The Top Underappreciated (and Cheap) Shops In Neopia

1. The Smoothie Store

Location: Neopian Central (Bazaar)

The first few times I stopped by this shop, I noticed it didn't restock too often, and it was simply because not a lot of people bought from it. It doesn't seem like much use to restockers because there is little difference in the buying/selling prices. Yet what is great about this store is its sheer variety. With smoothie flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth like "Mega Ice Creamy Jelly Smoothie" or flavors for the health nut like "Small Wheatgrass Fruit Smoothie", you can't go wrong. But I know what you're thinking, "Smoothies? Pssh, let the meepits have em'!" Well, I remind you, WHO DOESN'T LIKE SMOOTHIES!? Ok, maybe some folks. But consider that most of them are relatively cheap and it only takes one or two to fill up your hungry Neopet (they come in handy those days that your Chomby seems like a bottomless pit). So I urge you to stop by and try a few and even get some for your pets! In the meantime. I think I'll enjoy slurping down one of the more unique flavors, "Large Shepherds Pie". (Ehh, it's an acquired taste.)

2. Faerieland Bookshop

Location: Faerieland (Faerie City)

This shop, probably my favorite, is very unloved by most Neopians. I know that when visiting Faerie City everyone wants to stop by Faerie Quests, or try to find the Hidden Tower, but I seriously think that Neopians would benefit from visiting the shop. First off, most anything with "Faerie" in the name looks fancy and pretty cool, including these books, guides, and coloring pages. Of course, your pet's intelligence will greatly benefit from reading any of the books, but why I really love the store is because it is great for beginning restockers. With most of the books being sold, you can easily make a 100-2500 NP profit from restocking them, and even if you're not sure about the profit, there is plenty of time to use the good old shop wizard on the item and make up your mind because it's never crowded. So next time you just can't seem to find the Hidden Tower (come on, you weren't going to buy anything anyway!), stop by the Faerieland Bookshop, another well-kept secret of Faerie City.

3. Super Happy Icy Fun Snow Shop

Location: Terror Mountain (Top of The Mountain)

"If you are feeling cold, why not feel even colder with these icy treats!"

With a slogan like that from a kooky looking Lenny, how can you go wrong? This shop is filled with a gamut of lovely and snowy treats that will have you and your pets licking your lips, even if they're frozen! I find these deliciously icy treats especially yummy after I stop by Tarla's Shop of Mystery, usually filled with disappointment and mild hunger. Even if you don't want to feed your pets, all of the items are cheap and it restocks regularly with great variety. So, it's especially helpful when trying to get that pesky packrat avatar. And it's a great place to do some therapy shopping after being depressed and slightly enraged by Tarla.

4. Osiri's Pottery Shop

Location: Lost Desert (City of Sakhmet)

Next time you're trying your luck at the Fruit Machine (let's be honest; does anyone ever win anything good?), stop by this little store and look around at some of the most beautiful art in all Neopia! Now I know you must be wondering, "How is a molded hunk of clay useful to me?!" These beautiful and eccentric pots, bowls, vases, and even urns would look great in any Neohome, especially if you wanted to get out of the "Yippee Spring!" trend, and design your Neohome with a Lost Desert feel. I mean hey, I haven't seen any Desert themed Neohomes win the Spotlight contest lately, and it's never too late to mix things up a bit! If that doesn't convince you, consider that you can buy an "All Seeing Urn" from Osiri. Yes, a bit of an oxymoron, but a classic example of our beloved TNT's lovely sense of humor.

5. The Rock Pool

Location: Mystery Island

No, it's NOT a shop full of rocks, it's a lovely little store where you can buy the cutest and quirkiest petpets in all of Neopia! I love this shop, not only because of the cute petpets, but because if you're a restocker, you can make a decent profit off most of the petpets too! (Although they're so adorable, you might want to just keep them for yourself.) I love this store not only because you can make a profit, but because the petpets are different, and fairly cheap, and we all know nothing makes your pet happier than getting a petpet! (Well, maybe that's second to be being zapped by the Lab Ray.) So next time you're simply exhausted from refreshing at the Haiku Generator (pesky avvie!), try taking a look around at the Rock Pool; you might like what you see.

Well, these five unloved and underappreciated stores may have finally gotten their fifteen minutes of fame (or however long this issue runs for). There are plenty of other shops out in Neopia that people don't visit that often, but that can still be valuable to you or other Neopians in some way. All you have to do is shy away from your Dailies and explore a little bit. (Trust me, it'll do you and your pets some good.) So I hope you take a look at these stores and use them for your varying purposes. While you ponder, I think I'll finish off that smoothie I was sipping on while talking about the smoothie shop... er, well, it's kinda just soupy now, but no matter! I love my Shepherds Pie!