Poor Neopian's versions of popular wearables:

     We have all been there. You wander around Neopia, doing your thing, while you stumble across a pet that is just beautifully customized. The look is so awesome, you realize that you simply must find whatever it is their pet is wearing. Of course, almost without fail, you learn that the wearable in question is either crazy expensive or retired and hard to come by. This phenomenon is well known by customization addicts.

     I aim to show you that customization doesn't have to get you in trouble with the bank manager or cost you a fortune in neocash. There are some really nice alternatives for even some of the most popular pricey wearables out there. The wearables suggested all cost no more than 20K, or in most cases a lot less. In other words, nothing more than you can earn from playing a few games. This makes them a great option for pets living on a side account as well, because they of course like to look their best too!

     So without further ado:

     1. Adorable Yellow Mallard Float Ring

     Cost: Retired nc mall item

     Not all pets are natural swimmers like the koi. Some are more enthusiastic than skilled in the water. This is where the float rings come in handy. The adorable yellow mallard float ring, is indeed adorable, but alas, it's also retired from the nc mall. Before you start searching high and low for a trade, you might want to consider trying the Green Hissi float ring instead. It really is a bargain at only a few hundred neopoints, and is reported to work just as well as its more expensive counterpart.

     Green Hissi Float Ring

     Cost: 250 nps

     2. Holiday Fireplace Background

     Cost: Retired nc mall item

     This cute background was a bonus prize from the JubJub Power Bounce NC Mall Game back in 2010, and was quite popular and hard to come by even when it was new. Especially around Christmas time when everyone is hunting for nice holiday- themed wearables for their pets. Instead of trading off some of your rare nc items, or possibly even loads of gif">t box capsules, let me show you a nice alternative… the Holiday home background! Same cozy feeling for a fraction of the cost!

     Holiday Home Background

      Cost: approx 6500nps or free if you fetched one from the advent calendar in 2011.

     3. Gulp... Underwater Reef Background

     Cost: Retired nc mall item

     Ah, the ever so elusive Gulp Background. Every aquatic pet out there wants one! Having been retired for quite some time now, it's not so easy to find these days. But you guessed it; I have a suggestion for a cheaper alternative. The Underwater Net Background! This one look great with most aquatic pets, or any other neopets that is brave enough to swim near a fish net.

     Underwater net background

      Cost: approx. 2500nps

     4. Kacheek Pyjama Cap

      Cost: Approx. 1 mill

     Kacheek Pajama Cap. *sigh* So pretty in pink. Even after being active on the site for years, it is still incredibly popular. So many people own Kacheeks these days and let's face it, its hard saying no to a teary eyed Kacheek trying to convince you that you have to buy one for them. Trust me, as an owner of a very spoiled Kacheek, I would know. Before you spend your hard earned neopoints, maybe consider trying to talk your Kacheek into getting a Sweet Dreams Sleeping Cap instead? This cute cap will of course be a great option for any neopet out there needing some new attire to wear for bed.

     Sweet Dreams Sleeping Cap

      Cost: Approx. 1800nps

     5. Pink Mountain and Cloud Background

      Cost: Retired nc mall item

     Ah, the Pink Mountain and Cloud Background, perfect for any neopet that has its head up in the clouds, or of course for those who just like pretty backgrounds. It was awarded to those who beat Lulu in the New Game Challenge for Extreme Faerie Cloud Racers a good while ago. It's getting harder to find, since every user could only get one and so many users appreciates the pretty artwork on it. Cloudy Sky Background is a bargain at only 10 neopoints. You might even get one for free, if you play Keyquest or hang out at the The Neopian Second-Hand Shoppe link

     Cloudy Sky Background

     Cost: Approx. 200 nps

     6. MME6-S1: Magical Shapes Bubble Wand

     Cost: Retired nc mall item

     Bubble blowers, a favorite among the playful neopets out there and there are a lot of them! MME6-S1: Magical Shapes Bubble Wand is really cute, but you guessed it, no longer sold in the nc mall. Its neopoints counterpart, Giant Bubble Blower, isn't too expensive though. It can be yours for the bargain price of 3400 neopoints. I mean, where else can your neopet find this much fun and entertainment for that low a price?

     Giant Bubble Blower

     Cost: Approx: 1500nps

     7. Festive sparkler

      Cost: Retired nc mall item

     It is festive, and a sparkler. It has a twin; the neopoints item Sparkler, which is equally sparkly and nice in my humble opinion. The price isn't too steep either, and it saves you from going through all of the trouble to find a trade for this retired neocash item. I am sure your neopet will never know the difference!

     Sparkler

     Cost: Approx. 3000 nps

     8. Neoquest Wizard Wand

      Cost: Retired nc mall item

     This is truly a favorite with many neopians. It really is a pretty wand, no denying that. The sad thing is that people tend to hold on to theirs and therefore you don't see too many of them up for trade anymore. They were a part of the Neoquest Wizard Costume Pack back in 2008. The Magical Wand of Magicalness is really adorable, and who can't help but love the silly item name? I am sure your neopets will have tons of fun attempting to turn piles of dung into dubloons with their new magic wand.

     Magical Wand of Magicalness

      Cost: Approx. 6500nps

     9. Gingerbread Wings

     Cost: Retired nc mall item

     Gingerbread Wings, these tasty looking, adorable wings were originally given out by the Holiday Mystery Capsule in 2008. As you can see, it's been around for a long time now, but it has not lost its popularity. It has later been released in other capsules. If you decide to give your pet edible wings, keep in mind what the description on the Gingerbread Wings says: Warning: DO not attempt to eat during flight. The same goes for the cheaper alternative, Sugar Cookie Wings, I guess. You got those wings for free if you entered your neopet into Neopia's Style Showdown in 2010.

     Sugar Cookie Wings

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      Cost: Approx. 20K

     10. Sweetheart Ball Gown

     Cost: Retired nc mall item

     Sweetheart Ball Gown is a great choice for a valentine customization, or just for the girl that likes to dress up and be pretty. Even though it's not as elusive as some of the other neocash items out there, it's still retired. Meaning you would have to trade for it, or have one gif">ted to you, if you aren't lucky enough to already have one in your closet. Finding a Fancy Pink Gown, or affording one for that matter, shouldn't be too difficult. It’s found in shops for about 400 neopoints. Not bad at all, for such a cute dress. It’s really versatile as well, and comes with a matching Pink Sun Hat.

     Fancy Pink Gown

     Cost: Approx. 40 nps

     Finally, don't forget that all species have their own specie specific wearables. This means that only pets of that specie can use it. Some, if not most, of these are quite affordable as well. Have fun, be creative, and show off your pet with pride. Being able to customize and personalize your neopet truly is a wonderful way to set your neopet apart from the crowd.