‘Whimsymaxxing’: Why we’re suddenly bedazzling everything – and how to whimsify your life

Hey you! Have you gone online recently and realised that there’s a whole new lexicon you no longer understand? Like why is the word “core” added to every fashion trend? Or what is a pick-me, and why do these people want to be picked? Internet Analysis is a column that helps to break down these new terms that made their debut on the internet and social media, and helps you, fellow reader, navigate the confusing World Wide Web. Just call it your internet cheat sheet.

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram over the past week, you might have noticed: everyone is suddenly bedazzling everything. Creators are sticking brightly coloured plastic jewel stickers onto everyday things like face masks, cups and skincare products — and even all over their faces and bodies.

You may have first spotted it on celebrities like Kylie Jenner, who put rhinestones on her drink and cake before taking the trend to her phone case and nails. Now, brands like Sol de Janeiro and Clinique are getting in on it too, giving their products the bejewelled treatment.

But before you scrunch up your nose and dismiss it as “just plain silly”, there’s a deeper meaning to this maximalist trend that might just resonate with you.

It’s part of a broader trend taking over our screens and it’s called “whimsymaxxing”. Yes, another “-maxxing” term has entered the internet’s vocabulary. But unlike other popular slang terms like “looksmaxxing”, which is about maximising your physical attractiveness, or “sleepmaxxing”, which is all about perfecting your sleep, “whimsymaxxing” may need a little more explanation.

What is ‘whimsymaxxing’?

It all boils down to the internet’s current obsession with being ‘whimsical’, or ‘whimsy’ for short, which Cambridge dictionary defines as “unusual, funny, and pleasant ideas or qualities”. In practice, it means bringing a little more playfulness and childlike imagination to your everyday routine. 

It can look like doing “silly” activities, or adding quirky decorations like stickers and gems to otherwise mundane objects — all in the name of giving yourself a little serotonin boost throughout the day.

And bedazzling your belongings isn’t the only way creators are getting their whimsy fix. Some are putting rainbow sprinkles in their coffee, cutting their food into little hearts and stars, adding cute trinkets and squishies to their desks, or decking out their bags with an ever-growing collection of bag charms.

The core of the “whimsy” trend is a pushback against modern-day burnout and monotony, as well as the polished minimalism of aesthetics like the “clean girl” and “quiet luxury”. Instead of striving for everything to be sleek, efficient and perfectly curated, it’s about making room for things that bring a little innocent fun.

So the goal of “whimsymaxxing” then? To, as much as possible, prioritise personal joy over strict productivity, romanticise the everyday, and, perhaps, reconnect with your inner child. 

But if you don’t know where to start, fret not – we’ve put together a small guide on the places to go, things to add, and activities to try that might just bring a little more sparkle to your everyday life.

Quirky home decor

Add a little whimsy to your everyday space with knick-knacks that simply make you smile. Not only do they make your house more welcoming, familiar, and personalised, they also serve as your daily reminder not to take life too seriously. And when you’re hosting friends, they make for easy conversation starters that are bound to put everyone in a better mood.

Stacked Store

At Stacked Store in New Bahru, you’ll find your usual homeware with a decidedly quirky twist. Think lamps shaped like melon pan, salt and pepper shakers resembling blocks of cheese, blue and pink mushrooms or dachshunds, and trinket trays designed to look like swimming pools and tomatoes. In other words, exactly the kind of things you don’t necessarily need — but will probably want anyway.

Heartware store and gallery 

If fun prints and art are more your thing, drop by Heartware Store and Gallery in Joo Chiat. You’ll find everything from accessible little pieces like stickers and postcards to larger art prints and curated works. Whether it’s a giant thumbs-up pillow with a sad face or a woven throw featuring adorable animals taking a nap, there’s no shortage of playful pieces to add a little colour and personality to your home.

Unique trinkets and accessories

Pick up little trinkets and accessories that give your everyday belongings a little personality. Clip a quirky bag charm onto your work tote, deck out your phone and laptop with stickers, or keep a tiny figurine or novelty keychain on your desk — the more delightfully unnecessary, the better. Whether it’s a tiny duck or a ridiculous charm that reminds you of an inside joke, the slightly random, mismatched bits and bobs are part of the fun. 

Variety Singapore

This lifestyle store houses a curation of small businesses selling everything from accessories, prints and clothing to homeware. It’s the kind of place to browse when you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary: think button-shaped rings, musical-note hair clips, oversized floral hair pins, mermaid-inspired leather journal covers and plenty of lace and floral fairycore pieces.

wheniwasfour

Looking for a way to add some whimsy to your Singaporean spirit? wheniwasfour does just that, with a huge range of accessories, stationery, bags, apparel and home decor inspired by local culture.

Think keychains modelled after the iconic Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice hawker sign, Pipagao medicine bottles and Mama instant noodle packets, or sling bags designed to look like traditional mooncake paper bags. It’s nostalgia, but with a playful twist.

Haengbok Studio 

At Haengbok Studio, you can shop a collection of adorable stationery, craft supplies and even Sonny Angels — but that’s not all. The studio also has a neoprint photobooth with thousands of frame designs to choose from. You can add digital stickers and drawings to your chosen frame before printing, then customise your physical photos afterwards with stickers, gems and more. Essentially, it’s a one-stop shop for making your memories a little more whimsical.

Get a fun drink 

Why settle for your standard cup of coffee when your drink can be a tiny source of joy? For an instant dose of whimsy, seek out cafes and drink spots serving something a little more playful — think colourful matcha, drinks finished with sprinkles or teas topped with foamy designs.

Black Tree 

If you’re looking to add a little fun to your drinks, this is your sign to try the viral Chinese tea store Black Tree at 313@somerset. The brand is known for its adorably designed beverages, from little sheep drawn onto matcha drinks to its classic Thai milk tea topped with signature cat-shaped cheese foam.

Braekroom 

At Braekroom, the food and drinks get the exact whimsymaxxing treatment you see on Tiktok. Its menu of acai, oats, croffles, matcha and coffee comes with plenty of playful touches — think rainbow sprinkles on your matcha and acai, a star-shaped dusting of cinnamon on your banana cinnamon hojicha, or a star-shaped pat of butter perched on your croffle.