Move over Labubu! Meet Lanunu - The adorable Saudi cousin that's breaking the internet

Are you Team Labubu or Team Lanunu? Share your feedback on our social media platforms

Last updated:
Surabhi Vasundharadevi, Social Media Reporter
3 MIN READ
Move over Labubu! Meet Lanunu - The adorable Saudi cousin that's breaking the internet

Dubai: The toy world just got a whole lot more interesting, and Riyadh is leading the charge! While everyone's been obsessing over those mischievous little Labubu creatures with their pointy ears and cheeky grins, Saudi Arabia just dropped the mic with something even more irresistible: Lanunu!

What exactly is a Lanunu?

Picture this: You're sipping your favourite beverage at WHOA TEA & Desserts in Riyadh, and BAM! You get handed a pocket-sized bundle of pure cuteness that's basically Labubu's Saudi cousin. WHOA TEA & Desserts has launched a pocket-sized local variant called Lanunu and they are giving this with a beverage of your choice.

But here's where it gets genius – instead of trying to give everyone full-sized collectible toys (which, let's be real, would be pretty expensive), this brilliant tea joint created these adorable mini versions that you can actually carry around without needing a separate bag. Talk about practical cuteness!

The Labubu phenomenon goes local

The Labubu trend has truly taken over the world, and Saudi Arabia is not to be left behind either. These furry little gremlins have been causing shopping frenzies from Hong Kong to Dubai, with people lining up for hours just to get their hands on one. But leave it to Saudi creativity to put their own spin on the global craze!

The original Labubu toys, created by the Hong Kong-born designer Lung Ka-sing, are a series of plush toy monster elves with round, furry bodies, pointed ears and sharp teeth that form a mischievous grin. They've become so popular that Labubus are a global sensation — sparking long lines outside toy stores, selling out online within minutes, and listing for double or triple their original price on resale markets.

Why Lanunu is actually genius

Think about it: The original Labubu collecting game can get pretty intense (and expensive). But Lanunu? It's giving us all the adorable vibes without the stress. You grab your chai, get your pocket-sized companion, and boom – you're part of the trend without breaking the bank or camping outside toy stores.

Plus, there's something so perfectly Saudi about this approach. It's taking a global phenomenon and making it accessible, local, and practical. Very "we see your viral trend and raise you something better" energy.

The social media buzz

TikTok is already buzzing with Lanunu content, and honestly, we predict this is just the beginning. The combination of cute collectibles, accessible pricing, and that perfect "pocket-sized" factor? It's basically designed to go viral.

We're already seeing posts about "Lanunu real vs fake" trending, which tells you everything you need to know about how quickly this little guy is capturing hearts across the region. Ready to get your own Lanunu? Head to WHOA TEA & Desserts in Riyadh and prepare to fall in love with your new pocket-sized companion. What do you think? Are you Team Labubu or Team Lanunu? Share your feedback on our social media platforms.

Surabhi Vasundharadevi
Surabhi VasundharadeviSocial Media Reporter
Surabhi is a social media reporter with almost a decade of experience in the field of journalism. She’s all about trending stories, while being a full-on car and bike enthusiast. If it’s got wheels or horsepower, Surabhi is interested. She also enjoys writing about cool tech and tasty food—basically, anything that makes life more exciting. Whether she’s exploring new recipes, or spotting the next big online trend, Surabhi is all about creating content that’s fun to read, easy to share, and always on point with what’s hot right now. Have a story to share with her? Reach out to Surabhi on svasundharadevi@gulfnews.com

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