There’s a new emotional support accessory in town. And guess what? It’s literally crying.
POP MART’s Crybaby bag charm has taken 2025 by storm. Equal parts bizarre and adorable, this tiny teary-eyed plush is swinging from tote bags, luxury purses, and backpacks around the world. With big glossy eyes, pouty lips, and cartoonishly dramatic tears, it’s a fashion statement no one saw coming — but now, no one can stop buying.
So what’s the deal with this strange little charm? And why is everyone suddenly wearing their feelings on their handbags? Known as the successor to POP MART’s Labubu, the viral collectible that literally sells out in seconds, Crybaby charms hit the sweet spot between humor and heartache, allowing wearers to embrace their inner drama queen or soft girl era with flair.
We’ve entered an era where cute isn’t just perfect: it’s weird, emotional, and even a little bit sad. That’s the charm (literally) of Crybaby. Inspired by Japan’s kimo-kawaii (“gross-cute”) aesthetic, it embraces imperfection with a wink. These tiny crying faces are oddly comforting, in the same way a crumpled stuffed animal or childhood doodle might be.
These adorable plushies also fit right into the broader kidult trend: adults embracing childlike fashion, toys, and accessories as valid forms of self-expression. From Sanrio collections to Hello Kitty Crocs, nostalgia-fueled design is booming.
Luxury fashion has caught on, too. Brands like Loewe and Balenciaga are integrating plush textures and exaggerated shapes in recent runway shows, further validating the plushie-as-accessory concept.
Like so many modern trends, Crybaby owes at least part of its fame to TikTok. A search of the tag #crybabycharm reveals thousands of videos: unboxings, bag tours, and charm reviews.
TikTok creators affectionately refer to their charms as “emotional support plushies,” combining humor and vulnerability in a uniquely Gen Z fashion statement. Their videos generate millions of views, helping the Crybaby charm transcend niche collectors and reach mainstream buyers.
The Crybaby bag charm may be small, but it’s making a big emotional statement. If you’re looking for an accessory that screams humor, and heart-on-your-sleeve style, this quirky charm hits all the right notes. So go ahead: let your purse cry a little. It’s kind of beautiful.
Shop some of our favorite Crybaby bag charms below.
POP MART Crybaby Sunset Concert Series Blind Box Plushie Bag Charm

Price: $18
POP MART Crybaby Cheer UP, Baby! Series Plush Pendant Blind Box

Price: $15.99
POP MART Crybaby × Powerpuff Girls Series-Vinyl Face Plush Blind Box

Price: $17.99
The post Why Everyone’s Crying (Happily) Over the Crybaby Bag Charm in 2025 appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.