Artbox

Artbox is a highly popular Korean label that offers cute stationery and party ideas. It’s almost impossible for me to ignore the youthful Artbox outlet at AMK Hub. I think I’ve bought more than five notebooks and journals to date. The main appeal of Artbox is its collection of stationery in quirky and fun designs. From mini party hats and cutesy calendars to giant sketchbooks, this place is practically gift paradise! I’m in love with the colourful polka dot and heart shape designs, which look extremely charming on their files as well as notebooks. Although some items might be a little costly like the mesh caps, which cost $ 29.90 onwards, most items are somewhat affordable with slender notebooks going for as low as $ 1.90. A tiny, narrow pencil case with some cute designs costs $ 9.90, which to me isn’t worth the price since it can only fit a couple of pens. Nonetheless, I guess it’s safe to say that when it comes to Artbox, you’re paying for the brand’s design and style more than anything.

Artbox makes me want to become a schoolgirl again, but alas, those days are already beyond my wrinkled clutches. MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL… never mind.
I went in to buy presents for the little girls my mother babysits; one of them is especially girly and her birthday was coming up. She likes Kpop and all the cutesy pink culture, so I was definitely in the right place.
The salesgirls were friendly and they left me alone after I told them I was just browsing. The collection was mainly notebooks and other writing stuff that had cute mascots and ribbons/​flowers/​random vehicles and animals all over them. I was drawn towards the corner with semi-​translucent writing paper that reminded me of the lost days where people wrote romantic snail mail to each other.
There were also ribbons for the hair and also wrapping paper (they provide free wrapping service if you purchase their wrapping paper).

Something about cute stationery just manages to suck the money out of many people’s pockets, even though they may not be the cheapest or must functional. Art Box sells many of such things, and they’re significantly more expensive than if you buy them in Korea.
I’m not such a big fan of these products, but there are pretty fun to browse through. It’s also a great place to look for gifts for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries.
But don’t bother with the soft toys over here, the selection is very small. Mini Toons just several shops down has much more of those.