Rare Bird Finds

Black Baseball

 
It’s baseball season…right? I don’t actually know, not being a fan myself, but I’m pretty sure it’s baseball season. Of course, my lack of baseball knowledge would probably show if I gave this black baseball as a gift to a true fan. I’m not sure that you would actually want to USE it, but I do think it would look cool on a desk or in a display. Perhaps for the man who has everything else baseball related? $29 at Generate.

Reusable "Plastic" Cups

With spring arriving in North America I have noticed several of my East Coast friends longing for summer days and “red cups”. If you, too, are dreaming of your long ago frat party days, but you feel a twinge of guilt at the trashing of the planet, how about these reusable red cups? They look the same as the old college favorites but are dishwasher safe! (They also come in blue, if that matches your décor a little better). A set of four is just $13.95 at vat19.

Bunny Slippers

Just in time for this weekend's holiday, how about a darling pair of eared slippers for your mini? Machine washable and made completely from recycled materials, these come in 6-12 or 12-18 month sizes. $46 at Baby Wit 

Spiral Eye Sewing Needle

If the only thing stopping you from doing one of your favorite sewing projects is the fact that you can't see to thread the dang needle, then this is your lucky day. The Spiral Eye Sewing Needle makes threading a needle super simple by just sliding the thread up the side of the needle and into the eye! Surgical needles coming soon so doctors, take note! Set of 3 assorted sizes $16 at Spiral Eye Needles.

Imm Living Bookworm Bookend

Designer Rob Southcott got it right with this bookend. Stick your nose in that book is the mantra for this guy! I can picture him in the old fiction section of the New York Public Library burying his nose in it. I recommend this as a great Graduation gift!!!! $36 at Next.

Star Wars Decorative Plates

Class up your dinner table with these altered antique plates.  Although they're safe for food, I think they'd also be fabulous as art on your wall.  $25 at Beatupcreations

Postcard Mobile

I have a thing for mobiles and this one is really fun. You can clip on your favorite postcards, or pictures or any kind of flat design that you like and you've made a custom mobile. Bamm! $25 at Design Public.

Black Tea Pot Watering Can

 

A touch of class and a little fun while watering your plants with this tea pot? No it's a watering can and it's perfect for watering your houseplants. And then you can add it to your tea pot collection in your china cabinet, I think....$9 at Plasticland.

Sheep Porta Pouch

 

This little pouch reminded me of my backpack days... do you remember those? The insides of backpacks generally have a key hook along the top of the inside- and if you were anything like me as a kid, I'd ignore the hook and just toss my money (and my keys!) anywhere. This adorably made pouch would allow your mini to keep their lunch money and house keys in one safe and organized place when at school. $20 at Alliebeans

Belgian White Chocolate and Jelly Beans

Doesn't this look amazing! What a perfect treat from the Easter Bunny. Belgian white chocolate and jelly beans. What kid wouldn't love a colorful candy? Oh forget the kids, what about adults! $7.50 for 1/2 lb at Nicole's Homemade Treats.

Fisticup Brass Knuckle Mug

I like the tough looking metallic handle on this punchy brass knuckle mug. $18 at fredflare.com

RC Driving Tissue Box

  Oh, this is so terribly expensive for an entertaining toy, but WHAT AN ENTERTAINING TOY! A remote controlled tissue box would be ideal right now during the hayfever season. Can't you just imagine zooming a tissue box up to a houseguest when they sneeze?  $63 at Japan Trend Shop.

Eye Am Watching You Pendant

I love the antique stylings of this cute yet creepy Eye Am Watching You pendant. $28 at Trash & Trinkets

Retro Clean

Just a couple of tablespoon fulls of Retro Clean in a warm bowl of water in the sun for a day or two and your antique and vintage treasures that had those disappointing brown spots of doom that you thought ruined them, are gone!!!! Seriously. And if the pieces have bright colors, not to worry, there's not a hint of bleach in Retro Clean. $9.95/lb. at Retro Clean.

At Tiffany's Dress

Oh my, here's your chance to look like Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's.  This handmade dress comes in small, medium and large, and looks like it would be super comfy while channeling the movie star in you.  $102 at MQuin

Vintage-Style Handmade Butterflies

If you're the kind of person who believes that the presentation of a gift is as important as the gift itself, then these vintage handmade butterflies might be right up your alley.  Glue one or two or a whole flock of butterflies on a wrapped gift to give it both beauty, grace and eye-appeal.  $4.99 for a set of 6 at The Gilded Bee.  Comes in a variety of colors.

Grow Darn It Garden Stake

Right now this is what my oldest son is thinking.  He's got these peat pots for Cub Scouts.  One has marigold seeds in it and the other has tomato seeds.   Neither one is growing anything yet.  So, this Grown Darn It metal garden stake is perfect.  $21.67 at Rusty Rooster Metal.  Available in other colors too! 

Thumb Knife Rest

This is a knife rest. This is a thumb. Enough said. Oh wait. Except, be careful with that knife. $56 at Third Drawer Down.

The Quiet One

  While scanning etsy shops, this earring really caught my attention. It's small enough to be subtle, but funky enough to be cool. And while I am sure it would appeal to many a tough guy, I kind of like the idea of the "quiet one" sporting this with a business suit. Sterling silver and hand forged, I think if you are the kind of guy who wears and earring, you might get a kick out of this style. $16.50 at Girl Tuesday Jewelry.

Chalkboard Book Blank Sketchbook

 

This cool blank journal has a cover that is made from a chalkboard, so you can doodle on the cover, erase and start again.  $48 at Erinzam

Propeller Trivet

They fold up into one little bar but when needed these colorful propeller trivets protect your surface from any hot dish your serve. $24 at Black Ink.

Baker's String

Though not rare, people are always asking where to find baker's string because it is something apparently hard to find. This shop carries both red/white and black/white for 9072 feet of your creative use. $18 at Black Ink.

Dreamy Owl Kinder Bag

 

This delightful little cotton owl bag would make a great addition to your favorite on-the-go kindergartener's ensemble. On sale for $29.95 at Cocoon Couture 

Amazing Cakes from the Cupcake Cafe

I was back East this weekend for my grandma's 96th birthday and my cousin got a birthday cake for her that was the hit of the party from The Cupcake Cafe in New York City. Such vibrant colors and realistic flowers. The roses looked so real. I have to promote this shop today and say if you're in New York, get a cake from here.

Map of New York City Hankerchief

I bought 2 of these map hankerchiefs this weekend at the Muji store in New York. One is of New York City, one is of Tokyo. I think they could have a lot of uses and not just for blowing your nose on them. For the home, you could hang them in a frame or hang them on your wall without a frame. You could make them into a pillow or even sew some together as a table runner. $8.75 at Muji

Garage Decals

  This is such a strange and brilliant idea that I wish I had a garage to try it out in. A wall sized decal that is applied to thedooe your garage with...well...pretty much anything you want on it. I like this giant dog decal, it's sure to freak out the neighbors, but you could go less aggressive with a lovely view of a garden, or a barn door. Or you can go even stranger than a giant dog with escalators to heaven and hell or knights in armor. No matter what you choose, it's sure to interesting seeing the reaction of passers by. This particular decal is 169€ at Style-Your-Garage.

Sidewalk Paint

 

Looking for basket ideas for Easter? If chalk is too twentieth century for your group of littles, how about some hand-made, non-toxic, washable sidewalk paint? Each stack contains seven ounces of paint powder (just mix with water), including your choice of three colors, and a paintbrush. Fun! $13 at Sidewalk Sensations

Giant Octopi Clutch Purse

How awesome is this giant octopi clutch?  It's unique, eye-catching and so fun.  I especially love the colors. Another favorite clutch is the undersea mermaids - gorgeous and magical.  $60 at Jennifer Ladd

Burned Wooden Spoon

I have about a dozen plain old wooden spoons in my kitchen drawer.  But this Burned wooden spoon is really cool. Using a wood burning tool, they put these designs on those plain wooden spoons to make them pop.  They are usable, just hand wash and don't let them soak in water.  $15 at Simple Means. 

The Strange Case of Oragami Yoda

 
I saw this book the other day at the bookstore, and the book name and artwork caught my eye.  The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger is a kid's book about a 6th grade loser who has a origami Yoda finger-puppet who is very wise.  Reviews sound positive, and it sounds like a fun read!  $9.32 at Amazon

Altered Art Vintage Lockets

 

Super pretty vintage lockets that have nifty photos added to the front.  They look like tiny works of art.  They're UV protected and waterproof.  $33 and up at Freshy Fig

Moe

 
I have a small obsession with perfume. But not the kind you buy at the drugstore or the department store. More the kind you stumble across and are surprised by. I like unusual scents. Subtle, never overwhelming and mostly very natural smelling. This looks like a good pick with all those qualities…which are pretty much the same qualities one looks for in a man, no? This particular scent is called Moe and has notes of almond, black currant, musk and sweet orange. In fact, this sounds like the kind of scent that both sexes might like. I particularly like the way you can browse by season, adjective or personality on this site, so you may find a scent that sounds even better to you. But I think I’m gonna buy my man a vial of Moe. Starting at $5 for a 2ml travel size at Sweet Anthem Handmade Perfumes.

Sunny Side Up - Goats Milk Soap Bar

Oh my - this sunny side up goats milk soap looks so real especially with a sprinkling of pepper.  The soap smells like black pepper, which would make it a great unisex scent.  Perfect as a kitchen hand soap.  $6 at Soapopotamus

Flat Flowers

Impress your neighbors by making them think you have a vase of fresh flowers in your window sill every day. But really it's just a simple, re-usable window decal. Here are two examples of bouquets you can get. And at 6.95 euros, you can get several and change them out when you get bored. At Dutch by Design.

Beaver Ring

This brass and silver-lined beaver ring is a sure-fire way to get your hand noticed. I love how this little guy clings to your finger.  A fabulous conversation starter.  $250 at Pocket and Spark

Cherry Blossom Girl Headband

 

This felt headband would be a great addition to any little (or big!) girl's spring ensemble. Handmade of felt and as pretty as can be. $17 at Lou and Lee

Bike Bar Towels

If you're a cyclist, you'll want these. If not for your bar, for your kitchen. And what a deal too. $10 for a set of 2 towels with screenprinted bikes on them. Love these clean graphics!!! You can only get them at Branch Handmade.

Hand Embroidered Necklaces

I'm always amazed by what people can make by hand, and these embroidered necklaces are no exception.  So pretty and colorful, these necklaces are perfect for adding a punch of color to your wardrobe now that the weather is getting warmer.  $50 and up at Maranon

Kitten Shark Cat Sweater

Instead of "Jaws"...how about "Claws"?   Turn your beloved kitteh into a mean little shark and scare the neighbors with this Kitten Shark cat sweater.  $32 at Youth Diaspora. 

Robot and Triceratops T-Shirt

  Oh please! As if a robot wasn't good enough, here you have a robot riding a dinosaur. Can this shirt get any better? (Like, can it do the dishes?). Doesn't matter, this will be enough to make any geek happy. And there are a range of sizes available, so every geek can be tastefully covered. $18 at Happy Family.

Love - Sterling Braille ring

  I'm in love with this Braille love ring. What a nice way to tell someone how you feel about them, and they can actually feel it too! Sterling silver, simple lines and a nice message make it a good unisex choice. I think it would even make a lovely wedding ring. $40 at blugrn design.

Bad News Brooch

We all have our bad days. But what better to brighten up a little's gloomy day than this felt brooch? Hand stitched and just under two inches in height, this is one charming accessory that is definitely not bad news. $8 at Stay Home

Milk Gone Bad Lamp- #8 in seriesof 8

I adore this lamp series by Anatomic Factory and Bombo illustrations. It was hard to show you just one. But here is one of my favorite milk carton lamps. This lamp turned off is like just a white milk carton. But turned on, shows you an imaginary world of mold. It's like a Dr. Seuss world inside. $68 at Anatomic Factory.

Decorative Wall Decals - Mini Bats

Wall decals can really make a statement in a living area. These mini bats show that you have a sense of humor, right?  I think they are so appealing. $20 at Valérydesignwrks.

State Shape Teething Toy

Proud of your state?  Show it off by giving your little one a natural wood teething toy shaped like your home state. $12 at Little Sapling Toys

Custom Fairy Apron

 

If there's a mini in your life that loves both being in the kitchen and wearing sparkly fancies, a custom made fairy apron makes quite a lovely gift. Handmade and accented to your specifications (my daughter's favorite color is pink and she loves glitter), the details are adorable, carefully tailored, and the turnaround time was speedy. (These photographs do not do the apron justice, as the fabric used even had glitter in it!) Any little girl would be giddy to get one of these pretties in the post... mine definitely was! $25 at Nikki's Unique Boutique

Kudamemo Fruits Memo

Are memo pads supposed to be this cool? Well, these are. They are so lifelike too you have to make sure they don't end up in your fruit basket. The fruit memo pads come in apple or pear and they are 150 sheets each. $10 at Plastica.

Folding Knife Earrings

I don't know if these could be considered a concealed weapon or not.  These Folding Knife earrings really work.  Crazy man, crazy.  Just do not wear these to school cause you might get in trouble.  $39.99 You gNeek.  They also have mini lighter earrings too..that really work. 

Animal Blue Print

 

Love your goggie? Is your pup as much a family member as say...your brother? Then check out the blueprint to your favorite breed. Only a handful are offered ready made, but they do custom requests as well. And they're super cute without being super cutesy. I think they'd look sleek in a modern style home and fun in a more casual setting...now if they only did cats...starting at $95 (unframed) at Animal Blueprint Company.

Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey: Desserts for the Serious Sweet Tooth Cookbook

 

Uhm, I have a major sweet tooth and just hearing about desserts that are sticky, chewy, messy and gooey makes my heart go pitter patter.  Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey: Desserts for the Serious Sweet Tooth by Jill O'Connor is a cookbook that will make your mouth water.  Based on reviews, it seems like the recipes are all winners!  $15.61 at Amazon