Normally, I wouldn’t jump at the chance to do a product review. However, with a product so helpful and terrificully cute yet dark, I couldn’t help myself.

I’ve known about the store Five Below for some time, after seeing my first store in Maryland back in 2011. However, I was skeptical. How good could the items in a store where everything is $5 or less be?

Not too bad. And you won’t break the bank.

Entering Five Below

It’s not a typical 99-cent store or a thrift store type place. Five Below has a vibe that feels like an Urban Outfitters combined with a discount store, but with a refreshingly clean, bright vibe. 

Walk into Five Below with $20 or less, and you can’t help but gush over the many funny, helpful, cute, or colorful things available.

Need a t-shirt. Check. Looking for something for your furry family member? Got it. Your charger cord for your phone or wireless speaker went out, it’s time to pay a visit. And if you love books, games, and assortments of small candies going for cents on the dollar, you are missing out if you’re not in here yet.

Don’t be shy. If you wanted a small gag gift for someone that has everything, needed a small throw pillow or pet bed, or just want to see what’s there to see, it’s worth taking a look.

Now, enough of that.

The Product Review

My spouse loves the hell out of scooping up watches, smart watches, small electronic chargers, earbuds, and other things of that nature. Naturally, I was pushed into getting a small portable charger for myself. After making fun of my partner for being a sucker for inexpensive electronics.

Don’t believe me? Someone who shall remain nameless has gone through at least 4 or 5 pairs of wireless earbuds, a couple of wireless speakers, and more than their fair share of charger cords. Sometimes things get lost on the subway, sticky fingers are the culprit, or they succuumb to wear and tear. 

I get it.

And of course, when things wear out, it’s a good excuse to run out and shop for a replacement when you have the money available to do so. And the time.

Who Doesn’t Love Shop Therapy?

If you’re like me, I can’t stand going to stores to shop in the middle of the day or on weekends. I find odd times to go in and avoid the crowds, long lines, and reducing the chances of me doing a hard eyeroll at people with shopping carts piled high with too many things to carry out alone. Just saying.

Coming from a family that believed in going shopping and eating out every, single, freaking weekend will do that to a person. Hell, my mother had over 80 pairs of shoes, some still in their boxes, unworn, and brand new. 

When store clerks know you by name when they see you in the bathroom, I freak out. The women in my family will break out into a wide grin, all too happy to open their wallets for a weekly dose of shop therapy. Every weekend. Religiously.

So, it can be difficult for me to recommend a product or I might worry that I’m pushing unnecessary, excessive consumerism habits, in the name of “the economy.” However, as someone who has worked in retail and genuinely enjoys connecting customers with fantastic products that fit their needs and lifestyle, not only to snag a sale and get the commission or numbers up, here I am. Doing a review.

I Heart Sanrio

I love the Sanrio company and it’s iconic Hello Kitty and other cast of characters. For many years after working at a relatively high end mall in a major city, I dreamed of one day opening up a small shop under the Sanrio company as a franchise. 

Many of the Sanrio stores were in wonderful locations with great foottraffic, didn’t require a lot of visible square footage, and seemed to be doing well enough not to close down after 5 years. Who knows? Maybe they could hold on becuase of the terms of the lease?

Either way. I’m older now and don’t have the funds to even consider getting in touch with Sanrio to open up a franchise. However, I still enjoy the Sanrio brand and don’t mind if my child gets a Sanrio character in their life now and then.

Being one of those mothers who is not into treating themselves or getting much of anything that isn’t absolutely necessary, I gave in. I caved for a Sanrio brand portable charger to ensure my cellphone, wireless headphones, and my kid’s electronics can get charged in a pinch.

No more worries about fighting over the wall chargers for space to charge a device. With the handy Sanrio brand portable charger, featuring Kuromi, no less, it’s a win-win. Kuromi is so goth yet cute and approachable.

So far, the product has proved to be quite handy, travel friendly, and a small pleasure to keep around the home or on my person. And, it has continued going strong for over 3 months now, which keeps me on my toes because of the modest pricetag.

Not Too Bad, Five Below, Not Too Bad At All

Laugh if you dare. But you might end up swallowing your spit the next time you make jokes about someone with a portable charger with a USB cable or universal cable attachment. You might end up getting one sooner or later, or kicking yourself for not buying one when you had the chance.

Not sure if Five Below is still selling these Sanrio themed darlings, but if you stop by and see one, go for it. The portable charger will pay for itself in no time, and you’ll be happy you had one in case of an emergency or when traveling.

And while we are on all things Sanrio at Five Below. If you are into working on your personal finance habits, and mind you, no one’s perfect. Five Below also sells an assortment of adorable, super kawaii Sanrio character banks.

Considering the weird places both me and my child store our change, maybe it’s time to scoop one up for both of us.

Until next time. Give Five Below a chance and see if you find any delightful deals for yourself, as a gift, or just for funsies.

*P.S. Sadly, at the time this post was published, someone managed to steal the portable charger, charger cord, and a wireless speaker from the owner of this blog. If you could help donate to help him get a new one it would be much appreciated! Some people!