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Ah, novelty purses. Kooky, kitschy and occasionally downright weird, one could say these eccentric little accessories are right on brand for me (and Jared Leto, apparently). Sure, they’re not exactly practical — my Mango shell clutch barely holds a tampon and the vintage telephone bag I won at auction still smells like mothballs — but their whimsy also brings me a whole lot of joy.
Even when they give me pause or make me scratch my head (yes, I am referring to the $895 diamond-encrusted Area chair bag that once graced Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn’s arm in season 4), I still appreciate them for their ability to make me feel something.
It’s in that spirit that I’ve devoted my Wednesday morning to tracking down the most batshit crazy novelty bags you can buy. Sure, there will be those who can’t comprehend the purpose behind, say, a Sphynx-shaped clutch or a martini purse, but in the words of Nikolas Bentel (a.k.a. the mastermind behind The Pasta Bag), “For those of you asking, ‘Why? Why design a pasta bag?” my reply is simply, Why not?’ F*ck it. It’s a bag now.”
It’s a bag now, indeed.
The Best Novelty Purses of 2025
1. Betsey Johnson Baguette About It Bag
This bag made my heart skip a beat upon first sight, and I love it even more in person. It’s printed to look exactly like a baguette, with all of the holes, cracks and intricacies of the bread, and the slab of “butter” that hangs from the zipper is the cutest little detail you ever did see. Believe it or not, it’s also highly functional—just the right size for toting essentials. (And if you need more room, a larger baguette version is available.) It also happens to go with everything, so naturally, it’s the no. 1 bag in my current rotation. Find me wearing it everywhere this summer.
2. Nikolas Bentel The Pasta Bag 3.0
Now in its third (and according to the studio, final) iteration, the pasta bag 3.0 has a few more bells and whistles than the original. While the first version was closely modeled after a navy Barilla penne box, this one features a colorful yellow border akin to the De Cecco farfalle packaging. The chic little pasta-shaped charm, vegan leather and Bentel branding, however, are all original.
3. Kate Barton Goldfish Accessory Bag
As far as I can tell, this bag serves absolutely no purpose. (You know, other than being entirely fabulous.) I don’t believe it opens up, which means it won’t actually store a thing—it’s literally just a goldfish bowl on a string. And yet I want it desperately… Sigh.
4. Kate Spade Slice 3D Pizza Crossbody
I’ve had this little beauty for a few years now, and it’s still a favorite. I tend to save it for more special occasions, since it’s so fancy (the entire thing is covered in crystals and the “pepperonis” are made of sequins). It’s also not the bag to bring along when you’ve got a lot to carry—it zips open at the “crust” and has quite a slim profile. We’re talking a few cards in the slots, a lipgloss and *maybe* a pared-down set of keys if you’re lucky. Still… she’s awfully pretty.
5. Lulu Guinness Lulu Calling Clutch
This brand caught my attention after Kate the Great (the one and only Kate Moss) was spotted wearing its darling lips clutch. I might be even more enamored with this mini phone booth bag, however, which opens at the top and has an adorable little “Lulu calling” inscription. It’s made of recycled satin (read—it will snag), so it’s probably not the best choice for the grocery store , but let’s be real: If it ever comes into my possession, that’s exactly where I’ll be showing it off. It also comes with a matching mini mirror.
6. JW Pei Sadie Cat Clutch
I have so many questions. Where does this cat “open?” Why is he dressed in Dwayne Johnson’s exact outfit from the ’90s (which, BT dubs, is the only reason I haven’t already snatched it up)? Why doesn’t he have any whiskers? Is it true to size? It won’t be in stock until Aug. 15, 2025, so unfortunately, we’ll have to wait to find out, although the site does clarify that it’s not quite big enough for a phone—just cosmetics. P.S.—if the Sphynx is a little too over the top for you, there’s a more demure black cat version, too.
7. Betsey Johnson Kitsch Nice Buns Bag
I debated buying this one for a good long while, mainly due to its height: Let’s just say this burger bag (are you sensing a food theme yet?) is not for the faint of heart. It’s bigger than my head, and I was worried it might look, oh, I don’t know, less chic, more ridiculous? While I’ll admit it’s rather cumbersome to wear, it’s also really fun. The sequin burger meat keeps it from looking cheap, and the little pickle adds a nice finishing touch to the zipper. It also holds an absolute ton, so long as your stuff fits the unique shape.
8. Mango Shell Clutch
Practical, this one is not. It’s on the heavier side, and the chain strap digs into my collarbone a bit. But if beauty is pain, fashion is discomfort, and I’m willing to endure it for the seashell aesthetic (so trendy!). There’s no clasp—it closes via two super strong magnets on the inside—but mine arrived with the magnets attached together, so the bag wouldn’t close right. Luckily, I have a very handy boyfriend who was able to save the day to keep my stuff from spilling out all over the place when I finally find the perfect thing to wear this with.
9. Moschino Teddy Bear Purse
Moschino has always been wonderfully weird (I’m still not over the 2022 burger collection), so naturally, the brand’s novelty bag game is on point. Case in point? This actual teddy bear that’s equipped with a kiss clasp at the back. (You know, like a coin purse, but cuter.) He opens to reveal what looks like just enough space for your non-negotionables (phone, gloss, cards, the end).
10. Enjoinin Popcorn Bucket Purse
Here, we have the quintessential popcorn bag — a.k.a. the kind that comes without calories or those little kernels that get wedged in your teeth. The satin lining sticks out above the bucket-shaped body to give the illusion of the buttery treat, and there’ll be no fear of your actual snacks (or lip gloss. Or sunscreen) falling out thanks to its drawstring closure. The handle also detaches, giving you several ways to wear it on your next trip to the movies.
11. Staud Palm Leather Purse
This summery bag is much smaller than I had anticipated — my iPhone 16 pokes out from the top— but it’s also one of my most-used accessories. The green just seems to magically go with everything, and the unique leaf shape zhuzhes up even the most boring of ensembles. There’s a little suede insert that keeps its contents (mostly) concealed (though you can also remove it for more space in a pinch).
12. Bottega Veneta Leather The Newspaper Shopper
Extra, extra! As a journalist, this gorgeous leather shopper speaks to my soul. It’s essentially the Carrie dress (you know the John Galliano masterpiece of which I speak) in bag form. While its headlines are in Italian, they’re somehow still more appealing than the actual news. Go figure!
13. Rae of Light Icon Purse
A cheaper take on the $5,795 Judith Leiber martini bag, this showy pick allows you to go bottoms up on your favorite martini for less than $250. It’s bejeweled with crystal rhinestones from top to bottom and even has a neat little little garnish. It doesn’t appear to hold a whole lot (maybe a lipstick, a card and a key, if you’re lucky), but it sure is cute.
14. Puppets and Puppets Phone Purse
Brought to you by the same company that gave the world the “it” cookie bag of 2023, this little gem is poised to be popular with its magnetic closure and faux croc exterior. It also comes in olive for those who prefer a splash of Kermie—and it’s on sale.
15. Nik Bentel The Dinner Plate Purse
Have you ever left the house in a rush only to realize that you completely forgot to raid your dinnerware cabinet before taking off, leaving you without a dinner plate, fork and knife to go? No? Well, no matter—as of today, July 30, 2025, Nik Bentel has made it his duty to make sure you’re never in that pickle with his latest release of his fully functional Dinner Bag—a “serious bag for unserious occasions.” It even comes in three different essential colorways , so you can choose your mealtime backdrop. Genius!
16. QZUnique Camera Purse
This one’s giving Emily in Paris vibes, right down to the phrase that’s printed on the lens mount of “steal the spotlight.” With an opening under the faux mount dial, it reveals plenty of space for your cards et al. Better yet, the removable strap means you can wear it as a crossbody, a shoulder bag or as a clutch. The crème fraîche on top? It’s less than $25 bones.
17. Cult Gaia Sirena Purse
With its pearlescent exterior and distinctive shape, Cult Gaia’s Sirena purse more than lives up to its name. Despite it’s delicate appearance, its marbled acrylic mouth fully opens like a clam for storage. And when you’re ready to close it, there’s a hidden magnetic fastener. I also enjoy the ergonomic opening at the top that allows you to grip it like a clutch sans strap.
18. Staud Limona Bag
This one’s simple and sweet—just a little summery little lemon. There’s a basic leather strap, and you can take it off if you want to carry this around like a clutch. Given my experience with Staud novelty bags, I’d guess it’s even smaller than it looks, but oh, the luscious pop of color it gives…
What’s your dream novelty bag? Tell me in the comments below.
Xo, Nicole
