Brits are searching for ‘Labubu’ 193 times per minute but at what cost?
The "blind box" toy trend is fuelling a surge in impulse spending across the UK. Driven by social media hype and scarcity marketing, the craze pressures consumers into making quick, emotionally-driven purchases, often turning to credit without weighing the long-term financial cost.
- Latest data reveals 193 searches per minute are made for “Labubu”, as UK interest surges by 91%
- Blind box toys retail for up to £30 but rare editions resell for hundreds – or even up to £150K
- This means Brits could be spending around £375K per day on the toys
- Our Founder urges shoppers to apply the 24-hour rule before making an emotionally-driven purchase
A wave of viral shopping trends is gripping UK consumers and it’s hitting wallets hard. At the centre, is the sudden surge in demand for the collective toys, Labubu. Marketed as rare and highly sought-after, these figures have rapidly become a social media sensation.
We’ve done the maths and found that Brits are searching for ‘Labubu’ 193 times per minute – totalling over 4.7 million in the past month. This perhaps comes as no surprise considering nearly half of UK shoppers admit to impulse buying. While retail prices for the toys start at £13.50, rare editions can fetch hundreds or even thousands of pounds on resale platforms – with one first-gen figure recently being auctioned for £150K.
Aseem Munshi, an expert in helping people pay off credit card debt and build confidence with their consumer credit, is urging caution to consumers, warning that scarcity-led marketing is leading many to rely on credit cards to keep up. He recommends applying a simple, 24-hour pause rule before making emotionally charged purchases.
“That rushed feeling these trends push on you? It’s totally fake. When you hit pause, you’re taking back control from all that marketing noise and making a real choice about where your hard-earned money goes.“
Aseem Munshi
Updraft Founder & CEO
Frenzied demand: 193 searches and a potential £261 spent every minute on ‘Labubu’
The viral toy collectible is taking over British search engines, and bank balances with Updraft’s research highlighting:
- 4.7 million searches in the past month alone
- That’s 193 searches per minute, more than 3 every second
- Search volume is up 91% month-on-month
- At current peak, Brits are generating 271K searches a day
If just 10% of those 193 Labubu searches per minute convert into purchases -with starting prices of £13.50 – Brits could be spending over £260 on the brand per minute – equating to £375K per day, and more than £11 million a month.
What’s driving the frenzy? Scarcity, hype and hidden costs
Labubus are typically sold in ‘blind boxes’ priced between about £13.50 and £30 in the UK. The twist? Buyers don’t know which figure they’re getting until they open it, which is a tactic that plays on the psychology of mystery, chance and collection.
Aseem explains: “The blind box format creates a lottery-style thrill. You don’t just buy one, you keep buying until you get the one you want.
“A £20 blind box here and there may seem harmless, but the psychology behind these drops is designed to keep you coming back for more – especially if you’re chasing a rare item. That’s when things escalate. Suddenly, you’re justifying £300 on resale platforms thinking it’s an investment, when really, it’s emotionally-driven.
“This dynamic has given rise to a booming resale market, where figures considered ‘rare’ at auction houses can fetch massive sums. And it doesn’t stop there as rental platforms have even emerged, offering Labubu figures for as little as £3 per day, fuelling even more short-term access, long-term obsession.”
Impulse buying is on the rise and it’s costing consumers
Labubu may be the hottest name right now, but it’s part of a larger trend. 43% of UK shoppers admit to making regular impulse purchases, with Gen Z leading the charge. Credit cards and buy-now-pay-later platforms make it easier than ever to spend first and worry later.
Aseem continues: “FOMO is a powerful driver. When you combine social media hype, artificial scarcity, and emotional urgency, you’re creating the perfect storm for credit card spending.
“Because these trends move fast and feel urgent, people are far more likely to reach for a credit card as it’s instant, frictionless, and lets them buy now without feeling the cost right away. The danger isn’t just in one buy, it’s in the cycle of obsession that can quietly build.”
Expert advises to pause before you swipe with the 24 hour rule
Aseem warns that shoppers falling into “engineered urgency traps” – a sales tactic designed to override rational spending habits, should set limits:
“The 24-hour rule is critical here. When you see a drop coming or feel pressured to buy, step back. Set a spending limit. Give yourself time to decide if you actually want the product or if you just don’t want to miss out.
“These launches are almost always announced in advance, which means the urgency you’re feeling is manufactured. In reality, you usually have more time than you think to make a rational decision and that 24 hour pause can be the difference between a fun purchase and an expensive regret.
“Ultimately, you must ask yourself if the hype is worth the swipe.”
Final Thought
Want to take control of your money? If you’re looking to consolidate credit card debt and cut down on high interest, download the Updraft app today.
Representative example
26.5% APR representative based on a loan amount of £10,000 over 60 months at a fixed interest rate of 21.9% p.a. This would give a monthly repayment cost of £286.65 per month, with a total cost of credit of £7,198.74 (includes loan fee of £400) and a total amount repayable of £17,198.74.
All figures are representative, the rate you are offered will depend on an assessment of credit worthiness and affordability. Terms and conditions apply.
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