Rare Bird Finds

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Isn't our birdie pretty? Take a peek in our affordable holiday gift guide to find the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop for person in your life - plus amazing deals and coupon codes from select merchants!

Ask the Birdies: Hip New Year's Eve invites & Party Accessories?

I need HELP! I'm trying to plan a lovely, wonderful cocktail party for my friends for New Years Eve with cocktail attire and all. I've been looking for some classy invitations, but I don't want to get anything too cheesy or over done. I love hand printed things. I could also use pointers on decorations and good party accessories since this is the first time I've ever thrown anything that hasn't involved a couple cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon! - Bryce

Yeah, we know most folks like to use e-vite these days, but nothing beats a real invitation in the mail - it's personal and really shows off the personality of the host/hostess. So, we're glad you're opting to go with printed invites!

There are so many invitation choices, so let's just dive right on it. If you want custom-printed invitations that have a New Year's theme or design, then we love this (starts at $36 for 10) and this ($36 for 10) this ($33 for 10) for its playful, hip feel.  For something that feels a little more serious and classy, then these heavy stock martini invitations ($33 for 10) fit the bill perfectly!

If you're willing to venture outside of typical New Year's Eve designs, we have more options. We love that this line of any-occasion invitations ($1.89 each) come in a variety of fabulous candy-inspired colors and are custom printed. Most of these colorful invites (starts at $14 for a set of 10) come with three different options: blank, fill-in or custom printed. These classic martini invitations ($15.99 for a set of 12) also have a nice mix of hip and classy.  Last, but certainly not least, we also love this cocktail girl invite (8 for $12.56) and this similar invite (8 for $12.56) because the graphics look fabulous, and you can choose to have optional hand-embellished sparkle added for an extra $0.50 each.

As for party accessories, we think these black sparkly party hats with a feather are just great ($48 for 24). If you're willing to splurge, these silver metallic lanterns would look fabulous ($75 for a set of 10) in any celebratory setting. We've featured these tiny tapas plates ($19.95 for a set of 4) before but couldn't resist giving them a mention once again because they are so perfect for mingling. If you already have plates, then consider these stemware plate clips ($18.99 for 6) for easily clipping wine and champagne glasses to plates to help guests keep one hand free.  For appetizers, liven things up with these colorful party picks ($11.99 for 30).

Let's talk cocktail napkins!  You can go with this strong and classic black and white vine design ($4) or splash of red on white ($2.50), or you can go all out with color with this ($5) or this ($4.95).  Or, you can design your own napkins ($28 for 100) to say whatever you want!

If you're looking for colorful glasses, these martini glasses ($29.99 for 4) are quite swanky as are these cocktail glasses ($2.95) with a splash of red!

Of course every New Year's Eve party needs champagne flutes ($4.99), and these look like glass and are unbreakable - great for accidental dropping of glasses amid the hugging, horn blowing and general frenzied excitement that is bound to ensue after the ball drops. But since you're a Pabst beer kinda gal, we'd like to suggest these stemless flutes ($1.95) because they get the job done and you can use them for future parties to class-up dear old Pabst and they are dishwasher friendly.

Good luck with your party - be sure to tell us how it goes!

Ask The Birdies: Inexpensive, Intricate Earrings?

My ears are naked! I just moved to England for university and didn't bring any nice earrings with me - is there any way you could recommend some websites in the UK to buy some earrings? I have an olive complexion and dark hair, so I have no idea whether to get gold or silver earrings. One thing I do know is I like detail! I love gold filigree and those red doily earrings from Fred Flare - but they can't be shipped to England!  Please help me cover up my ears! -Lila 

We love shopping for earrings and we love the challenge that you put to us: inexpensive, intricate earrings that are available to ship to the UK.  Well, we found a bunch of fabulous earrings that fit the bill!

These Gold Sakura Filigree Earrings ($6.50) are so lovely at an unbeatable price.

If you like earrings with an organic feel, these Delicate Filigree Leaves Earrings ($20) show how sweet nature can be, while these Epitome of Autumn Earrings ($32) and Gold Filigree Earrings ($18) show off nature's bolder side.  Perfect for the upcoming colder months, these Baby Leaves Earrings ($27.50) are gorgeously shimmery.  If you're not so into leaves, try flower power with these delicately feminine Baby Blue Lily Earrings ($19).

Ah, these Golden Girl Soft Like Snowflakes ($32) are a bit more expensive compared to the others that are featured here, but an incredible price for what you get.  Beautiful, beautiful.  We love the keshi pearl flakes.

We're also totally loving these Vintage Wafers Earrings ($10) at a jaw-dropping price.  So pretty!  Lastly, these red crochet earrings ($25) are similar to the red doily earrings and they are even on sale!   

If you have a shopping question you'd like to ask the "birds", send an email - you might just find the answer to your shopping question here on the Rare Bird Finds blog!

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Ask the Birdies: Cool Hoodie For Guys?

I'm looking for a really cool hoodie for the fall season -- but hopefully I'll be able to wear around next spring as well.  That Mike and Chris bond hoodie ($352) is cool, but sold out. Got suggestions for a college guy? - Eric

We love hoodies and have some great finds for you! 

The Mercer Zip Up Hoodie ($215) is similar to the Mike and Chris Bond hoodie you like, but we found some other hoodies if you wanted to venture into different styles.

The Love Stripe ($121) hoodie shows you're a lover not a fighter, and we love the distressed gray fabric.  This Triko Maritime Upgrade ($135) hoodie is double-breasted and takes its inspiration from the pea coat.  Speaking of all things maritime, this Giant Squid ($78) hoodie comes in a fabulous brick red trim on gray, and has a matching red giant squid up the length of the right arm to add a little something unique to the casual hoodie.   Ah, while we're on the theme of animals, this deer hunter hoodie ($108) comes with a faux raccoon fur-lined hood.

We also like the graphic print and appliqué on this Apple Hoodie ($60) and the screen print of a guitar on this Living in Harmony ($40) hoodie.  Do you like planes?  There's this marvelously awesome Flying Tiger hoodie ($116 - also available in black) - scroll down the page below the fold to check out the print on the hood. We love the delicious colors and design on this brown sound hoodie ($78) and in the same color family but with a bit of a 70's vibe, there's the renewable hoodie ($72). Ooh, and then there's this bamboo panel hoodie ($139) which is made from 65% bamboo.  This blue striped hoody ($170) has cool 7" zippered sleeves.  Lastly, this is a bit of cheat - it's a jacket with a removeable hood (£68.99), but it's very cool looking.

Oh!  And if you happen to be an XL (only size left), you must check out this Sgt Pepper Jacket hoodie ($230).

**Readers - feel free to add to your own answers!**

Ask the Birdies: Funky Non-Beaded, Non-Charm Bracelets?

I've been looking for funky/interesting bracelets lately, but can't find any.  Most are just a bunch of charms or beads stuffed onto a chain.  In comparison to the many groovy and attractive pendant necklaces and earrings, bracelet options are kinda lacking.  Do you have any guidance for unique, stylish, cheap (hee) bracelets?  - Carrie

We found a few funky bracelet options that you might dig! 

We first stumbled upon these silver metal bracelets ($25) and thought they were very modern and fresh.  If you want a bit more color, then this gorgeous red poppy bracelet ($26) is recycled from an Asian tea can and has a "pop" of color.  These screen printed wooden bracelets ($16 - $20)  are fun and funky, and come in some visually interesting designs (our favorite is the never-ending math equation, but we're geeky like that).  We also love how these lucite and wood  bracelets ($45) look, especially in the sunlight.  These beautiful leather hand-cut leaf bracelets (currently on sale for $30) are very eye-catching and unique.  Ooh, and these recycled vinyl record cuff bracelets are also pretty cool - our favorites being the Coney Island Cyclone ($10) and Guitar ($10). And, look at this copper flower cuff bracelet ($20) - it's both edgy and funky.  Of course, our favorite bracelet is one we featured once before - the banned book bracelet ($18).

**Readers - feel free to add to your own answers!**

Ask the Birdies: Cool, Hip Bird Baths?

I'm looking for a bird bath for my yard, but not one that looks like my mother's or grandmother's.  Do you think you can find some bird baths that are interesting and unique, but not too expensive?  Maybe something colorful or artsy (but not over-the-top)? - Denise

We searched around and found some pretty hip bird baths that we hope you like!

This blue ceramic bird bath ($119.98) is not only a bird bath, but it's a pretty water fountain that runs on solar power.   We also love this faux stone bird bath ($63.95) for its modern and affordable style. The two fish bird bath bowl and stake set ($85) is an eye-catching design, as is this art deco glass koi bath ($90). 

This beautiful hand blown glass butterfly feeder ($52.95) can also be used as a bird bath.  And, if you like glass bird baths, this crackle glass bird bath ($49.95) is another pretty and affordable option. Ooh, if you're willing to spend more, we love these stained glass bird baths (starts at $275) or this mosaic bird bath (on sale for $198.90).  But of course being discount birdies, we found an affordable stained glass bird bath ($49.99) which also can be used as a feeder.  This glow-in-the-dark glass bird bath ($39.99) soaks in solar energy all day long so that at night it glows - cool! 

Here are a few "natural" bird baths that are fresh and beautiful: the ground bird bath ($41.95) looks like a rocky formation and this tree stump bird bath ($139.95) is natural looking.  We also really like this two-set rain forest leaves bird bath and bird feeder ($38). 

If you don't mind small (but very cute!) this Splish Splash bird bathtub ($22) would be a humorous, and whimsical addition to your yard - you can even just mount it on your fence. 

If you're feeling crafty, here are directions on making your own very cool looking seahorse bird bath.

 

Ask the Birdies: Help! Non-Religious Baptismal Favors?

My son’s baptismal is coming up (Sep 1 – yes, labor day weekend), and I plan on keeping it very small (only in-laws, godparents & grandparents will be attending).  My question is what would be an appropriate baptismal favor for those that will be attending?  None of us are die hard religious fanatics so it doesn’t necessarily need to be a religious trinket.  Also, my side of the family is Latino and my husband’s side of the family is Jamaican, so maybe something that will incorporate our cultures? - Brenda

 

Ooh, we came up with a few ideas for you - and we know you're in a hurry since the baptism is coming up! 
You can buy these pretty vintage baby carriage favor boxes ($1.50) and add candies from each of your cultures.  There are also these pretty rose brocade photo albums ($3.50) for guests to store the photos they take from the ceremony, and these pretty glass coasters (as low as $6.70) with a photo window.  You can dress either of these items up with your baby's photo in advance.

    If you're feeling crafty and don't mind making your own baptismal favors, this is what I would do. I would make marble magnets with the baby's photo. Everyone attending the baptism would love having photos of the baby that they can stick on their fridge.  You can give each person a set of six, and make four of them with photos of the baby, and the other two are of you and dad!  Or a set of 3 - one of you, dad and baby - or make them all of baby.  Ah, the choice is yours.

    The instructions on how to make them can be found here:

http://www.notmartha.org/tomake/marblemagnets

    When I made them, I used the cabochons ($7.50 for 10) because marbles at my local Michael's were a bit scratched up.  I bought magnets from Michael's and the silicon glue from Home Depot.  Seriously, they are SO easy to make - just be sure to read her instructions and follow them.  Stick the magnets in Altoids-type cans or put them in organza bags.  Voila!

**Readers - feel free to add to your own answers!**

Ask the Birdies: Cookbooks for the Beginner

I can't cook! And by "can't" I mean my skill level peaks at pasta and baked chicken. I'm moving out on my own and need a cookbook(s) that shows me the basics on how to use certain foods, what to keep stocked, what cooking terms mean and has recipes using inexpensive ingredients. Thanks!  -Marianna

 

We know just the books for you! 

Check-out How To Boil Water by Food Network Kitchens ($16.47).  The book is for the very beginner cook (like you!) and provides easy-to-follow recipes, as well as hints, tricks and tips to help you figure your way around the kitchen.

Another beginner cookbook, The Absolute Beginner's Cookbook: or, How Long Do I Cook a 3-Minute Egg? by Jackie Eddy ($9.99), is an affordable find with fail-proof recipes and a breezy read.  A good book to have in your arsenal. Plus, it includes a one-step lasagna recipe  that doesn't require you to boil the noodles before making..yay!

A foodie highly recommended A New Way To Cook by Sally Schneider ($16.47).  The book is jam packed with 600 recipes, but more importantly, she gives you guidelines on how to cook healthy, satisfying meals without the use of a recipe.  Schneider also provides introductory information at the start of each chapter that teaches you, say, how to buy and soak beans. Provides colored photos and tutorials to encourage cooking freedom.

We also suggest the 1995 Julia Child award-winning book, Now You're Cooking: Everything a Beginner Needs to Know to Start Cooking Today by Elaine Corn (buy it used or new, as low as $5.86). This book teaches you the very basics, including how to boil water, or the purpose of a colander.  Provides 120 recipes for the novice.

Lastly, we found  Help! My Apartment Has a Kitchen Cookbook by Kevin Mills and Nancy Mills ($10.85). The authors are a son and mother team.  Kevin Mills moved into his own apartment and didn't know a darn thing about cooking.  So mom came over and taught him.  Together, they put all her tutorials and fool-proof recipes into one cookbook.  We love that each recipe is rated from "easy" to a few "not so easy."  Recipes also include "Mom's tips" and "Mom's warnings."  One caveat, Kevin's girlfriend is a vegetarian, so more than half the recipes are vegetarian.  A cute (but helpful!) book.

Good luck - and invite us to dinner one day, eh?

 

**Readers - feel free to add to your own answers!**

Ask the Birdies: Hip and Inexpensive Wedding Favors?

I am getting married and need to find some unique wedding favors for guests. I don't want to get the usual favors (photo key chains, heart-shaped coffee spoons) that people are never going to use. I want something unique and a little funky.  We're also on a budget of $2-$4 per guest. Can you suggest any unisex, inexpensive trinkets that would be cute all wrapped in tulle and placed at the reception? I need some advice! - Stormy

Yeah, we've all been to weddings where you get a keepsake trinket that, well, kinda blows.  We were on a mission to find wedding favors that'll rock.  We love these Bride & Groom Playhounds cards ($2.50) because they're adorable and you can add your own sticker or tag to personalize them.  If you want to get creative, you can forgo the tulle and buy these Asian satin brocade boxes ($15 for a set of 6), add some plastic film in each one, and either plant mini flowers in them or, make up tiny packets of soil and seeds so people can bring them home and grow the flowers themselves.  Add a little tag with something about love and blooms and you're all set.  Speaking of flowers, why not give your guests a palm tree ($2.99) or a customized bookmark that has the seeds to plant 10 trees ($1.99)?  Or send everyone home with a love bean (as low as $3) - a potted mini plant where a tiny bean sprouts with the word "love" on it a week after it's planted.

If you want something that people will likely carry around with them everywhere they go, how about personalized mint tins with mints ($2.50) or these "mint to be" heart-shaped mints (as low as $1.80)?   Who doesn't need fresh breath?  Or how about personalized M&M's (starting at $3.75) where you can choose the colors to match your wedding colors and get a short message printed on each candy?  If you go the candy route, we say forget the tulle and put the candies in these groom ($0.69) and bride ($0.69) candy tins. 

While we're on the topic of ingestible goods, these customized travel tea discs ($2.70) look pretty hip.  Doctors say olive oil is the key to a healthy heart, so why not show some olive oil love (as low as $2.75) to your guests?  Or, you can just booze everyone up with these personalized cocktail mixes ($1.55).  Speaking of booze, there is also this cute bride and broom wine stopper and corkscrew (as low as $3.85) which would come handy around the house.

Everyone needs a pocket mirror (as low as $2.25) for those quick teeth checks and general grooming on the go, and you can even create a customized one. Speaking of grooming, what about a manicure set ($1.89)? 

Personally, we love the chance to win some cold hard cash - why not thrill your guests with scratch lottery tickets (as low as $1)? You could put them in these lottery ticket holders that are personalized ($36.90 for 25).  Maybe even throw in a fortune teller fish ($12.99 for 125 fish) - remember those as a kid?  They're super cheap and everyone would enjoy getting their fortune told.

We love the idea of everyone getting a disposable wedding camera (as low as $2.95) to create their own memories of your special day. 

Or you can do what several folks are deciding on doing these days: forget the wedding favor, and instead, donate the money you would've spent on the favors to your favorite charity on behalf of your guests.  Then give each guest a bookmark or small card to let them know about the donation.  Some charities even provides templates and printouts so that you can hand them out to guests.

We hope this helped - congrats on your upcoming nuptials!  Send us pics!

**Readers - feel free to add to your own answers!**

Ask the Birdies: What to Buy Dad?

I'm always on the lookout for stuff I can buy my Dad as it's so  hard!  I'm sure I'm not alone in this dilemma.  He doesn't wear  jewelery, suits or t-shirts and isn't heavily in to gadgets.  He  likes sailing, traveling (by road), good food and wine - and he  drinks beer too.  - Simone

Buying for dads can sometimes be a challenge!  Since your dad likes to drink beer, I'm going to suggest a beer making kit (on sale for $39.99) because nothing can make a man prouder than drinking his own home brew.  Or how about a membership to a beer-of-the-season club ($29.95/month) which ships 12 bottles of handcrafted brew every third month, four times a year?  As a wine enthusiast, if he lives in the U.S., you can get him a winery tour and tasting pass ($59) which also includes a free bottle of wine.

Of course, you can decide not to booze dad up and instead get him a card game to test his beer smarts ($16).

Since your dad's a traveler by road, the Auto Aid in a Bottle ($29.50) has a forever flashlight (no batteries required), utility knife, screwdriver, digital tire gauge (batteries included), safety flasher and reflective vest all tucked in a 32 oz. indestructible water bottle; it might well be a lifesaver in a bottle.  You may even consider getting him this map distance gadget ($17.99) that he can scroll on a map to calculate miles and travel time.  Super neat!

Your sailing dad might also enjoy a day or night sail ($45 - $100) on your tab if he lives near a major city in the U.S.  Speaking of sailing, if your dad works in an office, then this sailing pen and paper clip set ($17.99) would be a fun addition to his office decor.  Ooh, and if your dad has his own boat, then this boat pennant ($17.98) would be a neat way to personalize a special message that he can carry with him as he sails into his high sea adventures.

**Readers - feel free to add to your own answers!**