
Labubu booth offers personalized fun for kids
By Debbie L. Sklar
Every Thursday, families flock to the Scripps Ranch Farmers Market for fresh produce, friendly faces and a little extra magic from one local vendor: Jackie Duenas and her Labubu toy booth.
Part of JD Events, her setup has become a must-see for kids and parents alike, offering something uniquely personal in the world of toys.
JD Events began as a full-service event planning business, catering primarily to children’s parties. But it was her passion for design – and the growing popularity of Labubu dolls – that inspired her to expand into toys.
“The Labubu party is the most popular. Kids bring their Labubu dolls and pick out accessories and clothing. I realized I could create one-of-a-kind, personalized outfits right at my fingertips, and I knew our community would love it,” she said.
A longtime Scripps Ranch resident for more than 25 years, Duenas enjoys bringing her creative flair to the community she knows and loves.
“I raised a wonderful son who’s now in college, and I’ve always been proud of our schools and neighborhood. The Farmer’s Market is a fun community event every Thursday, and I love being a part of it,” she said.
Duenas has deep ties to the venue. She was one of the first vendors to set up alongside founders Bev and Mike and has since made it a weekly family tradition.
“Thursday is my favorite time of the week. My family works at the market with me, and we often have dinner there together. It’s like a family gathering. Vendors help each other, and the atmosphere is wonderful,” she said.
Duenas specializes in handmade clothing for Labubu dolls, all crafted locally in San Diego. She also carries a variety of toys to appeal to kids of all ages – from Legos and puzzles to food-grade silicone Pop It fidget toys, Play-Doh and pop-culture-inspired items like K-pop and Netflix-themed toys.
“Right now, the most popular items are Labubu clothes. Kids love choosing their own styles, and parents enjoy seeing their children’s creativity come alive,” she said.
Personalization is key to her approach. Duenas interacts with children at the booth, helping them select outfits or even create custom designs.
“It’s exciting to see their faces when they find exactly what they want. And many return the following week for their one-of-a-kind order,” she said.
Duenas keeps her finger on the pulse of trends while staying true to her local roots. She sources Labubu clothing from local makers and toys from suppliers that prioritize sustainability. Ninety percent of her imported materials are recycled.
“I try to stay on top of what children are into and make sure our offerings are both fun and safe,” she said.
For Duenas, the market is about more than sales – it’s about community.
“I love seeing people I know, connecting with neighbors, and being part of this amazing group of vendors. It’s more than work; it’s family,” she said.
Whether you’re shopping for a unique Labubu outfit or looking for a sensory toy to engage young minds, Lalabus is a Thursday stop you won’t want to miss.
Visit Jackie Duenas and her booth at the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market, held every Thursday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 10045 Carroll Canyon Road.
