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Couples are having a blast while poking fun at their bizarre and random finds at HomeGoods

Shopping at Home Goods be like this, exactly.

@lilianawilde/TikTok,@phantom.goats/TikTok

Ain't no party like a HomeGoods party.

Target might have the mainstream market cornered on the whole “go for one thing, leave with a full shopping cart” narrative, but real ones know there’s another store that offers a similar experience—only ten times more eclectic.

HomeGoods, brought to you by the same company that owns T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, is essentially a flea market on steroids, minus the secondhand aspect. Customers wander aisle to aisle perusing a random mishmash of bobbles from literally thousands of vendors—a dinosaur shaped dog bed here, a Belgian waffle scented candle there—until they find that one precious item (or, let's be honest, several precious items) to fill those pesky vacant corners of their home.

As any HomeGoods devotee will tell you, it’s not so much a shopping experience as it is a treasure hunt, especially since there’s often only one of whatever item you procure. Which obviously makes it much more fun than simply scrolling through Amazon.

But words fail to capture the bizarre, yet thrilling HomeGoods phenomenon compared to the video below, posted by Aubrey Gavello. In the hilarious clip, Gavello and her partner basically ask one another if the store might possibly carry some impossibly specific item, only to find out that, lo and behold, HomeGoods does in fact have it.

How specific are we talkin’? A snow globe with a small photo of the Golden Girls with the word “squad goals,” a full-sized, half black half white bust of a woman with bubbles on her head and a globe with no countries on it, just an inspirational quote, just to give you an idea.

There's even a mannequin with a Christmas tree for a petticoat for the seamstress looking to get into the holiday spirit,”and a “Meowna Lisa” painting for cat lovers who also enjoy art. Truly, there's something for everyone at HomeGoods.


@aubreygavelloo Honestly that lanky horse is coming home with us #homegoodsfinds #shopping #holiday #couple ♬ original sound - Aubrey Gavello

Of course, HomeGoods aficionados came in quick to defend some of these products. One viewer wrote, “Is it just me or is $9.99 for the Meowna Lisa a steal?” while another demanded “give me that Golden Girls snowglobe right NYOW”

Another viewer chimed in to say, “I worked at HomeGoods for 5 years and some stuff we got was so random. Then when you met the person buying it, it just made sense.”

Still another wrote, “You don’t go to HomeGoods looking for things. You go to HomeGoods to be found by things. It’s a spiritual journey.”

HomeGoods itself (or at least, the official HomeGoods TikTok account) left a comment which read: “sometimes you don’t know what you need until you go to HomeGoods.”


@liliannawilde shopping at homegoods be like… maybe we do need gold dusted wooden chickens?? @Sean Kolar #homegoods #homegoodsfinds #couplecomedy #marriage #husbandwife ♬ original sound - Lilianna Wilde


@sheawhatnow I cant believe they had everything we were looking for! We ❤️ you @HomeGoods #homegoodsfinds #homegoods #shopwithme #husbandandwifecomedy @Johnny Whitfield ♬ Christmas Is Coming - DM Production



@phantom.goats #homegoods #homegoodsfinds #homegoodsthings #shopping #christmas #christmasshopping #trend #trending #funnyvideo #comedyvideo #fyp #foryoupage ♬ original sound - Phantom Goats

Thanks to TikTok, highlighting these oh-so random finds is now simply an additional part of HomeGoods culture. Just search “HomeGoods shopping be like” and you’ll find a whole slew of videos just like Gavello’s.

And it probably goes without saying, but—while it’s fun to find unique, discounted items, it’s wise to be weary of buying things you don’t actually need. Especially when it comes to super niche holiday items, like the ones featuring in the clip below.


@livekindly HomeGoods anti-haul to save you from overconsumption this holiday season! 🫶 Where should we anti-haul next? #overconsumption #antihaul #deinfluencing #homegoods #homegoodsfinds #christmas #christmasdecor ♬ Christmas - JerryJeyy

Still, there’s something to be said about the healing retail therapy powers of a good HomeGoods haul. As with all things, there’s a balance to strike. So while maybe you don’t need single use leopard print wrapping paper, that leopard spotted rug you’ll treasure for years to come could be the perfect purchase.

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Upworthy's mother's day collection— purchase beautiful crafts this season & save with code SPRING10

If you're looking to shop for your mother or anyone else who is like a mother figure to you and you have yet to find the right gift, check out this selection of gifts perfect for this Mother's Day. At Upworthy Market, you can feel good about shopping because every dollar you spend directly supports the local artisans who handcraft their own products.

Romantic Wood Sculpture

Voluptuous curves circle and meld in a fervent kiss that forms a single heart. In this elegant abstract sculpture, the harmony between lovers is manifest as their figures curl together in utter bliss. This exquisite statuette from Made Wirata is a celebration of couples.

Green and Black Onyx Hand-braided Shambhala-style Bracelet

Rituu honors Buddhist meditation practices with the design of this Shambhala-style bracelet. Meaning 'bliss' in Sanskrit, the Shambhala-style bracelet symbolizes tranquility, peace and happiness – the oneness of all. Rituu expertly knots the cotton bracelet by hand with macramé techniques and crowns it with black and enhanced onyx, believed to protect against negativity.

Gemstone Tree

Displaying oceanic blue hues, the leaves of this petite gemstone tree are made from apatite. Joias do Rio offers this Brazilian gemstone tree, which is handcrafted with a trunk and branches made from gleaming brass wire. The tree stands atop a natural amethyst geode.

Blue Fijian Print Canvas Tote Bag

Who doesn't love beautiful, fun and practical totes? This cotton canvas tote bag is handcrafted and printed in Fiji with a mandala motif on vibrant blue. The large tote is fully lined in natural cotton canvas. Perfect for market trips, picnics, weekends away or home storage.

Sterling Silver and Turquoise Cocktail Ring

A single stone of blue composite turquoise rests atop this cocktail ring, presented by India's Aparna. The stone is surrounded by rope and swirl motifs on a sterling silver band for a look that attunes its wearer with the wisdom of the universe.

Fair Trade Modern Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings 'Pirouette'

Gleaming ribbons perform graceful pirouettes in a design from Aoy in Thailand. Meticulously crafted of sterling silver, these earrings are delightfully modern.

Indonesian Rainbow Glass and Driftwood Windchime

Working near Singaraja, in the mountainous northern region of Bali, artisans collect naturally fallen branches and glean wood from the local coffee plantations to fashion these delicate, colorful wind chimes. Once the reclaimed wood — teak and coffee — is gathered, each piece is sorted by size and color before being hand-shaped and strung with pieces of cut glass. Dazzling in the sunlight, the resulting rainbow chime is a gorgeous example of nature-inspired design. Each piece will vary slightly, due to the natural variations of the wood.

3D Tic-Tac-Toe

Waraporn Khamsuk creates a challenging tic-tac-toe from Thailand. Handcrafted from rain tree wood, the game features a square board with nine standing pegs for the addition of complementary X and O shapes. Just like traditional tic-tac-toe, the goal is for one of two players to arrange their shapes three-in-a-row. With this game, however, the rules of the old pastime are brought into a three-dimensional space—fun for the whole family.

Hand Made Wood Mah Jongg Game from Thailand

Handcrafted from raintree wood and painted with intricate characters, this striking game of strategy from Thailand is presented by Waraporn Khamsuk, featuring a box that houses 144 tiles painted with Chinese symbols in the traditional mah jongg style, often spelled 'mahjong.' Intended for up to four players, the objective of the game is to draw and discard tiles in order to craft a winning hand before the others do, with the player shouting 'mah jongg!' when they win. A complex game of strategy and cunning, mah jongg is a game fit for beginners and experts alike, with a popularity stretching from East Asia to Western countries as well. The tiles are housed in a wood box for storage and travel.

Beaded Bracelet

This double strand bracelet features cylindrical blue-green beads accented with brass. Handcrafted by Tiraphan Hasub of Thailand, this bracelet is a lovely pop of color accessory.

Brown Ceramic Turtle Flower Pot from El Salvador

A cheerful brown turtle comes to life in terracotta. Handcrafted by ceramists from the House of El Salvador Artisans, this versatile design is perfect to hold a potted plant. Geometric patterns in white adorn the ornate shell.

Batik Rayon Sarong

Intricate floral motifs alongside borders depicting elephants and deer in bubblegum pink, cerise and black surround a large circular motif in this elegant rayon sarong by Indonesia's Prayascita Dewi. The artisan employs the batik method to decorate each piece, a process where a wax resist is applied to the fabric before submerging it in vats of dye.

Twelve Cotton Worry Dolls with a Pinewood Box from Guatemala

A collection of 12 quitapenas worry dolls offers comfort crafted of cotton and tule wood. The Lopez Garcia Family of Guatemala handcrafts each doll with care, elaborating them with head scarves and dresses in a variety of colors. A painted pinewood box houses this set of worry dolls.

Colorful Nature Masks

Extravagant prints in dazzling colors celebrate nature. By Hari and Arthur, three rayon print face masks are contoured for fit. One features a floral motif on cardinal red, while the other two feature abstract motifs. All are double-layered, washable and reusable, with elastic to loop over the ears.

Painted Folk Art Sun Ceramic Mug from Mexico

Painted onto the surface of this ceramic mug, a colorful and vibrant sun is realized in the tradition of Mexican folk art with the message of 'Happiness' on the reverse. Eufrosia Pantaleon creates this simple and classic mug.

Sterling Silver Dreamcatcher Earrings

Two circular dream catchers are crafted of sterling silver, with elegant wire work and feathers with a combination finish hanging just below. Featuring petite blue stones of resin within their webs, these dangle earrings from Thailand are presented by Pichaya.

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You can purchase beautiful crafts while supporting artisans in Africa—save $7 with code IMPACT7

Supporting artisans directly not only helps them financially but can helps foster economic equality in general. At our very own Upworthy Market, you can be assured that your purchases directly support artisans who craft their own products. To this aim, we want to highlight some artisans in various African countries while celebrating their work and culture. Read personal stories by the creators and view their collections below.


1. Rita Addo's Story

"I am a designer by profession. I do my designing with African concepts in mind. Growing up, I loved to sketch things on paper. It was a natural talent, I guess. The carvers who collaborate with me use traditional tools. As the demand grows, I'm able to give work to more carvers, which generates more income for them and their families. It is possible one or two carvers who show a keen interest can make a career out of this. The workshop also provides local women with a constant supply of wood scraps for cooking. With the sale of my jewelry, women in the neighborhood who enjoy stringing beads also get to earn some money when there is an increase in demand. We use mainly wood, recycled aluminum sheets and recycled plastic beads." – Rita Addo

View Artisan Collection

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2. Ila Suleyman's Story

"I was born into a family of artists who have carved and crafted wood and leather products for several family generations. I have been told the crafts that we do date back to more than a century ago, but it was my great-grandfather who took on the craft and made a real venture out of it. I have since introduced new materials in my collection by exploring the use of other natural materials such as wood and some recycled materials. These are designed and crafted by me with assistance from my childhood friend Deri, who has become my partner in the workshop, along with a staff of five." – Ila Suleyman

Ila's West African jewelry traces its roots deep into the past. Exquisite beadwork harkens back to an ancient form of currency. Cowrie shells carry with them symbolic value. Religious, spiritual and nature-inspired motifs are featured in the handiwork of West African jewelry artisans, who now infuse new techniques and materials into their creations.

View Artisan Collection

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3. Akwele Suma's Story

Akwele Suma Glory is a multi-award-winning and dynamic mixed media artist. She developed her trademark style, which includes her choice of materials, concept and techniques that allow her audience to see beyond her physical works. Akwele has also distinguished herself in ethnic jewelry design for more than a decade. Her work with mixed media has made art lovers admire her flair and profound perception, which are rooted in her strong faith in God. Akwele's work is a continuous process of experimentation, research and development, and this has earned her a number of awards nationally and internationally for both her paintings and jewelry collections.

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4. Abdul Aziz Mohamadu's Story

"In 2000, I went into carving and since then I have never regretted it. I am now self-employed and there are five assistants working with me. In addition, I have taught seven other people how to carve, and they are also on their own now and doing well. When I get large orders, I call on them for their assistance. I look forward to training more people in this craft and also to continuing with my paintings." – Abdul Aziz Mohamadu

Today, Abdul spreads love to the five assistants who work with him, as well as the seven other individuals he has trained in the craft of carving. Even as his work has attained incredible success—being featured in exhibits in Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin—his journey is far from over.

View Artisan Collection

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5. Robert Aidoo-Taylor's Story

"I am a self-taught artist. I never took any classes or attended courses. I use manual tools to carve my pieces from wood and then I paint them myself. I enjoy working alone, and my inspiration comes from nature. In 2012, however, I started experimenting with various materials including wood, waxed linen and synthetic cords to add diversify to my products. From these and other media, I now make bangles, bracelets and necklaces." – Robert Aidoo-Taylor

View Artisan Collection

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Upworthy gift guide 2021

True

If you're looking for the perfect present to buy a special someone or want to treat yourself (because you deserve it), look no further, as we have carefully hand-picked our favorites from Upworthy Market! At our shop, you can feel good about your shopping because every dollar you spend directly supports artisans who create their own products. In this gift guide, you'll find products that range from jewelry to games, accessories and more—all items that we personally love at team Upworthy.

1. 3D Tic Tac Toe

Waraporn Khamsuk creates a challenging tic tac toe from Thailand. Handcrafted from rain tree wood, the game features a square board with nine standing pegs for the addition of complementary X and O shapes. Just like traditional tic tac toe, the goal is for one of two players to arrange their shapes three-in-a-row. With this game, however, the rules of the old pastime are brought into a three-dimensional space—fun for the whole family.

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2. Alpaca Scarf

Woven by hand on a traditional loom, alpaca in shades of grey form a classic herringbone pattern. Raquel and Gregor weave this distinguished scarf by hand. The ends are not hemmed but are neatly trimmed for a smooth silhouette.

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3. Puzzle Set

Keep everyone entertained with our handcrafted set of 6 or 12 wooden logic puzzle games. Games include falling star, snake cube, ball in jail and more. Thai artisan Waraporn Khamsuk handcrafts each of the puzzles that come in a handy storage box.

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4. Unique Recycled Shoulder Bag

Fiesta colors alternate with silver in a charming shoulder bag. From Maria Isabel Ramos, the purse is woven from recycled candy and cookie wrappers and lined with cotton fabric.

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5. Handmade Ceramic Tree Ornaments

Made of shaped terracotta and hand painted in bright tropical colors, these festive ornaments depict colorful Christmas trees. Jose Arriola creates a set of six, each one different. Poinsettias with distinct stylizations adorn them, and the set arrives in a pouch of hand-loomed cotton.

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6. Mindful Cat Sculpture

A serene cat sits in lotus pose as if in prayer or meditation in this charming sculpture. Hand-carved in Bali from local suar wood and signed by artist Nengah Sudarsana, who shares his love for animals through his work.

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7. Stylish Elephant Elephant Charm Anklet

Tiraphan Hasub crafts a stylish anklet, centering bright brass beads with colorful agate. A symbol of old Siam, an elephant graces this original design. Jingling bells form the clasp, and the anklet is adjustable in length.

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8. Twirling Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Pichaya designs modern earrings that appear to dance and twirl. The earrings are expertly crafted by hand with the luminous elegance of sterling silver.

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9. Handmade Rain Tree Wood Bottle Puzzle

Demonstrating her creativity and love for games, Thai artisan Waraporn Khamsuk creates this ingenious puzzle that is perfect for entertaining friends and guests. The goal is to figure out how to free a wine bottle using four pieces of interlocking rain tree wood, a task that will prove to be an enjoyable and motivating challenge. The puzzle is reusable and fits a 12-inch by 3-inch wine bottle.

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10. Fair Trade Men's Brown Leather and Brass Adjustable Bracelet

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step," according to Chinese poet and philosopher Lao Tzu. Show your adventurous spirit with this subtly rugged brown leather wristband bracelet. Thailand's Chaloemphon crafts the bracelet by hand, weaving a narrow belt of leather along the wider cuff. Brass snaps secure the bracelet at one of three lengths for a comfortable fit.

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11. Apple Green Jade Solitaire Ring

Evoking the ancient Maya, this beautiful and simple solitaire ring is crowned by an oval of apple green Guatemalan jade. This stunning accessory is designed by Zandra Lorena Sajbin, who crafts the ring with a band of sterling silver.

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12. All Cotton Multicolored Cosmetic Bag

Working with a traditional loom, the House of Antigua Artisans creates beautiful accessories like this cosmetic bag. The all-cotton fabric is a jaspe weave in navy, crimson and avocado. The bag is trimmed with light brown faux suede, and fully lined in polyester. It's just the right size for cosmetics or travel-sized toiletries.

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13. Happiness Mug

Painted onto the surface of this ceramic mug is a colorful and vibrant sun in the tradition of Mexican folk art with the message of "Happiness" on the reverse. Eufrosia Pantaleon creates this simple and classic mug.

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14. Cheerful Turtle Plant Pot

A cheerful little turtle comes to life in terracotta. Handcrafted by ceramists from the House of El Salvador Artisans, this versatile design is perfect to hold a potted plant. Geometric patterns in pale brown adorn the ornate shell

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15. Wood Three-Sided Domino Set

By Thai artisan Waraporn Khamsuk, this domino set offers a unique twist on the traditional tabletop game. Handmade from rain tree wood, 56 triangular dominoes or "trionimoes" come in a handy wooden box. The corners of each domino are hand-painted with colorful dots. This 2-6 player set offers fun for the whole family.

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16. Dolphin Necklace

Sleek and agile, twin dolphins leap and play on this pendant necklace made by Andi Rachmansyah in Bali. The pendant is hand- carved from smooth cow bone and centered on a black cotton cord of adjustable length.

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17. Owl Trio Statues

Three petite green ceramic owls recommend that we "see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil." Believed to have originated in ancient Japan, these charming statuettes are crafted by hand and given the crackled glaze that is characteristic of celadon ceramic.

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18. Lotus Flower Sterling Silver Band Ring

Realized in darkly oxidized relief, the image of a single lotus flower is featured on this band ring from Bali. Asmara Putra designs the ring, crafted of sterling silver.

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19. Alpaca Wool Beanie

The colors of the firmament, when the sun finally bids day farewell, inspire the vibrant design of this alpaca hat. Fernando Cano creates vibrant patterns as he knits the hat in shades of plum, orange, green and brown. Alpaca has been prized in the Andean region for centuries thanks to its warm and lightweight fleece.

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20. Protective Tranquility bracelet

Rituu Agarwal honors Buddhist meditation practices with the design of this Shambhala-style bracelet. Meaning "bliss" in Sanskrit, the Shambhala-style bracelet symbolizes tranquility, peace and happiness—the oneness of all. Rituu expertly knots the cotton bracelet by hand with macramé techniques and crowns it with black and enhanced onyx, believed to protect against negativity.

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