Podcast Summary: Your Money Minute

Episode: Budget For Those Who Want Labubu Dolls
Date: September 11, 2025
Host: Jessica Ettinger (CNBC)
Guest: Eunice Yun (CNBC Beijing Correspondent)

Episode Overview

This brisk, 60-second episode delves into the trending phenomenon of Labubu dolls—collectible toys made by Chinese company Pop Mart—and the financial implications for consumers as the holiday season nears. The discussion highlights both the unpredictable and potentially expensive nature of the "blind box" market and offers practical budgeting advice for those looking to fulfill Labubu doll wishes without breaking the bank.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Labubu Dolls: The Hot Holiday Trend

• Labubu dolls are in high demand as the holiday season approaches, especially among children and collectors.

  • Jessica Ettinger sets the stage:

    "Come the holidays, you might have kids, grandkids, or somebody in your life asking for a Labubu doll." (00:01)

• Produced by Pop Mart, a Chinese company, the brand is experiencing significant investor attention amidst market volatility.

  • Eunice Yun explains the stock’s rollercoaster:

    "The stock went on a roller coaster ride, hitting a record after plunging because investors are really trying to figure out whether or not Pop Mart is riding a fad or if this is sustainable business." (00:13)

2. What Makes Labubu Dolls Unique

• Description:

  • "Labubu dolls are elf-like little monsters… part of a children’s [franchise]." (00:24)

• Collectibility parallels to Beanie Babies:

  • "In China, the dolls are being called today’s Beanie Babies. They’re collectible and selling for crazy money online. But there’s a difference: when you buy a Labubu doll, you don’t know which one you’re gonna get." (00:27)

3. The 'Blind Box' Mystery Model

• Blind box defined:

  • Eunice Yun:

    "It really became a phenomenon because of the blind box, a mystery box. People don’t exactly know [what they get]." (00:43)

• Unboxing as a thrill and social event:

  • Jessica Ettinger:

    "They open it up, they get really excited about it and they post that box opening on social media." (00:50)

• Repeat purchases and the ‘Golden Ticket’ effect:

  • "People who don’t get the doll they want, they then buy more. It’s sort of the Willy Wonka golden ticket model." (00:54)

4. Financial Implications & Budgeting

• Cost specifics:

  • "A blind box costs from $20 to $40 on Pop Mart’s website directly. And there are rare Labubu dolls that can mean thousands of dollars." (00:58)

• Consumer warning & budgeting tip:

  • "If you think you’ll be facing this cost during the holidays, there’s a lot you can learn on how to budget. @cnbc.com" (01:08)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the unpredictability of purchases:

  • Jessica Ettinger:

    "When you buy a Labubu doll, you don’t know which one you’re gonna get." (00:33)

• On the craze’s similarity to past collectible booms:

  • Jessica Ettinger:

    "In China, the dolls are being called today’s Beanie Babies." (00:28)

• On the driving force behind repeated purchases:

  • Jessica Ettinger:

    "People who don’t get the doll they want, they then buy more. It’s sort of the Willy Wonka golden ticket model." (00:54)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:01 — Introducing the Labubu doll trend
• 00:13 — Pop Mart’s stock and business outlook (Eunice Yun)
• 00:24 — Labubu’s collectible culture and comparison to Beanie Babies
• 00:43 — The blind box phenomenon (Eunice Yun)
• 00:58 — Price range and the potential for rare finds
• 01:08 — Reminder to budget and seek advice (directed to CNBC’s website)

Tone & Style

Jessica Ettinger delivers her advice in a brisk, practical tone, while Eunice Yun provides insight from a market and cultural standpoint. The episode is fast-paced, factual, and accessible—perfect for busy listeners seeking actionable finance tips in under a minute.

Summary Conclusion:
If you’re grappling with the possibility of Labubu dolls on wish lists this holiday season, this episode of Your Money Minute expertly breaks down why they’re all the rage, how the economics of “blind boxes” work, and highlights the importance of budgeting wisely around this collectible craze. For more tips and budgeting strategies, check out CNBC’s website.