Rare Bird Finds

Moby the Bath Spout Cover

This soft, yet tough rubber bath spout cover looks utterly adorable shaped like a bright blue whale.  Will entertain kids while protecting them from bumps.  $14 at MOMA

Waterproof Notepads

 

The next time you're in the shower and you have a genius idea, you don't have to wait until after you towel-dry to scribble it down.  Hang this waterproof notepad in your shower and with the waterproof pencil, you can write and erase while you're letting your conditioner sit in your hair.  The paper is perforated so you can rip it out and go.  $9.95 at Vat 19

Vintages Glasses

For the past few years, I've only worn vintage glasses.  I love vintage frames because of the unique shapes and designs - they're quite the conversation starter!  I stumbled upon this site on Etsy that sells vintage frames, and they have a nice collection that would also make fabulous sunglasses.  $48 and up at Vintage 50's Eyewear

Pig USB Flash Drive

 

Add some humor to your work with this adorable Pig USB flash drive. It holds 4GB of memory and is cute at the same time. $32 at Hemingway Fun.

Batman Eye Chart Poster

 

For the comic fan in all of us, here's a fun poster to hang anywhere in your home. (Not just for kids. Nothing I post is.) A 5x7 folded card or poster and envelope. It's an eye chart that reads "I see Batman and he looks pretty mad". This is sure to be a fun conversation piece.$3 at JustJenn Designs.

Stargirl Mini Speaker

 

A 3 inch speaker with a lot of sound describes this fun Stargirl Speaker. It hooks up to any device (MP3, portable CD or DVD player, a computer) with a standard audio output. It charges and then can play for up to 4 hours. $22.95 at Bust Boobtique.

Personalized Plate & Bowl Set

 

There's nothing cuter than personalized items, especially when it comes to the important mini in your life. This melamine plate and bowl set, complete with a vintage-y color and image choice, makes a really great everyday, special occasion or baby shower gift. $42 at Sarah+Abraham

Tape Doormat

 

When you have this cassette tape doormat at your entry, your friends will know that they're stepping into the 80's. $49.99 at Meninos.

Bacon Air Freshener

Yes, this air freshener is REALLY bacon scented. Mmm sizzling bacon! Unfortunately my dog is really big on rides so my car often carries the scent of eau de sweaty dog. Not a great combination! Perhaps bacon would smell more appetizing in yours? $2.95 at NeatoShop.

Diaper Vest™ Wearable Diaper Bag

 

What a great idea! I know a lot of dads who hate the whole diaper bag thing. The Diaper Vest, might be the answer to all their problems. Plenty of pockets for diapers, creams and even a changing pads. And even more pockets for wallets, cameras and...whatever else he may need. To my eyes, these don't look any different to a non-diaper fleece vest, so it's not very conspicuous. And best of all, Dad's hands will be free for baby wrangling. $80 at Dad Gear.

Velocity for Men Spa Soak

 

I am really intrigued by the scent profile for this spa soak for guys. Sandalwood and leather sounds like a nice manly combination, right? And I like the idea of the addition of coconut oil for moisturizing (but, as they say, it may make the tub slippery, so be careful!). This might make a nice gift for that guy who THINKS he's an athlete, but you secretly know isn't. Or heck, the guy who IS an athlete. A relaxing soak in the bath might loosen up those abused muscles...$10 at Body Language Soaps.

Eco-Retro Desk Clock

 

This good looking bamboo clock has a nice mid-century feel and would look great on a desk, in a bedroom, in an office...pretty much anywhere. Even cooler? It's flat packed and you assemble it yourself. You'll feel like you've done something! Not to mention, the bamboo is eco-friendly, because it grows so quickly! And you'll be on time for things. It's a win/win/win here, people! $56 at Vector Cloud.

Puzzle Calendar

This fun puzzle calendar is made from building blocks that you can re-arrange and re-create whenever you're bored at work.  $12.50 at Paper Source

Riddle Napkin Rings

These hand-decoupaged napkin rings will keep your guests entertained as they try and figure out the riddles on these wooden rings.  Perfect for an outdoor luncheon or for entertaining kids.  $16 for a set of 4 at Humblebea's

Faux Taxidermy Jewelry Holder

Omg, I love these jewelry holders.  I'm on a bunny kick since I recently got my very first bunny, but the shop carries birdies, too.    Also comes in a variety of colors.  Wall art that's also functional - love!  I've been looking for a cool jewelry holder for my necklaces and I think I found them!  $22 - $39.99 at Mary Beth's Art *The artist is currently on vacation until June 30, 2010, so all orders will be shipped after June 30th.

Ceramic Animal Belt Buckles with Belts

How adorable!  These handmade ceramic belt buckles are shaped in your choice of animal - squirrels, bunnies, and birdie - and are paired with a fabric belt.  They would certainly liven up any outfit.  $44 at Cassie Stephens

Uni-Corn Holders

 

A unicorn horn was made for holding an ear of corn. These Uni-Corn Holders are a fun set to hold your corn with. They come in a set of 8, or 4 pairs in these bright colors. $7.99 for a set at Perpetual Kid.

Absinthe Lips Lip Balm

  

While this anise-scented lip balm won't give you hallucinations, it will moisturize them with nourishing oils and butters.  $4 at For Strange Women

Joy Soap

 

Here ya go; sunshine in a bar of soap. What a great way to start the day with this Joy Soap. $7.50 for a 9 oz bar at Kala Style.

 

Baggie Rack

 

Now you don't need 5 hands to get that spagetti sauce from the pan into the baggie for freezing. Here's a great solution for only using 2 hands and holding up and open that baggie. This baggie rack changes size to fit sizes from lunch bags to gallon size baggies. 

Spoon Straws

 

These colorful Spoon Straws are perfect for the summer. Thinking of a Root Beer Float about now and how you can get the very last bit? Here ya go. $7.95 for a set of 6 straws at Solutions.

Kisses CD Rest

    

Since laying your CD's down on the table could scratch them, protect your cd's by placing them on this Kisses CD Rest. In the shape of the popular chocolate candy, but not made of chocolate, it's a stylish object that's functional too. 11.50 euros by Design K at Hidden Art.

Monster Hands Tattoos

Wouldn't it be fun to run around the house with monsters for hands? These temporary tattoo monster puppets are easily applied with water and just as easily removed with soap & water. $6.95 for a set of 8 at Uma

Alfred Hitchcock Pillow

Good evening!  That's how Alfred started his movies.  Check out this Alfred Hitchcock "The Birds" pillow.  This is what I call an original idea.  $42.50 at Regan's Brain.  Other pillows available such as Audrey Hepburn, Edgar Allen Poe, Hemingway and more. 

Leaf Tie Clip

  

A sweet yet handsome leaf made of silver might take some of the sting out of wearing a tie when he could be out hiking. I make no promises to that, but I do think it will make him all the more charming when his tie isn't dragging in his dinner. Made of precious metal clay, this clip really picks up the details of the leaf. $30 at Willow and Me Jewelry.

Gibson Les Paul Tie

 

Perfect for any the rock'n'roll dad, this Gibson Les Paul-shaped tie will put all other neckties to shame. Available in 16.5 through 18.5 sizes and made of black silk, go ahead: give him another reason to break out the air guitar and go to town. $9.95 at Wild Ties

Dry Spice Rubs

 

It's barbecue season and these dry spice rubs ought to kick those back yard parties off nicely. Eight different blends for every type of food, Old Bay, Tandoori, even a Cocoa rub, which sounds good to me. And since you can rub them into pretty much food you like, you can spice up meats OR veggies and everyone will be happy. $16 for a set of eight different flavors at Cook Outside the Box.

Pull Tab Bottle Opener

 

 'm digging this design; a bottle opener shaped like a can pull tab made of stainless steel. Ingenious! It opens bottles 2 different ways but is only 3" long, so you can keep it in your pocket. $12 at SFMoma.

Revolver and Daisies Cloth Napkins

These cloth napkins caught my eye because of the unique design. Screen printed on organic cloth napkins, each revolver has a daisy growing out of the barrel of the revolver. $22 for a set of 4 at Oh, Little Rabbit.

Fries and Things Cup Holder Accessory

 
Is it completely unnecessary? Yes. Is it possibly even a bad idea? Oh yeah! Do you still want one? C'mon? Who doesn't hate scrabbling around in that bag for fries while driving? Because you know you do. Ok, fine. I know I do. $9.95 at Amazon.

Recycled Film Reel Gift Bows

 

These gift bows made with real (or should that be "reel"?) recycled film are perfect to dress up that dvd, movie gift card or, if you are feeling generous, that new plasma tv for the film fan in your life. They come in a pack of three so more gifts for more people can be decorated. Eco-friendly and charming, how can you go wrong? $9.95 for the pack of three at Vat 19.

Swine Flew Bacon Soap

 

Not sure how the bacteria soap went over so I'll try again. Here's Swine Flew Bacon scented soap. And yes, that's how they spell it. It's vegan soap and it smells like bacon. Why not have the scent that everyone craves: bacon! $4.50 per bar at Geeky Clean.

Experimental Kit Texturas

 

If any of you are big Top Chefs fans, then you'll know what I speak of when I say these 2 words: Molecular Gastronomy. If you're not a Top Chef watcher but a foodie or even a science geek, this is what you'll want to buy. It's an Experimental kit for molecular gastronomy techniques created by Albert y Ferran Adria of el bulli (considered the best restaurant in the world). This kit will guide you through the science of food with 12 small jars of necessary ingredients. It gives recipes too. Once you master a technique or two, you can purchase full size jars of the chemical food ingredient you want more of. $32 at Amazon.com.

Bubble Gum Dress

Ok, I felt really daring today.  I'm so needing a break from packing up my house that I went onto Etsy and typed "Lady GaGa" in the search engine.  My search resulted in me finding this totally outrageous but cool Bubble Gum Machine dress.  Love it...maybe it'll be the next thing Lady GaGa buys..who knows.  $157 at Devani Weaver. 

Nosferatu Soap Dish

For you vampire fans, this Nosferatu soap dish will add a bit of spook to your bathroom or kitchen.  Pair it up with a bar of black or red soap.  $15 at No Tengo Miedo Clay

Moss Toilet Seat Cover

This knitted toilet seat cover really looks like moss!  $29.99 at Saint Reagan's Hollow

Musgo Shave Cream

Want to get your dad a really great gift this year but low on funds? This tube of shave cream will definitely hit home. It smells lovely (think: a cleaner patchouli) and a little goes a long way. Forget all about Barbasol, this is the good stuff. $9 at Caswell-Massey Apothecary 

Legs on the Wall Dress

What a fun little dress featuring stripey black and white stockings and red shoes.  The stockings are screen printed and the shoes are sewed on with felt.  $68 at Zoe Chen

Cone Animals Pillow

Whenever I see a dog or cat with those plastic cones around its neck, I can't help but aww.  These handmade, canvas pillows (in choice of color) feature either a felt-applique dog or cat with that "aww"-inspiring cone.  $40 at Pink Baby Mouse

Dr. Bird Juicer

So cute - this ceramic birdie juicer makes juicing lemons, limes and oranges a snap with its easy pouring bottom (made to look like petals), but personally, I'd keep this one out in the kitchen as a decorative feature, too.  $29.95 at Z Gallerie

Lego Style Keyboard Skin for Mac Book

 

This Lego style vinyl decal is made just for your Mac Book keyboard. Make your boring keyboard fun and also colorful. $16.99 at Cool Decal.

Salt & Pants

  

This little guy can sit at your table and watch you eat and when you're ready for the salt and pepper, watch out because he's got pepper in his pants! Salt and Pants salt and pepper shaker only $10 at Artful Goods.

Choco-Scotch Bar

 

In lieu of this weekend's Father's Day holiday, it might be fair to say that dear ol' dad will enjoy these single-malt scotch bars. Nix the bag of socks-- this dark chocolate-scotch combination could just be what he's secretly wishing for this year. $15 for 3 bars at BonBonBar

Pet ID Bar

Forgo flat dog tags and try this aluminum pet ID tag shaped like a bar.  There are four-sides to get engraved with important information in case your pet gets lost.  You can also customize the font.  $20 at Make Your Dog Smile

Vintage Comic Book Tea Towel

 

Kitchen towels don't have to be boring. Express your sense of humor in your kitchen with this Vintage Comic Book Tea Towel. Just don't use it the first night you have a date over for dinner or he may run for the hills. $12.50 at Handy Jans.

The Love Monster Mug

 

I particularly like this Love Monster Mug as a "cool gift for a guy" because it's cute without being too cutesy, and fittingly, the name of the shop that carries this mug is "Cutesy but not Cutesy". The art is just weird enough, but the sentiment is clear. I don't think a #1 Dad would be embarrassed by this mug while a #1 DAD mug really seems kind of overdone, right? Of course, it's perfect for any monster that you love and it gets the message across just fine. $18 at Cutesy but not Cutesy.

Soap: Blue S Enteritidis in a Petri Dish

 

Here's a good one. This is soap and it's in a petri dish. It's the bacteria that causes Salmonella from eating uncooked eggs. What a great present for that friend with food poisoning or that chemistry geek. $9.50 by Cleaner Science.

The Thinker Night Light

 

When I saw this night light I immediately thought how perfect this would be for the graduate. It's not childish and implies studiousness. It's even porcelain. $16.95 at Neatorama. 

Ghostbusters Proton Pack Backpack

 

Pre-orders are open now for this AWESOME backpack. It looks just like the Proton Pack from Ghostbusters and the level of cartoony detail is pretty amazing. It even has an attached "gun" bag that would be ideal to carry an umbrella. $40 at 80s Tees.

Boogie Board LCD Writing Tablet

 

This is interesting. Not quite ready for an iPad but want to look cool at the next meeting? Consider this LCD tablet. Write on and erase with the touch of a button. No paper, no pen, no problem. And when your "honey-do" list gets too long...whoops...it's gone! $35 from iMPROV Electronics at Amazon.