Labubu lovers beware - your beloved trinket could be about to be replaced

We're just a little over a week into 2026, and it looks like we're already seeing the year's first microtrend.

2025 was jam-packed with fashion trends, with some stand-out players including the renaissance of skinny jeans, the obsession with bows on absolutely everything and even Ugg boots making their triumphant return.

But, arguably, one of the biggest things to come out of 2025 was no doubt the infamous Labubu dolls.

You couldn't scroll on your For You Page for a minute before seeing one of these furry little monster dolls popping up on some influencer's designer purse or featuring on a celebrity's 'what's in my bag' haul.

Now, while the TikTok-viral internet craze doesn't seem to be dying down anytime soon, there may now be some competition for the OG Labubu as a brand-new trinket has just popped up on the scene.

Move over Labubu, there's a new kid on the block (Mike Kemp / Contributor / Getty Images)

This new 'must-have' item is called a Mirumi and, according to the brand's website, it's 'a charm robot that steals a glance - and your heart'.

The name 'Mirumi' is a blend of two Japanese words - 'miru' (to look) and 'nuigurumi' (stuffed animal).

The Mirumi website links to a Kickstarter created by Yukai Engineering, a small robotics startup made up of designers and engineers who love to create robots.

"Our mission is to use robotics to make our daily lives more fun and fulfilling!" the bio notes.

Will these Mirumi robots be the next 2026 microtrend? (Yukai Engineering)

The Kickstarter description adds: "Mirumi is a little companion robot that lights up your heart with its innocent, adorable expression. It notices the world around it and turns to take a peek. "When its shy gaze meets yours, it sparks a moment of unexpected joy - just like when a human baby on a crowded train suddenly looks your way.

"And Mirumi isn’t just for you - it can spark joy for people around you, too. Think of Mirumi attached to your backpack, turning to someone behind you on the train.

"Now imagine the delightful surprise for them!"

Mirumi does a whole lot more than just look cute and fluffy! (Yukai Engineering)

Yukai Engineering explains that you can add your Mirumi to your bag (or anywhere you’d like) and 'enjoy its reactions to sounds, touches, and its own curious movements'.

"Mirumi glances around, and its upward gaze might meet yours unexpectedly before shyly turning away. We designed Mirumi to gently touch your heart through such tiny, tender gestures," the company outlines, adding that a touch sensor in the robot's head detects patting, 'prompting adorable reactions randomly chosen by our special algorithm'.

The Mirumi robots start at $119 a pop (Yukai Engineering)

When it hears a sound or voice, the Mirumi will also turn its head, showing interest and curiosity.

"Mirumi makes spontaneous movements even when nothing is happening, adding charm and lifelike behaviour," Yukai Engineering shares, noting that the robot is designed to wrap its arms around straps and poles (including skinny ones), securely latching onto bags and many other objects.

Some people were absolutely buzzing after catching light of the news, with one Instagram user writing: "So cutee I want one!!!"

"Adding to cart!!!" gushed a second.

Others, however, weren't so sure with a third jeering: "Losers will buy it and think they’re cool."

And a final critic lamented: "Oh, good lord, not again."

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