Trendy toys from both China and the United States are helping forge cuddly new connections among young people across the Pacific and playing their part in boosting China-U.S. relations, as this pop culture phenomenon builds a brand new bridge between the two sides.
With ties in the spotlight this week as U.S. President Donald Trump embarked on a three-day state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping -- the first by a U.S. president in almost nine years -- exchanges of a different kind are making an impact of the streets of both countries.
From blind boxes to IP-themed merchandise, trendy toys from China and the United States are proving a big hit among consumers keen to snap up the latest products from stores.
Labubu, one of the world's most popular toy IPs originating from China, is now taking over some of the top toy stores and viral hangouts in Miami.
With the city set to host matches at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, local toy stores have rolled out football-themed Labubu figures, which have quickly become a firm favorite among American consumers of all ages.
"Everybody's obsessed with them -- grown-ups, kids," said Zashery Mercedes, manager of a Pop Mart pop-up store in Miami.
This obsession knows no physical bounds, as a number of American toy fans have even traveled all the way to China just to get their hands on their favorite limited editions. At Pop Mart's largest flagship store in the bustling eastern Chinese metropolis of Shanghai, the excited sounds of American tourists can be heard almost nonstop.
Driven by the spending frenzy of Labubu's growing army of fans in the U.S., retailer Pop Mart has opened over 140 stores and vending machines across the United States in the past two years.
"I used to buy them only on TikTok shop, but I happened to walk past a little Pop Mart store and we said let's try our luck, and we were successful," said an American consumer.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of "The Monsters" -- the successful series to which Labubu belongs -- and there's more good news for its fans as Pop Mart is teaming up with Sony Pictures Entertainment to develop a feature film starring the much-loved Labubu character.
From appearing in major global sporting events to making its way into Hollywood studios, one of the key reasons Labubu has won the hearts of young Americans is that it represents the compelling design and storytelling of modern Chinese cultural industries, while also transcending borders and cultures.
"These are the ones seeking out difference through pop culture from around the world. And they have no bias against Chinese media, as long as it tells stories that are exciting for them -- they like the aesthetic," said Henry Jenkins, a professor of communication, journalism, and cinematic arts at the University of Southern California (USC).
That same enthusiasm exists in China, with many consumers keen to get their hands on products related to another American classic IP: 'My Little Pony'.
Originally launched in 1983, My Little Pony has seen a fresh surge of popularity in China in recent years through its collectible toys. Kayou, a leader in China's trading card market, has turned My Little Pony-themed collectible cards into a billion-dollar business.
A look inside Kayou's design studio shows how the four-decade-old American IP has managed to connect with a new generation on the other side of the Pacific. There, artists are giving these classic characters a vibrant visual life.
"It's truly a two-way creative exchange. When we bring American IPs together with China's manufacturing strength and local design creatives, the results are impressive. We've woven Chinese design elements into many of our products, and they've proven popular with consumers globally. It's no longer just about the product itself. It allows young people from different countries to share memories and things they love together. It has become an emotional connection," said Zhao Chen, a public relations manager with Kayou.
For the creators of the brand, this partnership has opened up exciting new avenues for growth.
"My Little Pony in China -- it developed a very different story versus other international market, because many of our licensing partner (not only) create multiple products, services and experience in China, but also create trends that influence the whole world. China is the biggest international market (for My Little Pony). We even think about some storytelling or even content maybe will have Chinese or Asian elements in the future," said Jessica Qian, a senior director of licensed consumer products for Asia Pacific at Hasbro.
This two-way cultural exchange doesn't stop at the store shelf -- it has extended into an entirely new space via social media.
Whitney Pollett, a toy designer based in Los Angeles, has created hundreds of different products, many of which are gaining a big following in China. Tapping into this rising demand, she's one of a growing number of American creators who are joining Chinese social media platforms in order to better connect with her fans.
"It became really popular and I didn't expect it. But I've loved every second of it. I'm connecting with the Chinese audience. They're recommending specific fashions I should look into. So we all just connected in this really beautiful and meaningful way," she said.
Trendy toys play part in fostering cuddly connections among Chinese, American youths
