Moncks Corner, S.C. – A Berkeley County mother, Morgan Pedroni, is speaking out after her daughter’s viral collectible toy was stolen at school, highlighting the risks that trendy, high-demand items pose to children in the classroom.
The Theft of the “Yellow Happiness Labubu” Keychain
Pedroni’s daughter, a student at Moncks Corner Elementary, had clipped a “Yellow Happiness Labubu” keychain to her backpack, part of a popular collectible toy series that has become a social media sensation. According to Pedroni, the trouble started when, as her daughter walked out of her classroom, another student took the keychain.
Pedroni took to Facebook to share the story, hoping for a resolution and giving the student an opportunity to come forward without the school having to review security footage. “I wanted the kid to have a chance to come forward without us knowing who it was without the school having to look at the cameras or anything like that,” Pedroni said.
The Investigation and Viral Post
Instead of resolving quietly, Pedroni’s post went viral, drawing widespread attention. The school reviewed security footage and identified the student involved. According to Pedroni, the student admitted to taking the toy but later claimed it was stolen again while on the school bus. Unfortunately, the Labubu keychain has yet to be returned.
Labubu Collectibles: Not Just Toys, But Valuable Collector’s Items
While the theft may seem minor, Labubu toys are far from ordinary. These vinyl-faced collectibles, which debuted in Hong Kong 10 years ago, have become a major trend on social media and have skyrocketed in value. While some Labubus retail for as little as $44, rare versions can fetch thousands of dollars on resale platforms like eBay and StockX. This soaring value has made them frequent targets for theft, counterfeiting, and even seizures by border security.
Pedroni’s Advice to Parents
Pedroni is sharing her daughter’s experience as a warning to other families. “If you’re going to have them on your kids’ backpack, get the metal locking key chain holders. Or, if you don’t want your kids’ toy stolen, maybe don’t send them to school with it,” she advises.
To protect her children’s collectibles, Pedroni has come up with a personal safeguard: writing her children’s initials on the Labubu tags. Since these tags are required for authenticity and resale, she hopes it will prevent others from profiting if the toy is stolen.
A Growing Concern Among Parents
Pedroni believes her daughter’s toy was taken due to personal conflict rather than the desire to resell it, but she warns parents to remain cautious of the craze. “It’s not just a toy—it’s become a collector’s item, and kids who bring them to school may be at risk of losing them,” she cautioned.
