Rare Bird Finds

Happy Holidays! *please read*

Hellooooo Happy Holiday Birdies!

We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed serving you this year with great shopping finds that we hope stirred your imagination and tickled your fancy.

We are taking a holiday break from December 24, 2009 through January 3, 2010.  We'll return bright-eyed and busy-tailed on Monday, January 4th with more great shopping finds to start the new year!

We wish all of you a safe, warm and cheerful holiday season.  Please feel free to write us at rarebirdfinds [at] yahoo [dot] com or if there's a particular writer you want to email you can email him/her at rbfwriters [at] yahoo [dot] com.

Happy holidays!

Warmly,

The Birds of Rare Bird Finds - chirp, chirp!

Shark Bottle Cozy Set

 

How rare are these bottle cozies, my little birdies? Shark-themed and available in a myriad of colors, the set includes 2 cozies and a card... Perfect for your next baby shower! $34 at Handa Made

Last SECOND Gift Idea!! PDF Printable 2010 Calendar – Retro Black and White

Last SECOND gift? Here it is! And you don't need to leave home. Download it to your computer, print it out and give it to as many people as you want. A really cool retro black and white calendar that is not only useful but a piece of art and inexpensive. At only $6 one time for as many printouts as you want, you can’t beat this gift!!! At Naomi Lynn.

Date Ruler

  Now is the time for new calendars. But if you don't want the same ol', same ol' and you want something you can reuse next year, you may want to consider this Date Ruler. The magnets mark the date, but the ruler is still a ruler! It's multi-use! £15 at Better Living Through Design.

Polaroid Camera Sculpture

Besides being pretty as a picture, this is the greenest white sculpture you'll ever find! The clay (designed to cure using 30% less energy) is fired in an electric kiln powered by wind energy, and is covered in a non toxic glaze. Of course, something this environmentally conscious comes from Oregon, and is made by Yellow Owl Workshop. I always love it when you break down an object, like they did with a classic polaroid camera, so you can see the beauty in the shape and lines and I'm sure any photography buff you know would appreciate receiving this as a gift. $68 at Branch. 

Wooden Toy Tool Box

 

What a darling set! This wooden tool box is about twelve inches long and includes a saw, a hammer, and a chisel and square. You can even have your little eco-friendly carpenter-in-training's name (or initials) engraved on it! $70 at Wood Toy Shop

Credit Card Cutlery

It plays in the back of your head “Don’t eat with your fingers”. You can almost hear yourself screaming “I’M NOT”. Why is that? Because you are carrying Credit Card Cutlery by Ineke Hans. Available in the size of a credit card in white or green, never be left to eat with your fingers and never hear your mom’s voice in your head.  $12 at A+R Store.

Unisex Slit (skirt)

  ook, I am not saying this is for every guy, but this slit skirt is certainly a rare bird of a find. This unique wardrobe item is kind of like gauchos or chaps and it's worn over pants. These aren't for the sartorially shy, but I've been seeing a lot of kilts around lately, so I am thinking it's time for the new look for men...this just might be it. $115 at Studio SHIHAR.

Meiji Hokkaido Chocolate Potato

I wish I had seen these chocolate potato strings sooner.  They would have made a great addition to my kids' Christmas stockings! $3.25 at Jbox

Eye Ring

Visions of old horror movies come to mind when I look at this Eye Ring.  It looks both creepy and surreal at the same time.  Why not look like you just popped out of a Dali painting or a Bosch piece.  There are 2 other Eye rings, one in red and the other in tan.  $30 at Amazing Owl. 

Purple Flower Hair Clip

This light blue felted purple-star flower hair clip reminds me of spring. It might just be a little late as a stocking stuffer (and early for springtime), but you can always imagine the sun and treat your tiny one (or yourself!) to a post-holiday accessory. $5 at Chica Chicka Design

Captain Kirk Nutcracker

This is last in my Nutcracker series and then I’ll leave you alone until next year. I just think this Captain Kirk Nutcracker is awesome and worth getting even now to store away until next Christmas or keep out all year. He's commanding (no pun intended, well, ok pun intended) and can be the leader of your Nutcracker army! $37.49 at Jaf Gifts.

Cowboy Down Giftset

  Bergamot, sandalwood and musk? Nice. This sounds like a manly gift set that I might just have to borrow. It includes whipped soap, body splash and a massage bar. Sounds like just the thing for a nice gift, possibly a nice gift for both of you! $21.50 at Sissy Soap.

Little Helpers Gardening Apron

 When you need a pair of extra little hands in the garden come spring, this pint-sized apron might help your little one help you. Perfect for kiddies aged 2 to 6, it comes with its own trowel, rake, work gloves and shovel. $35 at Little Helpers

Guitar String Pendant

Another good example of recycling!  Check out thisGuitar String Pendant!  There are also earrings, ornaments and flowers..all made from guitar strings.  This pendant is $10 at Stringcycle. 

Christmas Magnets: Set of Snow Crystals

If you look really hard I bet you can see buck teeth on your snow crystals. This is a very cute set of magnets that are about 2 inches in diameter. Set of 3 for 6 euros at Miss-Oneyes

I’m a Ninja 8 x 10 Print

Look at this and repeat 3 times. Pretty soon you might begin believing it. Cute but bad ass, this 8 x10 ninja will catch your eye every time. $14 at Steppie.

The Frustrated TREE

 
Here's a little holiday gift for...let's say...the unusual...guy. It's a needle felted tree with a particularly angry looking expression. I've been eyeing these beauties for quite a while and when I saw them in person at Unique L.A., I was not disappointed. They are all beautifully made and hilariously expressing and...a little unnerving. Well worth every penny, the would make perfect holiday decor for the grinchly inclined. I may have even purchased one as a gift for a guy I know...The tree is $35 and prices go up from there.

Personalized Rubber Stamp

 

Could this personalized stamp be any cuter?  Available for boys or girls and a customizable font. Perfect for any little blooming artist. $22 at Craft Pudding

Spiked Business Card Holder

  He doesn't have to have a spiky personality to love this groovy business card holder. For the guy who isn't interested in "the usual" and doesn't mind telling you about it. Or, you know, he might just like the cool design. $20 from JMN Pottery.

Beer or Soda Can Rings

 

Made of sterling silver and real soda or beer cans, these unisex rings are a unique and fashionable way to show your love of recycling (or carbonated beverages). Manufacturing of this effervescent product has unfortunately ceased, which is bad news for the person who probably had a great time emptying all the beer cans, but good news for us since the price is now cut in half! But the quantities are limited, so if you want one, hurry on over to Elsewares and for $29.99 get yours today.

MAC Laptop Decal

I, alas, cannot afford a MAC..even though I want one very very badly (stupid Windows Vista).   Anyway, this is just the coolest concept for decorating your MAC.  Check out this Isaac Newton gravity decal.  There are many more to choose from and they all incorporate the logo.  Just too cool!  $12.99 at Ivy Bee 

Star Bright, Vintage Xmas Tree Craft Kit

If you love the fabulous 50's, you'll love these vintage xmas tree craft kits where you can make your own fabric tree.  It's so kitschy we love it!  On sale for $10 at Mahar Dry Goods

Zombie Plate: Zombie3 No2

This is one of a series of 7 handpainted Zombie plates . We here at Rare Bird Finds seem to be on a Zombie kick lately so this is just one more thing to add to our little trend to help you get your Zombie on.  See the whole series at Urban Soule. This plate is $16.50.

Taco Truck

If you haven’t eaten from a taco truck, you haven’t eaten, mi amigo. Pay homage to the taco truck with a really cool digitally enhanced photo of an LA taco truck. This is el Homeca, one of a series of taco truck prints. $25 by 33 Stewart Avenue at Supermarket.

Miniature Mighty Mustache Magnet

Funny little wooden mustache magnet to add a 'stache to photos hanging from your fridge.  $6 at A Little Object

Sponsor Spot: Girlz Lyfe

Looking for last minute holiday finds that are unique and are guaranteed to get a wow! from those cool folks on your shopping list?  Then be sure to check out Girlz Lyfe, your one-stop shop for shopping finds that are anything but ordinary. 

Here are a few of our favorite finds:

For CSI fans or those with a humorous sense of humor, the crime scene scarf is sure to catch people's attention with its bright yellow color and bold "Crime Scene Do Not Enter" lettering.  Keep those necks warm with this bold, unique winter accessory.

Junk food fans celebrate!  The french fry coin purse is super cute with those happy, smiling (and calorie-free) french fries!  It's a fun little way to carry your spare change.  If you prefer something a bit "meatier", there's also the taco coin bag and the cheeseburger coin bag - two equally delicious options!

Everyone loves a ninja, right?  This sweet ninja necklace with a sparkly shurikan blade is sure to delight that ninja lover in your life.  And don't forget these delightful matching hairpins.

Oh! An absolutely cute way to say "here's a present for you" and "i think you're special" is the hedgehog  holiday delivery necklace - so sweet! 

Darn it, I wish I knew a photographer (or was one!) because the "I shoot people for a living" necklace is perfect!  Edgy yet funny.  Love it!

These delightful happy mushroom mittens will keep hands warm and stylish. I love that these mittens have a flip-top so you can still use your fingers.  The bright-colored mushroom designs would make me smile all day despite the cold weather.

Be sure to check out the goodies the shop carries for your BFF, guys, teachers, home, toddlers and dogs.

PLUS!! Girlz Lyfe has been doing twelve crazy days of discounts!  Girlz Lyfe will do a deep discount on several items on the site for 24hrs and at the end of the 24 hrs, they'll do it again with another set of items! Check the site out every day - you never know the amazing discount you may find!

Need it in time for Christmas? Last day for Standard Shipping is 12/16/09.  Last day for Priority Shipping is 12/19.  Last day for Express Shipping is 12/22 to order.

Save 15%!  Use coupon code Holly to save 15% off your order - wooohooo! 

Beer Bottle Cap Christmas Ornament

 

Oh Heineken, Oh Heineken, you make my tree look pretty.  This is definitely the best way to recycle bottle caps that I have seen.  A Beer Bottlecap Christmas ornament that actually looks pretty good.  This is the only Christmas Tree one but there are star shaped ones too.  Only $5 at Alabama Survival Supply. 

Evening Box

  This is a truly unusual idea and, I think, a really good one. A handsome box of individually wrapped, hand made soap chips, each good for one use. I know it seems a little excessive but I think it might make a really nice gift for the bachelor that never seems to have soap out for guests, or even for the house proud gentleman that always does. You can even choose from five different soap sets. $73 at Valsey and Me.

Travel Toddler Air Bed

 

Just in time for the holiday travel season, this clever and portable kiddie inflatable bed is equipped with its own electric pump for quick set up. BPA, lead, and Phthalate free, it also comes with a free repair kit and is perfect for your wee one when you travel. $79 at The Shrunks

Mini Cupcake Maker

How about a counter top appliance that makes mini cupcakes. The description says it makes 6 mini cupcakes but I count 7 mini cupcakes in the picture. Seeing is believing. Only 29.99 and it’s less energy than heating up the oven for a small batch for the family. At Perpetual Kid.

GoldStar Events - 50% off Tickets to Shows, Events, and More

 
OMG - I can't tell you how much I love, love, love Goldstar Events.  It's my "go-to" for events, concerts, sports, theater and more in my area.  PLUS, tickets are at a major discount, and for some events, the tickets are even free!  What I love most about it (besides the cheap-o tix), is that it really keeps me informed on events happening in my area that I had no idea was going on.  Most recently, I saw Nevermore, a one-man show about Edgar Allan Poe (fabulous!). 

Also, another feature I really appreciate are all the reviews and member tips for each event. Sometimes you get really valuable tips and advice that you wouldn't have known otherwise unless you had attended (such as, the event doesn't serve food, or the theater tends to be chilly so bring a jacket.  Good stuff.)

Goldstar is available in Boston, Chicago, DC Metro, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Orange Country, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle (just added).

So if you live in an area that Goldstar services, join, join join - it's freeeeeee and you have everything to gain (like, how I gained a social life - ha!)

Princess Dreaming Print

 

This little 8x10 print reminded me of the book The Little Prince- but with an adorable little girl. Perfect for a nursery. $18 at Gumball Grenade

Sponsor Spot: Wonder Toast

Ohmygoodness, sometimes I just stumble upon a site that makes me wish I had kids.  Wonder Toast makes me feel that way.  I would totally buy up each and every single one of Wonder Toast's adorable alphabet T-shirts. 

 
The Alphabet T-shirts are so cool because they're not the usual "A is for Aardvark" (yawn!)  Instead, their T-shirts is food-oriented and say things like, "T is for Tandoori" or "D is for Dim Sum."  The shirts don't stop there; they also include a sweet, pithy blurb about what the food-item is.  For example, "N is for Nigiri" also includes "Nigiri is from Japan.  It is sushi rice with a topping!"  I love that it's teaching children cultural knowledge while remaining utterly playful with its fun, easy-to-read and eye-catching designs.  These organic 100% cotton T-shirts are available in toddler sizes and baby sizes.  It's also the perfect gift for those aspiring foodies.  Plus, they're organic and completely eco-friendly.  These super soft, luxurious
tees are made in India and printed in the USA. Zee Spot onesies are SKAL certified, and all colors are low impact, azo-fre dyes and screen printed with water-based inks.  Smart, fun clothing that's also great for the environment (and you!) - what more can you ask for?

For kids who love to read, the Wonder Toast Wonders about the Alphabet! book is a fun, take-with-you-anywhere coloring book that goes straight through the alphabet.  Kids can learn things like "K is for Kimchi" and its origins.  It's an imaginative, wonderful way for kids to learn the alphabet while gaining cultural knowledge that they will remember.  It will help build in them an appreciation about different cultures and food.  So cool!

It totally makes sense that these wonderful designs also come as colorful framed prints.  The perfect wall  candy for a nursery. Plus, they can be personalized and color customized.

Also, the shop carries the book, The Unordinary Elephant. It's a bilingual children's book (Japanese and English) about how being different can actually make you special.  It's about an elephant with too tiny ears who meets a boy who walks on his hands.  It's such a cute, wonderful story.

Special for readers!  Free gift!  Wonder Toast will include a free autographed coloring book with any clothing order if you type RAREBIRD in the comment section of PayPal when you place your order.

Steampunk Avionics

  Here's a good looking bag that might appeal to steampunks and non-steampunks alike. The logo is cool, the bag looks heavy duty and, if you so desire, for a little extra you can add in the gas mask shown in the photo. That's pretty cool. $26 for just the bag at thirtythreedegrees.

Pixie Bonnet

 This darling little bonnet is perfect for the little wood nymph or garden fairy in your life. Sized from 3 to 18 months. $21 at Apron Strings Boutique

Rolling Bird Salt & Pepper Shakers

Doesn't it drive you crazy when you sit down to dinner at your super long dining room table and the salt & pepper are all the way down at the other end?  Problem solved with these Rolling Bird salt & pepper shakers!  Just wind them up and they roll down the table.  They also, as wacky as they look, make a great conversation piece.  $38  for the pair at Chiasso.

Expletive Checkbook Cover

 

Ah, 'tis the season. Don't we all start to feel like this checkbook cover at the end of the year? Bills to pay, gifts to buy...or perhaps you just like to swear. For the record, I have a wallet made by this same company (Tiny Meat) and it's sturdy and lovely. I've had it for a year and it's still going strong. Hopefully, when you've had this checkbook for a year, you'll be able to stop swearing about all those checks...$12 at Buy Olympia.

Design Your Own Twiggy Wood Earrings

Super cool wood and bead earrings. So stylish!  Best part of all, you get to choose the color of the wood and the beads to make your very own special pair.  $15 at Sharma Designs

Black Tadaaaa Curtains Photo Frame

Wicked cool black curtains frame to really show off your moves.  $13 at Plasticland

Mood Buster Shower Steamers

Drop one of these mood buster shower steamers in your tub while you shower and breathe in the steamy aromatherapy. 100% all-natural.  Perfect little stocking stuffer, especially the Hangover one for those family members most likely to overindulge in the spiked eggnog this holiday season.  $3.95 at Catching Fireflies

Christmas Elf Candy Cane Hat

I just bought one of these Christmas Elf Candy Cane hats for myself - whee!  You even get the option of having a bell or not at the tip. Hat can be striped (as shown), all red, all white, all green, or a combo of all three.  $23 at Ragamuffin

Cupcake Toppers

You know them. They are your friends, your family members, so why not celebrate them and decorate your cupcakes with them. A set of 12 cupcake toppers: Boozing Betty, All Dolled Up, and Junky Jane. $10 at Vintage Lucy’s.

Baby Porcupine

Anyone can take a picture of a dog. Very few people can take a good picture of a dog. But even fewer people have access to baby wild animals, take amazing pictures of them in posed settings and offer them to you for your giggle enjoyment except for Sharon Montrose. I saw Sharon at this past weekend’s Unique Los Angeles Show. My friend actually bought one of her baby animal prints and showed me. I melted and instantly ran to her booth pushing people out of the aisles to get her info so I could share it with you! She has a pretty good deal going on right now, buy 3 get one free. These would make great gifts for the person you have no idea what to give because who doesn’t like a cute baby animal? 7x8 fine art print, $25 at Sharon Montrose.

Yoda Party Lights

Whoop whooop!  Just picture it - booze, chips and Yoda party lights!  How cool it is! $26.98 at Things You Never Knew Existed

Decoy Gift Boxes

Use these decoy gift boxes when you want your loved one to think you got them a really crappy gift. Boy, will they be happy and relieved when they find the super cool gift you found on Rare Bird Finds in it instead!  ;)  $6 and up at The Onion

Speaking of which, have you checked out our 2009 Holiday Gift Guide yet???

Guitar Rootings

 
I actually just kind of randomly stumbled across this tee-shirt, but man is it lovely! Perfect for the guitar player, fan or...maybe even a gardener...OH! how about a music teacher? $22 from Dowdy Studio. 

Save 25% on Zilfage's Zombie T-Shirts!

 
Oops, I forgot to mention the coupon code for the zombie t-shirts I reviewed today.  Save 25%!  Use coupon code rarebirdfinds  

I updated the review with the code, but wanted to make sure the code popped up for those of you viewing us via your feeds.

woo hoo!

Zombie T-Shirts!

Naarrgghh!  (that's zombie for hello) I've recently fallen onto the zombie bandwagon, and love that it's not all brains, guts and gore, but also a healthy dose of humor.  My most recent find are the delightful zombie parody T-shirts made by the ZILF Association of Graveyard Enthusiasts (Zilfage) 

The kind graveyard enthusiasts at ZILF asked me what T-shirt of theirs would I like to receive, and honestly I had the hardest time choosing.  I'm an Elvis fan and loved the Ghouls Rush In T-shirt.  Then there is the Audrey Hepburn T-shirt in all her Breakfast at Tiffany's glory looking all rotten yet still highly glamorous.  James Dean becomes Rebel Without a Face (because of decay, of course!), and there's the T-shirt with the sweet sentiment, "Make Love...Not Barricades" (hear hear!). 

It was like being a zombie made to choose between a variety of appetizing brains, but I gleefully picked The Seventy Year Itch, a T-shirt that takes sexpot Marilyn Monroe's iconic image and turns her into a zombie with peeling skin (due to a very bad itch).  It's such a fun, comfy T-shirt. I wore it and got compliments.  Yeah! 

If you're into zombies, definitely take time to peruse the Zilfage site, read the funny articles, take their quiz, and gain zombie vocabulary skills with their zombie to English dictionary. Good times.

All of these zombie T-shirts come in black and the print design is in eye-catching white.  Highly recommended!  Shirts come in both men and women's sizes. $20 at Zilfage

Save 25%!  Use coupon code rarebirdfinds at check-out!

Our Holiday Gift Guide - All Posts Today!

Every post today is our holiday gift ideas for you!  No one paid to be in our gift guide.  These are finds that we truly think will make cool gifts or unique stocking stuffers.  Check back several times as gift ideas will be coming all day long.  To see our full collection of finds after they've all posted (by midnight tonight), please visit Holiday Gift Guide 2009.