The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
I used to go to HomeSense with my mom on Saturdays when I was little, but for some reason, I haven't been to the store in ages, so when I found myself in need of some pillows for my new couch, I decided to revisit the store.
It's probably been about 10 years since I stepped foot in a HomeSense, and while I was of course expecting there to be furniture, knickknacks and other decorative household goods, I was a bit taken aback at some of the other random products they have.
For instance, did you know while picking up a new armoire or ottoman, you can also pick up a stress relief pickle and pretty much everything you need for mulligatawny soup? I certainly didn't!
Here are some of the most random and delightful products I found at HomeSense that I truly didn't expect to find there.
Artisan Stickini
A hand holding a package of shrink wrapped Italian cured meat at HomeSense for $7.99.
If you'd told me that you could pick up cured Italian meat at HomeSense, I truly would not have believed you.
I didn't actually know that this product is shelf-stable and doesn't require refrigeration, so that's definitely part of my surprise, but stocking up on protein-filled snacks at a home goods store is unexpected and fun.
Price: $7.99
Wild Smoked Salmon Jerky
A hand holding a package of Wild Smoked Salmon Jerky from HomeSense for $8.99.
Equally as confusing to me as the cured meat was the presence of Wild Smoked Salmon Jerky in not one, but two different flavours. The first one I found was in Garlic Chili Pepper, but there was also a Sweet Teriyaki flavour. Yum!
Price: $8.99
Spell Jar Kit
A hand holding a book that says The Art of Zen: Spell Jar Kit Self Love from HomeSense for $8.00.
As a lover of all things woo, I was tickled to find a Spell Jar Kit with a candle in the scent of rose, jasmine and patchouli that's meant to evoke self-love when burned.
It also comes with a clear quartz crystal, which is always a good one!
Price: $8.00
Mulligatawny Soup Mix
A hand holding a package of Mulligatawny Soup Mix with lentils, rice and spices at HomeSense for $9.99.
While you're out grabbing new linens at HomeSense, you can also grab pretty much everything you need to get started on a delicious mulligatawny soup with this handy little package filled with lentils, split peas, seasoning and dried vegetables.
Price: $9.99
A sassy bookend
A hand holding a bookend that says "duh!"
Bookends definitely fall into the category of home decor, so while I wasn't necessarily surprised to see the item, I was taken aback at it's sassy message of "Duh!"
Call me old-fashioned, but I preferred to get mildly insulted by people on the internet rather than my furniture.
Price: $9.00
Gummy Bear Moulds
A hand holding a red Gummy Bear Mold at HomeSense for $5.99.
Since it has never occurred to me to try and make my own gummy bears, I found this silicone mould to be a tad on the random side.
That being said, it would be super cute to freeze some water in it to add to cocktails for a cute little bespoke addition to your drink!
Price: $5.99
Mike's Hot Honey, Extra Hot
A hand holding a bottle of Mike's Hot Honey, Extra Hot at HomeSense for $14.99.
This delicious-looking find of hot honey seems like something you'd need to buy in a specialty food store and wasn't a product I expected to encounter while perusing.
It was one of the few items I seriously considered buying, and after going home and doing some research on the product, I might just go back to pick it up. Imagine this on some ice cream or in a marinade?
Price: $14.99
French Vanilla Coffee Syrup
A jar of French Vanilla Coffee Syrup at HomeSense for $7.99.
Like the hot honey, I also imagined that coffee syrup is something one buys at a specialty store, and also like the hot honey, it's presence in an every day store got me thinking about the fact that there's no reason I can't make my own fancy handcrafted beverages at home.
Why pay over $7 for a London Fog Oat Latte at Starbucks when I can make one for myself with this tasty item?
Price: $7.99
Salad Shears
A hand holding a package with Salad Shears at HomeSense for $5.99.
Once again, salad shears are an item I was unaware existed, so finding it in HomeSense threw me for a loop in general.
This seems like a pretty cool product for anyone who can't use a knife, but I am curious about how effective it is at helping you chop up your greens.
Price: $5.99
A taco holder
A hand holding a set of multi-coloured taco holders at HomeSense for $7.99.
I was super tickled to find these colourful taco holders that'll help you eat your meal without losing the delicious contents of your soft-shell or hard-shell taco.
Truly a problem-solving device.
Price: $7.99
A stress relieving pickle
A hand holding a package with a pickle at HomeSense for $7.99.
And lastly, one of the most unexpected items I encountered at HomeSense was this little pickle that you're supposed to squeeze when you're in a pickle yourself. A supportive friend!
Price: $7.99
And there you have it! Although HomeSense says it sells kitchen and gourmet cookware, accent furniture, lighting, rugs, decorative accessories and pillows, wall art, and other home bits, it does have some unexpected curveball items that are delightfully random and fun to stumble across while doing you're shopping.
Given that products at HomeSense change all the time, you might not find the same things I did, but who knows what you'll encounter — it just might be your new favourite item!
These prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.