Filipino-Americans, OFWs, and balikbayans flying home from the U.S. have a new “pasalubong flex” in their luggage — the now‑iconic Trader Joe’s mini canvas tote bag, a $3.99 grocery accessory that has exploded into a global status symbol. The craze began when Trader Joe’s released its mini totes in 2024, instantly causing buying frenzies, Reddit hunts, and resale markups reaching as high as $499 on eBay. The bags, originally priced at just $3.99. became so sought-after that t