Muji: The Love Story

Three years ago I was new to the New York City. I was trying to find my place in my new environment. I had a few friends, but was trying to meet more people.  Naturally, I decided to sign up for a college retreat. When I got to the sign-up sheet, as fate would have it, I didn't have a pen. I saw a guy holding a pen and asked if I could borrow it: It was love at first sight.

"Where did you get this pen? It's amazing!"
"Oh- it's from Muji."
"M... what?"
"Muji. M - U - J - I, Muji."

And the rest, they say, is history.

It was slow at first, but Muji began to take over. It started with their pens and notebooks but gradually the store began to fulfill more and more of my needs (clothing, organization, home goods...)

We have been going steady for 3 years now and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon.



Ok, but really - if you haven't stopped in one of their stores I would highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.

Muji: Minimalist Gifts

Gift giving is incredibly fun if you know exactly the person wants, but 9 out of 10 times, that isn't the case.

My gifting solution is always Muji. (Surprise!)

Here are my top 3 favorite gifts from Muji:

#3.  Chopsticks
I have a friend who really enjoys all forms of Asian cuisine, but would always take several packs of chopsticks from any restaurant she visited in order to always have a supply.  So, needless to say, this gift was perfect.  The Muji chopsticks range in price from $4.35 to $13.00 so you can buy an individual pair or whole set depending on how big your budget is.

#2. Cardboard Speakers

It was Christmas, and I had absolutely no idea what to give my dad.  Guy gifts are always hard for me because 1. I'm a girl, and 2. I don't have any brothers. This find was my saving grace.  The speakers worked well as a gift for several reasons: 

- It lays flat (thus easy to transport in a suitcase)

- They are useful (my dad currently has them sitting on his office desk)

- Construction required (it gave my dad something to build while my sisters and I had a Christmas gift fashion show)

#1. Personalized Notebooks [Warning: some planning required] 

This is the favorite gift that I have given.  I love the Muji notebooks because they are super cheap, and are a joy to write in. For Christmas one year, I bought a few notebooks and sketched iconic New York City sights onto the cardboard cover.  I drew the top of Chrysler Building, the torch from the Statue of Liberty (pictured below), and even the Conservatory Water (including sailboats) from Central Park.  This gift is ideal for your family (especially grandparents) who would rather have a meaningful piece of you rather than just another knickknack from an NYC tourist shop.

5 Reasons Why: MUJI

If you asked me what store you should visit on your trip to NYC or LA I would tell you:

"Muji, go to Muji!"

Here are five reasons why I love, love, love Muji:

Muji...

1. ...is the most enjoyable shopping experience.
2. ...excels in Japanese design.
3. ...has a wide range of products.
4. ...is short for "no brand" in Japanese.
5. ...is perfect for gifts.

(bonus: They just opened an online store!)

There is nothing quite like this store, the experience, or their products.  Over the years I have gathered quite a Muji collection including stationary, clothing and organizational tools.  During the next few weeks, I will give you my Muji tips and will be sharing my favorite products with you!

-M