If you’ve ever wandered the aisles of Kmart looking for a bargain, you’ll know the thrill of stumbling across a product that’s not only affordable but also unexpectedly brilliant.

Well, fellow Seniors Discount Club members, there’s a new $10 Kmart gem that’s got everyone talking—and no, it’s not a bestselling novel or a must-have kitchen gadget.

The humble hero in question is a Kmart two-pack of packing cubes, a travel accessory that’s been quietly making waves on social media for months.

Originally designed to help organise your suitcase, these nifty cubes have found a whole new fanbase among book lovers, parents, and anyone who likes to keep their belongings neat and tidy.

Kmart’s $10 packing cubes go viral as book lovers use them to protect paperbacks while travelling. Credit: @rosiiiie / TikTok

Packing cubes have long been a favourite for savvy travellers, perfect for sorting clothes, toiletries, and even nappy supplies or snacks.

But thanks to the creative minds of the BookTok community on social media, these cubes are now being hailed as the ultimate book protectors.

That’s right—people are snapping them up to keep their precious paperbacks safe from the perils of handbags, backpacks, and travel.

Social media user @grisssma was one of the first to share her discovery, showing off how the packing cubes keep her books from folding or getting damaged.

'How amazing is it?! Keeps my books from folding, I know it doesn't fit all the books, but it fits most of the paperback ones…so super happy!! @Kmart you did it again!' she raved.

Another book lover, Rosie (@rosiiiie), urged fellow readers to 'run, don’t walk, to Kmart! These travel cubes are perfect for protecting your books in your bag.'

She’d been searching for something similar for ages, and the cubes fit the bill perfectly.

If you’re a bookworm, you’ll know the heartbreak of pulling a favourite novel out of your bag only to find it bent, scuffed, or—heaven forbid—soaked by a rogue water bottle.

The Kmart packing cubes, available in white, pink, black, and iridescent, are just the right size for most paperbacks, offering a soft, zippered cocoon to keep your stories safe.

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Fans have been quick to share their own hacks, too. Some decorate their cubes with bookish stickers, while others use them to store Kindle accessories, snacks, or even small craft projects.

One clever traveller said, 'Love using these for my books when I travel—keeps them safe. I can usually fit two books roughly the same size in one.'

Of course, no product is perfect. Some readers pointed out that larger novels or hardcovers might not fit, and the rounded corners of the cubes can sometimes bend book edges.

'I need someone to make one with square edges. Cause the rounded edges tend to bend the book corners,' one commenter suggested.

Another added, 'They need to do a bigger one for big books.'

Still, the overwhelming consensus is that these $10 cubes are a game-changer for anyone who wants to keep their books in tip-top shape while on the go.

Interestingly, the packing cube craze has sparked a friendly debate among book lovers. Some cherish the scuffs and folds that come from a well-read book, seeing them as badges of honour and memories of adventures past.

'I love seeing the scuffs and folds on my books cos it reminds me they've been read and loved,' one woman shared.

But others have learned the hard way that a little extra protection can go a long way.

'I felt the same until I spilled a glass of red wine in my bag, which ruined a few pages and soaked right through the spine,' confessed another reader.

Sometimes, a bit of prevention is worth it!

If you’re keen to get your hands on these packing cubes, head straight to the travel section of your local Kmart.

Some shoppers have reported doing '20 laps' of the store before finding them, so don’t be afraid to ask a staff member for help.

And if you’re feeling crafty, why not personalise your cube with stickers or fabric paint to make it truly your own?

While book protection is the latest trend, packing cubes are endlessly versatile. Here are a few more ideas:

• Organise your medications and first aid supplies for trips.
• Keep your knitting or crochet projects tidy.
• Store chargers, cables, and tech accessories.
• Use them as a snack pouch for grandkids on outings.
• Create a mini travel kit with toiletries and spare undies for overnight stays.

Key Takeaways

• Kmart’s $10 two-pack packing cubes have gone viral on social media, with book lovers praising them as a handy way to keep paperbacks safe while travelling.
• Readers on social media, primarily through BookTok, are obsessed with these packing cubes for protecting novels, saying they're perfect for preventing bent pages while in a bag.
• Some shoppers suggested improvements like bigger sizes and square edges to better fit larger books and avoid bent corners, though most were thrilled with the product.
• While many value the cubes for keeping books pristine, others feel that wear and tear gives books character, with one noting that a protective cover saved their books from a wine spill.

Have you tried the Kmart packing cube hack? Do you prefer your books pristine or well-loved? And what other clever uses have you found for packing cubes or other travel accessories? Share your thoughts, tips, and stories in the comments below.

Read more: Is Your Colouring Book Hiding Shocking NSFW Images? Kmart Shoppers Outraged!

 

[MariaG]

I'll have a dig into my Tupperware cupboard. Those book boxes look familiar.