Two things in life can take a day from good to great. The first is getting a sweet treat and the second is getting a trinket. Throughout my first semester at UC Berkeley, I relied on the sweet treat. Whether it was getting cookies or boba, the sweetness of these treats could be a cherry on top of a satisfying day or a pick-me-up after a stressful day I had. Either way, they added something very positive, no matter what. For this semester, I’ve discovered a new source of positivity, and it’s collecting trinkets.
A trinket can be defined in many different ways, but, for me, a trinket is a fun collectible that you can use to decorate your room. It can range from many characters, whether its cats, dogs, Pokemon, or simply “a little guy.” Here are some of my favorite trinkets to collect!
1. Smiskis
The loveable glow-in-the-dark characters are the perfect addition to your desks. My favorite, and the one I’m still trying to get, is one of these little guys working on a computer. They come in various positions, whether lying down on the ground or marching all while wearing a blank expression, which are incredibly endearing.
2. Sonny Angels
One of the most popular trinkets on this list and my personal favorite, Sonny Angels, are little angel guys that come in a diverse set of hats and sometimes outfits! They can have animal ears on their heads, flowers, or even fruits or vegetables! What I love about these guys is that they can come as standing figurines and hippers that can attach to your phone or other surfaces. As I write this now, my sonny watches me from my laptop!
3. Calico Critters
These timeless, classic miniature animal figures can come with homes, furniture, and other accessories. Alongside their houses, these critters are unique because they can also come as families. Plus, their outfits are so kitschy and cute that you can’t help but fall in love with them.
4. Sanrio
If you know Hello Kitty, then you know Sanrio. Sanrio’s trinkets can include keychains, charms, pins, stickers, magnets, figurines, and other collectibles adorned with popular characters like Kuromi, My Melody, Keroppi, and so much more! My personal favorite is Pompompurin, just because I love dogs. Honestly, anything Sanrio is cute and playful to brighten your life!
5. Monchhichi
These Japanese stuffed monkeys were my mother’s favorite growing up, and now I adore them similarly. Known for their distinctive appearance, Monchhichi has large heads and wide eyes and is always in a thumb-sucking pose. Most come as plushies, although Urban Outfitters sells a super cute light you can keep on your nightstand!
These tiny trinkets may not seem like much, but they can mean a lot. Each trinket I collect represents an adventure I’ve been on, whether on an outing with friends or exploring by myself. So, if you’re looking for new decor for your room or simply want to experience the anticipation of opening a blind box and seeing what awaits you inside, trinket collecting is for you! As I continue to add to my own collection, I’m excited about what cute creatures and other trinkets will decorate my dresser, desk, and any other open surface I can find, and I hope you will too!