
A factory manager admitted the issue sits in a grey area. “Lagogo is obviously not Labubu, but Lafufu looks nearly identical. That’s where intellectual property problems arise,” he said.
Crackdowns and Consumer Demand
Chinese customs officials have already intercepted thousands of Lafufu dolls being shipped overseas, many carrying unauthorized Pop Mart branding. Entire markets full of knockoffs, like one in Hebei, have been cleared out by local authorities.
Still, collectors show little sign of losing interest. As long as official Labubu dolls remain expensive and scarce, Lafufu offers an affordable — and often more entertaining — alternative.
As Mao Mao put it: “The counterfeits are so well made now that you can barely tell the difference. Why spend hundreds when you can buy one for a few yuan?”