If you’ve spent even five minutes on Instagram Reels or your FYP on TikTok this week, chances are you've heard whispers (or screams) about the Labubu doll.
It’s cute. It’s creepy. It’s trending.
And just like every Gen Z phenomenon, it’s more than just a toy — it's a vibe, a statement, and now, possibly a legend.
But what is Labubu? Why is everyone talking about it? And how does a designer plush doll suddenly become the internet’s favorite horror icon?
Let’s dive in.
First, What Is the Labubu Doll?
Originally designed by the Chinese brand POP MART, the Labubu doll was part of their collectible art toy line, popular in pop culture circles and among young collectors. It has oversized ears, a mischievous grin, and a Tim Burton-meets-cute-anime aesthetic that instantly made it stand out.
It wasn’t meant to be scary — it was meant to be cool, weird, and Instagram-worthy.
But Gen Z being Gen Z… they took it further.
The Simpsons Clip That Broke the Internet
The meme fire really ignited when a Simpsons clip (yes, that show that predicts the future) resurfaced, seemingly showing a Labubu-like creature.
Was it actually Labubu? Not really.
Did it matter? Absolutely not.
The internet took the eerie resemblance and ran with it. Suddenly, the narrative changed: Labubu isn’t just a toy, it’s haunted.
Creepy videos, flickering lights, unsettling edits — the aesthetic was perfect for short-form horror. TikTok and Instagram were flooded with reels suggesting the doll moved on its own, blinked when no one was watching, or even brought bad luck.
Whether it’s true or not? Doesn’t matter.
Because in the Gen Z world, vibes > facts.
Why Gen Z Loves Creepy-Cute Things (And Always Will)
Labubu fits into a long trend of what can best be described as “creepy-cute culture.”
Think:
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Coraline
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Momo challenges
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Billie Eilish’s aesthetic
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The resurgence of emo-core and Y2K goth
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Customized plushies with fangs
Gen Z isn’t afraid of the dark. They embrace it — with filters, fonts, and a Finsta caption that says “it’s fine :)” while the background music is anything but.
The Labubu obsession is proof of one thing: this generation doesn’t just buy products — they build stories around them.
So... What’s This Got to Do With College Merch?
At Alma Mater Store, we get it.
Gen Z wants more than just a hoodie or a mug. They want meaning. They want merch that matches their mood — even if that mood is mild existential dread wrapped in pastel pink with stitched-on devil horns.
That’s why our premium customized hoodies, tote bags, mugs, and tees aren’t just “merch.” They're memory containers. They carry inside jokes, group trauma (hello, 8 AM lectures), late-night canteen runs, and even shared conspiracy theories like… Labubu
Imagine:
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A hoodie with a small stitched Labubu-inspired icon on the sleeve
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A tote bag that says “haunted, but still attending class”
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A team tee that glows in the dark (spooky edition)
Customization isn’t just about logos anymore. It’s about personality.
Why This Matters for Your College Group or Team
Whether it’s a college fest committee, a theatre gang, or your hostel squad — tapping into trending Gen Z culture is a power move.
When you design your merch around what’s buzzing — like Labubu or pop culture drops — you do three things:
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Connect instantly with your audience
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Create something people actually want to wear and flaunt
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Ensure your merch doesn’t get dumped in the “meh” drawer
We’ve seen it happen: batches that go viral just because their hoodie had the right quote, or the perfect meme placement.
Bottom Line: Turn Trends into Threads
Labubu is more than just a spooky doll — it’s a sign of how quickly Gen Z transforms trends into personality.
If you're planning merch for your group, college, fest, or startup — don’t play it safe.
Play it smart. Play it weird. Make it meaningful.
And let Alma Mater Store bring it to life — hoodie, tee, tote or all three.
CTA (Because We’re Not Just Vibes)
Got a merch idea inspired by Labubu or anything else?
We’ll help you design it — no design skills needed.
Low MOQs. Fast delivery. Real quality.
Start your custom order now
Or DM us your idea — we’re already intrigued.