Blind box buying and pressure to buy among young people!
IVAR OLAI NORDVIK
Blind box and pressure to buy among young people – a safe guide for parents
The blind box trend has exploded. Sealed boxes where you don't know which figure you're getting until you open them have become very popular among young collectors. POP MART and Labubu are among the most sought-after figures – but several researchers and psychologists warn against gambling-like mechanisms and buying pressure among children and young people.
1. A safe and predictable alternative to blind boxes
At Products by Nordvik ENK we believe that collecting should be safe, honest and without unnecessary risk . That's why we don't sell blind or mystery boxes. Instead, we offer a wide selection of POP MART Labubu figures in different colors and variations , where you always know exactly which figure you are buying .
For parents and young collectors, this means you don't have to "gamble" on every purchase, while also reducing the risk of impulse buying and disappointment . We also offer more affordable alternatives and promotions so that more people can collect safely - without pressure to buy or the risk of pirated copies .
In short: With us you get genuine, legal and tested POP MART products – with predictable purchases and clear information about price, quality and target group.
2. Why the blind box trend worries experts
Blind boxes are designed to create excitement and anticipation , much like a lottery. You don't know which figure you'll get – and it's this uncertainty that makes many people buy again and again in the hope of getting a "rarer" edition.
In psychology, this is called variable reinforcement : the brain gets rewarded sometimes, but not always. The same mechanism is used in gambling and digital loot boxes . It can give you a strong kick – but it also makes it harder to stop.
Several professional circles and media have discussed the issue:
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Rowan Center LA: Why We Can't Stop Buying Labubu – The Psychology Behind It
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BMC Psychology: The Effect of Doll Blind Box Uncertainty on Consumers' Irrational Behavior (2025)
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Mental Floss: What the Labubu Blind Box Craze Has in Common With Gambling
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The Guardian: Labubu blind box addiction likened to gambling
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ResearchGate: Psychological motivations in blind box consumption
Psychologists point out that children and adolescents in particular can develop impulse control problems, impulse buying and emotional stress , especially when a lot of money is spent on products with random outcomes.
3. Products by Nordvik – a legal and adult alternative
Our products are designed and marketed for adult collectors , not children. We follow applicable regulations for product labeling, importation and consumer protection , so that our customers can shop safely and informed.
Product labeling from the manufacturer
"The product is suitable for collection and decoration of people aged over 15. Not for children under 14 years old."
Important to know
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The products are sold exclusively through our specialized online store , not through regular toy chains.
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The target audience, design and marketing are clearly aimed at adult collectors .
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The price level is significantly higher than for traditional children's toys.
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The products are primarily used as decoration, collectibles, or fashion accessories , not as toys.
4. Advice for parents who have children who want Labubu
- Talk openly with your child about the difference between play, collecting, and gambling-like mechanisms.
- Set a clear budget – for example, one figure per month, and avoid impulsive blind box purchases.
- Preferably choose open products where you know which figure you are buying.
- Pay extra attention if your child shows stress, regrets or hides purchases.
5. Summary
Blind box figures can be a fun part of the collecting hobby – but the mechanics behind them can be reminiscent of gambling, especially for children and young people. By choosing open, predictable products and following clear product labeling for adult collectors, you as a parent can make more informed choices and reduce the pressure to buy.