On to some frustrating news: The Gift Gate in Sydney. It’s at Sussex Centre, right at the very back corner of the ground floor. Very easy to miss.

I was so excited, because I haven’t been to a Gift Gate since I last visited the Philippines around 3 years ago. Filled with many happy memories, I eagerly went there.

Well… I got there alright. But it was so bare. And I don’t remember everything being so expensive! An umbrella was $60, a tiny keychain was $40. Stationary prices reached to the high heavens. I know that Sanrio is different to Morning Glory, but I couldn’t help feeling a little daunted especially after seeing MG’s rock bottom prices not 5 minutes walk from there.

I felt kind of deflated from my sudden excitement.

Oh well, I’ll cut them some slack on the bare displays. I will still continue to love Sanrio, relishing in the childhood memories that it brings me of days when, after piano lessons, my sisters and I will trip off to a Sanrio Gift Gate to pass the time.

I just wish the prices haven’t inflated so much…

Do you know of any stores that just remind you of your childhood? How did you feel when you visited it again years later?