Chinese youth embrace inter peace from decompression products.
“Why the slides are not done? The wage is too low.” “I think it’s legal to take a break.” “How can I maintain a good mood while working?” Customized desktop signs featuring sharp rebuttals and subtle hints for demanding bosses have become highly popular on China’s e-commerce platform. On December 23rd, the platform Taobao released a list of hottest products Top 10, drawing significant attention.
Notably, desktop signs criticizing “toxic” work cultures have emerged as some of the trendiest items this year. Increasingly, young people are using these products to find comfort and express frustrations in a lighthearted yet meaningful way.
According to Taobao, sales of these products grew by 87% compared to last year. The sharp increase, they explained, reflects young employees’ sense of humor and their proactive approach to handling workplace stress. Moreover, it offers a playful way to address work-related anxieties.
In addition to these signs, green banana pots have also gained widespread popularity. As “green bananas” sounds like “anxiety” in Mandarin, when bananas ripen from green to yellow, the anxiety is relieved. Taobao reported that sales increased by more than 100 times year-on-year.
Furthermore, quirky apparel and decorative items continue to capture shoppers’ attention. For instance, the list includes “ugly fish slippers,” which feature soles shaped like clownfish, and facekinis — full-face masks with only eyes and nose exposed.
Meanwhile, traditional square throw pillows appear to be losing their appeal. Instead, younger shoppers are gravitating toward customized pillows shaped like dogs, cats, or human figures. These pillows, often printed on both sides, create a visually striking effect.
Additionally, products related to intellectual properties (IP) are driving a surge in consumer interest. Fans of anime, cartoons, and video games are investing in themed merchandise. As a result, over 17 million IP-themed products have sold this year, representing nearly five times the sales of the same period last year. These items allow customers to carry badges and cards featuring their favorite characters, satisfying their desire for closer connections to beloved franchises.
Earlier this month, Taobao released a preliminary version of the list, which amused many netizens due to the “insane” items. However, the platform argued that the list represents a broader cultural shift.
More importantly, it noted, young people today care less about external opinions and more about self-expression. This generation is bold, independent, and eager to showcase their personalities.
Finally, insights from the “2023 Annual Report on Consumer Rights Protection” published by the China Consumers Association provide further context. The report, released in May, predicted that in 2024, emotional value would play a critical role in shaping consumer choices. Furthermore, Economic Daily highlighted that emotional value could become a major driver of consumption in the future.
Written by Yi Shen, additional reporting by China Daily and Ecns.
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