IT’S one of the most sought-after buys of this year.
Labubus are undoubtedly the toy of 2025 – with big names, such as Rihanna , David Beckham , Kim Kardashian , Gemma Collins and Olivia Attwood showing off the little monsters.
With their devilish toothy grins and wide eyes, Labubus have captured the heart of the internet and have sparked a frenzy, with mile-long queues lining up to get their hands on the toys.
A single doll can set you back anywhere from £13.50 to £211 depending on the rarity of the design.
But if your little one has been begging for one and you can’t justify forking out hundreds, Home Bargains has come to rescue with an alternative.
According to thrifty shoppers, the popular retailer is now selling a monster plush keyring that looks quite similar to the real thing – and it’s under a fiver too.
The must-have accessory, which comes in baby pink and pastel yellow, sells for just £2.99, making it the perfect choice for those on a budget.
Just like with the viral toy, Home Bargains ‘ keyring accessory boasts fluffy material, big eyes and a teeny nose.
The adorable buy was spotted at the retailer by Fiserek Jason Holub who took to the popular Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group to inform others.
Sharing a snap of the affordable find, she wrote in the post that Home Bargains was selling the toy for just ”£2.99”.
Posted just one day ago, the news has already taken the platform by storm, amassing over 150 likes and hundreds of comments.
While the festive season may still be months away, many parents are keen to get their hands on the toy for Christmas .
One said: ”will keep a look out to stocking fillers for sure.”
Another had already managed to snap up the wallet-friendly item, writing: ”Just bought one in Workington Derwent Drive store.”
”These are actually cute lol!” someone else thought.
This comes after parents were warned about a rise in “dangerous” fake Labubu dolls .
How to tell a fake Labubu doll
Signs to look out for according to The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)
- Inspect packaging carefully – check for a UKCA or CE mark, and make sure the product lists a UK-based importer or manufacturer. Warnings and usage instructions should be present.
- Look for authenticity markers – genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a holographic sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and (on newer editions) a UV stamp on one foot.
- Check the product’s appearance – overly vibrant colours, poor stitching, or the wrong number of teeth (authentic Labubus have nine) are signs of a fake.
- Be cautious of “bargains” – counterfeit toys are often cheaper but may carry serious safety risks, including choking hazards and toxic materials.
- Buy from reputable retailers and avoid unfamiliar online vendors or third-party sellers on online marketplaces listings.
Not only have they been “poorly assembled,” but they could pose some very serious safety risks to children , a London council has warned.
Sutton Council ‘s Trading Standards team revealed that they’d seized more than 230 suspected fake dolls in just one month over the summer .
The South London council said the fake Labubu dolls , also known as Lafufus , which have surged in popularity across the world in recent years, are badly made and pose choking hazards , amongst other risks.
Sutton Council said in a statement: “Sutton Council’s Trading Standards team is alerting residents to a rise in dangerous, counterfeit Labubu dolls.
“Fuelled by the brand’s online popularity, these fake toys pose serious safety risks, particularly for children.
“Between July and August 2025, Trading Standards officers from Kingston and Sutton seized over 230 suspected counterfeit dolls.”
Hundreds of other fake Labubu dolls – produced by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart – have also been reported elsewhere across the country.
As the toys are made from unverified materials that have not been tested to UK safety standards, the Council said they may also contain harmful chemicals.
They explained that the fake dolls often have falsified markings on their packaging, misleading consumers into believing they are safe , and often come from unverified and untraceable sources.
Sutton Council advised parents to only buy dolls from reputable sources and to check for official branding.
