Why we all need a little more play in our everyday lives

There’s a certain magic in stumbling upon an object you never knew you needed. For me, it was a giant sharpener. Not for pencils, but for carrots.

I couldn’t help but laugh at how absurdly delightful it was. It looked like something out of a school art class, except it was meant for the kitchen.

That small, almost silly purchase got me thinking: When was the last time we allowed ourselves to play, to add something unexpected into our routines just for the joy of it?

Not too sure whether this is good or bad, but we live in an age that glorifies efficiency. Productivity hacks flood our feeds, meal prep is about saving time and even leisure is often scheduled.

Somewhere along the way, we’ve forgotten that creativity isn’t just about output, it’s also about joy, exploration and rediscovering a sense of wonder in ordinary moments.

Flying Tiger Copenhagen chief executive officer Martin Jermiin has built a brand around exactly this idea.

"At Flying Tiger, we always say that a richer life doesn’t necessarily come from consuming more, but from experiencing more.

"Our mission is to inspire people to live more creatively and to find joy in small everyday moments," he shared in a recent conversation.

It’s a refreshing reminder that creativity isn’t reserved for the gallery walls or design studios.

As Jermiin pointed out, it can live in the simplest things like a game night with friends, a quirky kitchen gadget that makes you laugh, or even a notebook that invites doodling instead of to-do lists.

"We believe that creativity is not just for artists or designers. It’s for everyone and it can be woven into the simplest parts of daily life," he said.

That’s why Flying Tiger stores are deliberately designed like treasure hunts: Winding aisles filled with colorful, often unexpected objects from whimsical stationery and bold tableware to toys that remind you of childhood.

"We want people to feel like kids again when they walk in, to be curious, to touch, to explore.

"We’re more than just a simple product and that’s because of the design.

"Whether it’s something for your teenager’s room or your office, even a very small pillow, it’s that smile that really stays with you. We put a lot of effort into design because we want people to feel something when they come into the store," he added.

The brand also takes pride in being accessible, while never chasing the idea of being the absolute cheapest.

Jermiin explained, "We’re very democratic in that sense, meaning we don’t have to be the cheapest."

"But we want to be there for everyone. Whether you’re spending pocket money as a student or looking for something for your home, there’s always something for you and that matters to us," he said.

Beyond playful designs, Flying Tiger’s Danish heritage is also rooted in sustainability, though it’s not a message plastered loudly across every shelf.

"Our Danish heritage means we are incredibly focused on sustainability and we may be the most sustainable retailer on earth.

"That’s not something we market on the product, it should be invisible. But whether it’s emissions, materials, or logistics, it’s who we are. We see it as a long-term investment in doing the right thing," he added.

Flying Tiger Copenhagen is now at The Gardens Mall.