These handbags and pouches are actually free gifts with Japanese magazines; prices from S$15

If you’ve been to a Japanese bookshop or convenience store (or Kinokuniya in Singapore), you’ll notice thick Japanese magazine bundles that come with freebies. These free gifts or “supplements” – called ‘furoku’ in Japanese – run the gamut from cute pouches to stylish tote bags. 

This has been a tradition in Japan from way back when magazines wanted to encourage young ladies to purchase their own magazines rather than share with their friends so they could own the freebies (usually stickers and stationery) themselves. 

With collaborations with brands like Miffy, Moomin, Snoopy, Hello Kitty and more, it's no wonder Japanese and tourists alike are flocking to buy these magazines. Best part? You can buy them in Singapore – at Japan prices too. With prices ranging from $15, these fun magazine supplements sold at much lower prices, compared to local stores here. We scoped some of the best ones you can get out there.

Magazine with Hello Kitty & Friends Pouch 

The cute pouch features Hello Kitty with some of the other popular Sanrio characters and has five compartments to store toiletries, first aid or stationery. It also makes for a useful travel pouch.  

Magazine with Hello Kitty & Friends Pouch, $18.53, Buy it now

Magazine with Mickey Mouse Tote Bag

Mickey Mouse fans would love this classic and minimalist everyday tote that reviewers found spacious and sturdy. 

Magazine with Miffy Vanity Pouch

Who doesn’t need a vanity pouch? This structured and compact bag has separate compartments to make organising easy and it even has a handle so you can carry it around like a little handbag. 

Magazine with Hello Kitty Digital Clock

You’ll be surprised that most of these freebies are actually practical stuff, just a hella lot cuter. This whimsical digital clock would make a cute bedside or desk clock.

Magazine with Puma Backpack

Think you can only score small and cute things in these magazine bundles? Here’s a whole backpack for you. The bag has plenty of compartments and is also rain-repellent – useful if you’re going to be outdoors a lot. 

Magazine with Papillonner × Pez Bag

Pez dispensers are honestly a work of art. This retro-inspired, fun and colourful sling bag features a Pez print and also has several dividers so you can find things easily.

Magazine with Whim Gazette Shoulder Bag

Tell me this doesn’t look like a dupe of the popular Bottega puffy cassette bag? Elegant and simple, this makes for a good everyday errand bag enough to fit the essentials – ans even a small umbrella and water bottle.

Magazine with Mary’s Chocolate Palette

Another great thing these magazines are good for is limited-edition makeup. In this exclusive collaboration with Japan’s Mary Chocolate and a makeup artist, this cat-themed makeup palette is a recreation of the actual Valentine’s Day chocolate set.

Magazine with Young & Olsen The Drygoods Store Leather Bag

Stylish and spacious, this structured leather handbag has plenty of dividers for organising your items. Its minimal but modern look also makes it versatile and easily matches with any outfit.

Magazine with Snoopy Boston Bag

If you like your bags roomy and a little slouchy, this bag is perfect for packing a lot of things. From books to packing stuff for a weekend getaway, it’s a versatile and useful bag to have.

Magazine with Miffy Double Layer Shopping Tote Bag

This bag even comes with an insulated compartment at the bottom if you need to put frozen stuff or store your hot lunch. It’s also super roomy which makes it the best bag to take for a supermarket run. 

Magazine with Anna Sui Tote Bag

This quilted tote gives you the choice of two looks as it is reversible so you can go for a classy look with the all black side or go for the cottagecore look with the purple floral side.

Magazine with Laura Ashley Wallet

The British brand is known for its classic and feminine floral patterns and it features on this long wallet that has plenty of slots and compartments, including one for coins. 

Magazine with Cup Noodle Bag

Cup noodles are an important part of our lives and now you can carry your stuff in a giant version of it. The bag also as a drawstring top so you can keep your stuff secure.