Chinese shopping platform Taobao is one of the world’s most popular shopping hubs, with millions of products available. However, amongst these millions of items, there are bound to be some unconventional products, to say the least.
The website recently held its fifth annual “Taobao Ugly Stuff Contest”. The list, voted by users, aimed to showcase the top 40 least aesthetically pleasing “treasures” available on the website. In no particular order, here are some of the few products that earned a spot in this year’s list:
Trash Can Sleeping Bag
This trash can sleeping bag even comes with a printed recycling icon. If you don’t want a rubbish slumber, you might want to avoid this sleeping bag for your camping trips.
Custom-made Ugly Pillows
You’ve probably seen memes of these ugly pillows on social media, where netizens have transformed their pet, kid or friends into a plushy abomination. They make great gifts for your loved ones – but make sure they understand the irony behind these pillows.
Lettuce Bedding
Ever wondered what it would be like to sleep in a bowl of lettuce leaves? Well, here’s your chance to do so! Unfortunately, this bedding set might induce some unexpected cravings in the middle of the night, so try not to go to bed hungry when using them.
Lion Dance Dragon Toy
In the spirit of Chinese New Year – and the many Lion Dances you will come across – you can grab this toy for yourself or the kids in your family. However, fair warning, the human expression and body can lead to some discomfort.
Bird Coin Purse
Unfortunately, this awkward bird coin purse doesn’t appear to hold many coins. However, on the plus side, you can almost guarantee that no one will dare steal from this particular purse, keeping your coins safe and sound.
Cupping Therapy Shirt
It appears traditional cupping therapy has become fashionable to the point where brands are churning out shirts to mimic the familiar circular marks. While this shirt won’t give you the health benefits, you can still get the bragging rights of seemingly undergoing the treatment.
Hatsune Miku Ski Mask
If you’re a fan of the beloved Japanese pop icon Hatsune Miku, you can now show your love with this terrifying ski mask. Even if you’re not into any shady business, you can still keep your entire face – sans your eyes and mouth – warm.
Cockroach Press-on Nails
Do you want a nail design that can give everyone the creeps? Then look no further than these cockroach press-on nails! Sadly, you might have trouble finding a willing nail artist to help apply them.
Horse Shoe
You might think this funky footwear was because someone in China took “horseshoes” a little too literally. However, it appears that it was made to insult people as “horse-stepping” in Mandarin is homophonous with a common curse slang.
Coneheads Hat
In China, being a “pointed man” means you’re a gentleman. Unfortunately, we’re unsure if wearing this peculiar headgear will help get that point across to those around you. Regardless, it makes a great “Conehead” cosplay.
Interestingly, the top 40 also included some designer items, including the MSCHF x CROCS Yellow Boots and the Moschino Celery Bag – which shows that luxury brands don’t always hit the mark when it comes to being aesthetically pleasing. Which items caught your eye?
Sources: South China Morning Post, Koreaboo
