In the world of designer toys, one character has recently taken center stage – Labubu. This quirky plush creature from POP MART has evolved from a niche collectible into a global phenomenon, capturing the hearts of celebrities and children alike. As Labubu’s fame spreads worldwide through social media buzz and celebrity endorsements, it exemplifies a larger trend: the rise of Chinese-created “潮玩” (trendsetting toys) on the international stage. Beyond being a sought-after toy, Labubu’s success story highlights how Chinese manufacturing and design have advanced in creativity and quality, shedding the old stereotypes of “Made in China”.

But Labubu’s influence doesn’t stop at toy collectors’ shelves or TikTok videos. Forward-thinking businesses are finding that popular toy IP characters like Labubu can add real brand value to experiences – including indoor playgrounds and family entertainment centers. In this guest post, we’ll explore Labubu’s unique design and trendsetting status, how integrating such IP toys can boost indoor playground traffic and user experience, and the role of the “Dream Garden” concept in turning play spaces into imaginative worlds. We’ll also discuss how these developments reflect the new wave of Chinese innovation, and offer tips on partnering with the right playground supplier (such as toymakerinchina.com or playgroundinchina.com) to bring these IP-themed Dream Garden ideas to life.

Labubu’s playful-yet-fierce design – a round furry body, wide eyes, pointed ears, and nine sharp teeth – has made it an iconic figure in the designer toy scene.
Labubu is instantly recognizable by its adorably mischievous look: a chubby, round body with big gleaming eyes, tall pointy elf-like ears, and a grin of nine snaggle-sharp teeth. Created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung and launched by Chinese toy retailer POP MART, this little “gremlin-like” monster has a charm that’s equal parts grotesque and cute. That distinctive style – “playful yet slightly fierce” as one description puts it – helped Labubu stand out in the crowded collectible market.

What truly propelled Labubu into a viral craze was a perfect storm of pop culture and social media. In 2019, Pop Mart turned Labubu into a line of blind-box collectibles, fueling a treasure-hunt mentality among fans. The craze exploded after BLACKPINK’s Lisa was spotted with a Labubu keychain, followed by stars like Rihanna and Dua Lipa openly toting the fuzzy doll as a fashion accessory. Suddenly Labubu was everywhere – dangling from celebrity handbags, featured in millions of TikTok unboxing videos, and even making appearances at Paris Fashion Week. Demand surged so high that Pop Mart’s stores in multiple countries saw long queues and even scuffles as fans scrambled to grab the latest Labubu releases. The phenomenon grew so intense in the UK that the company temporarily halted in-store sales to curb “Labubu Hunger Games”–style crowds.

This whirlwind of popularity turned Labubu into more than just a toy; it became a status symbol and a cultural icon. By 2024, “The Monsters” series (which Labubu leads) was Pop Mart’s top-selling franchise, racking up about 3 billion yuan (~$420 million) in sales and contributing heavily to Pop Mart’s $1.8 billion annual revenue. Pop Mart’s global expansion is evidence of Labubu’s worldwide appeal – the company’s overseas revenues jumped 375% in 2024 as Labubu found fans from Beijing to Los Angeles. This craze underscores how a Chinese-designed character can capture global imagination, reflecting the broader rise of Chinese brands in the creative industry.

Labubu’s success isn’t just about selling toys – it’s also about the power of a beloved character to enhance experiences. In the context of indoor playgrounds and amusement centers, incorporating popular IP (intellectual property) characters like Labubu can be a game-changer. How can a cute monster plush add value to play facilities? In short, by infusing them with story, identity, and excitement that resonate with visitors.

1. Enhanced Attraction & Traffic: A playground featuring well-known characters instantly becomes a magnet for families and fans. Children beg to visit a play space decorated with their favorite toy character, and even adults are curious to see it. This draws higher foot traffic and can significantly boost repeat visits. As an industry report notes, playgrounds showcasing licensed characters provide unique and memorable experiences that make kids eager to return again and again. In practice, we see this with destinations like the Mall of America, which installed a fully themed CoComelon play area and integrated other cartoon mascots – resulting in deeper engagement and increased visitor appeal. A Labubu-themed ball pit or slide could similarly become a signature attraction, setting a venue apart from competitors.

2. Immersive User Experience: Integrating an IP character transforms a standard play area into a mini theme park. Instead of generic slides and tunnels, imagine a “Labubu’s Forest” playground zone: kids could slide through a treehouse guided by Labubu illustrations, dive into a monster-themed ball pit, or high-five a life-sized Labubu statue. Such theming sparks children’s imagination and play becomes an interactive story. It’s no longer just physical activity – it’s an adventure in Labubu’s world. This enhances user experience, as kids engage emotionally with the environment. Play experts highlight that licensed characters in play spaces fuel creativity and joy, making the experience truly special for children.

3. Social Media & Brand Buzz: Branded playground elements also create natural photo opportunities that can amplify marketing. Parents love snapping pictures of their kids with a cute Labubu figure or in a unique themed play zone. Those photos and videos often end up on social media, effectively becoming free advertising for the venue. In today’s world, an Instagrammable playground can go viral just like the toys can. As one industry analysis noted, characters on-site double as powerful social media marketing tools, encouraging families to share their “special moments” online. This kind of organic buzz builds the venue’s brand and attracts even more visitors.

4. Premium Brand Image & Loyalty: Hosting a popular IP like Labubu can elevate the perceived brand value of an indoor playground. It signals that the venue offers something exclusive and trendy. Customers associate the positive feelings they have for the character with the playground itself, which builds brand loyalty. Moreover, collaborating with known IPs often comes with merchandising opportunities (like selling Labubu-themed souvenirs or snacks on-site) and cross-promotions. All of this can translate into additional revenue streams and a stronger market position for the playground operator.

In short, beloved IP toys bring an extra layer of magic to indoor play. They attract crowds, enrich the play experience, generate social buzz, and enhance the venue’s brand. It’s a strategy increasingly adopted across the industry – from shopping malls installing cartoon-themed play parks to family entertainment centers licensing characters for their kids’ areas.

To capitalize on this trend, Chinese playground designers have introduced the “Dream Garden” concept – an approach to crafting immersive indoor play environments by weaving popular IPs into every corner of the design. The idea is to create a fantastical garden of dreams where children’s beloved characters come to life in the play equipment itself, turning a visit into a storybook adventure.

Under the Dream Garden concept, a typical soft-play area is transformed through creative theming and IP integration. Slides, ball pools, climbers, and tunnels aren’t just equipment – they become props in a themed world. For example, a slide might be designed as Labubu’s tree trunk house, complete with the character’s smiling face at the top, so kids feel like they’re sliding out of Labubu’s own home. The ball pit could be “Labubu’s Magic Marshmallow Pool” with monster footprints and character figures hidden among the balls. Even seating areas or safety mats can carry Labubu’s distinct artwork, reinforcing the theme. The result is a holistic environment that tells a story and invites exploration, aligning with the Dream Garden ethos of “gateway to imagination and learning” in play spaces.

Integrating a popular IP into playground design requires close attention to detail and a sense of wonder. Colors, textures, and shapes are all tailored to evoke the character’s world, ensuring that the theme feels authentic rather than an afterthought. The Dream Garden approach often involves working directly with the IP holders to incorporate character images and lore in a way that’s both fun and brand-accurate. When done right, it dramatically boosts a children’s park’s attractiveness, as the entire playground effectively becomes a 3D ad for joy and adventure with that character at its heart.

This concept has already proven effective. Entertainment venues that have adopted comprehensive theming report higher engagement and longer play times – kids don’t want to leave the dreamlike space. As one licensing expert observed, creating a playground inspired by children’s favorite characters leaves a lasting impression on young visitors, making them excited to return. In other words, a Dream Garden-style playground not only draws initial crowds with its Instagrammable looks, but also fosters ongoing loyalty by delivering a memorable experience each time.

For indoor playground operators, embracing the Dream Garden concept with an IP like Labubu means investing in custom design and fabrication of themed equipment. While this entails more planning than buying standard gear, the payoff is a unique venue that can command premium pricing and generate buzz in the community. It’s the difference between a normal playroom and an enchanted playland – one that kids talk about long after their visit.

Labubu’s worldwide popularity and the Dream Garden trend are both parts of a bigger picture: the rise of Chinese innovation and quality in industries traditionally dominated by Western brands. Not long ago, “Made in China” often meant mass-produced goods or knock-off designs. Today, characters like Labubu and companies like Pop Mart show that China is now a trendsetter in original design and high-quality production.

Pop Mart itself stands as a prime example of this transformation. The Beijing-based company took a homegrown concept – collectible art toys – and turned it into a global craze, challenging established Japanese and Western toy brands. In doing so, Pop Mart has helped revolutionize global perceptions of Chinese products. As reported by Xinhua, Pop Mart’s designer toy lines (Labubu among them) highlight a new wave of innovative Chinese products that are changing the conversation around Chinese manufacturing. No longer just a contract manufacturer for foreign brands, China is now creating its own coveted IPs and engaging consumers worldwide with quality and creativity.

The numbers reinforce this narrative. Pop Mart’s revenue hit 13 billion yuan (~$1.8 billion) in recent figures, with its international sales skyrocketing as mentioned earlier. Chinese toy companies are not just competing on price; they’re winning on design, storytelling, and brand experience. Labubu’s success abroad – from Paris storefronts to Middle Eastern collectors – is essentially an ambassador for Chinese design prowess. It says that a character born from a Chinese collaboration can spark joy in diverse cultures globally, all while maintaining high production standards (the plushies and figurines are known for their fine detail and build, despite the frenzy making them hard to obtain).

The indoor playground sector in China is likewise upping its game. Manufacturers have invested in better materials, more innovative themes, and stringent safety standards, shaking off the old image of generic factory output. Modern Chinese playground equipment suppliers now often provide end-to-end services: custom themed design (like Dream Garden concepts), use of durable, certified materials (meeting international ASTM/CE standards), and advanced manufacturing techniques (even smart manufacturing for precision). This means when you buy a themed play installation from a top Chinese supplier today, you can expect imaginative design and reliable quality, on par with any global brand.

Labubu’s global recognition is a proud emblem of these strides. It shows that Chinese creators can define trends and that the world will enthusiastically embrace Chinese-made entertainment products when they are well-designed. From designer toys to playgrounds, “Made in China” now often stands for originality and excellence, not just low cost. This paradigm shift benefits consumers (who get more choices and innovations) and businesses (who can confidently collaborate with Chinese firms on high-end projects).

For indoor playground owners or investors looking to ride this wave, the key is finding the right partner to bring an IP-themed Dream Garden to life. Designing a character-themed playground is a complex project – it involves creative design, custom manufacturing, licensing negotiations, and installation logistics. You’ll want a supplier with proven experience in all of these areas, plus a track record of quality and safety.

China happens to be home to many of the world’s leading indoor playground manufacturers, and some have embraced the Dream Garden philosophy wholeheartedly. For example, Dream Garden (Wenzhou Dream Garden Amusement Equipment Co.) – accessible via toymakerinchina.com or playgroundinchina.com – specializes in creating exactly these kinds of imaginative play environments. They offer a one-stop solution, from brainstorming themed concepts and 3D design renderings to crafting the equipment and installing it on-site. Working with such a supplier allows you to tap into their IP collaboration capability – essentially, their know-how in blending beloved characters with play structures in a seamless, attractive way.

Crucially, an experienced partner will also handle the licensing aspect properly. Incorporating a character like Labubu isn’t as simple as painting a face on a slide; it requires permission from the IP owner (in this case, Pop Mart and the artist) and adherence to brand guidelines. A reputable company will either help you obtain the necessary licensing or offer licensed themed designs they’ve developed in partnership with IP holders. This not only keeps everything legal, but also ensures the character is represented accurately and appealingly. In fact, Pop Mart recently issued warnings against unauthorised use of Labubu’s image by businesses, stressing the importance of securing proper authorization and genuine collaborations for any commercial use of their characters. In other words, to avoid legal risks and to do right by the fans, you’ll want to team up with an authorized expert rather than attempting a DIY approach with unlicensed character art.

When evaluating a playground equipment supplier for an IP project, consider the following:

• Design Expertise: Do they have designers who can capture the essence of the character in a play structure? Look for a portfolio of past themed projects. Expert designers meticulously handcraft each installation to match the beloved characters and maintain a fun yet safe play environment.

• Manufacturing Quality: Ensure the company uses high-quality, safe materials and has international certifications. The equipment must meet safety standards even with custom designs.

• Full-Service Capability: The best partners handle everything end-to-end – concept, design, engineering, manufacturing, shipping, installation, and after-service. This ensures consistency and reduces hassle for you as the operator.

• Global Experience: If you’re outside China, choose a supplier experienced in international projects (knowledge of import regulations, etc.). Many Chinese companies, like Dream Garden, have installed playgrounds across multiple continents and can navigate those challenges.

• Communication & Speed: As with any project, a team that communicates well and sticks to timelines is essential. The ideal supplier will have a streamlined process for custom orders and be able to give you clear updates from design through delivery.

By selecting a competent partner, you effectively get a “Dream Garden” turnkey solution. They will incorporate your chosen IP (say, Labubu) into a cohesive playground design, handle the technical and artistic heavy lifting, and deliver a finished play area that’s ready to wow your visitors. It’s a collaborative journey – you share the dream, and they have the tools and talent to build it.

The story of Labubu’s rise from a little-known doodle to a globally coveted toy is more than just a fun anecdote – it’s a sign of the times. It signals an era where Chinese-created characters can define global pop culture trends, and where creative IPs and quality manufacturing from China stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best. For businesses in the play industry, this trend opens up exciting possibilities. By embracing characters like Labubu and visionary concepts like Dream Garden, indoor playground operators can create enchanting spaces that delight customers and differentiate their brand.

In blending the whimsy of popular toys with the thrill of play, we see a powerful synergy: children get to step into the stories of characters they love, and businesses reap the rewards of heightened engagement and loyalty. A slide becomes more than a slide when it’s Labubu’s slide – it becomes a memory, a photo, a conversation piece. And as China’s design innovation continues to blossom, we can expect even more imaginative IPs to emerge, offering fresh opportunities to those ready to innovate in their play attractions.

Labubu’s journey from China to the world stage, and from toy stores to indoor playgrounds, encapsulates this new landscape. It’s playful, it’s profitable, and above all, it’s proof that magic happens when creativity meets quality. Whether you’re a toy enthusiast, a buyer in the amusement industry, or an indoor playground owner, one thing is clear: now is the time to pay attention to trends coming out of China – they just might transform the way you play.

By integrating a little “dream” into your playground, you just might plant the seeds of the next big attraction.