Fad or addiction: Why students can’t stop buying blind boxes

  Blind boxes have become a huge fashion trend of 2025, and students are falling for the addictive element of surprise. 

 A blind box is a type of collectible product where the buyer doesn’t know what item they’re receiving until they open the package. The most popular example of this is Labubus, which has become viral over social media. 

  Labubus are a collectible plush toy that were created by illustrator Kasing Lung. The toys are described as “ugly-cute” as they have sharp teeth, wide eyes, and colorful fur. 

  Chloe Tam, a sophomore at UMKC pursuing a pharmacy degree, discussed her feelings after being gifted a Labubu. 

  “When I saw the character options on the box, the one that I got wasn’t the color I wanted. But when my brother opened his, he got the color I was hoping for. There was an urge to purchase another just to get rid of the itch, but I knew that would be a waste of money,” said Tam.

  She goes on to say, “Social media is where I first learned about Labubus. I wanted one because I wanted to fit in with those who had one, but I was never willing to pay for it, especially as a student.”

  When asked if blind boxes are becoming addictive and creating gambling habits, Tam responded, “Definitely, because if you don’t get what you want, you’re going to keep spending your money on it. It’s the same mindset for when you go into a casino, you keep spending money on those games until you get the outcome you want.” 

  “It’s the adrenaline of opening them and that sensation makes people keep buying them. It’s like a drug.” she said.

  Allee Sombatchareun, a junior majoring in film and media, explained that her husband owns a store that sells Labubus.

  “I have one Labubu that my husband gifted me. He sells them in his store and when he got his first box in, he gave me one.” said Sombatchareun. “Social media is the only way I’d ever heard of Labubus, but opening one was super fun and sweet.”

  Sombatchareun also discussed the addictive side to opening blind boxes, “I enjoy buying blind boxes, the collective part is what’s so addicting. The surprise factor is also what makes them so attractive and appealing.”

  While Sombatchareun enjoys blind boxes as a hobby, this same kind of thrill has led to people dealing with gambling patterns.  

  “Blind boxes could potentially fall into gambling habits, but not with myself personally. For me it’s more of a hobby and while it can be expensive, I could be spending my money on worse things.” she said.