When it comes to animals, dogs and cats are usually common favourites. But now that it’s the lunar year of the rat, it’s time for rodents to shine. Although not always received warmly in real life – because nobody likes a rat infestation in their home – you’ll realise they can be pretty endearing when in cartoon form.
Go all out this Chinese New Year and get yourself some mouse-themed items like accessories, stationery, and plushies in celebration of the occasion. These cheap and adorable ones from Taobao might just give you a newfound love for rats:
Check out our other Taobao-related articles:
Image credit: Taobao
Tote your ang baos around with ease during bai nian sessions with a fuzzy plushie-like mouse-shaped pouch (~$5.61). With a long gold-coloured chain strap, it can either be slung across your body or over your shoulder so you can go hands-free.
Image credit: Taobao
Choose from soft shades of baby pink, grey, and powder blue.
Image adapted from: Taobao
For a less cutesy alternative, go for these pleather mouse purses (~$6) which come in 5 trendy shades including mustard, khaki, and muted green. The strap is adjustable, and can be removed if you’d rather hold the purse in your hands like a clutch.
Image credit: Taobao
Image credit: Taobao
Talk about taking things literally – these computer mice (~$17.21) are made to look just like, well, mice. There are a whopping 7 colours to choose from: white, purple, green, blue, yellow, grey, and pink.
Image credit: Taobao
They’re wireless, so you don’t have to worry about tangly “tails”, and can easily be brought out if you’re working on-the-go with a laptop.
Image credit: Taobao
They aren’t the cheapest, but where else would you be able to find electronics that look this adorable? The best part is that each one comes with a free mousepad that’s shaped like a giant melon seed, adding on to the kawaii factor.
Get it here.
Image credit: Taobao
Adorn your earlobes with these cute but classy mouse-shaped ear studs (~$5.22) and you’re sure to get loads of compliments from your aunties during house visits. They’re said to be made of 925 silver, so you don’t have to worry about them tarnishing in the long run.
Image credit: Taobao
There’s also a rounded version (~$6.78) that stands out a little more while retaining an understated elegance.
Image credit: Taobao
This might look like an ordinary plushie at first glance, but don’t be fooled – unzipping the back reveals a blanket with a terry cloth material stuffed inside. It’ll make a great flight companion if you need something to hug while in-air, and aren’t fond of airline-provided blankets which may not be as soft.
Image credit: Taobao
If that’s not enough to warm you up, shove your shivery hands into the side slots for added heat. Yup, this also functions as a hand-warmer, so you’re really getting your money’s worth with ~$8.13!
Image credit: Taobao
Pick from white, brown, grey, and pink.
Get it here.
Image credit: Taobao
It’s always more exciting starting a new school year with pretty writing materials. Brighten up study time with these pink or purple glitter-filled pens (~$1.48) topped with mouse figurines. The toppers are detachable, so you can attach them to any other pen once this runs out of ink.
Image credit: Taobao
Just be careful not to get too distracted by the swirling glitter flakes while studying!
Get it here.
Image credit: Taobao
Now this is one handbag that will make heads turn. Embellished with ears, eyes, and whiskers, this grey mouse-shaped handbag (~$15.27) is quirky without being too over-the-top. It even comes with a dangling accessory that looks like a block of cheese!
Image credit: Taobao
It’s roomy enough to fit a large smartphone, along with other small items like makeup and cash.
Get it here.
Image credit: Taobao
When living in a household with many members, it’s easy for small items like keys to get mixed up. Set yours apart with a distinct puffy mouse keychain (~$2.48), and you’ll never have to worry about your siblings accidentally taking them again.
Image credit: Taobao
If you’re not a fan of mice, there are also bear, crocodile, and fox versions. Each animal keychain comes with a different food charm and tag for easy holding.
Get it here.
Image credit: Taobao
It’s a new year, so make sure you stay on top of your game! Use this mouse-and-cheese pen and note paper holder (~$7.36) to keep your little reminders and to-do lists visible on your desk. It can only hold 1 pen and limited mote sheets rather than a whole wad, but ensures that the essentials are kept within easy reach.
Especially helpful if you’re trying to force yourself to Marie Kondo your work station and stick to a minimal amount of stationery.
Get it here.
Image credit: Taobao
You’ve probably seen those red CNY socks printed with lucky quotes and “福” signs at neighbourhood shops and pasar malams. Well, here’s a less obiang alternative: mouse-themed socks (~$5.77 for 3). Specially created for this year, these red socks feature cartoon mice and even a greeting that includes a mouse pun – 鼠鼠得意 (shu shu de yi – loosely translated to “counting [of money] wth joy/pride”)
The words will be hidden when your shoes are on, so you can wear them all year round without looking tacky.
Image credit: Taobao
If you’ll be holidaying in a cold country this Chinese New Year but still want to feel the festive spirit, get this set of fuzzy mouse-themed socks (3 for ~$7.71) instead. The cushy material will keep your toes warm and toasty.
One of the socks comes with a pom pom attached to the back, while another comes with a mini cheese plushie
Image credit: Taobao
Image credit: Taobao
You won’t need a pen holder on your desk and a separate pencil case with this 2-in-1 pen case & holder (~$4.84), because it conveniently doubles up as both – simply pull the drawstring top closed when you want to bring it out with you.
Wrap the top of the casing over the holder when in use
Image credit: Taobao
Unlike normal pencil cases which lay flat, this one stands upright, taking up less space on your table. The embroidered mouse face and fuzzy ears are certainly a bonus!
Don’t just restrict yourself to stationery – get creative and store other items like snacks or cosmetics too!
Get it here.
These rat-themed items from Taobao are largely practical and so irresistibly affordable, we won’t judge you for purchasing them all in one go – especially if your zodiac animal is the rat. If you’re feeling extra generous, gift some of the smaller items to your relatives in addition to the ang baos for a CNY to remember.
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