If you need a dose of cuteness, and are in Southern California this week, count your blessings. Now until the 21st of November, Sanrio is celebrating their 50th anniversary with a SMALL GIFTS thank you party at the Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport.
Sanrio corp. is the creator of Hello Kitty and all things kawaii (cute). As a child in Japan, where Sanrio originated, I first learned to ride a Hello Kitty bike with training wheels. To my utter delight, and please try not to be jealous…especially you men out there, but on Friday night at the festival, I finally got to upgrade to the sporty Kitty-chan (as the Japanese know her) wrapped Smart Car.
Don Chow Food Truck
Grabbing a burger with some of my favorite friends…
Don Chow's Tofu Bowl – Mexican meets Chinese
Coincidentally, I stumbled upon the festival while doing research on the whereabouts of some local food trucks for some visiting friends from the Bay Area. Lucky for me, they were fellow food lovers who were also craving a sweet dose of Hello Kitty.
"Hello Chicken Dinner" by Nouar (Acrylic on Maple Wood Panel)
"Sanrio Supper" by Misha (Acrylic on Canvas)
Upon arrival, we walked thru a blow-up rainbow entry way and entered a world of childhood memories. Old school video games like Miss Pac Man and Centipede, along with a Sanrio inspired miniature golf course and ferris wheel were waiting for our visit. DIY arts and crafts, a collection of awe-inspiring Hello Kitty artwork, and a pop-up shop kept everyone smiling and engrossed.
Now these are my kind of sneakers…Oh Yeah!
Cream Puffs from Hello Kitty's silver fox buddy, Papa Beard
Carnival snacks such as caramel apples and popcorn were available for purchase, along with Beard Papa Cream Puffs and Yogurtland Fro-Yo. A mixture of Los Angeles food trucks parked off to the side were also on hand to feed hungry guests.
Sanrio SMALL GIFTS Festival (Free Admission, Parking $10)
3021 Airport Avenue #203
Santa Monica, CA 90405-6101
(310) 390-9071
For the entire SANRIO SMALL GIFTS FESTIVAL schedule, visit HERE
*MORE PICS WILL BE ADDED TO OUR FACEBOOK PHOTO ALBUM
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I want that Sanrio Supper! So sad I won’t be able to make it before it ends!
You make Hello Kitty look chic and stylish. Now I want to get one of those cars for myself, or maybe my niece. 🙂
Mika – oh love the photos. this is the cutest thing i’ve ever seen! I love how you can be hanging out with Chef Thomas Keller at a Michelin Guide party one day and Hello Kitty the next. What a exciting great life!
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Weezermonkey – Sorry to hear you can’t make it. You would have loved it. Hopefully you can live vicariously through the photos. 😀
Alana – It’s so funny how much it looks like a toy car.
parisfoodie – Thanks!
Mika-chan-it was so fun to share this night with you!
Laiko-chan
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aaah Laiko – What a lovely Los Angeles night that was with you and Susie. Doesn’t get more unexpected and eclectic than a Hello Kitty carnival, Food Trucks, and a nightcap and bite at Test Kitchen to end it off. Oh, and we can’t forget about the PIG HUNT! 😉