1. Durian
Joo / 32 / Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
My family love durian. During my childhood we would enjoy it together.
I left my hometown for college and now work, so I really miss those times when we could share things as a family.
From May until September is Malaysia’s durian harvest season. My family love durian. During my childhood we would enjoy it together. My father was responsible for opening the durian, one hand with a glove holding the durian and the other hand with a machete knife to hack it. After it was cut open, we’d tear it apart with our hands, my siblings and I always fought for the smallest part of the durian. We would also fight for the sink to wash our hands; the smell of durian can last for hours.
I left my hometown for college and now work, so I really miss those times when we could share things as a family. This is why I chose a durian to treat myself because it can remind me of those happy times. The other reason is the price for a good durian is getting higher, it can cost up to RM80-100 (equal to $18-25) for one, so I can only treat myself to a good durian once or twice a year now.
2. Vinyl record of fairytales
Olga / 29 / Riga, Latvia
The latest generation no longer knows what it means to listen to tales on vinyl record.
But for me it triggers lots of warm memories from my childhood.
As a treat for myself I chose something different that I wouldn’t usually buy. This is a vinyl record with fairy tales from my childhood. The latest generation no longer knows what it means to listen to tales on vinyl records, but for me it triggers lots of warm memories from my childhood.
When I was around 7 or 8 years old, me and my sister spent the summer at my grandfather’s house. He didn’t have a TV, only an old vintage vinyl player. There was nothing else for us to do, especially on rainy days, apart from listen to records. He had a huge vinyl collection of music, and also a collection of fairy tales. My favorite was Adventures of Baron Munchausen. I could play it over and over again. We sat down and listened for hours, taking a break only to change sides. Both me and my sister imagined the storyline in our own ways. I also remember that sometimes when grandpa was not around, we would mess around with the speed of the record so all the voices sounded distorted. We found this very funny!
“…this skull represents justice and objectivity.”
“…this skull represents justice and objectivity.”
The skull is a strong symbol in most cultures, whether it means death, power, or an ephemeral life. This one has a special steampunk design, which makes it less dark and more artistic, but to me this skull represents justice and objectivity.
I read that ancient Aztec judges would look at a skull while hearing criminals talk. They believed humans faces could cheat you but the voice could not, so the only way you would judge a person was by listening to the voice alone and not seeing their face. I like to think that the skull brings justice and so will help me make better decisions.
4. Portable mini fan and battery pack
Sirajus / 26 / Dhaka, Bangladesh
Like other third world countries, $20 is worth a lot to us.
Sentiment is a luxury, that’s why I prefer to buy practical things.
I am Sirajus and I am 26 years old. I live in Bangladesh, a small South Asian country. Like other third world countries, $20 is worth a lot to us. Most people living in town make only $100-$200 per month. So I can’t usually spend a lot on things even though I want to. Sentiment is a luxury, that’s why I prefer to buy practical things and have chosen to buy a portable mini fan with a battery pack.
Bangladesh has many problems and power outage is one of them. In summer it's really hard to tolerate the scorching heat so although I have a fan in my house, these power problems render it useless. So the help of the mini fan and the battery pack will help me to stay cool in heat waves, which can go all the way up to 45°C.
5. Obi (kimono belt)
Yuiko / 28 / Sagamihara, Japan
After travelling and experiencing the different cultures of almost 40 countries, I finally came to realise the amazing things unique to Japan.
Having been a backpacker since my teens and having spent years in the UK (now working for a British company in Tokyo), you would expect me to be the least “Japanese” Japanese person. This was the case actually, until several years ago when I came back home and discovered the beauty of my own culture. After travelling and experiencing the different cultures of almost 40 countries, I finally came to realise the amazing things unique to Japan; the delicateness, subtlety, respect, and being closely in touch with nature and the seasons.
It has now become very important for me to practice Japanese traditional culture – including wearing a kimono. My grandma's sister is married to an owner of a kimono store, so she taught me how to wear a kimono and yukata (summer kimono) properly. This is why I chose to buy an obi (belt) for my new yukata to accompany me through my summer days, when i’ll be going to traditional festivals and learning more about my beautiful culture.
“…a journey back in time to life’s small pleasures as a child”
“…a journey back in time to life’s small pleasures as a child”
I discovered Lucky Charms when I was an 8 year old kid, by submitting a coupon for a sample. The next time I went to the supermarket with my parents they had to buy a big box of them for me, because I opened it and sat on the supermarket floor eating it. After that my parents never took me to the supermarket with them again, but they would still buy them for me at least once a month. Lots of times when my mother wanted me to do chores, she would bribe me with a box. Much to my dismay they were suddenly discontinued in Portugal when I was about 12 years old.
Some months ago an American food store opened in Porto and I saw a box of them there, I didn't buy them because they were really expensive for cereal. I never went back to the store until now. From where I live, it takes about three hours to reach the store and return, but I think it’s worth it. Tasting Lucky Charms again will be like a journey back in time to life's small pleasures as a child.
7. Eiffel Tower painting class
Kristine / 27 / Manila, Philippines
I would love to see the Eiffel Tower and paint it before my very own eyes.
This painting will hang on my wall as a constant reminder to dream and explore.
I am a visually inclined person who dreams of going to Europe to explore more of the art world there. At this point, I am still saving up to fulfill that dream, so in the meantime I wanted to treat myself to a painting lesson of the Eiffel Tower at Sip and Gogh. As an amateur and aspiring artist, I've always wanted to attend a painting class but other financial considerations always come to mind first. Although online videos of painting tutorials are everywhere, I still believe that personal hands-on training works better, which it did.
I would love to see the Eiffel Tower and paint it before my very own eyes, but for now, this painting will hang on my wall as a constant reminder to dream and explore.
8. Cigarettes
Dil / 28 / London, England
Sometimes I need a minute to clear my head.
This is an opportunity to treat myself to the good stuff.
I work at a tiny tech startup in London. Life in London is so fast-paced, it can be quite stressful and sometimes I need a minute to clear my head, so I pop outside for a cigarette. I’ve found myself smoking more since starting this job and it has ended up becoming an expensive habit.
Normally I buy cheap (or at least cheaper) cigarettes but this is an opportunity to treat myself to the good stuff. This pack should last me over a day, so that’s a bonus. $20 is not much at all when it comes to living in London, so this is about as much as I could get in terms of a treat.
“It’s a shame that people forget many traditions like this and their symbolism.”
“It’s a shame that people forget many traditions like this and their symbolism.”
I am an artist. This is my job and my life. I’m constantly looking for new inspiration for my work. Pysanka painting is a very ancient tradition of my country, it’s a very positive and creative activity. It’s a way of connecting with my ancestors and continuing their traditions. The patterns on the Pysanka are hidden symbols which convey wishes to someone who you give this egg to.
It’s a shame that people forget traditions like this and their symbolism. So, as well as inspiring my own work, I wanted to take this opportunity to learn more about it and pass it on to my relatives and friends.
10. Blue calcite crystal stone
Giulia / 23 / Sechelt, Canada
Working with the Third Eye Chakra, blue calcite can enhance or activate the intuition and inner sight.
This stone will be one of the most cherished items that I keep.
I chose this blue calcite because it's known for its calming properties, which is great for meditation! It soothes frayed nerves and lessens anxieties. It’s a good stone to use when recuperating, which facilitates physical healing by clearing negative emotions and encouraging rest and relaxation. Working with the Third Eye Chakra, Blue Calcite can enhance or activate the intuition and inner sight. It holds a great spiritual significance to me. The energy from the stone assists with keeping balance in one’s life!
I also just enjoy the look of it; this stone is beautiful and unique just as every individual person is. I have a sentimental attachment to things like this – the energy emitted from these has helped me through hard times in my life. They assist me with my meditation practices, which is the most important part of my day. It is a time for me to transcend all the constructs of my mind and be at peace. This stone will be one of the most cherished items that I keep.
11. Thermos flask
Jayson / 22 / Nairobi, Kenya
I often spend sleepless nights doing large amounts of work for my clients.
This thermos flask is ideal for me, because it will keep my coffee deliciously hot throughout the night.
As an artist, I have a never-ending curiosity and hunger to explore the unexplored, and this is what fuels my creativity and what pushes me to create designs that not only satisfy my clients but pushes my own creative boundaries on what I can imagine and what I'm capable of creating.
Unfortunately, the setback is that I often spend sleepless nights doing large amounts of work for my clients. And so this thermos flask is ideal for me, because it will keep my coffee deliciously hot throughout the night, whilst warming up my hands. When my fingers are wrapped around it, they’ll stay nice and toasty, something I definitely need on those long nights I spend typing away.
“To some, a crystal ball is useless…”
“To some, a crystal ball is useless…”
I’m a business graduate from Lebanon, but I try to be creative from time to time and I am very passionate about photography. I bought this crystal ball because I think it will be useful in capturing unique pictures. It makes everything look upside down, and this effect would make my photos more creative and interesting.
To some, a crystal ball is useless because you can’t do anything with it, but I found that not only can it be used in my pictures, but also to make fire! Since it’s a converging lens, the light rays coming out of it come together at a point to spark a fire. To test this out, I took a dried leaf and put the crystal ball on it, and it started burning within seconds. So, if I don’t have a match, this could come in handy!
13. Arabic calligraphy book
Naomi / 32 / Dubai, UAE
I have been opened up to Arabic calligraphy art. It’s really impressed me.
I used to just practise with online tutorials, but I have treated myself to this book.
I've been doing English calligraphy for 6 years now, but since moving to Dubai I have been opened up to Arabic calligraphy art. It’s really impressed me. I don't know Arabic and didn't really know where to begin. I used to just practise with online tutorials, but I have treated myself to this book as a way of making a new start.
14. Metallica t-shirt
Sam / 26 / Los Angeles, USA
The first concert I ever went to was Metallica.
I still remember walking into the arena and the amplified sound vibrating through my bones. I was mesmerized.
As a competitive swimmer, I constantly listen to music to get pumped up for my races. Heavy metal music gets me in the zone, and it’s very important to me because it was a genre of music that I was introduced to as a kid. In fact, the first concert I ever went to was Metallica.
I did not know what to expect, but since I was young and with my parents, I knew I would have a great time. I still remember walking into the arena and the amplified sound vibrating through my bones. I was mesmerized. To this day, Metallica still holds a powerful place in my life and every time I listen to 'Nothing Else Matters' I think about that night.
“…there is just something special about reading a book that has been in someone else’s life before”
“…there is just something special about reading a book that has been in someone else’s life before”
I have a strange habit – I love second hand books! To me there is just something special about receiving or reading a book that has been in someone else’s life before, like you are picking out a particular part of history and reliving it again. I especially enjoy finding notes scribbled on pages, which indicates that the section of writing meant something to someone; perhaps I can learn from them too. I collect and treasure these stories and notes more than I do the actual books.
I read The Catcher in the Rye for the first time when I was about 14 or 15. I didn't understand it at all but I loved Holden's voice. Not many books make me laugh out loud like that. I re-read it as a teenager more times than I can count. I still didn't know what Salinger was going on about, but I just knew I liked it. I bought my first copy of it second-hand but lost it recently in a move. Luckily this book is a cult classic and it was easy to find another second hand version. I look forward to reading this one and finding any notes or scribbles!
16. Tinkle comic book subscription
Rabia / 26 / Panipat, India
Since my childhood I've been a big fan of comics and magazines especially Tinkle.
I've been wanting to buy myself a subscription of this magazine for so long.
The item I’ve chosen is very close to my heart. Since my childhood I've been a big fan of comics and magazines, especially Tinkle. This is my childhood love! I've been wanting to buy myself a subscription of this magazine for so long, but every time I have to postpone because of other necessary expenses.
The magazine comes with comic strips, amazing tales, DIY ideas and lots more! What else can be better than being able to time-travel back to my childhood every month?!
17. Soft foot peel
Ruth / 33 / Oklahoma, USA
Last summer, my feet were really puffy from being pregnant.
Being able to wear my strappy summer shoes with confidence would really help as I try to get my groove back after having the baby!
I had a baby last year, and since then I haven't really had time for much in the way of self-care. Last summer, my feet were really puffy from being pregnant so I didn't feel like wearing any of my cute strappy sandals.
This year, my feet are back to normal but I don't have time to go get a pedicure, and thanks to the hot Oklahoma sun (i.e. never being able to wear socks on my hardwood floors) my feet are pretty dry and calloused. So, being able to wear my strappy summer shoes with confidence would really help as I try to get my groove back after having the baby!
“…the Elendil is a symbol of faith and eternal life.”
“…the Elendil is a symbol of faith and eternal life.”
Ever since I saw The Lord of the Rings films, I have been fascinated by this necklace and thought that I would really like to have and wear it. This necklace is called the Star of Elendil because it will always show you the light even in the darkest times. It is so beautiful and symbolizes immortality, love, the free spirit and old, forgotten times. Everyone has something to believe in and for me the Elendil is a symbol of faith and eternal life.
19. Ukulele
Bistra / 30 / Maui, Hawaii
I’m falling in love with Hawaiian music!
That sound makes you dream of the magic places, somewhere over the rainbow. Now I have my first ukulele I can really feel the Hawaiian spirit.
Aloha, my name is Bistra. This year I got the chance to travel around the world and visit places that I’ve never been before and I chose Hawaii. What an amazing place with beautiful culture and nature! Traveling around the islands, swimming with turtles and greeting the sunrise every morning are just a few of my favorite activities on this beautiful land, and I’m falling in love with Hawaiian music!
I already have experience playing guitar but now I really want to learn to play the ukulele – the little Hawaiian guitar. That sound makes you dream of magical places, which are somewhere over the rainbow. Now I have my first ukulele I can really feel the Hawaiian spirit.
20. Wooden table easel
Heid / 26 / Orange Walk, Belize
Drawing helps keep me grounded and has gotten me through many tough times.
I love being able to turn any space into a small workspace for my art.
I am a Belizean nursing student but my hobbies include drawing, sketching and painting. I love art. I have always wanted an easel but as a college student I don't have the space to set up a full-sized one. I saw this desktop easel at a store and I thought it was perfect for me. I use my art as a tool for learning and as a way of relaxing. Sketching helps me learn the anatomy of the human body, and painting helps me to unwind after a long day. Drawing helps keep me grounded and has gotten me through many tough times. Some of my fondest memories involve painting, sketching and drawing the people that I love.
This desktop easel is perfect; it’s light, portable and takes up very little space. I love being able to turn any space into a small workspace for my art. It’s an invigorating feeling to wake up and see my easel, with a gleaming white sheet waiting for me. Having it inspires me to put pencil to paper and let the creativity flow. This is not something I would have purchased with my own money but I will no doubt cherish it for the rest of my time in college and beyond.