Thanks to the explosive popularity of Labubu dolls, a new profession has emerged: the “toy doctor.” These specialists bring beloved children’s toys back to life — and earn good money doing it. Here’s a closer look at the trend.
The toothy, fluffy Labubu monsters have taken over the world, becoming the season’s hottest accessory and collectible toy. But with fame comes wear and tear: scratches, scuffed fur, torn ears, and even broken limbs are now common injuries. In the past, damaged toys were either thrown away or fixed by handy parents. Today, they’re taken to professionals.
A Shanghai-based “toy doctor” known as Hartman says he treated more than 100 “patients” in the past month — all of them Labubu dolls. Business has grown so quickly that he had to move into a larger workshop and even bring his wife on board to help.
“I feel like a real surgeon,” Hartman jokes in an interview with SCMP. “Except my scalpel is a needle and thread, and my patients are plush monsters.”
Repairing a Labubu typically costs about 10% of the price of a new toy. Given that some dolls sell for dozens of dollars, toy doctor services are in high demand. Online critics ask why anyone would pay for repairs when the toys are made from inexpensive materials and won’t last forever anyway. But supporters have their arguments.
“Some collectors are willing to pay more for repairs than for the original doll,” Hartman explains. “Especially if it’s a rare model that’s no longer available in stores.”
Labubu dolls were created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and have been sold worldwide since 2019. Their popularity has only continued to grow.
When Labubu Gets Sick
Toy doctors come from all kinds of backgrounds — from former artists to engineers. One specialist, Dr. Cui from Shandong, used to repair medical equipment and now fabricates custom parts for mechanical toys. Others leave careers in fine arts to work full-time as toy doctors.
As long as Labubu remains trendy, experts say these specialists will stay in demand. Their services are already expanding beyond China, with the first private “clinics” for plush monsters opening in Europe and the United States. Some enthusiasts have even launched video channels offering tutorials in “toy surgery,” teaching viewers how to reattach heads, remove scratches, and restore shine to plush fur.
