Rare Bird Finds

Turkey in a hat

  Now that Thanksgiving is over, the turkeys can all breathe a sigh of relief...well, until Christmas...actually...maybe they should just stay incognito like this one. Actually, there's a lot of animals in hats here, and they are all awesome. I just picked the turkey to be topical. (I think my favorite is the Van Gogh inspired chipmunk.) $20 at Poor Dog Farm.

Fruit Shaped Memo Pad

This product definitely falls into the category of something utilitarian that I would buy and could never bring myself to actually use because it's so cool! These memo pads have 150 sheets and are shaped like either an apple or pear, with the design elements carried all the way through to each page. It even has a stem made out of a tree branch. While yes, it is pricier than your average notepad; it's those details that would make it a delicious addition to any desk or nightstand, and an amazing gift. $41 at Japan Trend Shop.

Feather Headband for Baby

 

Need a sassy hair accessory for your sassy little (baby) girl? This deliciously trendy feathered piece can be worn with or without the headband, and the stretchy headband fits infants, toddlers and children up to 7 years. $18 at Gals with Girls Boutique

French Vocabulary Shower Curtain

If you open your damn eyes in the shower you might learn something! Yes, you can learn the French language looking at your shower curtain, while shaving your armpits, which may just help you when you want to go to Paris for New Years but are afraid to because you can’t speak a lick of French.

Sponsor Spot: Paper Scissors Rock

Paper Scissors Rock is one of our favorites spots for whimsical gifts.  Pam Corwin, the artist behind Paper Scissors Rock, creates alarm clocks, wall clocks, magnets, magnetic bookmarks and greeting cards based on her original paintings.  Each item from the shop is a work of art that will bring a smile to your face and add a dash of humor to your home or office.

One of our favorite items from Paper Scissors Rock is their small alarm clocks - perfect for travelers or for those who don't want a bulky, ugly alarm clock on their nightstand.  These alarm clocks are small packages of cuteness and spunk.  What we especially love is that each design features a second hand that has a corresponding (and often humorous) image that moves around the clock face.  The cat alarm clock has a mouse;  Van Gogh has an ear (love that!); an elephant has a peanut; a frog prince has a pair of lips for that magical kiss.  So cute and endearing - these clocks make the perfect gift.  The sheer number of designs is mind-boggling (I counted 55!).  Definitely something for everyone!  

Prefer a decorative clock that doesn't sound the alarm every morning? The shop carries 6" and 8" wall clocks that look like they're ceramic tiles. So gorgeous!  These wall clocks will add whimsy and color to your bare wall.  A beautiful way to keep track of time.  Definitely check out the 12 Things To Make Besides Money clock - that's our favorite one. Again, the variety of designs will astound you!

Being readers, we love the magnetic bookmarks.  They are tiny cards that feature a reproduction of an original painting that have a magnetic inside so they click shut over a book page.  Each bookmark is made from high-quality recycled paper, and honestly, makes the page look very pretty.  The owl magnetic bookmark is a personal favorite.  Great stocking stuffer for the reader in your life.  I know I would love to get one!

For small touches of original art, check out the shop's glass gem magnets.  Each magnet is a reproduction of the artist's work, which means they are literally tiny art gems.  Each magnet is lovingly handmade and are super strong.  We honestly love that.  Nothing frustrates us more than a magnet that pops off the fridge with everything it was holding up.  These super strong magnets are color jewels of art for your fridge that will last.  They even come in a gift tin so they're ready for giving!  You get seven magnets in a set, and each set is a theme.  The site, like all of their other products, have a wide range of designs to choose from.  It's so hard to pick a favorite, but we're a bit ga-ga about the UFO magnet set.

To find Paper Scissors Rock products near you, they have a store locator you can check out.  However, if there isn't a store near you, you can contact Paper Scissors Rock to register for their online store.

We hope you'll take the opportunity to look at the wonderful creations that Paper Scissors Rock has to offer!

By supporting our sponsor, Paper Scissors Rock, you're helping to support Rare Bird Finds. It's advertisers like Paper Scissors Rock that make it possible for Rare Bird Finds to continue to offer amazing finds to you, our wonderful birdie readers. So take a moment and click through - thank you!! :)

Our Favorite Foodie Gifts - YUM!

Shop for Artisan Food Gifts on Foodzie

Dog Butt Floss Dispenser

Are you one of those people who just find it so boring to floss your teeth?   Why not make it more fun, if not interesting and questionable by getting your floss from this dog butt floss dispenser.  Don't worry, your mint floss will still taste like mint.  $15 at Fanimals 

Cotton Candy Boots

Instead of another pair of generic house slippers, why not have your wee one try these cuties on for size? Colorful and modern, this playful pair of cotton boots are lined, washable, soft, and come in sizes 3 to 18 months. $16.50 at Paity's Place

Fleece Slippers

These darling bird, goldfish, or bunny slippers are a must-have this upcoming holiday season. Hand embroidered, fully lined, and with little elasticized straps, they even arrive in their own gift box ready for giving. What's better is that you can choose from mouse, bat, bear, dog, or cat, and they come in sizes baby through adult (for an extra charge, naturally). From $28 at Piddies 

Hank Williams III Fillmore poster

  Got a country fan who loves funky design? This beautiful poster might be a winning gift. I think the understated colors really let the curve details shine through. Heck, I'm not a big Hank Williams III fan, but i'd hang it on my wall. $50 at Hugh Illustration.

DOMO - Robot Thank You Card

  Thanksgiving is almost here, and we all know what that means...CHRISTMAS (or the winter holiday of your choosing). And what does Christmas bring, other than relatives, a hangover from too much holiday "cheer" and vague feeling of uneasiness that you forgot to buy your brother a present? That's right, thank you notes. WELL IT SHOULD! Good heavens! Didn't your mother teach you anything? Well, this year we can all be prepared with these awesome robot thank you cards. They come five to a pack and they are adorable with out being cutesy or flowery,  so it's less of a chore to thank your loved ones, which, you know...probably shouldn't be a chore anyway (sorry for the lecture). $15 at botodesigns.

Upcycled Movie Necklace

 What's your favorite movie?  Is it a horror flick or maybe some good Anime.  Why not take it with you and wear it always around your neck.  I think these upcycled movie necklaces are cool.  This one is $18 at Now Showing. 

We're In Woman's World Magazine!

Hey birdies, when you're at the grocery check-out stand this week, take a peek at page 34 of the Nov. 30th issue of Woman's World Magazine. Yay!  I got interviewed by one of the weekly magazine's nifty writers as a "food-storage container expert."  My favorite food storage container?  The Atomic Food Containers, of course! 

I was so excited to see my name in a magazine that I almost showed the page to the cashier and the bag boy at the store.  But I held back and instead brought the magazine to work to show all my co-workers and friends.  Hee hee.

Love you guys!  Thank you so much for reading Rare Bird Finds every day and making this such a fun blog to work on!

xoxo, Mei-Lynn

Unique Los Angeles

If you’re in the LA area or plan to be, or can make plans to be, on Dec 5-6, it will be very worth it your time! Because it’s here again! UNIQUE LOS ANGELES- Holiday 2009, a two-day shopping event that features more then 300 local designers and artists (many have been featured here on this blog) with handcrafted work that is 99% Made in the USA. It's the largest independent design and gift show in the country. It’s being held in downtown Los Angeles in a spacious venue with a view!
There will also be free DIY workshops from reknowned artists and design experts, an eco area with over 50 designers, two cafes, DJs, a lounge and more!  Each attendee will receive a cotton tote with artwork created by Shepard Fairey’s Studio 1 upon admission! Check it out at www.UniqueLosAngeles.com.

1968 Chevy Chevelle Hubcap Clock

Here's an interesting gift idea for the classic car lover in your life. This clock is made from the hubcap of a 68 Chevelle, a car I am particularly fond of. But there are other hubcaps available and you can request specifics, which is really cool. I might even like a clock made from the hubcap of my first car...it was kind of like the one Fred Flintstone drove...$45 for the Chevelle pictured, prices vary at 8 Mile Creek Designs.

NYC Subway Token Cufflinks

 

Talk about repurposed! These cufflinks are made from vintage NYC subway tokens set in sterling silver. Like a beautiful pair of earrings, they would be the perfect finishing touch for a guy you know who wears suits (though you might want to skip the earring metaphor when you give them to him). $60.00 at Elsewares.

Bird & Whale Print

This darling print reminded me of the whimsy of Oliver Jeffers' books, but with a whale! Adorable and ready to be shipped. $18 at Fall Down Tree

I Hate This Family Potholder

We all know how stressful the holidays can be. Say how you really feel, not just subliminally, but through your potholder as you're cooking that wonderful family a meal you've slaved over for a week straight! Only you will know and you’ll feel much better for getting it out. $9 at Curious Machine.

Sponsor Spot: BeAdmired Jewelry by Sara Bayles

Sara Bayles is a jewelry designer who excels at making eye-catching, exquisitely-made jewelry by hand.  Her shop, BeAdmired, does just as it promises - it offers jewelry that will make you be admired.  Don't you love products that delivers what it promises?  We certainly do!

One of our favorite pieces in the shop are the Black Eyed Susan earrings.  Delicious pearl disks that are reminiscent to flowers are clustered upon shiny black glass.  Elegant and feminine, it's the perfect accessory to go with that little black dress.  Best of all, this handmade beauty comes at an incredibly affordable price.

Our second favorite piece is the utterly stunning Go Ask Alice teapot necklace.  A designer-made beaded teapot in the prettiest jade color dangles from a silk and pearl necklace dotted with 22K gold on sterling silver discs.  Stunning!

Our third favorite item is the Snow White and Rose Red necklace.  Wow - gorgeous!  The double-strand deep, apple-red velvet quartz beads are accented with a carefully hand-designed white seed-bead and Swarovski crystal flower.  Definitely not for the shy - this necklace will garner you compliments.

Our fourth favorite item appeals to the grammar fiend in us.  The Punctuation Pearls earrings is made of copper, sterline silver and pearls.  We love the asymmetrical design and that it celebrates our favorite punctuation mark of all - the "interrobang" - the mark that combines both the question mark and the exclamation point.  Don't you love it?!  We certainly love this awesome and incredibly affordable pair of earrings.  Perfect gift for the teache, writer or English lit major in your life.  We honestly love, love, love these earrings.

Save 10%!  At check-out, type RareBirdFinds in the message to seller.  AND from now until the end of 2009, Buy One Get One other item of equal or lower price at 25% off the listed price. Coupon discounts may be applied to the first item only.

By supporting our sponsor, BeAdmired , you're helping to support Rare Bird Finds. It's advertisers like BeAdmired that make it possible for Rare Bird Finds to continue to offer amazing finds to you, our wonderful birdie readers. So take a moment and click through - thank you!! :)

Boombox Audio Bag

While I was present on Earth for most of the 80's, I spent the majority of my time watching Sesame Street, learning to read, and tormenting my baby sister. One of my great regrets in life is that I didn't work on my street cred during that time. I watch movies now, and the ever-present boombox is a major cultural icon. Unfortunately, walking down the street with a twenty pound stereo on your shoulder is no longer en vogue. I will, however, buy this lovely bag and grace the streets of Indianapolis with tunes from my favorite artists. ($25 at momastore.org. Also available in orange.)

iPhone Case

 

Ok, so I don't have an iPhone or an iPod touch like all you guys.  That doesn't mean I can't appreciate this fine handmade iPhone case.  You can see alot of work went into this case, there's alot of detail there to make it look like an iPhone.  If you have someone in your family who's an iPhone fanatic, then this is the perfect gift for them.  $39 at L'atelier de Luluu. 

Kinies Waist Purse

Is there anything uglier than a fanny pack? Even the words f-a-n-n-y p-a-c-k give me the shivers! The only thing I am packing on there are remnants of calorie packed coffee drinks. Then I saw this "waist purse". I don't know if I have gone to the dark fanny pack side yet, but I kinda' like the bustle shape of these. My favorite is the gray one but this plaid one is quite festive. $35 at Kinies and 15% off through Nov 30.

Pop ink Soap Opera Soap

I have a soap obsession.  Several soap pumps line my cabinet. Bars wait in baskets under the sink. This Soap Opera soap set by Pop ink tickled my fancy. I like the retro images and their mix of squeaky clean and something very very dirty. $18.95 for a 4 bar verbena/lavender set at BUST Boobtique.

WIN THIS! LAST DAY!! Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs!

TODAY IS YOUR LAST DAY TO ENTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Julie Jackson, the very cool author of Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs, saw our post on RBF, and she, along with Chronicle Books, have offered to do a giveaway of this super hilarious book to TWO Rare Bird Finds readers - woo hoo!

ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

To enter, 1) become a fan of the Kitty Wigs! Facebook page and 2) leave a comment in this blog post (on the Rare Bird Finds website) with your name and mailing address (in case you win!).  ALL COMMENTS WILL REMAIN UNPUBLISHED - so no one will see your addy.  Two winners who have done both steps will be randomly picked.  U.S. and Canadian readers only.  Contest ends Friday, Nov. 20, 2009.

Good luck! 

Magic Wand Remote Control

This magic wand remote control is perfect for you wizards out there!  The wand is button-free, so you program the wand with gestures - like a flick or a big swish - so that it makes t.v. magic.  $69.95 at Firebox

Owl Mobile

 

How cute is this mobile? Measuring approximately 20 inches long, and with owls in colors of your choice, this could definitely make sweet & tiny's room complete. $50 at Evelyn X Designs

Bacon Flavored Mmmvelopes

I saw this somewhere else on the interwebs today, so I apologize if you read the same blogs and sites that I do and you, too, discovered the glory that is the Bacon Flavored Mmmvelope. Ok, fine. Maybe not quite glorious for all of us. But I do know quite a few people who would love these and hey, good stocking stuffer, eh? $6.99 for a pack of 25. Just...please...don't send me any mail in them...

TNT Bomb Tea Light Candle Holder

This TNT bomb tea light would look cute in any room!  Definitely different from your average candle.  $20 at Plasticland. 

Sir Rowf Candle

The official name of these candles (which includes a horse and rabbit in addition to the dog shown), are Royal Animal Candles; and I definitely find something very regal about this finely sculpted dog bust, cast in chocolate colored wax. Sitting proudly atop a crisp, white resin pillar, he patiently waits to light your way through the darkness…or your next dinner party. $36 at anthropologie.

  

Shredding Scissors

Oh to not have to drag out my big shredder for a one paper job. These are the perfect solution for that. These shredding scissors will destroy the evidence in no time flat and are even strong enough to cut credit cards. $8.99 at Container Store.

 

Magisso Cake Server

This recommendation comes from one of our twitter readers @sonyarasi. She loves this cake server. It’s both stylish and functional. You can cut your cake in the perfect even sizes and just grab them out and serve. $59.90 at Finnstyle.

Jedi Dressing Gowns

At first glance I thought this was actually a Jawa dressing gown and I got all nerdily excited because, hey, a Jedi dressing gown is cool, yes. But a Jawa dressing gown...that would be awesome. To be honest though, this could double in a pinch so it's well worth the price. Think of it as a geeky two for one deal. It's all cotton velour and one size, so you've got the comfort factor. And it has pockets. Pockets are always good. Listen, I'm not even that big a Star Wars fan and I love this! $100.87 (It's a conversion from pounds sterling per the site) at Find Me A Gift.

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Glass and Ceramic Over-sized Cocktail Rings

Lately, I'm all about over-sized rings. This shop carries gorgeous over-sized rings that are completely eye-catching and wild.  Check it out - there's an incredible variety to choose from.  $22 and up at StudioLeanne

Please Visit our Sponsor!

If you love Rare Bird Finds, take a moment to visit our sponsor.  Sponsors make it possible for Rare Bird Finds to continue finding awesome finds for you every day.

Bird Rattle

 

Looking for a little something special to add to your baby gift? Or for your own little bundle of giggles? This hand-crocheted rattle might just be one of the cutest out there! $25 at Mamachee

Rock Drummer Nutcracker

Something about me you will now learn. When I was 8 until I was 11, I danced in the Nutcracker with the Ballet West Dance Company so I’ve sort of had an obsession with Nutcrackers and collecting Nutcracker dolls (yes, capitalized ).Each year I collect a few more. My army grows and grows. I’ve decided to take this opportunity to share with you each week or so until Christmas, a new favorite I’ve found on the web that I think you may like. Please comment and share some of your favorite Nutcracker dolls as well. I need some more this year. This bad ass is $12.99 at Target.

Great Mustaches Mug

This mug comes with 14 different famous mustaches to guess from... including Frida's eyebrows that were mistakenly put on as a mustache!  $9.95 at Shakespeare's Den.   

Magnetic Locket Necklace Set

 

Such a neat little idea - this necklace's pendant can be switched out with one of three different magnetic images.  Each set includes necklace, steel locket and 3 magnetic interchangeable lids.  A wide variety of designs to choose from!  $18 and up at Polarity

Felted Collar Scarves

This site carries a gorgeous line of felted collar scarves to keep your neck warm this winter.  Definitely not for the shy!  $52 and up at Rudman

Mens Black Stone Dogtag Pendant on Leather Cord

Talk about simple and sleek! This onyx pendant on a black leather cord is both classic and contemporary. For the guy who likes the clean look, it will certainly fit the bill. $15 from EverDream Designs.

Movie Magic Menorah

Love, love, love this movie magic menorah.  Great Hanukkah gift for that movie buff in your life.  $125 at Shakespeare's Den

Baseball Art Print

There is whimsy in the simplicity of this baseball portrait which makes it so unique and irresistible. I am typically not drawn to sports art but for some reason I was completely drawn to this piece.  This baseball print is talented work of the artist kgb of A Cagey Bee.  $18 for 8 x8 art print.

Animal Napkins

I want to use the ostrich. What about you? Why not make dinner fun? This set of screen printed napkins will put your guests at ease and start dinner off the fun way with laughter. $48 for set of 6 at Fly Trap.

 

Handmade Hellos Book

Because the art of hand-written letters is dying, I fully support people who fight to keep it alive.  This adorable book has 25 different easy, fun ways to make greeting cards that people pay big bucks for in those chi-chi stationary stores. $20.95 at Fred Flare.

Fondue For 2 Mug

This mug holds a tealight to heat your cheese or chocolate and it comes with two forks! Cute! It's everything you need for a cozy date night with your sweetie. $19.95 at Heliotrope

Sushi Luggage Tag

 

You can’t find a fresher piece of sushi than this retro tag, waiting to liven up any ordinary piece of luggage. If you don’t have any trips planned soon, it would look great attached to a pocket book or messenger bag. $10 at Sourpuss. 
  

Hedgehog Case

If your little one is anything like mine, electronic gadgets galore are prominent on already-prepared xmas lists to Santa. This adorable felt ipod/iphone/itouch case would be the perfect companion accessory. $15 at Pipoca Handmade 

Architec ADWGDR Air Dry Wine Glass Drying System

I have one of these wine glass drying racks planted right next to my sink with a paper towel under it, but when I want it gone, I just take the top half off of the bottom half, stick the top half up the bottom half and it’s compact enough to put away.  It’s great for drying wine glasses and I don’t have to worry about them getting broken with the pots in the regular dish rack. Plus, it’s inexpensive. $14.96 at Amazon.com.

 

Red Volcano Plate

Sometimes I just wish I could paint. It's looking at hand painted items like this beautiful Red Volcano Plate that make me pine away for talent.  This is a hand thrown porcelain, hand painted plate.  I just love it and am very envious of Stephanie Kao's talent.  You can also find bowls, mugs and vases all handpainted.  This plate is $32 at Stephanie Kao.