- The Labubu Fever in 2026: Why the Hype Won't Quit
- US vs. Philippines: The Massive Price Gap Explained
- Top US Online Stores for Authentic Labubu Blind Boxes
- Getting Your Haul Home: Shipping from US to the Philippines
- Overcoming Payment Barriers with Proxy Shopping
- Managing Import Duties and PH Customs in 2026
- Final Verdict: Is US Shopping Worth It?
The Labubu Fever in 2026: Why the Hype Won't Quit
By early 2026, the obsession with the Labubu Blind Box has only intensified across the Philippines. What started as a niche designer toy trend has evolved into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Collectors in Manila, Cebu, and Davao are constantly on the hunt for the latest series from Kasing Lung’s "The Monsters" collection. The appeal lies in the unique blend of mischievous aesthetics and the thrill of the "blind" unboxing experience.
However, the popularity has led to a major problem in the local market: chronic stock shortages and predatory reseller pricing. When a new series drops, local shelves are cleared in minutes, only for the same boxes to appear on secondary markets at three times the retail price. This is why savvy collectors have shifted their focus to the source—the US market.
US vs. Philippines: The Massive Price Gap Explained
The math is simple. In the US, a standard Labubu Blind Box typically retails between $12 and $16 USD at official retailers like Pop Mart US or Mindzai. Even with current exchange rates, that is roughly 670 to 900 PHP. In contrast, local specialty shops and resellers in the Philippines often list these same boxes for 1,800 PHP to 2,500 PHP—and that’s for the common pulls. If you are looking for a specific "Secret" figure, the price gap becomes an ocean.
By purchasing directly from US-based storefronts, you are cutting out the middleman. Even when you factor in the cost of a reliable package forwarder, the per-unit cost drops significantly when you buy in bulk or purchase full cases (sets of 6 or 12). This "Price Gap" strategy is the only way to sustain a serious collection in 2026 without draining your bank account.
Read more: The Secret US Shopping Hack for Labubu Collectors in the Philippines
Top US Online Stores for Authentic Labubu Blind Boxes
To avoid fakes, which have become increasingly sophisticated in 2026, you must stick to reputable US vendors. Here are the top picks:
- Pop Mart US: The official source. They have the most consistent restocks and exclusive US-only editions.
- Mindzai: A premier designer toy boutique that carries a wide range of Labubu series and often has better shipping lead times to US addresses.
- StrangeCat Toys: Known for their collector-centric service and pre-order options for upcoming Monsters series.
Buying from these stores ensures you receive genuine products. Most of these retailers offer free domestic US shipping on orders over a certain amount, which you can take advantage of by sending your items to a US-based warehouse.
Getting Your Haul Home: Shipping from US to the Philippines
Most US toy retailers do not ship directly to the Philippines, or if they do, the international shipping rates are prohibitively expensive. This is where comGateway becomes essential for your hobby. By using a US address provided by a freight forwarder, you can shop like a local US resident, taking advantage of domestic sales and free shipping offers.
Once your Labubu boxes arrive at the warehouse, you can use the shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost before committing to the final leg of the journey. For the best value, we recommend consolidating multiple orders into one shipment. This significantly reduces the shipping fees per box compared to sending them individually.
Check out our dedicated guide for shipping from US to Philippines to understand the transit times and consolidation benefits available to you.
Overcoming Payment Barriers with Proxy Shopping
Occasionally, US retailers may decline credit cards issued outside of the United States. This "regional lock" can be frustrating when a limited-edition Labubu series drops. If you find your transaction failing at checkout, you can utilize a BuyForMe service.
This proxy shopping or assisted purchase feature allows the forwarder to buy the item on your behalf using a US-based payment method. You simply provide the product link, and they handle the rest. This is often the "secret weapon" for collectors trying to snag high-demand releases before they sell out.
Managing Import Duties and PH Customs in 2026
When importing goods into the Philippines, you must be aware of the de minimis value. As of 2026, shipments with a total value (including insurance and freight) under 10,000 PHP are generally exempt from import duties and customs tax.
If your Labubu haul exceeds this amount, you may be subject to import tax or VAT. To avoid surprises, always keep your total shipment value in mind when consolidating. You can find detailed breakdowns of these regulations on our import duties and tax blog. Understanding these rules ensures that your "deal" doesn't become an expensive headache at the Bureau of Customs.
Final Verdict: Is US Shopping Worth It?
In 2026, if you are buying more than two or three Labubu Blind Boxes at a time, shopping from the US is objectively the smarter choice. The combination of lower retail prices, guaranteed authenticity, and the ability to find stock that is sold out in Manila makes it a no-brainer for serious collectors.
By utilizing comGateway for your international shipping needs, you gain access to the massive US toy market while maintaining control over your logistics costs. Stop settling for reseller prices and start building your collection the professional way.
