How Pop Mart Crybaby Helped Me Embrace Vulnerability
- MaryAnne Clark
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Meet Crybaby: The Pop Mart Figure That Embraces Emotion
In a world that often praises strength, hiding tears, and pushing through without pause, one tiny vinyl figure dared to say: It’s okay to cry. That figure was the Pop Mart Crybaby, a soft-spoken icon of emotion and resilience. This quietly powerful character has found its way into collectors’ hearts since its creation in 2017 by Thai artist Molly Yllom.
The Artist Behind the Tears: Molly Yllom’s Vision
Crybaby was created in 2017 by Molly Yllom, who intentionally flipped the script on what “crying” means. Molly’s inspiration for Crybaby came from something deeply human yet often overlooked—the beauty of vulnerability. She envisioned a character that wasn’t afraid to feel, a little one with glistening tears and soft colors, radiating raw emotion in the most comforting way. Crybaby reminds us that crying doesn’t make us weak. It means we’re alive, empathetic, and honest with ourselves.
Why Crybaby Spoke to Me as a Military Spouse and Creator
That message hit home for me personally. I first discovered Crybaby around the same time I stumbled upon Labubu, the mischievous little creature with big ears and even bigger personality. While Labubu made me laugh and drew me in with its quirky wildness, Pop Mart Crybaby spoke to my heart.
As someone who juggles being a mom, a military wife, a creator, and a woman constantly adapting to life overseas, I often found myself quietly absorbing the pressures of daily life. Crybaby reminded me that it’s okay to let the tears fall—to FEEL fully and unapologetically. In a world that often hides emotion, these emotional collectibles speak truth through silence.
Every Crybaby Figure Tells a Story
Each figure in the Pop Mart Crybaby series carries its own unique expression and theme. From heartbreak and healing, to dreams and wonder, they’re not just toys. They’re deeply expressive vinyl art toys. These tiny emotional snapshots hold space for feelings we often bury.
Pop Mart Crybaby’s Popularity Across Asia
Crybaby quickly grew in popularity across Asia, becoming one of the most beloved Pop Mart collectibles. Soon, it ranked as the second most favorite Pop Mart character in Southeast Asia, just after Labubu.
As I dove deeper into the world of Crybaby, I discovered just how vast and emotionally layered the collection really is. Some of the rarest Crybaby figures, like “Rainbow Tears” or “Starry Night,” are known to fetch high prices in the resale market—and even higher levels of emotion for collectors.
But Crybaby’s appeal isn’t just regional or commercial—it’s deeply personal for many of us who see ourselves in those tiny, tearful eyes.
More Than a Toy: Crybaby's Lasting Impact on Mental Health and Identity
What draws so many fans to Crybaby—and many other designer toys from Asia—is not just the cute aesthetic, but the emotional connection they offer. For me, Crybaby became more than a collectible; it became a gentle reminder. It let me know during hard days that I don't have to be perfect or strong all the time. So yes, I proudly admit I'm in love—with a little teary-eyed vinyl figure. Because Pop Mart Crybaby helped me rediscover something I'd forgotten in the chaos of life: It's okay to cry, it's okay to feel, and it's more than okay to treasure characters that reflect that truth.
Sometimes, strength isn't loud or bold—it's quiet, tear-streaked, and tender.
Crybaby is more than a figure—it's proof that even the most miniature Pop Mart collectible can carry a powerful emotional message. After all, some of the strongest souls are the ones who aren't afraid to let the tears fall—and wear them like a badge of courage.
Crybaby in Real Life: Watch My Pop Mart Unboxings!
If reading about Crybaby made your heart swell, wait until you see these tiny tear-streaked cuties up close! I’ve shared my unboxing experience in three YouTube Shorts and one full video that capture the joy, surprise, and little emotional explosions that come with opening a new Pop Mart Crybaby blind box.
Watch now and see which Crybaby figure I pulled!💫 Expect squeals, some soft lighting, and the occasional happy tear.
Whether you're a fellow collector or just Crybaby-curious, these unboxings will give you a closer look at why these emotional collectibles are stealing hearts around the world.
More on Pop Mart Collectibles
If you enjoyed learning about Crybaby, you might also love exploring other quirky and emotionally resonant characters from the Pop Mart universe. Check out these related stories from our community of collectors:
Pop Mart Collectibles: Labubu Review A fun and heartfelt review of one of Pop Mart’s most mischievous figures, Labubu.
Meet Labubu: The Mischievous Toy Taking Over My Life (and Social Media)
Dive into how Labubu stole the spotlight on shelves and social feeds alike.
Want to dig even deeper into the world of Crybaby and collectible culture? Check out these curated reads from around the web.
Explore More About Pop Mart Crybaby
Still curious about the story, emotion, and global appeal behind Pop Mart Crybaby? These articles and resources dive deeper into what makes this teary-eyed figure so special.
5 Things You Should Know About Pop Mart’s Crybaby – Harper’s Bazaar Singapore Learn about the heartwarming story behind Crybaby and why it continues to resonate with collectors worldwide.
Official Pop Mart Crybaby Collection – Pop Mart Korea Browse the full Crybaby collection, including limited editions and special releases.
Labubu Alternatives: Collectible Toys That Capture the Same Vibe – Cosmopolitan If you love Crybaby and Labubu, discover other emotionally expressive collectibles that are trending right now.
Tatler’s Guide to the Most Popular Blind Box Series – Tatler Asia Explore the rise of blind box culture and how characters like Crybaby are redefining collectible art.
Beyond Crybaby: Pop Mart’s Other Iconic Characters – RADII China Discover the broader Pop Mart universe and how characters like Crybaby fit into a larger collectible movement.
Whether you’re a longtime collector or just discovering Crybaby, these reads offer a deeper look into why this tiny vinyl figure has captured so many hearts.
Do you collect Pop Mart Crybaby or other emotional collectibles? Share your favorite figure or story in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pop Mart Crybaby
What is Pop Mart Crybaby?
Pop Mart Crybaby is a designer vinyl toy character created in 2017 by Thai artist Molly Yllom. Known for its teary-eyed expression and soft color palette, Crybaby symbolizes emotional honesty and the beauty of vulnerability. It’s part of the broader Pop Mart lineup of collectible blind box figures.
Who created Crybaby, and what inspired it?
Crybaby was created by Molly Yllom, who was inspired by the emotional connection she felt with her pet dog. She designed Crybaby to flip the narrative on crying—presenting it not as a weakness, but as a powerful form of expression.
Why is Crybaby so popular?
Crybaby resonates with collectors because it represents something deeper than cuteness. Each figure captures a different emotional state—such as heartbreak, healing, wonder, or sadness—making them feel more like emotional companions than just toys. Its popularity has surged across Asia, especially in Southeast Asia, where it ranks just behind Labubu in fan favorites.
Are Pop Mart Crybaby figures rare?
Some Crybaby figures are very rare and highly sought after in the resale market. Editions like “Rainbow Tears” and “Starry Night” are especially collectible, with limited runs and unique detailing that elevate their emotional and market value.
Where can I buy Pop Mart Crybaby figures?
You can purchase Crybaby figures from the official Pop Mart website, at Pop Mart stores around the world, or through reputable collectible toy retailers online. Keep in mind that rare figures may only be available through resale platforms.
What makes Crybaby different from other Pop Mart figures?
Unlike some of Pop Mart’s more whimsical or mischievous characters (like Labubu), Crybaby is rooted in emotional storytelling. Each figure reflects a specific mood or feeling, making it one of the most introspective and relatable characters in the Pop Mart universe.
Why do people connect emotionally with Crybaby?
Crybaby offers a gentle reminder that it’s okay to feel deeply. For many, including military spouses, creatives, and people dealing with everyday pressures, Crybaby is a symbol of self-acceptance and emotional validation.
The meaning behind it, I never know always wondered why it had those teary eyes.
Cry baby are so much cuter than Labubu 🤩