Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

LABUBU

Cultural Craze, Emotional Attachment, and the Power of “Thing”

Labubu isn’t just the latest plush obsession—it’s a playful symbol of how deeply we crave connection. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how fad culture, emotional attachment, and identity come together in one mischievous little collectible.

Okay, I don’t care if you don’t know how to pronounce it or have no idea what it is.
Remember Gnomes? Remember Barbie? Remember Cabbage Patch Dolls?
Get it?
Now you are in the right space. A Chinese-born artist, Kasing Lung invented this plush thing after spending time in the Netherlands and enjoying Nordic lore.
They come in all sizes and are known to be friendly and supportive. Hey! Who would not like that? We all need friendly and supportive characters in our lives. You may find them as plush toys for your kiddos or as a talisman to hang on your purse, belt, or bicycle handlebars.
My bicycle handlebars had streamers running out of them, and the spokes had these cards in them that would make flapping noises as you sped through the neighborhood. With the wind in your hair, you could let go of the handlebars as you shot down the hill. Nothing beats that thrill.
The current craze with the LABUBU is to hang these things on your body. If you have a belt, that is great. See how many you can pile around your waist. If you carry a purse, get one of different sizes. See how many little ones you can dangle on the purse strap. The bigger the purse, the better. Do they have contests for how many of these things you can attach to your body? They should. What would the prize be? You guessed it! More LABUBUS!
Why do we need these fads? How do they get started?
Something inside of us longs for attachment. Of course, we were born attached to our mothers, and many times I have repeated the fact that we spend the rest of our lives seeking attachment. So, the toy industry provides the perfect way to make money. Give us something we can attach to!!
We will grab it, make it wildly popular, and ultimately abandon it for the next craze. Attachment is the key. We attach to PERSON, PLACE, OR THING. This is our natural bent. We have to be attached to survive. The fact that we were born attached dominates throughout life. So, attaching to “thing” can not only be healthy, but it can also be quite lucrative for the inventor and manufacturer of the thing.
Please keep ‘em coming. What will be the next “thing”?

Want to explore why attachment fuels trend culture? Visit Psychology Today’s guide to Labubu and emotional attachment, Psychologs’ breakdown of Labubu and trend psychology, and Fabric Academy’s insights on Labubu as a fashion accessory.

If you’re reflecting on identity, emotional connection, or consumer behavior, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support insight, grounding, and self-expression.