A former technology instructor with a passion for mechanical gadgets, Rodolphe has always loved understanding how things work. But finding the kinds of scientific toys and quirky items he loved wasn’t always easy—until he stumbled upon Temu, an online marketplace that stands out for its affordable prices and variety of quality products.
Scrolling Like It’s 1950 All Over Again
“I just browsed the website,” he says. “It reminded me of the old Saint-Étienne catalog from when I was a boy — flipping through pages of fishing gear, bikes, tools… and dreaming. Temu feels the same. You scroll, and you discover things.”
Since then, he’s placed several orders, ranging from useful tools to gadgets that are reminiscent of his youth. Among them includes a set of “drinking ducks,” heat-powered birds that dip their heads into water and sway endlessly, a mechanical cat bank that meows and grabs coins with a paw, a cylinder that makes a “moo” sound when flipped upside down, and a miniature pecking bird that descends along a rod. “They’re simple objects,” he says, “but they remind me of joyful memories. That’s what I love.”
A Teacher’s Curiosity, Still Going Strong
These toys aren’t just for him. Rodolphe gives many of them away—to friends, to families with children, even as gifts at weddings. “Instead of bringing a bottle of wine, I bring something fun for the kids,” he says. “It always gets a reaction. People laugh, they ask questions, they play. Even adults turn into children again.”
The fascination with clever mechanisms is rooted in Rodolphe’s career as a teacher. For many years, he taught technology to 12- to 14-year-olds, showing them how to build and understand machines. “I always preferred hands-on learning,” he recalls. “With Temu, I’ve found a way to keep exploring—just with smaller tools.”
He’s even discovered modern upgrades to some of the tools he used to use in class. “I bought drill bits with quick-change hex shanks, a saw height gauge, small electric motors. It’s the kind of stuff you wouldn’t easily find in a local store,” he says.
Delight Is in the Details—and the Giving
Temu’s broad product range and accessible prices are what made it stand out for him. “I’ve tried other online platforms, but there are often extra fees or complications. On Temu, it’s easier. Sometimes prices change or things go out of stock, but if you take your time and browse, you can always find something interesting.”
In a recent survey conducted by Ipsos with Temu’s sponsorship, over 8 in 10 Temu users in the UK say the platform offers good value. Respondents in the UK reported saving 25 percent on average by shopping on Temu in the past year, and four in ten say they plan to spend more on the platform in 2025.
Though he no longer has young children around—his grandchildren are grown—Rodolphe continues to look for ways to bring delight to others. For a recent family wedding, he created surprise gift bags filled with retro toys. “The bride loved the mooing box. It reminded her of childhood,” he says. “It’s not just about toys—it’s about memories.”
Asked about his next purchase, Rodolphe lights up. “Maybe I’ll build a small collection. Little solar-powered gadgets, mechanical motors. Things that show how electricity or motion works. Not to teach anyone—just for the pleasure of understanding.”
For Rodolphe, Temu is more than just an online marketplace. It’s a window into the past, a treasure chest of ideas, and a tool for connection. “People know me as the one who gives the fun gifts,” he smiles. “But really, I’m the one who gets the most joy out of it.”