Collectible culture has exploded in recent years, but few releases have captured the imaginations of collectors like Pop Mart’s enigmatic blind boxes. If you’ve ever felt the thrill of opening a mystery toy, you’ll understand why fans in Sydney and Canberra are buzzing about the Apple of My Eye Series – Scented Candle Blind Box. In this post we’ll dive into the lore of Labubu and the wider Pop Mart universe, explore the holiday‑themed Apple of My Eye series, and show you how and why collectors in Canberra are embracing this delightful scent‑infused blind box.
The Pop Mart phenomenon and the magic of blind boxes
Pop Mart isn’t just a toy company – it’s a cultural force. Founded in Beijing, the brand collaborates with independent artists to create unique designer toys and art collectibles. Their secret sauce lies in limited‑edition releases and the blind box concept. Blind boxes offer buyers an unknown collectible figure and often include a rare “secret” design. According to a marketing analysis from the University of Florida, Pop Mart’s blind boxes typically contain twelve designs plus a rare secret figure, and collectors sometimes purchase dozens of boxes to chase the special edition. The unpredictable nature of blind boxes has been compared to buying a lottery ticket because the element of chance and the thrill of unboxing drives social engagement and resale value. Rare figures can resell for incredible amounts – early generation Labubu toys have sold for US $150,000 at auction. This combination of scarcity and excitement fuels a passionate collector community around the world.
Meet Labubu – the mischievous star of The Monsters tribe
Labubu is one of Pop Mart’s most recognisable characters and a driving force behind the company’s success. Created by Belgian‑Chinese artist Kasing Lung for his Nordic‑inspired picture book series The Monsters, Labubu resembles a furry forest elf with round body, wide eyes, pointed ears and nine sharp teeth that form a mischievous grin. She is often mistaken for a rabbit, but the Blippo blog clarifies that Labubu is an elf‑like creature inspired by classic fairy tales. Despite her fierce look, the character is kind‑hearted and female.
Labubu belongs to a tribe of playful monsters that includes other beloved characters. Zimomo is the leader with a spiked tail; Tycoco is Labubu’s skeletal boyfriend; Mokoko sports pastel‑coloured fur and a heart‑shaped nose; Pato is a dreamy creature with droopy ears; and Spooky looks like a bundled snowman. These characters draw inspiration from nostalgic properties like Smurfs and Where the Wild Things Are. Although most of the Monsters tribe is female, Zimomo stands out as the only male. The diversity of personalities gives fans multiple characters to fall in love with.
Pop Mart first partnered with Kasing Lung in 2019, turning Labubu and her friends into vinyl figures sold in blind boxes. The collaboration proved wildly successful – the China Briefing notes that Labubu contributed around RMB 3 billion (≈US $420 million) to Pop Mart’s 2024 revenue, representing about 23 % of total sales. Pop Mart now operates more than 200 retail stores and 2,500 automated “Robo Shops” worldwide, and the brand aims to generate 65 % of its revenue overseas by 2027. Labubu’s popularity has been fuelled by celebrity endorsements from stars like Blackpink’s Lisa, Rihanna and Kim Kardashian and countless unboxing videos on social media. That cultural momentum sets the stage for the Apple of My Eye series.
What is the Apple of My Eye Series?
Released for the 2025 holiday season, the Apple of My Eye Series – Scented Candle Blind Box combines Pop Mart’s collectible figures with a festive home fragrance. Each box contains a 115 g scented candle housed in a glass cup shaped like a layered Christmas tree and topped with a resin figure of one of Pop Mart’s beloved characters. The candles burn for about 21 hours at room temperature (~25 °C) and are made from beeswax, coconut wax, soy wax and crystalline waxwith a cotton wick. After burning, the glass cup can be reused or stacked as décor.
The series consists of six regular scents plus a secret edition:
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Cinnamon Apple Night – a cozy blend reminiscent of spiced cider.
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Honeyed Sweet Dreams – evokes warm honey and calming sweetness.
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Fireplace Chat – conjures crackling logs and smoky warmth.
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Gift of Dionysus – hints of wine and festive indulgence.
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Warm Winter Ode – a gentle, nostalgic fragrance.
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Cozy Winter Slumber – soothing notes perfect for a quiet evening.
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Snow & Star Party (Secret) – a rare edition with a sparkling scent; the odds of pulling this secret are 1 in 54.
Each scent is associated with a different Pop Mart character perched atop the candle: Labubu, Dimoo, Hirono, Hacipupu, and Twinkle Twinkle. Collectors don’t know which design they’re getting until they unbox the product. This interplay between fragrance, figure and mystery is what makes Apple of My Eye so special.
Thoughtful design and materials
Beyond their adorable appearance, these candles are built with quality in mind. Pop Mart uses beeswax, coconut wax, soybean wax, and crystalline wax in the candle composition. Beeswax burns cleanly and slowly, while coconut and soy wax provide excellent scent throw and reduce soot. The wicks are cotton, ensuring an even burn and minimizing smoke. The cup is made of glass, with a silicone lid and decorative PVC accessories. Collectors appreciate these premium materials because they elevate the product beyond a novelty toy into a functional home décor item.
Blind box odds and secret rarity
Like other Pop Mart series, Apple of My Eye uses the blind box format to create excitement. Each case contains six regular variants and a chance to pull the secret Snow & Star Party edition. According to Miaorizon’s product description, the blind box odds are 1:6 for regular variants and 1:54 for the secret. This rarity encourages trading among collectors and fuels the sense of community that surrounds Pop Mart releases. Some retailers even offer an “Unbox‑Checked” option where staff open the box, identify the character and reseal it for buyers who want a specific figure.
Why Canberra collectors love Labubu and Apple of My Eye
A local hotspot for designer toys
While Pop Mart stores are scattered worldwide, Canberra has its own hub for designer toy enthusiasts: VALOR HYPE. Located at Shop 7, 39 London Cct, Canberra, ACT 2601, this boutique store specialises in Pop Mart figures and lifestyle merchandise. VALOR HYPE offers authentic products and emphasises a safe checkout process. They stock the Apple of My Eye series at AU $55 per candle, so Canberra residents don’t have to order from overseas or worry about counterfeit items.
The store’s location in the heart of Canberra makes it an ideal destination for students, young professionals and families to explore the blind box phenomenon. Shoppers can browse different Pop Mart series, see sample displays and even trade duplicates with other collectors. For locals searching online for “Labubu Canberra”, the Apple of My Eye series at VALOR HYPE is often their gateway into Pop Mart’s whimsical world.
Community and shared excitement
Blind boxes are more than a product; they’re a social experience. Marketing research shows that collectors often film unboxing videos and share them online. These posts generate excitement, encourage others to purchase and create a sense of community. In Canberra, local collectors organise trading meet‑ups where they swap duplicates and help each other complete sets. The thrill of potentially pulling the secret Snow & Star Party edition brings people together and adds a festive, lottery‑like element to gift giving.
Seasonal décor with personality
The Apple of My Eye candles double as both collectibles and holiday décor. The layered Christmas tree cups look charming on a mantelpiece or dining table, and the subtle fragrances provide a warm ambience for winter evenings. Because each scent and character evokes a different mood – from spiced apples to honeyed dreams – collectors can choose the candle that fits their holiday aesthetic. Once the candle is burned down, the glass cup can hold jewellery, office supplies or other small treasures, making these blind boxes practical long after the holidays.
Exploring the characters in the Apple of My Eye series
To appreciate the series fully, let’s look at how each Pop Mart character brings its personality to the candle design.
Labubu – Honeyed Sweet Dreams
Our favourite mischievous elf is paired with Honeyed Sweet Dreams, a fragrance evoking warm honey and bedtime comfort. The figure shows Labubu nestled on the tree’s apex with her signature toothy grin and pointed ears. Pairing Labubu with a soothing scent might seem ironic given her naughty appearance, but it reflects the character’s kind naturebehind the playful façade. The figure’s design stays true to Kasing Lung’s original art, with nine tiny teeth and wide eyes that invite you into the Monsters world.
Dimoo – Fireplace Chat
Dimoo, another popular Pop Mart character, is known for his dreamy expression and starry‑eyed gaze. In the Apple of My Eye series, he sits atop the Fireplace Chat candle, which smells of crackling wood and smoky warmth. Dimoo’s presence adds a sense of introspection and nostalgia. Fans often associate Dimoo with themes of childhood wonder and curiosity, so pairing him with a fireside scent enhances that feeling of storytelling around the hearth.
Hirono – Gift of Dionysus
Hirono is an adventurous character with a penchant for travel and fashion. She’s featured on the Gift of Dionysus candle, which hints at wine and festive celebrations. The scent references Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, evoking indulgence and merriment. Hirono’s stylish outfit and confident stance reinforce the celebratory vibe, making this candle perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
Hacipupu – Warm Winter Ode
Hacipupu is a fluffy character from the Pop Mart universe whose design has a cloud‑like body and gentle expression. The Warm Winter Ode candle suits Hacipupu’s soothing personality. Its fragrance is subtle and nostalgic, recalling quiet winter nights and heartfelt melodies. Collectors appreciate the soft colours and calm demeanour of this figure.
Twinkle Twinkle – Cinnamon Apple Night
Twinkle Twinkle features a young girl with a star on her head, representing wishes and dreams. She graces the Cinnamon Apple Night candle, which smells of spiced apples and holiday baking. The figure sits on a triple‑layered tree cup, with the star emphasising Twinkle’s celestial theme. This pairing captures the joy of decorating a tree and snacking on warm apple pie.
Cozy Winter Slumber – Pucky’s Dream
The Cozy Winter Slumber candle features Pucky, an elf‑like character known for whimsical costumes and dreamy poses. The scent is calming, ideal for relaxing after a long day. The figure’s sleepy expression and pastel colours make this candle a cute accent for bedrooms or reading nooks.
Snow & Star Party (Secret) – Labubu’s Shimmering Surprise
The secret edition is always the crown jewel of any Pop Mart series. Snow & Star Party features a glittering version of Labubu in a winter outfit, perched on a translucent cup with holographic details. The fragrance is reminiscent of a snowy evening under the stars – crisp, slightly sweet and magical. With odds of 1 in 54, only the luckiest collectors will obtain this piece. Its rarity drives high resale prices and bragging rights, so it’s no wonder unboxings of the secret candle flood social media.
Tips for collecting the Apple of My Eye series in Canberra
If you’re ready to embark on your Apple of My Eye journey, here are some practical tips for local collectors:
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Visit VALOR HYPE early. Stock is limited, and the series sells quickly during the holiday season. The store’s authenticity guarantee ensures you’re getting genuine Pop Mart items.
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Join local collector groups. Look for Facebook or Instagram communities under keywords like “Pop Mart Canberra” or “Labubu Canberra.” These groups share restock alerts and organise trading meet‑ups.
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Consider the Unbox‑Checked option. If you’re chasing a specific figure and want to avoid duplicates, some online retailers like Miaorizon offer an Unbox‑Checked service where they identify the character inside and reseal the box. While this removes the surprise, it guarantees you get your favourite.
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Save the glass cups. Once the candle is gone, use the cup to store pins, jewellery or small stationery. They also stack neatly, so you can create a mini forest of colourful trees on your shelf.
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Embrace the community. Filming your unboxing or sharing photos of your display adds to the sense of belonging. Whether you pulled the secret figure or not, the fun lies in connecting with others.
Why the Apple of My Eye series makes a perfect gift
Multi‑sensory appeal
Unlike standard vinyl figures, the Apple of My Eye candles engage multiple senses. They smell delightful, look adorable and create a warm glow when lit. This combination makes them ideal holiday gifts – they are both decorative and functional. Recipients will appreciate the high‑quality wax blend and the delicate design details.
Universal charm
Pop Mart characters have broad appeal across age groups. While some collectors are teenagers or young adults, many parents buy blind boxes for their children because of the whimsical design and safe materials. The Apple of My Eye series is recommended for ages 15 and up because of the candle element, but the figures themselves can be displayed by younger fans once the candle is gone.
Collectability and future value
Because Pop Mart releases are limited and secret figures are rare, these candles may increase in value over time. The University of Florida article notes that rare Labubu designs have sold for up to US $150,000. While the Apple of My Eye series is more seasonal, its secret Snow & Star Party figure could become highly sought after. If you’re gifting to a collector, this set offers both immediate enjoyment and long‑term investment potential.
Local support
Buying your Apple of My Eye candles from VALOR HYPE helps support a local business in Canberra. It fosters a sense of community and keeps your dollars in the local economy. Plus, shopping in person allows you to see the product packaging, confirm authenticity and maybe even meet fellow fans.
Final thoughts
The Apple of My Eye Series – Scented Candle Blind Box combines everything Pop Mart enthusiasts love: adorable characters, festive scents, high‑quality materials and the irresistible mystery of blind boxes. For Labubu fans in Canberra, this series offers a chance to bring the playful Monsters tribe into their homes while enjoying a sensory holiday experience. Whether you’re drawn to the spiced aroma of Cinnamon Apple Night or you’re hunting the elusive Snow & Star Party secret, unboxing one of these candles is sure to fill your heart with childlike wonder.
Ready to start your collection? Drop by VALOR HYPE to see Apple of My Eye in person, or explore Pop Mart’s global offerings on their official website. You can also watch fun unboxing videos on Pop Mart’s official YouTube channel for inspiration. Happy collecting!
