Rare Bird Finds

Retro Rocket Ship Cast Iron Bottle Opener

This cute bottle opener would look great on a bar, in a kitchen or heck, put it in the middle of the coffee table, because it's as charming as it is handy. It will open your bottles, hold down your cocktail napkins and generally cheer up the place. And all for just $14.95 at Design Toscano.

Star Wars Dart Board

Gentle Giant has long been known within the comics/collectibles world for their quality products. This dart board is no exception. From the handsome cabinet to the Adam Hughes art, this dartboard manages to be both geeky and goodlooking. And hey, the darts are included. $99 at Gentle Giant.

Arrested Development: Combo Set

You got an Arrested Development fan you have to buy a present for? I got a present for you to buy. Because this is unexpected and clever and there's a really good chance that they won't have a paperdoll set of all their favorite faces and places INCLUDING the banana stand, Gob's Aztec Tomb and the staircar. Not to mention a lot of really cool accessories, including an LP of Europe's The Final Countdown. Oh and yeah, there are the paperdolls themselves. But you can check out the listing to see all that is included. Because there is a lot. Well worth your $46.99 at Heartless Universe.

World's Smallest Lookbook Necklace in 70's

I'm strangely fascinated by this necklace.  They remind me of paper dolls in chic 70's wear.  Totally unique and would make for quite the statement piece - a definite conversation starter!  Great way to dress up a plain T-shirt or dress.  $34.99 at ModCloth

Heart Shaped Bruises Tights

Bruised and scraped knees never looked so strangely beautiful. These tights give the illusion of heart-shaped bruises on your knees. Great for Valentine's Day! $12 at neonpegg

Wine-Infused Whipped Cream

What's better than a cupcake? A boozed up cupcake! Frankly, any dessert with added booze would be quite dandy in my book. So I'm completely intrigued by these wine-infused whipped cream. They're 27-proof, yo, and come in 3 flavors: Original, Hazelnut and Cocoa. It's a special deal on Groupon for the next five days. You get all 3 cans for $13 (usually it's $26.97) plus $5.95 shipping.  Add some to fruit, your fave dessert or beverage.Must be 21 years or older to buy, and due to state regulations, it can only be shipped to certain US states.  Details are on the site.

Bates Mansion and Motel

Well, isn't this quite the little conversation piece! This detailed model of the Bates mansion and motel from the movie Psycho features a motel sign that reads Vacancy and Completely Remodeled with New Showers. $195 at Fuzzy Duck Creations.

Brick Wall Heart Necklace

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought that I'd get a jump start on some ideas for unique V-Day gifts.  Take a peek at this copper Brick Wall Heart necklace.  It's pretty cool looking and a one of a kind gift.   $60 at Parts By NC

Bacon and Egg Fingerless MItts

Delicious bacon and egg fingerless mitts that are hand crocheted to order. Get 'em fresh! $28 at Twinkie Chan

Mini Zombie Preschool Fun with Intestines

A funny little comic for those with taste for zombie humor. It's a tale about zombie children who are given a recycling project by their teacher. Sample pages are listed on the site.  I just scored a copy for myself and I can't wait to read every page.  $1.20 at Last Dollar Comics

The Octopus Chair

This is one of those rare occasions that I post something that most of us just simply will never be able to afford. Or, if we can, we won't be able to justify spending the money on an Octopus Chair. But we will probably wish we could. This is one of those things that is just too cool not to at least give credit for it's coolness. Black leather and produced in limited numbers, I can only dream of such a thing. But I just had to show you. It's $53,900 but you get free shipping (yay!) at Firebox.

Marvelous Guest Soap

Even comic book nerds have guests somtimes, right? Well, I know I do, and I know that the kind of guests I have would appreciate these Marvel themed guest soaps. Ok, I know that I appreciate these soaps (YAY! HULK! YAY! THING!) and that I would appreciate if guests wash their hands, so it seems like it will work out on all counts. Set of four...oh, I just realized that these are Mountain Dew scented...wow...soaps for $8.95 at Luxury Lane Soap.

BUY A SAMPLER BOX

It's that time of the month again! Sampler Village's sampler boxes full of handmade samples of small businesses are now available to buy. The theme this month is Hugs & Kisses. There are three boxes to choose from, and one of them is full of edible samples - yum! Great way to discover new businesses and score some nifty handmade product samples. Get them while you can - once they're gone, they're gone!  $25 and up at Sampler Village

Japanese Snow Monkey Drinking Hot Tea

I am not sure that I can explain to you how much I love this print. Let's just call it "a lot" and leave it. Because I am a sucker for tea and tea cups. Now, I know most people are suckers for monkeys and hey, I like monkeys too, but seriously, it's the tea cup that gets me. Check out this shop, there's som funky Star Wars themed stuff you might like too. $40 at Castle McQuade.

ThinkGeek :: HTML for Babies Book

Ah, for those advanced babies. This board book, created by a web designer for his child, will have your child dreaming of HTML. It's the first book in a three-book series. Also available is CSS for Babies. $9.99 at Think geek

Faux Bois Carved Cufflinks

Get your loved one personalized cufflinks that look like your initials carved in wood. So cute! $45 at Block Press Party

Moose Stud Earrings

These sterling silver moose stud earrings are totally adorable! Moose not your thing? The shop carries a variety of super cute animals. Handcrafted. $22 at Karramba Jewelry Design

Mr. Tea Mug

I'm on an 80's kick, and am lovin' this Mr. Tea mug, sucka. The handle even looks like his signature gold rings. $11 at Firebox

Family Jewels Jr. Tin Treasure Box

Yeah, I guess this is a little rude, but look at the art on that box! Personally, most of the guys I know would laugh at this, if you have dude with a similar sense of humor, this tin box would make a great little gift, or a great little wrapping for a bigger gift. $5.99 at Blue Q.

Corkcicle

Tired of always having to chill your white wine in the fridge for hours???  Don't have a wine bucket in the house?  Well then, try the Corkcicle!  Just keep it in your freezer and when you want some white wine, you just pop it in there and it keeps your wine nice and chilled.  It's made from BPA free plastic and won't dilute your wine either.   Only $22.95 at Uncommon Goods.

House Baratheon iPad Case

I have to admit that I am becoming quite the nerd for the Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones/George R.R. Martin thing. I've only read the first two books but I am totally hooked and recommending them to anyone who asks and a lot of people who don't ask. They are just...fun. And addictive. And yes, I now want things emblazoned with all kinds of  sigils. At the moment, I declare my loyalty to House Baratheon, but that could change at any time, so buy me this cool iPad case quick! Or buy it for someone you like. Or buy it for yourself. $120 at Taeliac Studio.

Surprising Signage

The copy describing this sign says it's, "dedicated to experimental, concrete and visual poetry." But I am posting it because it makes me laugh. And it reminds me of college when we would walk outside and declare, "Too bright, can't see, can't go to class." And frankly, I have a lot of wrong days and many times I would like to just go back and start again. $17 CAD at up to you toronto.

Shaun T's Rockin' Body Workout Set Deal of the Day - Limited Time Offer

I love Shaun T. There, I said it. I am a big fan of his Hip Hop Abs videos. So, when I saw Groupon was offering his 7-workout DVD set Shaun T's Rockin' Body for only $20, I immediately snatched it up. If you're someone who likes to dance, then these workout videos will be a fun way to burn calories and get those 2012 resolutions going!  Normally, $59 but $20 with this deal. $5.95 shipping extra. Enjoy!

Potoffee Gourmet Chips

Oh yum!  What are Potoffee Chips?  They are salty, ridged potato chips coated in sweet, buttery toffee - an incredible tasty combo!  A friend raved about these over the holidays, and so I bought some.  I tried the Chocolate Potoffee Chips (toffee and chocolate) - OMG.  I found a new addiction!   Makes a great gift, too.  The site doesn't have an e-commerce cart (I hope that changes soon), but if you want to order just email them orders [at] potoffee.com  - I recommend emailing them directly rather than using the Contact Us form on their site.  I originally used the form and they never got my order request.  So definitely email.    Let them know what you want to order and they'll PayPal you an invoice.  When I ordered, shipping for two half-pound bags was $5.  $3 and up at Potoffee

Gremlins Pint Set

Remember Gremlins?! This pint set would be a welcomed addition to any home that remembers this 80's classic. They also carry a Goonies pint set, too! $14.95 at Perpetual Kid

Split Decision Pie Pan

For those of us who are tad indecisive, this nifty pie pan lets you make two types of pies at once. $18.95 at Spoon Sisters

"When Pigs Fly" Bacon Chocolate Caramel Covered Pretzels

For your bacon lovers, consider these hand-dipped chocolate-caramel pretzels topped with bacon. Sounds like a culinary delight! If you have more daring taste buds, the shop also carries chocolate-caramel pretzels topped with wasabi peas. $7 at by Pink Tiramisu

iPhone Cat Case

Aren't these iPhone cases super cute? They are handmade and come in a variety of colors. Plus, the material doubles as a screen cleaner. Awesome! $16.94 at Tokyo Inspired

Handblended Mineral Eye Shadows

I love playing around with eye shadows from the high-end to the not-so-high-end.  I love long lasting unique colors and if it's dual-purpose, I especially take notice.  So that's why I want to tell you guys about Frosting Bath & Body's mineral eye shadows.  The company handblends the colors of their mineral eye shadows and the colors are fabulous and highly-pigmented.  They can go on sheer or subtle when you apply it dry or if you really want to glam it up, you just add a dab of water and apply it wet - wow! It goes on opaque and gorgeous with high-voltage color.

Love the packaging because it is packaged with a lot of thought and care.  The eye shadows come in a little pots with sifters, which is really nice because it controls how much comes out.  When it's shipped to you, the pots are shrinked-wrapped so there's no spillage and the sifter has a little removeable sticker over it so none of that precious powdercomes pouring out when you open it.  You just need a very small dab of the loose eye shadows and they go a long way.  Those little pots will last you a while!  When I put on the eye shadow, they last all day - yeah!  Plus, best of all?  They don't use yucky synthetic fillers.  Oh wait, maybe that's not the best part.  The best part is their prices are totally affordable so you can get several different colors to play with, and as a Rare Bird Finds reader you save 25% by using coupon code RAREBIRD

I bought Birdie (a very cool minty green), Double Tap (a very cool spring green), Rebel (a very daring boysenberry purple), and X Marks the Spot (my favorite gold shadow!).  If there's a color you're looking for but it's sold, feel free to convo them on Etsy to see if they can re-list it for you. $5 at Frosting Bath & Body (but don't forget to use your coupon code to save 25%!)

You may notice that they have an ad up on our blog.  I was so excited when they purchased ad space since I already was a fan of their make-up.  So a big cheer to them for supporting Rare Bird Finds!  And support them, too, by checking out their shop - I totally think you'll fall in love with their goodies.

 

Filet Crochet Brain Doily

Doilies are kind of pasé these days, mostly left to grandmas and country decorators. But this particular doily...it's a whole different kind of doily (Can you tell that I like the word "doily"?). Perhaps it would look fancy on the table of a doctor of neurosurgery. Or a biology teacher. Maybe in the home of a horror movie fan or even a...zombie. It's dainty and delicate and really, really creepy. Heck, maybe your grandma WOULD like it! $50 at Wicked Crochet.

Hot/Cold Pack for Texter's Thumb

I know it's a real problem, but "Texter's Thumb" just cracks me up.   But, if you have this serious condition, you can help alleviate some of that pain with this Texting Thumb Wrap.   You can heat it up in the microwave or put it in the freezer for cold therapy.  $20.95 at The Ferris Wheels.

Bacon Soda

I honestly do not encourage buying this Bacon Soda, which I imagine will only make you want it more. Seriously, what good could come of this? It's a bad, bad idea all around. But...well, the baconaise was good, as was the bacon salt and the bacon popcorn. You COULD make a whole bacon flavored themed meal. I suppose that could be fun. But I am pretty sure you will regret it in the end. Oh, go on, you know you want to. $4.95/bottle at Bacon Freak on Amazon.

DC Comics Vintage Pint Glass Set

I think pint glasses were a popular holiday gift this year. I saw them all over the place and spent a lot of time trying to track down a particular set for a friend. To be fair, pint glasses are handy. Good for a beer, good for juice and easy to gift as there are so many styles available. And hey, glasses break, most of us need to replace them occasionally...most of us who aren't graceful. Of all the designs I saw this year, this DC comics set, might be my favorite. I think muted colors are great and with Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and the Green Lantern in one set, you are sure to please most comic book fans. $24.99 at Perpetual Kid.

Ballet Dancer Wooden Brooch

Pretty, dreamy wooden brooch of a ballerina. Would look delightful on a cardi. Handcrafted and finished in gold leaf. $28 at Gossimar Wings

Eau de Bouche Botot

I picked this mouthwash up at a local shop by me and don't know how I will ever be able to use another brand of mouthwash again! Eau de Bouche Botot is based on the original recipe invented by Dr. Julien Botot for Louis XV of France. It has the natural essences of anise, cinnamon, ginger (brings extra blood to the gum line) and gillyflower. No artificial flavors or colors. The taste is slightly cinnamon-y but mostly I would say it's a strong hot anise taste. Super powerful stuff. You just use 2 - 3 drops in a small amount of warm water - swish, gargle, and voila. Amazing fresh breath. Plus it comes in a cool glass bottle with an old time-y label. LOVE. $19.50 at Beautyhabit

British Vintage Style Satchel

Gorgeous handcrafted 11" satchel in hot pink leather. Swoon!  Ships from the UK.  $135.87 at Leather Satchel

Coffee Cart Fresh Brewed Coffee Soap

I love the realistic novelty soaps at AJSweetSoap. Here is just one of their offerings, fresh brewed coffee soap! Each filled cup comes with a cup cover, coffee stirrer, and 2 real sugar packets. $9.75 at AJSweetSoap

Sterling Silver Yellow Bird in a Cage Pendant

This handcrafted pendant features a sterling silver cage housing a bright yellow bird and a red heart. Super cute! $85 at m:art:ket

Vanilla Bean and Raspberry Marshmallow Brownie Bites

These heart-shaped brownie bites are topped with vanilla-raspberry marshmallow. Freshly made and looks so good! $16 for 6 at Charmios Edibles

I'm Otterly In Love with You Handprinted Card

Tell someone you love them with this otterly-cute card <3 Handprinted and ships from the UK. $4.20 at Keeki

Wooden Geometric Vase

The clean lines of this polyhedron vase make me think it might be nice for the kind of guy who likes more modern stuff. Stick a low-maintence plant in there and you've got a handsome housewarming/new office/here's a gift sort of gift. But the shape also reminds me of Dungeons & Dragons. So, I guess what I am telling you is that it works on two levels and that I am a nerd. $30 at Urban Analog.

Bourbon Whiskey Liquor Flavored Lip Balm

I drink whiskey, I am addicted to lip balm. This is totally for me. But, then again, my husband steals my lipbalm, so if I give this to him, then I have reason to swipe it back. And he also won't be kissing me with some weird berry flavored stuff...this could work out just fine. $3 at Lip Stick Whiskey Girl.

The Never Ending Story E-Reader Cover

So you've got a Nook or Kindle and the covers in the big box stores are so BORING.  What are you gonna do?   How about this Never Ending Story cover?  Made of suede or leather and has the Auryn symbol on the cover.   You can upgrade it for a tablet too.  $58.95 at Grimcat Productions.

You Have Found Mr Darcy Pin

Generally, I try to keep the guy stuff away from the mushy. I figure you've got that covered and you don't need my help. But I am a huge Jane Austen fan and I think this pin is pretty cute. Hopefully, you know a guy who will understand why so many women will coo when they read it. And if he doesn't get it, at least he will enjoy the attention. $7 at Alice Flynn.

Twin Peaks Pencils 12 pcs

Twin Peaks fan? These pencils celebrate your love of that cult TV show from the 90s. $13.95 at Piediddy

Custom Bronze Pet Nose

Aww - you can get an actual bronze made of your pet's nose. I've seen them of paws but not of noses. Nothing makes me happier than my dog's wet nose.  Super sweet! $125 at Brent & Jess

GW IPhone 4 Case Black Croc

It's easy to find an iPhone case these days. It's not as easy to find a really unique case. This one is totally different. Made of wood and sporting a crocodile pattern, I've not seen one like it anywhere else. $50 at Good Wood.

Marvel Classic Cover Mosaic Gym Bag

A funky pattern will hopefully not signal a funky smell. This gym bag is plastered with Marvel comic covers, so it's nerdy. But it's a gym bag, so it's sporty. For those who walk the line perhaps? Or, you know, you could just carry your comics around in it. Either way, it's gonna look cool, in a really nerdy way. $67.99 at Super Hero Stuff.

Flying Squirrel

How cute is this flying squirrel shirt? Super cute. I don't really even know what else to say about it. T-shirt, cotton, squirrel in aviator helmet, printed on a gold poly cotton blend shirt with eco-friendly inks. Totally squee! That about sums it up. $24 at Headline Shirts.

Wolves Never Cry T-shirt

That's right - wolves never cry unless someone says something mean to them. Love this funny t-shirt and all the t-shirts and prints available in this shop. Available in both men and women sizes. $25 at Sebastien Millon