Review: Kawaii Gifts/Shop Kawaii
I have been a long time customer of Kawaii Gifts for years.
My girlfriend has a special soft spot in her heart for Rilakkuma, so many of her birthday and Christmas gifts have come from this shop. I have fallen in love with Rilakkuma's girl Korilakkuma, and now often buy items that feature the adorable off-white and pink eared bear whenever possible!
Order and Arrival Date
July 1, 2015
July 9, 2015
The site is very easy to navigate, and the account settings make it easy to check all your necessary information. The site uses the official licensed product pictures since the store is a licensed retailer!
The only downside to this is that it can sometimes be difficult to see the details of the items. Check out is easy and can be completed by entering your credit card or selecting PayPal. The price for shipping, at least Domestically, is very reasonable. I usually spend enough to qualify for free shipping.
My order included:
Crux Melt Chocolate Mechanical Pencil [Pink]
Q-Lia Biscuit Coin Purse & ID Holder [Chocolate and Strawberry]
San-X My Only Rilakkuma 7.5" Pen Pouch
San-X My Only Rilakkuma Mechanical Pencils with Gold Mascots [B]
San-X My Only Rilakkuma Mechanical Pens with Gold Mascots [B]
San-X My Only Rilakkuma Small Memo Pad [A]
San-X Piggy Girl B6 Hard Cover Spiral Notebook [4]
San-X Piggy Girl Mechanical Pencils [B]
San-X Rilakkuma A4 Plastic File Folder [Pink Rose]
San-X Rilakkuma A4 Plastic File Folder [Rose]
San-X Rilakkuma Pen Stand [Little Bear]
San-X Rilakkuma Pocket Notebook: [White Rose]
Adorable right? Unfortunately, the San-X Piggy Girl Mechanical Pencils and one of the items my lady had ordered was out of stock, so Kawaii Gifts refunded us for those items and sent them on their way.
I received my order in a well packaged long flat rate box. Upon inspection of the items, I found that the Crux Melt Chocolate Mechanical Pencil [Pink] was defective. Also the San-X Rilakkuma Pen Stand [Little Bear] did not look like the image provided on the site at all! Even though all the products are 100% authentic this pen stand did not incorporate the correct color pallet for Korilakkuma. Rather than an off-white or ivory for Kori's fur the color was a terrible clay grey. It clashed with every other Korilakkuma piece I own. The "Korilakkuma" script in pink was barely visible on the pen case. It was such a disappointment that I set it aside along with the Crux Melt Chocolate Mechanical Pencil.
These file folders are not only adorable with their flower motif, but the perfect size! I had at first wanted to decorate my new cubicle in a Pretty Solider Sailor Moon theme, but I had a difficult time finding file folders that would fit the standard 8" x 12" sheet of paper. Good thing I found these ones.
My Only Rilakkuma Pencil Case
I can't get over how cute this pencil case is! I love all the little details, such as the strawberries, candy, cookie biscuits, Eiffel towers and the cute cast of characters of course!
Rilakkuma Memo Pads
This memo pad is so cute and small! The cover to the memo pad (left) features Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma and their little chick friend! Inside (enter and right) are two memo designs. I can't get over how cute the theme is for the "My Only" series!
Rilakkuma Mini Spiral Notebook
I needed a convenient and place to keep my work passwords, and this small notebook with the floral details is perfect! The Rilakkuma logo is a golden holofoil. Inside, the notebook features a ribbon at the bottom as well as roses and the San-X characters. The overall feel is very elegant.
Biscuit Coin Purse & ID Holder
I cannot say enough good things about this cute coin purse and ID wallet! The fact that this wallet resembles a delicious chocolate and strawberry cookie only adds to its sweetness. The ID slot is perfect for a ID or, as I discovered, a keycard. The pocket is a great storage place for my meal card and my drawer keys! There is a slight imperfection on the "u", but it is easily overlooked.
Rilakkuma Pens
My Only Rilakkuma Mechanical Pencil and Pen with Gold Mascots are adorable! The writing utensils are easy to use and work well. The combination of pastels and small strawberries, Eiffel towers, ribbons and hearts is beyond sweet! The gold Rilakkuma at the top is just adds to its charm.
Piggy Girl Notebook
As for Piggy Girl, why haven't I known about this little cutie before now?! She is absolutely precious! This little lady is a Piggy Princess, adorned only in a crown and a pink ribbon, dashes happily about the notebook with her little mouse sidekick among the flowers, ribbons, and feminine accessories similar to perfume bottles. Just as the mini spiral Rilakkuma notebook, this notebook features a golden holofoil which only adds to its charm! While I am still disappointed that the matching Piggy Girl pencil from this series was out of stock I am glad that I purchased the notebook.
Overall Rating:
Overall, I am very happy with my kawaii order. Everything was packaged well, arrived quickly. All but two of the products beyond my expectations!
Shipping Time
5 / 5
The shipping was extremely fast! Of course, I purchased enough to qualify for the 2-day Priority Shipping, but the shipping truly is impressive.
Product Quality
4.5 / 5
Most of the products were very well made and beyond adorable! Aside from the San-X Rilakkuma Pen Stand [Little Bear] stock image that did not match the item sent, all of the products matched their description and price point on the site.
Communication
2 / 5
I was unimpressed with the communication I experienced during this order. Firstly, the website was not updated and the item I purchased (San-X Piggy Girl Mechanical Pencils [B]) was actually Out of Stock. Secondly, in concerns to the return of the San-X Rilakkuma Pen Stand [Little Bear] that did not match the stock image on the site and the defective Crux Melt Chocolate Mechanical Pencil [Pink] was not addressed after an entire week. I had to inquire about the return once more. Thirdly, I did not receive my second refund until 6 days after my items arrived - and I had to inquire about the refund via email. Twice.
The issues I have experienced are extremely rare. I have ordered from Kawaii Gifts for years and have never had any problems.
I would still recommend this site for any of your Kawaii needs. I hope you all liked this review!