At the weekend, the lovely Lauren came round and took some pics of me and my flat for a feature I’m writing (and another little project too). Before she arrived, I was having a look at my own camera and discovered that I’d taken lots of snaps of my Japan finds and never shared them…
I took them so long ago (or it feels like so long ago) that the pictures next to them are all of Fab ice lollies! (Yes, it was back when we had some sunshine and I ate up to 2 Fabs every day! Very healthy I know!)
Anyway… normally when I go away, I buy nearly nothing. I think I worry about how much money I spend while I’m there and then when I get home, I go “I wish I’d bought xxx”. Always.
So this time, I treated myself to a few funny little cute things (you’ve already seen the biscuit maker and the egg moulds) but here’s some of the other things…
A pink elephant sellotape dispenser… an essential, is he not?
And of course more washi tape. It’s so cheap in Japan. So so so very cheap. And so pretty! And there’s so many more varieties (yes, that’s one with pins and safety pins on it!)
I actually bought more than this but managed to leave a bag on the plane that had some of the rolls in it. And it was never found, sad times! (Or a good excuse to go back!)
I also ‘invested’ in these gorgeous wooden stamps… yes those three on top are washi tape stamps! Just when you thought I couldn’t get any more washi tape obsessed!
I also bought some doily stamps too… again utterly essential! (Not sure how yet!)
Does anyone else totally geek out over stationery? (I know Lynne from Tea For Joy would have been in her element!) I kept picking up pretty tags and fun stickers… and thinking ‘I need these!’
Oh and you know you really need some ‘puzzle point markers’… yes I don’t really know what they are either but I loved the way the animals were jigsawed together.
And how could I resist some bunny shaped paper clips?
All my important documents are going to have these on them from now on! Maybe… (Or at least anything I send to Cara from Peonies and Polaroids should!)
There’s a shop in Tokyo called Winged Wheel. It sells the most beautiful little letter-pressed things I have ever seen. (And they are amazingly, mouth-wateringly affordable! Yes, you can salivate over paper!!)
I bought myself some tiny business cards… which are way too nice to give to anyone!
Yes, those are sponges. Wearing outfits. Yes, I know. Insane but amazingly so. (I popped in to see Rachael from Hannah Zakari the other day and she has one too in her kitchen. So I’m in good sponge company!)
Um, yes, you can never have enough cute sponges right? (These cost the equivalent of 50p, it seemed rude not to get them!)
This is my little watcher… the Fox-Owl-Cat is always fascinated by me taking photos of things on the floor…
… things like these animal soy bottles. (I do eat a lot of sushi, so I’ve been using these already.)
And some Japanese paper balloons… again so cheap in Japan, it made me want to buy them by the boxful.
Just in case, you were wondering cats are not so impressed by Japanese balloons…
And so there you have it. Possibly the most random selection of stuff I have ever brought back from a trip. But good, happy, colourful random… which I think is a pretty goodΒ memento of Japan really.
So, my dears, what do you bring back from your travels?
Do you buy sensible stuff or silly souvenirs?
those sponges! if you have a spare Id be happy to look after it! the stationary is super as well.
from France I got make-up from sephora. and sunburn! not the best souvenier! π
He he, I’ve not even started using them yet… they’re all still in the packaging! (Yes, I am that much of a dweeb!)
And yes, sunburn isn’t so fun! I got a little burnt in Barcelona and still have the random tanned bits to show for it! (That sounds wrong but you know what I mean!) x
That’s such a shame about the lost tapes, the ones you still have are very cool though! Want an elephant too! My fav souvenir is my engagement ring π
Yeah, I was gutted Abbi! But yes I still have lots so it’s not too sad. (And gives me an excuse to go back for more!)
Ah yes your engagement ring is a very good memento indeed! x
The more you post about Japan the more I get the urge to book a trip – this stuff is amazing and all needed! My to the horror of my husband I always bring back shells and drift wood from my travels
Yeah I’m going to have start putting a disclaimer on the posts that states that I don’t work for their tourist board! π
Aww, I love shells and driftwood. I collected a whole lot from a beach near us one summer but I think my mister might have ‘tidied’ them away! π
Arrr I miss Japan! Why are UK sponges so boring??
i salivate over paper and stationary all the time and i want to go to japan now for these sort of goodies alone π
the sponges are hilarious! I just bought some washi tape in gasgow and it cost a wooping 3 pounds a pop-eeek-so you are right to stock up! I tend to go for jewellery now-easy to carry and nice to wear stuff that has a story. but you have quite a few jems there!
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yes, gasgow, it is glasgow-just better
robyn recently posted..A Scottish Summer’s Day
Yeah it’s much much less than that there Robyn! I should really start buying jewellery when I’m away more, that’s a good idea! x
Conversation Pieces recently posted..Japan finds: a tape elephant, washi tape stamps and more
Aw, so much cuteness! I love a bit of stationery too, especially letterpress – I’m all about the texture. Fancy paper, mmmm. I’m so easily pleased π
I’m also excited to hear what you and Lauren were up to…
Kirsty {a safe mooring} recently posted..Yay or nay?
Texture is good though Kirsty! If it’s something pretty on a thin, see-through sheet then that’s no good… something that feels nice and is pretty is far superior (and worth geeking out over!) π
I’m sure we can reveal more soon… depending on publication dates I guess. But twas very good fun! x
hurray, I was hoping you’d pick up somethijng camera related, how awesome is the camera stationary π I bet I’d need a whole other bag for stuff I buy if I ever go to Japan lol, especially with the tape, I love it!
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He he, I actually thought of you when I saw this stuff and thought you’d love it! We also bought me a new instamax camera (mainly because it was so ridiculously cheap that it seemed rude not to!) π
Oh my goodness I’ve died and gone to washi tape heaven… I need to go to Japan!
Lucy recently posted..Good Excuse
I’ve never really had much desire to visit Japan – until now. Alternatively, I could just send you back with a shopping list. I want a doily stamp so badly!
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You know I’m loving the shopping list theory! I could definitely do that π
Its the sponges that just kill me too Zoe- I would have bought a truckfull!! Love em, Jo xx
Jo recently posted..Despite the weather
These are such brilliant souvenirs! I’m very envious of your Japan trip – we were due to go but then I fell pregnant and didn’t feel up to the journey. Sigh… Regret it now, even more so seeing these amazing bits and bobs!
Lottie :: Oyster and Pearl recently posted..Snapshot: A sunny, celebratory weekend
I’m just back from my own big trip to NYC, and while I was there I was constantly walking the line between wanting to be prudent and not wanting to spend too much — I think it’s partly because I’m still (just) a student and used to being reticent with cash, and partly due to my frugal parents (who don’t believe any of their frugal ways have rubbed off on me!).
You’ve inspired me to write my own post this week on the few little souvenirs I picked up … most of them also of the stationery variety!
Fionnuala recently posted..The Brooklyn Flea
Yeah it’s tough when you’re already spending so much money by being there. (Think that’s my excuse… not sure my parents were that frugal!) When we went to Japan the first time, I bought almost nothing for myself and then really regretted not having a little keepsake. Think that’s what spurred me on my shopping spree this time! Looking forward to seeing your post π x
When I was in New York I bought a statue of liberty rubber duck and foam hat and a Starbuck’s mug, so I guess I go for silly. Your souvenirs are much more stylish and practical! Am a total stationary fiend so feeling pretty jealous of all these fab finds!
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You know a statue of liberty foam hat is entirely practical right? Especially as it can double as part of a Kermit costume! (Actually I didn’t get anything like that when I was in NY, think I need to invest in some silly!) x
Animal soy bottles! Paper balloons!! Washi tape!!! Oh my: maybe if I sell a kidney, I can get to Japan faster…
Tonia recently posted..Word-based Snapshots of a Birthday Week
Japanese paper balloons! Oh I love them. I have a wee stash that I am *cough* saving for my nephew. : )
I bet you do the best Christmas stockings and secret Santa stuff. I love all this kind of stuff, especially stationery (for my future office).
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Good Xmas stockings yes… but I’m rubbish at secret Santa! (Maybe because I always get the people who are the most different to me so they’re harder to pick a present for! Even thinking about it makes me cringe!!) x
flippin eck! how much washi tape have you got?! of course i geek out over stationery, what do you take me for! x
francesca recently posted..Bauhaus at the Barbican
I love the measuring tape stamps, and the lacy ones!
Eek! I love everything. I’m such a fiend when it comes to cutesy, cartoony kitsch!!
I’m off to Japan next spring (Cherry Blossom season… *sigh*) so will save muchos pennies for cute but unnecessary things! xx
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I love paper! I love all things related to stationery! And I love those stamps, and the washi tape, and those sponges, ughh ALL!!
I just got back from florence and brought.. yes paper!!
I didn’t realise that half of that stuff existed but now I’m nodding my head and saying ‘Yep, that is definitely essential.’ I don’t tend to buy anything when I go away. Maybe it’s because my Mum kindly hinted that souvenirs weren’t necessary since my brother bought her a porcelain knock-off Wedgewood type figure whilst on a school trip. But I do like to buy a couple of different beers to bring home and try. The only downside is you can’t get more easily!
Emily x
Emily recently posted..PARTY!
Very true re the beers! My mister always brings some back but once they’re gone, they’re gone! The same with sweets too!
Oh, I know. Amazing. Love the washi tape stamps – BUT my favourite is actually the sponges! Those are awesome!
Lynne recently posted..Happy Olympics weekend
What a lovely blog. Love washi tape! Just come back from Asia too – lots of Japanese finds.
Geraldine recently posted..1616 Arita meets Sholten and Baijings
love those lollies! and pretty stamps too xx
huma recently posted..Weekend break in the Cotswolds
oh wow, I love all this stuff! I wish washi tape had been on my radar when I visited Japan… however I do still have loads of stationery which I bought there that I can’t quite bring myself to send to anyone else, it’s allll just SO lovely!
Sally @ ourdreamlives recently posted..etsy finds
Gosh what a flippin’ amazing haul! The best geeks are stationary geeks, fact. And if there is someone out there who can resist buying a sponge when it is smiling and wearing an outfit, I don’t want to know them.
Ha ha, that’s a very good way of working people out… ‘avoid anyone who can resist those sponges’! π
love this post and all the lovely things you bought! i’m a little jealous π
and lovely cat too!
I do that tooo! I’m driving my Love crazy with my whining about all the things I didn’t buy. Last year we visited this store in Japantown, San Francisco, filled (cramped!) with all kinds of gorgeous, funny stuff (bear shaped sponges! it was all so so great) and I still get a wee bit sad when I think of all the goodness I didn’t buy. Still, we didn’t go bankrupt either, that’s a good thing π
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Did you get the sparkly shopping mist descend? The one when the blood rushes to your head and you start sweating and dropping things? I love all of it. Better than a wonky donkey any day. X
Anna recently posted..the easiest strawberry milk make ever
Love ‘the sparkly shopping mist’! Yes it sort of did β I actually got a little dizzy in Tokyu Hands as there was just SO MUCH STUFF! π
Why don’t we have things like this in Britain? Every home could do with a novelty sponge or two, especially if they’re wearing clothes! Emma x
Emma recently posted..Weddings and Wiggins: A Busy Summer
Totally agree! And yes we should have more cuteness like this in Britain!!
I love all of your purchases! Things that make life more fun are aways essential. π
These are amazing! We have such similar taste:) If you ever come to Amsterdam, let me know;)
Those sponges might just be the cutest things I’ve ever seen! And that owl balloon is stunning!
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Thanks my dear π And definitely will if I ever make it back to Amsterdam (went for my friend’s 21st birthday once!) x
[Re the sauce bottles] Where can I get these?
Hey Waiyee. I got these in Japan at a Daiso store. Hope that helps? x
I love your stationery finds – I love this kind of thing too. I also think the elephant tape dispenser is definitely essential!
Siobhan recently posted..Busy doing nothing
I must admit he’s come in pretty handy since I got him… no more having to find scissors for tape π
Conversation Pieces recently posted..Still smitten with NYC… the High Line and the secret whispering gallery
Hi! Wanted to know how much you bought the washi tapes for? Might travel to Japan and need to stock up on great-looking washi tapes! π Thanks!