The Daiso

My favourite store in Japan is a little place called The Daiso.  At The Daiso you can pick up any sort of items - from crockery to pet food, wrapping paper to glassware, stationery to beauty products, toys to craft supplies - all for the bargain price of 100yen (1.20AUD).  It is essentially Japan's version of the Two Buck Shop, though I find it to be of a higher quality and larger range.  I often visit The Daiso when I need school supplies and it's the best place to go to for generic goods or alternative gifts.  It's the one shop that I am REALLY going to miss when I go home.

Shopping at The Daiso also has its moments of hilarity - you'd be amazed at the sorts of crazy/weird/random products I've seen on the shelves!  I've purchased cat nappies, Engrish signs and fluffy handcuffs here before...  Check out the pictures I took just yesterday for example...

I believe this odd-looking kitchen item is a silicone ice-cream holder tray.  Why you would need one, I have no idea!

The pink and blue items above are collapsible funnels, apparently.  The long yellow thing is a banana holder. Of course.

The Daiso is the cheapest place to lay your hands on these beauties - HEAT PADS!!!  Simply unwrap, scrunch up to mix the powder inside and set off a chemical reaction that keeps the pads heated all day long.  They are perfect for slipping into your pocket, sticking to the soles of your feet or attaching to your torso in order to keep warm.  Conveniently, they come in a range of sizes, most with sticky pads on the back.  Perfect for winter!

Men's disposable panties.  Just because.