Rare Bird Finds

Mixmaster Sterling Silver Necklace

Remember those old Mixmasters?  Maybe your Mom or your Grandmother had one.  I remember the one my Mom had and this Sterling Silver Mixmaster necklace just brings back some childhood memories. Very cool.  $60 at Ball and Chain!

BOOKS Candle

A guy once told me that he thought the best scent in the world is the smell of books. And although I love books, and I read a lot...I can't agree. That papery, musty, inky smell drives me crazy, but not in a good way. However, I do think this book scented candle might make a good gift for my friend. Or for someone who wants to smell smarter. $45 at Assouline.

Behind Every Clever Girl is a Guy with a Beard and Glasses

I am only sort of clever. But I am betting my husband would still love to wear this cute t-shirt and take all the credit. $20 at Egg-a-go-go.

Green Beer O'Mallows

It's almost St. Patrick's Day! Well, it's close so if you think you might be interested in beer and pretzel marshmallows dyed green, you better get cracking! And if you don't think you might be interested, first of all, I am sorry we are no longer friends. And second of all, can't I convince you to think again? It's a fluffy, handmade, beer flavored marshmallow (dyed green), dipped in milk chocolate and topped with a crumbled pretzel/beer brittle. Ah, if only I could fit beer into that description one more time! And! And! On top of all that wonderment, a portion of the proceeds goes to a program dedicated to converting abandoned lots into community green spaces to beautify Chicago's neighborhoods. And I also still want to be friends so let's just get these, ok? 4 pieces for $10 at Truffle Truffle.

Bee Ear Buds

Buzz into spring with these bee ear buds. Substantially less harmful than the real thing and stingingly cute to boot!  $12.95 at Patina

Tuxedo Apron

Make cooking dinner a formal affair with this tuxedo apron. $24.95 at Wrapables

Dr. Who's TARDIS Mug

This post is dedicated to Rare Bird Finds writer, Ren, who always finds the neatest Dr. Who items.  This TARDIS mug shows the TARDIS in disguise as an ordinary phone booth in the streets of Britain, and when you add hot water, it vanishes and reappears on the other side of the mug in a distant galaxy.  Cool!  $12.99 at Perpetual Kid

Dupioni Silk Butterfly Hair Clips

I love the look of butterflies in the hair, and these pure Dupioni silk butterfly hair clips are really beautiful.  The silk has a pretty sheen that'll make these butterflies look vivid.  The site carries a variety of butterfly designs.  Perfect for an evening party or a special event.  $16 - $24 at Kates Cottage

Dust Extinguisher

This cute mini desktop vacuum looks like a fire extinguisher.  It'll suck up all your crumbs, dust and whathaveyous in your keyboard and around your desk.  $12.99 at Office Playground

Canvas Paper Weights

Here are some great paperweights for you. They are silkscreened canvas beanbags. If they aren't holding down paper, I know I'd be tossing one around to relieve a little stress. $6.95 at Z Gallerie.

Number Cups

The significance of a number for you can be shown everyday on your coffee cup. Maybe you want a 3 to signify that you're a 3 cup-a-day drinker. These porcelain cups have a number on each handle. So sweet. $18 each at Japanese Modern Design

Green Pin

I love the little sprout look of these Green Pins. These little thumb tacks would be so cute on a bulletin board in a floral room perhaps. $8 for a set at Japanese Modern Design.

Wine Wars

Show off your wine proficiency at a party or just learn about wine with this fun trivia game called Wine Wars.  $19.95 at West Elm.

Manta Ray Pendant Necklace

This sterling silver manta ray pendant necklace would be a sweet addition to any outfit.  $58 at MIchelle Chang Jewelry

Bag of Freaks

If you love carnival freaks, this deal is amazing.  You get action toys that include the world's tallest man, world's shortest man, the bearded lady (my personal fave) and the strong man all for $9.95 at Archie McPhee.

Combi-Lock Pen

If you're tired of folks stealing your pen, this combi-lock pen is just for you.  It has a unique combination lock code that only you know, making it impossible for the pen to be used by anyone else.  I had a heck of a time finding a place in the U.S. online that sold them, as it appears most sellers are in the UK.  The place I found online in the US that sold the pen didn't give much of a description, but you can read about the pen on this UK shopping site here. $3.66 at Find Me a Gift

Omiyage Ladybug Bag

I've been window shopping on Etsy again. This time for a new messenger bag.  But, when I clicked on "Bags and Purses", this showed up and I just had to (I HAD TO) post it.  Take a look at this Omiyage Ladybug Bag.  It's not a huge bag, but good enough to carry the everyday type of stuff.  It's just way to freakin' cute.  The wings can stay open or you can close them.  There's other styles and even Baby bugs too.  This one is $24 at Sock Diva.

Darth Vader Lamp

The Darth Vader lamp isn't just a cool lookin' mini-lamp, but it's also an LED alarm clock.  It also has an audio input and speaker for your MP3.  Measures 15" tall.  $49.99 at Star Wars Shop

Little Fox Prince Locket Necklace

This sweet fairy-tale locket necklace features a foxy prince.  Since it's a locket, you can add a photo of your own "prince" inside.  $28 at Shana Logic

Sterling Silver Skull Men's Hammered Band

I love the oxidized look of this sterling silver skull band, but if you prefer shiny, that's available too. The hammered band adds some funk and the skull add the cool and there you go. Perfect ring. Custom made to order, so plan ahead, but we all know that good things come to those who wait. $50 at Little Bug Jewelry.

Pocket Cow Bullocks

Cowshed, a British bath and home shop, calls it's men's line Bullocks, which is enough to make me buy it right there. But it also looks like they make really nice products and my husband loves his lotions and unguents. In fact, I am finding that a lot of men have taken "good grooming" to a new level and love to try new skincare stuff. This Pocket Cow set has a travel sized scrub, wash, moisturizer and shaving cream, so he'll be pretty no matter where he goes. £18.50 at Cowshed.

Skull Stapler

This awesome skull stapler will not fit in at some offices, but that's ok. Because, as I said,  it is awesome. It's one of those items that you wonder why you haven't seen it before. It's startling, maybe a little disturbing...and kind of cool. $48.95 at NeatoShop

Blackboard Ring

This blackboard ring is a fun way to say what's on your mind right on your finger.  $45 at Everydiki

Colorful Necklace with Pottery Shard

Gorgeous necklace that features a pottery shard.  Unique and perfect for spring!  $28 at Polished

Luddite Knife Plate

Fool the eye with this fun plate that appears to have a knife on it. Made of melamine by Thomas Paul Luddite, it's quite affordable. $12 at Candy Store Collective.

Buckle Up - Key Holder

Always losing your keys? We all know the trick to fix quirk is to put them in the same place, every time you put them down. Perhaps this seatbelt key holder will help you do that. Made from discontinued and reconditioned car seat belts, you key clip securely into place...if you remember to put them there. Personally, I am afraid i would clip them into my car's seatbelt and walk away...but you're smarter than that. $24 at Yanko Design.

Futura 1927 Brown Pullover Hoodie

Cute nod to typography fans. A snuggly brown hoodie with a fun Futura based logo will keep him warm for the rest of the winter. And get this, the hoodie itself is made by WRAP, " an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the certification of lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing throughout the world." So you win on two counts, being cool and being a thoughtful consumer. $40 at Medium Control.

Police Box Dress Shirt

All good geeks know that this is the TARDIS (that would be Time and Relative Dimensions in Space) and it's the Doctor's (Doctor Who, silly!) favorite mode of transport. Now, if you already knew all that, odds are that you also know someone who would love this shirt...like me. More sophisticated than a t-shirt but just as fun. And I think the design is stylish enough that you don't have to be embarrassed if you aren't the geek but are accompanying him. $40 at Aurelius.

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Wonder Woman Apron

So I'm in the market for a new apron.   Have a handmade one that's run it's gamut and is ready to be replaced.  While doing a little window shopping online I came across the mother of all aprons.  Check out this Wonder Woman apron!  I always wanted to don the Wonder Woman outfit for Halloween but never did, and now it's impossible for me to fit in one.  This is the next best thing (and I would fit in it ;-) )  $35 (on sale) at Modern Vintage Designs.

Dachshund Ring

Bling, bling!  This eye-catching ring will look pretty on any Doxie lover's finger.  The ring is adjustable so no worries about sizing.  BTW - if you're into Hello Kitty, this site also has a large collection of Hello Kitty jewelry at great prices.  $9 at Guns and Cupcakes

Flapper Girl Cupcake Picks

Ah, these Flapper Girl Cupcake pick toppers would be a perfect way to liven up a homemade batch of cupcakes on a girls' night in or at your next shindig.  Love them!  $10 for five at (where else?) Flapper Girl

Personalized Stump Necklace and/or Ring

Better than carving it into an actual tree, this sterling silver stump necklace and ring can be engraved with you and your loved one's initials. $180 for necklace, $210 at Uncommon Goods

Two Gentlemen of Lebowski: A Most Excellent Comedie and Tragical Romance

A friend of mine got me into this paperback that came out last year called Two Gentlemen of Lebowski: A Most Excellent Comedie and Tragical Romance .  If you're a Big Lebowski fan, you'll get a kick out of this smashup of the movie meets Shakespeare.  It's hilarous and such fun to read.  $10.39 at Amazon

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Mason Jar Solar Lids

You get a set of 6 solar lids that you can put on any of your own mason jars.  The lids are solar-powered and will light up at night with a pretty glow.  Perfect for an outdoor party!  $48 at Treasure Again

iChocolates

 

While perusing thru Etsy for Valentine's Day gifts, I came across these iChocolates.  Each of these edible "apps" are handmade and hand painted in Paris.  There's definitely alot of LOVE and care that went into creating these and I think your Valentine will love them.  $57 (US) at iChocolates.

Finger Puppet Greeting Cards

How fun!  These finger puppet greeting cards of famous authors are sure to be a hit with any literature lover in your life who has sense of humor.  $3.25 at Dear Deer Designs

Bunny Love Ring Holders

These handcrafted bunny ring holders come in a variety of styles to celebrate true love.  A sweet sentiment to keep on your nightstand while the bunny guards your rings. $24 - $34 at Bailey Bowls

By the Book Cookbook Bookends

These black stainless steel bookends show cooks doing what they do best. Organize your cookbooks with this set and you won't be looking all over for that recipe you know you had somewhere. $40 at Designmyworld.net 

Hedgehog Mitts KnitKit

Knit your own adorable hedgehog mittens with this kit. Brown Heather yarn, pattern, and bead eyes are included. $24.80 at morehousefarm.com .

Grandfather Slice Clock

This clock is both unusual and stylish. A funky touch for a new home perhaps? Or a way to make and old home hip? Either way, it's bound to be an unusual gift and I like the idea that it's part of a grandfather clock, which suggests to me, it's potential as a modern style heirloom. $36 at Uncommon Goods.

The Wrist ID Sport

This ID band a great idea for any solitary sportsman. Perfect for runners, cyclists, even skiiers, campers or even just for your kid who has gone camping with the scouts. It's laser engraved with the info you choose, so you can have emergency contacts or allergies listed, even organ donor info (although I hope it won't be necessary yet!). It even comes in a variety of colors, and the tag can be used separately. This could be, quite literally, a lifesaver. $19.99 at Road ID.

Community STD Fair T-Shirt

I'd say this is a hot tip, but you probably already know...when looking for fun gifts, don't forget to check out the websites of television networks. Where else could you find an STD Fair shirt, just like the one featured on Community? I am always surprised at the great t-shirts and gifts some of favorite shows have inspired (great stuff from 30 Rock, The Office and even Chuck) and even more surprised that they are available. $25 at NBC Store.

Abby and Sam Print

This charming art print shows your average day of walking the family octopus....$19 at Serpenthes

Sponsor Spot: Girlz Lyfe

Ah, Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and in case you need a gift for your loved one, your BFF, or even for yourself, be sure to check out Girlz Lyfe for adorable, unique items (at affordable prices!) that will sure to put a smile on someone's face!

Are you and your loved one or BFF like two ninjas?  Well, aren't we all ninjas deep inside?  Celebrate your combined speed and cunning with these super cute ninja salt and pepper set.  They will certainly add charm (and maybe a tiny speck of deadly fear - okay, maybe not, but definitely cuteness) to any kitchen table!

Let the world know you're in love with this ultra-handy and uber-cute robot in love field bag!  Big enough to carry your personal items and even a paperback, this field bag is not only functional but also fun.  Comes in a variety of colors to match any wardrobe change.

This necklace of two city cats in love during sunset will make any heart melt - it certainly does mine!  Perfect for the cat lover or someone who appreciates the sentiment.  Makes a nice accessory to any  casual outfit.  If you're more of a daytime city girl, there's also day version of this necklace which is equally cute.  Can't decide, personally I'd snatch both!

On Valentine's Day, why not treat your loved one in bed with heart-shaped eggs?  This I Love You egg shaper will make it easy to whip up a love-feast in a jiffy!

If you're looking for a gift for that rock star in the kitchen, also consider the Guitar Shredder Cheese Grater.  Woo, it could be a way to say you make beautiful music together - or is that too cheesy?  Either way, it is a super cool kitchen accessory.

Bottom line is no matter who is on your Valentine's Day gift list, you're sure to find something at Girlz Lyfe!

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Big Lebowski Art Print Set of 4

Haa, recently I re-watched The Big Lebowski, and any fan of the movie would appreciate this set of four 5"x5" prints that highlight a few of the characters in the movie.  A great panel set for a wall that needs livening up.  Prints signed by artist.  $24 at retrowhale

Garden Gnome Flipping The Bird

Garden gnomes are usually so friendly and welcoming, but this garden gnome has a bad attitude -- and I love it!  He's flipping te birdie with a glint in his eye.  You really don't see that very often.  $34.99 at PhenomeGNOME

Break Up Cards

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, but what if you're not feeling the love?  One solution is to give your mate a break up card.  eEvil Ink carries a variety of break up cards for every situation.  $3 at eEvil Ink  Design (THey also carry hook up cards, unholiday cards and unbirthday cards)

Chalkboard Heart

Use the attached chalk and leave a little love note to your someone special on this little chalkboard heart. Love. $11.95 at Z Gallerie.