Labubus may take a bit out of parents’ wallets, but Lafufus could prove deadly to their kids.
Knockoffs of the popular and pricey plush dolls pose “a serious risk of choking and death to young children,” a US government agency warned.
The faux-Labubus, called Lafufus, can “break apart easily, releasing small pieces that can become choking hazards,” the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Monday.
CPSC investigators said they have seized thousands of the dangerous knockoffs that violate federal regulations for toys with small parts.
“These fake Labubu dolls are dangerous, illegal, and have no place in American homes,” CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman said in a statement.
“No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing. Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers.”
The fakes often have overly bright colors or the wrong number of teeth. Authentic Labubus — made by China’s Pop Mart — have exactly nine teeth.
Some Lafufu buyers have complained that heads of the fake dolls have popped off.
Labubu dolls typically feature a holographic Pop Mart sticker, and some of the newer ones come with a subtle UV stamp on one foot.
The fuzzy, pointy-toothed Labubu dolls have sold out in stores around the world.
Resales of the dolls, which originally retailed for around $40, have fetched hundreds and even thousands of dollars on sites like eBay, sending Labubu fanatics on the hunt for cheap fakes.
Labubu dolls are sold in “blind boxes,” so shoppers don’t know the exact color they’re getting until they open the package.
That has turned certain rare designs into collectibles and helped the trend gain viral attention online, with tons of videos of shoppers opening their surprise Labubus.
Shares in Pop Mart have soared more than 200% so far this year, making the Beijing-based company more valuable than Barbie-maker Mattel and Hello Kitty owner Sanrio.
It posted net profit of $636 million, a 396.5% spike compared to the same period in 2024 – handily beating estimates of a 350% rise over the entire year.
Revenue skyrocketed 204.4% to roughly $1.93 billion, far stronger than the 62% growth seen in the same period last year.
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