Emerging Trends in Yiwu's Toy Market: The Rise of DIY Blind Boxes and LABUBU Doll Outfits
Emerging Trends in Yiwu's Toy Market
Yiwu, known globally for its vast commodity wholesale market, continues to set trends in the toy industry, especially with the remarkable rise of DIY blind boxes and unique doll outfits. The official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, Yiwugo.com, reports that toys have consistently been among the top searched products on their platform. This is largely due to the increasing popularity of characters like LABUBU, which has led to robust product searches and engagement on the site.
As summer approaches, a variety of new merchandise has hit the shelves, with many items quickly becoming bestsellers. One standout store, Papercraft Toys, specializes in three-dimensional paper sculptures and creative toys. Lou Jingrui, the founder, has creatively combined beloved characters such as Crayon Shin-chan and My Little Pony into innovative DIY blind box collections. Each blind box features a clear shell, containing a randomly selected figurine from the My Little Pony lineup, and an assembly process that culminates in visually stunning 3D displays. These products embody a blend of elegance and playfulness, earning them the title of "next-generation blind boxes" among enthusiasts.
In 2023, Papercraft Toys revamped their product line, expanding to include a wide range of characters and items such as 3D framed artworks, DIY night lights, mini toys, crystal cards, and acrylic spinning toys. Their collaboration with cultural organizations has further enhanced their offerings, with annual orders from notable partners like Sanxingdui reaching up to 40,000 units per product. This year, their acrylic spinning toys featuring Crayon Shin-chan and My Little Pony are in such high demand that advanced orders are being paid for and customers are queuing for delivery.
The competitive landscape of the toy industry has intensified, with merchants now focusing not only on quality and entertainment but also on visually appealing designs that are often collectible. In parallel, the LABUBU doll outfits are surging in popularity, particularly since April 2025, when influencer inquiries sparked a boom in the domestic market. By May, the demand from buyers, both domestically and internationally, surged, leading to sales volumes of certain styles reaching tens of thousands each month.
Zhang Ping, an experienced manufacturer in doll outfits, noted the popularity of apparel designed for characters like LABUBU, Hello Kitty, and Monchhichi. In Western markets, combined outfits have become exceptionally popular, leading to bulk orders of tens of thousands. A particularly successful sweater design even made a comeback this May, signaling renewed interest across Europe and the US. One customer reportedly ordered 3,000 units in a single day, catering mainly to LABUBU dolls.
Zhang founded Rongmeng Trendy Toys several years ago, focusing on the production and sale of dolls and their accessories. The company is known for its distinct blend of sweet and modern aesthetics and began with in-house product lines. However, as the demand for doll outfits grew, they launched a product line for universal doll apparel, establishing themselves as a supplier for various renowned brands globally. This year has seen a notable increase in inquiries, especially from overseas, with customers from regions like Russia and the Middle East placing significant orders through Yiwugo.
As the Yiwu market evolves, companies like Zhixiang Creations continue to innovate, introducing fresh products that captivate both the local community and toy enthusiasts worldwide. There's no doubt that Yiwu’s toy market remains a dynamic and exciting space, thriving on trends that resonate well with consumers and collectors alike.