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The Labubu Craze in 2026: Why the Hype?
As of January 2026, the obsession with Labubu, the mischievous monster created by Kasing Lung for Pop Mart, has reached a fever pitch. Whether it is the "The Monsters" series or the latest limited-edition drops, these vinyl figures and plushies sell out in minutes. In the United Kingdom, local stock is notoriously difficult to secure, often leaving collectors at the mercy of inflated resale prices.
The hype isn't just about the toy; it is about the hunt. However, hunting shouldn't mean spending hours on paperwork or dealing with sellers who won't ship to London or Manchester. If you want to skip the queue, you look where the stock is: the United States.
Why US Stores Beat UK Stock Shortages
US retailers often receive larger allocations of Pop Mart releases compared to European markets. Stores like the official Pop Mart US site, along with major toy distributors, maintain a more consistent inventory of the latest 2026 collections. The problem? Most of these stores do not offer direct international shipping to the UK, or if they do, the costs are astronomical and the customs forms are a nightmare.
The Lazy Method: Shipping from USA to United Kingdom
You do not need to be a logistics expert to buy from America. The most efficient way to handle this is to use a reliable package forwarder. By using comGateway, you get a dedicated US mailing address. You shop at any US store, enter that address at checkout, and let the professionals handle the rest.
This "lazy method" is the gold standard for UK collectors because it eliminates the need to communicate with US retailers about international shipping. Once your Labubu arrives at the US warehouse, you can manage everything from your phone. When you are ready, you can arrange your shipping from USA to United Kingdom with just a few clicks. They handle the export documentation, so you don't have to.
The No-Nonsense Buying Process
- Step 1: Sign up for a US address via comGateway.
- Step 2: Shop at Pop Mart US or other retailers using your new US address.
- Step 3: Once notified of arrival, check for any prohibited items (though standard vinyl figures are perfectly safe to ship).
- Step 4: Ship it to the UK and wait for your delivery.
Calculating Your Total Spend Without the Math
The biggest deterrent for UK buyers is the fear of hidden costs. You shouldn't have to guess how much a Labubu plush will cost to land in Bristol or Edinburgh. To keep things transparent, use a shipping calculator before you buy. This allows you to estimate shipping cost based on the dimensions of the Pop Mart packaging, ensuring there are no surprises when the bill arrives.
UK Import Rules: What You Need to Know
In 2026, UK customs rules remain strict but predictable. For most toy imports, you will be looking at VAT (Value Added Tax) which is typically 20% for items over £135. If your Labubu haul is under £135, the VAT is often collected at the point of sale, but when using a forwarder, you may pay it during the shipping process. Using a forwarder simplifies this because they provide the necessary digital declarations required by HMRC, preventing your package from getting stuck in a customs warehouse for weeks.
Maximizing Value for Serious UK Collectors
If you are planning on collecting the entire 2026 Labubu range, shipping items one by one is a waste of money. The smart move is to use "OneBox" services or consolidation. This involves holding multiple purchases at the US warehouse and shipping them as a single package to the UK. This significantly reduces the base shipping rate per item.
For those making frequent purchases, looking into Prime membership benefits is a must. Members often get discounted shipping rates and extended free storage time in the US, which is perfect for waiting for that one last blind box to arrive before shipping the whole lot to the UK.
Stop settling for the "Sold Out" signs in the UK. Grab your US address, use the shipping calculator to plan your budget, and get your Labubu collection sorted with zero stress.
