Rare Bird Finds

Of Cumin Bondage

Tea towels can be amazingly feminine. They are often adorned with daisies or kittens, or even worse, generic southwestern patterns (mine have cow skulls on them...weird). But I get kick out these literary/vegetable themed towels, it must me the English major in me. They'd be a good housewarming gift for a writer, a teacher, a gardener or even a vegetarian. And they are funny. Can't go wrong with funny. $10 at Wearable Vegetables.

Sterling Silver Hogwarts Ring

I don't think the Harry Potter books or movies ever mention a class ring, but this sharp sterling silver one ought to do the trick. It bears the school seal and motto and certainly looks heavy. How cool would it be to flash this as your alma mater ring? $52.99 at Blackmore 5253.

Tool Tank

It's a key chain! It's a multi-tool! It's a tiny green tank! It's everything you ever needed, all in one adorable package. I know it sounds like hyperbole, but really, how many times have you found yourself in need of a screwdriver but only had a key chain? Because, like I said, this is BOTH. And it's cute. And it makes a great stocking stuffer, package topper or tiny "just because" present. £9.99 at Spinning Hat.

Unicorn Felt Taxidermy

No unicorns were harmed in the making of this mounted trophy. $33 at SquackDoodle

Pac Man Ukulele

 

Are you a big ukulele fan but are just tired of the standard looking ones?   Well, your search stops here!  This is for all you ukulele players out there who want something unique.   Take a peek at this Pac Man Ukulele!  It even has a little ghostie at the top.  Now I know this is pricey at $600 but you will stand out better than Don Ho at a luau with this instrument in your hands.   There are other styles you can choose from including an apple, a rock em sock em robot and even the Autobot symbol.   You can find them at Celentano Woodworks

Big Daddy Cinnamon Rolls

I'm lured to this shop because I love the name (John's Sweet Stash) and because I love big buns - I just cannot lie.  Cinnamon buns, that is!  These humongous cinnamon rolls are made from scratch with no preservatives and 100% real ingredients.  The perfect size to share with a loved one!  (The shop also carries itty-bitty cinnamon rolls for those with smaller appetites)  $7.95 and up at John's Sweet Stash  20% off Grand Opening Sale!  Use coupon code STASH20 to get 20% off!

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BUY A SAMPLER BOX

 

The newest Sampler Village box is now available, and this month's theme is Rainbow Wishes.  Chock full of handmade samples from independent shop owners - a great way to learn about new shops!  Two boxes are currently available for sale (one small, one large), and a sampler box full of edible samples (yum!) go on sale tomorrow.  Enjoy!  Oh, and let them know that Rare Bird Finds sent ya!  $25 and up at Sampler Village

Fish IPAD Sleeve

iPad sleeves aren't difficult to find, but attactive iPad sleeves are another story. And while everyone loves the octopus themes (and they are offered at this store), I think this puffer fish is a more interesting and unusual take on the underwater thing. And the leather sleeve is fashionable and functional. $70 at Dewdrop Designs.

Zip Tie Ring

I am not entirely sure who actually uses zip ties. But it really doesn't matter because this ring is cute and unusual. Maybe it would be good for someone involved in peaceful protests...don't they zip tie hands when they cart people off? I don't know but still think it's a cute design and you could always go for the "ZIP! You've tied up my heart!" line to make it romantic. $69.99 at Rock My World, Inc.

Ram Rhyton Mug

A mug fit for a king. Or a viking. Or...you. There's a lot of history about the mug in the seller's description, but all you really need to know is that drinking from it automatically makes you awesome. The fact that it's stoneware, keeps your drink cool, but it really won't matter because you'll already be cool. Good for Ren Faires, SCA gatherings and Saturday nights at home. $40 at Chischilly Pottery.

Heart Shaped Smitten

I know Valentine's Day is tomorrow so there's no way you could get this today but I just thought this was so cute and romantic.   Check out this Heart Shaped Smitten so you can hold hands with your sweetheart but still have warm toasty hands.   This would solve some issues at my house ;-)  The smitten is only $18 at I Sew Naked.

Ceiling Fan Blades

Don't let the title of this post mislead you. These are way cooler than the average ceiling fan blade (get it?). They are alternately described as "batwing", "dragon" and goth, but no matter what you call them, you get nifty, unusually shaped, wooden fan blades that you install on your pre-existing ceiling fans, adding that certain look of doom to what I can only imagine you call your "lair" (and hopefully not your "dungeon"). It's the small details that really bring out the goth in a room, don't you think? $55 at Darkwear Clothing.

Dinosaur USB Flash Drive

There are literally THOUSANDS of styles of usb drives. Some are merely functional while some are mostly fun. This dino usb drive is one of my very favorites. 4 gigs of memory and a smiling T. Rex. It's two great things in one. $35 at Shana Logic.

Chemistry Set Shot Glasses

These cute, colorful beakers are mini size. Perfect shot glasses for the mixmaster-mad-scientist in your life. And they are on a "deal of the day" sale for the next few hours, so act fast. Add a bottle of something potent and you've got a great gift. And for the teetotalers, add a few flowers and you've got an adorable centerpiece. $7 at Busted Tees.

Vintage Inspired Candy Necklace

Once again I bring you a one of a kind idea for Valentine's Day.  Why bother with some store bought box of chocolates when you can give your sweetheart this one of a kind candy necklace!  Just look at the detail that went into this work of art....and (aside from the silk ribbon) competely edible...although I think I'd wear it at least once or twice before I ate it.  This beauty is $49 at Andie's Specialty Sweets.

Bacon Pendant

While searching for bacon themed Valentine's gifts for my husband, I came across this charming glass pendant. Now, my husband won't wear a necklace, but yours might. Or perhaps this would make and equally delightful key chain. Even better, you have the option to add toast or an egg to this lampworked beauty. $35 at Artwork by Jessica Landau.

Rememberings

Remember how in the old cartoons and comics someone would always tie a string around their finger to help them remember something? Well Rememberings are the modern take on that age old trick. Brightly colored silicon rings with notes like "Buy a gift" or "Call your mum" inscribed on them could come in handy for the memory challenged. But only if they remember to wear them. $17.90 at Rememberings.

Grinds Coffee Pouches

This is a truly unusual product. Grinds coffee pouches tout themselves as a healthy alternative to chewing tobacco. They are, apparently, also cleaner, since there is no spitting required. Grossed out yet? See, I went to a school in the southern U.S. where the boys all had tobacco tin imprints on the pockets of their jeans and a girl couldn't just put her drink down at a party because...well, I am sure you can figure out what happens. And while I admit that I still find the idea of these coffee pouches kind of...weird, they certainly seem better than the other options. In fact the home page states that "Grinds is commited to providing a healthy alternative to tobacco for professional baseball." So if you know someone who partakes, perhaps this would be something new for them to try. A mocha/mint chocolate/cinnamon sampler pack is only $11.99 at the Grinds website. Hmmm...I wonder if you could just throw them in your cup and pour hot water over them in a pinch...

Hand Holding Bulb Wall Lamp

I love the look of this hand sculpture wall lamp. Art and lighting in one! $60 from Kara Gunter

French Bulldog Pillow

This delightful French Bulldog pillow would add color and charm to any room. $18 at Alfie and Rex

Sweet Pink Valentine Heart Cookie Brooch

I love this realistic sandwich cookie brooch. Perfect to give to your sweet Valentine. $10.95 at Tangerine Taiyaki