Rare Bird Finds

Headphone Wraps

If your mini is anything like mine, headphones are usually terribly tangled (or missing!), instead of snuggly fitted onto her video game or mp3 player. Here's a great solution that is also easy to clean: rubber animal wraps that are inexpensive (a huge plus!) and cute. Available in monkey, alligator, cow or pig. $5.50 at Pylones

Hand Embroidered Pillowcase

 
 What could bring sweeter dreams than this hand embroidered pillowcase? OK, maybe I'm a little sappy, but it's a gentle reminder when he rests his head that you are thinking of him. And the subtle color and embroidery aren't gonna clash with his Star Wars sheets. $22 at bo betsy.

Peanut Butter!

 
Do you know someone who loves all-things peanut butter? These jars of peanut butter heaven will surely please anyone who suffers from the the 'i heart pb' disease. With flavors like White Chocolate Wonderful, Dark Chocolate Dreams, Cinnamon Raisin Swirl and The Heat is On (which is spicy and can be added to stir-frys, barbecue sauces or satays) -everybody wins! (I'm not a peanut butter fan and can honestly say the two I have tried are awesome). $6 per jar at Peanut Butter & Co. 

Rocket Shelf

 

Talk about old skool! This cute shelf looks just like a cassette deck...assuming you know what a cassette deck is. And if you do, I bet you think this is awesome. The faceplace is a vinyl decal and the shelf is wood. Just the right size to store an mp3 player, perhaps? $128 at Yoox

Police and Fireman Chess Set

  I'm a big fan of chess sets...even though I am a lousy chess player. But I like how personalized they can get. It seems like there is a different style chess set for...well...pretty much everyone. This Police and Firemen chess set may appeal to...um...police or firemen. Either way, it's a nice take on the game. $59.99 at Spilsbury.

LOST Magnet Set

Yes, I cried like a baby during the finale.  Yes, I have nothing to watch on TV anymore.  Yes, I want this LOST Magnet set for my fridge.  Well, maybe just Desmond and Sawyer ;-)  $17.50 at Bacon Factory. 

Travel TicTacToe

Perfect for a mini on-the-go, this 100% embroidered felt tic-tac-toe game would be as entertaining for you as for them (think: waiting for dinner to arrive at a restaurant). Great for filling that to-do travel tote or little backpack. $30 at Evgie
 

Key Doorstop

 

In the warm, breezy days  it may be nice to keep the door open. Here's a cute Key shaped rubber doorstopI found that comes in red, yellow, or black. $12 at Black Ink Boston.

Buttered Up Butter Server

 

This slice of ceramic bread is a great serving plate for a stick of butter instead of the paper it comes wrapped in. So tacky! $14.50 at Modern Poverty.

Hop to It Wedge

 

I'm seriously tempted to buy these shoes.  While they look more mouse-like to me than bunny-like, I still think they're super cute and different.  A bit like slippers with a comfy wedge.  $34.99 at Mod Cloth

Trapdoor Checkers

Love checkers?  Well take it up a notch with trapdoor checkers!  Random trapdoors will suck your (or your opponent's) chips right out of the game for an added level of danger.  $29.95 at Vat19

I <3 Macarons Book

 

My current sweet obsession besides cupcakes, is macarons. They're beautiful. The colors are eye popping. The flavors are endless. They melt in your mouth. I found this wonderful book with gorgeous photos of these adorable sweets and recipes to go with them.  The author is Japanese pastry maker Hisako Ogita. $10.17 at Amazon

Napkin Origami Book

 

This book will show you 25 creative ways to impress your friends with a plain old paper or cloth napkin using origami. How about an ice cream cone? $9.95 at Spoon Sisters.

Ruffle Diaper Cover

These ruffled bloomies remind me of sunny watermelon summertime, a perfect wear for your mini to keep cool in whilst scuttling about. Machine washable and in sizes 3 months to 3t. Too cute! $12.50 at Rae Gun

LOST Print

  

It's over, but a lot of you haven't watched the LOST Finale because of the time it was on. I offer you this. A LOST Print. Choose from several characters from the show. That Finale, made me love LOST even more. That's all I'll say! $12 for a 5x5 print by Cartoon Carolyn.

Felt Camera Camera Case

 

Ok, say the title of my post 5 times fast hahaha.  Anyway, I came across this the other day and thought it was so cute.  Check out this Felt Camera Camera Case.  It comes in 4 different styles and it is just adorable.  I want the blue one for my blue digital camera!  $46 at Clara Uribe's. 

Tentacles Tooled Leather Cuff

  My strange obsession with the cephalopod continues with this tooled leather cuff, handpainted with tentacles. Kind of unnerving thinking about them wrapped around your wrist, but groovy nonetheless. $25 at Persephones Pause.

Drunken Tags

Add a little humor to your next wrapped gift or bottle of wine with these drunken tags.  There are eight different sayings, each perfect for that friend who gets a tad too tipsy. $4.50 at Farouche

Little Handmade Pitcher

I love the shape and wackiness of this small, handmade pitcher that's perfect to serve cream or pancake syrup.  It'll add interest to any breakfast table or coffee chat.  $32 at Painterly Pots

R.Mutt

  This is perfect for the Dadaist in your life. Transform your toilet into a work of art that Duchamp would have certainly gotten a kick out of. Slap this sticker of his R. Mutt moniker on the commode and enjoy with the toilet humor. $18.45 at Atypyck.

Big Black Boots Baby Booties

I love these punk baby booties! Not for your baby? They also carry cowboy booties, mary janes, high tops, and more. Note: booties are available in 0-6m size only (4 1/2"). $30 at Mahar Drygoods

Aluminum Fly Boxes

  I am a sucker for little organizational boxes. There seems to be one for everything and this Fly Box just proves my point. Safe storage for all those beautiful hand tied flies are a must to keep them in good condition. And here's a little secret for you, they make gorgeous collectables, even if you don't fly fish. I bet you could even find some other nifty knick-knack to stash away in there, but the outdoorsman in your life might be a little put-out. Starting at $14.95 for the small at Orvis.

Plantcam Digital Time-Lapse Camera

I wish there was a time-lapse camera for beards (it amazes me how fast a man's scruff can grow during the day!), but while inventors are working on that, I am content with the Plantcam.  You can attach it to your planters but you actually attach it to anything that stays still but changes over time.  The time lapse camera records everything in the time intervals you set.  Then you can create your own fast-forward movies and post them on YouTube and become a viral hit.  $79 at Signals

In the meantime, here's a video on YouTube of clouds moving across the sky with the help of Mr. Plantcam:

Sterling Silver Chair Necklaces

These sterling silver necklaces shaped like chairs are the deliciously unconventional yet still go-with-anything.  Love the lawn chair, but you can also choose from the (left to right) gustavian chair, lawn chair, bentwood chair, and card table chair. $70 at ColleenMarieIci

Mustache Tea Cups

Be all fancy with these mustache tea cups at your next tea party.  Totally cute.  Available in different colors and styles.  $20 for a set of 2 at Kimay

Solar Sputnik Light

 

The Japanese always create the cutest things. Here it's the Solar Sputnik Light. A solar light modeled after the Sputnik Satellite. Totally self sufficient. It's a cute addition outside. Get a few of them. They come in green, orange, red and white. $22 each at A+R Store.

Gold Printed Bike Journal

 

Graduation is coming up and here is a great grad gift for anyone. A handmade and eco friendly journal. I am all about inexpensive and impressive one-of-a-kind gifts and this would be perfect! $20 at Disconsolator.

Iron-On Bacon Patches

Beautify your wardrobe and/or home with these sizzling hot bacon patches.  Just iron them on and voila - mmmm!  $5 for a set of 3 at Diffraction Fiber

Personalized Lunch Set

This eco-friendly lunch set is perfect for your school-aged mini's freshly made lunches. Includes cotton tote, one water and stain-resistant snack bag, and two hand-embroidered napkins adorned with your little's initials. $26 at Bleuroo

Zorro After the Summer Vacation

This 5.5" x 5.5" print of Zorro made me chuckle.  This playful print is based on the artist's original painting of Zorro's sun tan.  $18 at Edart

Made of Stars Winged Guitar Cuff

This awesome winged guitar cuff is the perfect accoutrement for that rock star in your life.  $79 at JustUsPunks!

Mix Tape IPhone Ipod Case

 

I was recently told a story about some kids confronted with a rotary dial phone...they didn't know what to do to make a call. Those kids might not appreciate this Mix Tape case, but I know some people who will. We may no longer have the cassette decks in our cars, but I bet I am not the only one with fond memories of mixes sent in the mail or passed in study hall. For an extra special gift with a bitter sweet twist, you could tuck an iTunes gift card in there. Or for a really special gift, tuck in the iPod! $30 at Brave Moonman.

Tending Weeds In A Watery Garden - Postcard

This delicious 4"x6" postcard and others are only $1.00 at The Mincing Mockingbird.

Steampunk Necklace- Acorn Girl Victorian

Get a jump on autumn with this pretty creepy cute bizarre acorn girl necklace. $48.00 at Cosmic Firefly.

Hollow Book Flask Safe

I only remember ever seeing one of these in old movies.  Perfect "guy" gift for those who don't like to share their fine fine spirits ;-).  Plus, no one will ever think of looking in an organic chemistry book for anything.  So, check out this Hollow Book Flask Safe.  $40 at Pommes Frites.  By the way, the Flask is included!  

Star Wars Pancake Molds

Okay, what better way to start the morning than to feel that the force is with you?  These Star Wars pancake molds feature Yoda, Darth Vader and a storm trooper.  Yum yum.  If you're not really into pancakes, but adore cookies, you can also check out the Star Wars cookie molds.  $19.95 at Williams-Sonoma

Cork Umbrella

This umbrella will definitely garner interest whenever you pull it out.  The dome is made out of cork - yep, that's right cork - which is both waterproof and eco-friendly.  Comes with a wood handle and a large span of 42" to make sure you stay dry.  $165 at MOMA

Hooked Keyring

 

Unusual and elegant, this keyring would make a thoughtful gift for a new home or car owner. But if you are feeling generous, it might even be nice for someone going off to college (don't forget your dorm room key, hook it to your belt!). No matter who you give it to, it's a funky alternative to the traditional Tiffany's style. This one is made of brass, but it looks like it's available in other finishes as well. $70 at This Charming Man.

Groupon - Daily Savings!

Have you heard of Groupon yet?  The site calls itself "collective buying power" - basically each day they feature a kick-butt highly-discounted deal for something to do, see or eat in your area - be it a cool new restaurant, a photography shoot, tea tasting, bike riding, you name it - and if enough people buy that deal - you get it!  

Just today in the Los Angeles area they are offering a food tour in various ethnic areas in the area. I just bought tickets to do a 3-hour Little Tokyo tour (3 hours of eating!!) when my mom visits next month. Now I'll seem like a good daughter who plans fun events (while saving $$).

Groupon has deals all across the United States from Albuquerque to Wichita.  To sign-up up is completely free, and every day you get a great new deal in your inbox to consider - so what are you waiting for?

Clothespins Vinyl Graphic Decals

 

 This is a great way to make the laundry room look a little more whimsical. I'm kinda into clothespins these days, must be all the antique flea markets I've been going to, but anyways. These vinyl graphic decals are individual so you can place them on the wall however you want them. $11 for a set of 10 in any color at House Hold Words. 

Roboctopus

 

Is the octopus trendy or forever cool? With the invention of the Roboctopus, it seems to me that the cephalopod is going to be around for a while. Even better, this 8.5x11 print is part of a series of "Seabots" that also includes a squidbot, a jellybot and so much more. I have a few prints from Hamburgerpanda myself and I can vouch for the color and print quality. $20 at Hamburgerpanda.

Polluted Toxic Waste Glasses

  Use this set of 2 glasses as a silent statement on the cleanliness of your water, to show off your bartending skills, or just for fun! $15.99 at ThinkGeek.

Felt Owl Headband

There's something about owls I just love... especially when it comes to pillows, decals, tee designs or accessories for littles. This summertime owl headband would liven up even a simple tee and jeans (or shorts!), don't you think? $12.95 at Ribbon Candy Hairbows

Marry An Artist Print

  

I think this 5x7 print would make the perfect gift for a Spring-Summer wedding. After all, this is wedding season isn't it. When you have the support of your family, you have Everything. $7.50 at Frantic Meerkat.

Deer Silhouette Pot

 These deer won't eat your plants. They are hand painted onto these pots and are just the sort of thing you'd like to have a collection of so start with 2 at $36 only at Schwidle Shop. 

The Stand

Remember those fruit baskets?  The metal one with the three 3 baskets that you hung from the ceiling in your kitchen?  So passe.  Create your own fruit sculpture garden with these 5 sculptural display stands.  I thought this was simple yet so cool to have on your counter.  Comes in a variety of woods.  $55 at  A Mischievous Marriage.

Young Bucks Brawling Pillow

I love the design of these young bucks fighting.  It's an original artwork collage design by the artist and comes silk screened on a canvas cotton pillow color of your choice.  It's also pretty large at 18" x 18".  $60 at The Utilitarian Franchise

Customized Pet Tags

This shop carries really cool pet tags.  My favorite ones are the sheriff star and mustache, but there are plenty of other designs to choose.  The artist will hand stamp your pet's name and phone number, and the designs are available in gold tone, copper, or silvertone. $9 at Metals Artist

Pancake Breakfast Whipped Sugar Scrub Soap

I'm writing this while hungry so please forgive me when I say that I want to eat this whipped sugar scrub up;  Anything that smells like pancakes with a hint of strawberry sounds mouthwatering to me!  $10 at Bungalow

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