This is what my desk looks like after unpacking the parcels — and I ordered every single item deliberately
Last week I picked up three packages from China at the post office — and that’s not even everything that arrived from Ali over the past month. I gathered it all together, laid it out on the table, and realized: this makes a full-fledged roundup. From a portable console to laces that turn sneakers into slip-ons. I’m showing what actually arrived and telling you what’s worth your attention.
Sony PS Vita Slim — Finally Closed a Chapter from the 2000s
Holding it in my hands and can’t believe I didn’t buy it ten years ago
There are things you wanted in your youth but never bought — and then they disappeared from stores. The PS Vita 2000 Slim is exactly one of those. I ordered it in April because I realized: a couple more years, and finding one in decent condition will be nearly impossible. The Slim version is lighter and thinner than the original, with a 5-inch IPS screen, Wi-Fi, and a memory card included — you can load up games right away without worrying about storage.
Vita’s library is still excellent: Persona 4 Golden, Gravity Rush, Uncharted Golden Abyss — none of these are available on other portable consoles. A USB-C adapter solves the charging issue, and the console itself fits into any bag. If you also passed on the Vita back then — now is probably the last chance to fix that.
Price: 14,750 rubles
Xiaomi Lint Remover — I Saved Three Sweaters in One Evening
The sweater before and after — the difference is like thrift store vs. retail
Previously, clothes that got covered in lint went from “going out” status to “home only” status. You wouldn’t wear something like that in public. Then I got the Xiaomi lint remover, and it turned out that a lot of my wardrobe could still serve me well. I ran it over a house sweater that I was already embarrassed to wear in front of guests — and it genuinely started looking decent again. Stainless steel blades, with a spare set included, which is critical for me: I never order small parts like these separately later.
The body feels nice, charges via USB-C, and the lint container detaches and cleans easily. Xiaomi didn’t skimp on the motor — it’s powerful enough to handle dense knitwear but doesn’t damage the fabric. In one evening I ran three sweaters and a fleece blanket through it. Definitely one of those things that pays for itself on the very first use.
Price: 1,582 rubles
Portable Battery-Powered Shower — I Take It to the Dacha Every Weekend
The size of a fist, but the pressure is like a normal shower
At my dacha, there’s no proper shower — just a summer one that only works when the sun heats up the tank. On a cloudy day, it’s just an ice-cold trickle that makes you want to run away. So I went ahead and bought a portable battery-powered shower, and now everything is simple: you drop the pump into a bucket or basin of warm water, press the button — and you get a perfectly decent water pressure. The built-in battery charges via USB, and a single charge is enough for several full showers.
The unit itself is compact, water-resistant, and weighs about 200 grams. A hose and a showerhead with switchable modes are included. Unfortunately, there’s no built-in heater. But after working in the garden, it’s a real lifesaver. It’s also great for camping, washing the car, or rinsing off the dog after a walk. For this price — it’s something that genuinely improves the quality of dacha life.
Price: 2,040 rubles
Homemade Sushi Roll Kit Like on TikTok
My daughter now asks for rolls every weekend — and I don’t mind
It all started with a couple of videos in my feed where people were casually making sushi rolls in their kitchen. The algorithm decided I was a future sushi master and kept serving me recipes for two weeks straight. In the end, I gave in and ordered a sushi roll making kit — and you know what, it turned out to be easier than I thought. The kit includes molds for round and triangular rolls, a mat, a knife, a rice spoon, and a fork — about ten items in total.
The first rolls came out a bit crooked, but by the third attempt my daughter said they were “almost like a restaurant.” The molds really help: you put in the rice, the filling, press down — and you get an even cylinder without the struggle of a bamboo mat. The plastic is sturdy, easy to wash, and nothing broke after a month of active use. For 1,250 rubles you get a fun evening activity and a skill that later saves money on delivery.
Price: 1,250 rubles
GameSir Nova 2 Lite — A Gamepad That Works with Everything
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, USB-C — connects to anything without any hassle
Touch controls in mobile games are when your fingers cover half the screen and the character goes the wrong way. It’s especially frustrating in shooters and racing games.
