Hello Kitty. Patty and Jimmy. Little Twin Stars. My Melody. These are the original, adorable, cute, and oh-so-addicting Japanese characters from Sanrio that I was obsessed about since more than three decades ago.
And as far as I can remember, it was my first
Patty and Jimmy compact mirror and comb set that started it all. I think I was six then. My humble collection stirs up wonderful childhood memories, and just looking at them certainly brings out the kid in me.
I loved anything and everything about Sanrio. So, you may be wondering why I am writing this blast-from-the-past show-and-tell post today. Well, about a month ago, as I ordered the usual (McDonald's) Happy Meal for my boy, these big, colorful, plastic apples caught my eye (photo above) and it instantly triggered and awakened the Sanrio bug in me that laid dormant for decades. Hello Kitty is now 35! And each Happy Meal comes with a commemorative Kitty -- choose from 1974 to present. I got giddy and too excited that my stupidity reigned and only got myself one, as in ONE item, for that one meal I ordered! I should have ordered more and got all the remaining years! They were sold out when I went back a few days later.
1976. That's my Hello Kitty apple up there. As soon as I came home, I rushed to look for all that was left of my collection, mostly bought by my mom as a surprise gift or reward. Bringing out each item as I take a picture brought back that magical feeling that you just can't explain. Die-hard Sanrio fans know what I'm talking about! And I guess it was no coincidence that 1976 is the copyright year on most of the toys and trinkets.
And now, it is my pleasure to share with you some of my treasured Sanrio collectibles, some still unused and unopened to this day.
Bright red and striped Hello Kitty mini umbrella -- my girl knows it's now hers to keep
I still have all of my Sanrio toys displayed at my mom's house, mostly Lala dolls. Kiki and Lala are the Twin Stars by the way. Unbelievably, they are still in perfect condition. Sorry I was not able to take photos of the toys. My mom calls them my "pamana" (inheritance) for my kids since they will now get to enjoy them and hopefully give them the same endless pleasure and happiness they have brought me.
A very useful kilogram weighing scale from my aunt-godmother, with the protective plastic film still on!
Now, after more than 30 years, the Sanrio gang's magic is still very much alive, led by the forever popular and lovable Hello Kitty. I will surely visit the recently opened Sanrio Luxe store at Greenbelt 5 one of these days to reward myself of something new, and just relive that girlish thrill once again.
A mini plastic nautical-themed coin purse that can hardly fit 10 quarters (coins)
Barely used, this is my precious Hello Kitty train pencil sharpener -- I'm just praying she won't break it
Another gift from my aunt-godmother who knows I love Sanrio back then
Pencil set, stapler, sharpener (still in plastic) and some unique assorted erasers I dare not use
My favorite erasers -- 2D Kitty in her house case, and a 3D inch-high Lala
Little Twin Stars tissue holder, unopened and still with the tag on
A favorite pasttime of mine was drawing and coloring and this was a perfect, handy carry-all kit
My Melody Bling!
Tuxedo Sam wall or desk clock, also a gift I was thrilled to receive! It was used for some time until my little bother got conscious and complained it's not "unisex" (just so you know, we shared a room)
Another pink Tuxedo Sam mechanical pencil and lead refill which I still use. Check out the movable wings that lift up his cap!
And then some other unused stuff mixed in the Sanrio box...
My Sanrio fan club member I.D. There's no better proof than this.
I only hope these "treasures" will fetch some value in the near future.
P.S.
Almost forgot about my
Little Twin Stars hair barrettes! I still get paranoid when my nanny or little girl misplaces one of the clips!!!
Now, don't you think I should get an award for this? :-)
P.P.S.
This is THE bag that my friend Lilibeth (see comment) mentioned below. My first was in navy, which got worn out, then replaced with this one in camel. I finally unearthed it from my old hutch/cabinet (
Thanks mama for keeping it all this time!)
I'd love to know your thoughts on this post. If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)
