By Tasnim Oyshi
Staff Writer
Collecting is a hobby that has been enjoyed by many for ages. The fun in this activity lies in its versatility, as it can involve virtually anything. Whether you harbor a passion for pens, coins or even spoons, everyone is familiar with the concept of gathering various items of the same type and keeping them as a way to cherish them. This is a fairly innocent pastime that can prove to be gratifying for those who partake in it. The problem, of course, begins when money gets involved.
In the capitalistic society we live in, it comes as no surprise that once something becomes popular or desired by the masses, it will ultimately be monetized. From mobile apps to social media platforms and even to parking, it is impossible to avoid corporations trying to make a profit in any way they can. Consumerism has become a significant part of our daily lives.
One of the most prominent targets for our consumer-focused society is collecting. The monetization of this hobby has been years in the making, with items such as comic books, Pokémon cards and music albums being a few of the more popular products that people purchase.
The new product trending among consumers at the moment, however, is the monster-faced, furry plush toy from Hong Kong called Labubu. This collectible toy has gained the adoration of many due to its unique aesthetic and marketing. In fact, celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Cardi B and Blackpink’s Lisa have all paraded their own collections online. Lisa’s interview with Vanity Fair in November of 2024, in particular, was a core reason why the brand blew up.
Labubus are not the only collectible items that are having their moment of fame right now. They face competition from products like Smiskis and Sonny Angels, which have also gone viral for having a distinctive look. For Smiskis, customers find their appeal in their playful poses and glow-in-the-dark feature. Sonny Angels, on the other hand, are well-liked because of their cute baby-like faces and minimalist style (although the nudity aspect of the dolls is quite jarring).
What makes products like Labubus, Smiskis and Sonny Angels so addictive to people is that they are all sold in a “blind box,” which means that the customer is not sure of which particular design they bought until they open the box. In a YouTube video, Levi Hildebrand explains how this can cause consumers to feel an addictive rush that leads to a burst of satisfaction when they get the one they wanted or disappointment when that is not the case. Not unlike gambling, this encourages the consumer to make more purchases until they get the one they want and/or have of every single figurine.
While collecting these items is not an issue, spending an absurd amount of money on them certainly is. Labubus are relatively small toys, but they are listed on Popmart with prices ranging from $19.99 to $54.99. There are even plush doll versions that cost $119.99. Many of the Labubu products on the site are out of stock, which raises the concern of resales by those who have already bought the item and are planning to sell it for a much higher price.
Nowadays, it has become popular for people to spend unexplainable amounts of money on unnecessary things. This idea is pushed by money-hungry brands as much as the consumers who buy into it. When the trend dies down, many of these types of products will fall out of style and eventually, they will be thrown away.
Overconsumption does not have to be such a big part of this hobby, however. There are ways to participate in this activity and enjoy yourself without hurting your wallet. This can happen in the form of limiting yourself to the amount you spend on collecting, donating the items you either don’t have room for or no longer want, and even switching to collecting something you can find rather than having to purchase. While it’s true that consumerism is everywhere, it does not have to define the hobbies we enjoy.
