This post is dedicated to my friend Heidi who upon leaving Daiso one day texted me, “Tell me you’re doing a Daiso post on your blog?’ Heidi, this one is for you!
Daiso. Oh Daiso. I’ve been singing your praises since the first day I spent 5RM in your shop. Ha! As if i’ve ever left my happiest place on earth with only purchasing one thing. What’s Daiso you ask? Oh, it’s like a dollar store BUT 100% BETTER!
Daiso is a Japanese one price shop that I (and Heidi) refer to as simply the “Japanese Solutions Store.” Depending on what currency you are utilizing the price of everything in the store is 5RM or about $1.55. For now, as there is a black hole of crafting shops in KL, this is the place where I get crafting supplies for school, darning needles for quilting projects, supplies to wrap gifts, plastic storage, etc. etc. etc. My most recent fab purchase was microfiber workout-sized towels. $1.55 for a microfiber workout towel? I would say that’s quite a bargain!
And as much as we ladies love it, it’s pretty safe to say nearly every guy I know hates it! Steve loathes Daiso. As a financier he’s quick to point out their brilliant business model, that I choose to ignore. Not everything in Daiso is really worth 5RM. He says it’s like Costco to Americans. You go in to buy detergent but come out with an electric dog washer. Who cares if you don’t own a dog. You may some day! That being said, you know what he loathes more? When I show up with a truly fantastic Daiso find that makes him go, “Well, how did we every get on without this brilliant little life solution?” Seriously, he hates it.
Enough with words. Let me show you the place where the exacting Japanese affinity for order and quality meets cheap!
I grin ear to ear every time I see this sign!
It’s the presentation that matters.
What kind do you prefer? Chopsticks galore!
The world’s tiniest sauce bottles! A must for any bento box.
As well as divider papers. Can’t have those bento box items touching and sticking, now can we?
How many kinds of tea strainers could you possibly need. Many. I repeat. Many!
Just in case you’re opening your own restaurant shop and need some cheap signage.
Origami for days
Pre-cut felt. I think I have every color.
5RM yarn bundles
No self-respecting Japanese shop would lack a Hello Kitty section
How would you like your gift wrapped?
Where were you when I was using sharpies and rulers on a white board to track results?
This section of teeny tiny zip lock bags in all sizes paralyzes me. I think I need one of each.
When you’re feeling like having a double eyelid day.
And of course you’ve got options!
Pump bottles. Again, spoilt for choice!
And here some people used balled up tissues!
Oh, hello. You’re new. A DIY parent could certainly make their own block set with these bad boys!
Have you seen cuter zip ties?
I’m starting to think the Japanese sweat a lot. Lucky for those of us who live and work in SouthEast Asia.
These elephant watering cans have brought our boys hours of entertainment at the pool. Obviously I already own them.
When those pesky little furniture pads just won’t cut it.
For when the formal table leg chair covers are just overkill. Enter the casual collection.
Hooks are so handy when organizing kids closets and play areas! And of course they come in every size imaginable.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is simply melamine. So Daiso of course offers them in every size imaginable. For when just a tiny square will do.
I mean seriously. How else can you deep clean a window frame during Spring cleaning?
Sticky rolls. A size roll for every sized job!
Cotton buds. Who needs this much variety?
Them lashes. Gotta get them 5RM falsies!
The real. Up close. 