Rare Bird Finds

Hedgehog Case

If your little one is anything like mine, electronic gadgets galore are prominent on already-prepared xmas lists to Santa. This adorable felt ipod/iphone/itouch case would be the perfect companion accessory. $15 at Pipoca Handmade 

Little Lady Cloth Doll

 

This little lady, reminiscent of the 1920s, could use a friend: she's 19 inches tall and comes with a delightful felt pea coat (for those nights out on the town), and a face any little girl would just love to add to her unique cloth doll collection. Only $29 at Hen and Chick 
 

Tiger Balm Toy

For me, tiger balm is one of those familiar scents from childhood.  Whenever I had a bruise or a sore muscle, my mother would hand me the little jar of tiger balm.  Sometimes I would secretly sniff the jar like an addict.  Am I crazy to think it's a sexy scent?  I guess it's a bit like being turned on by Bengay.  Anyway, this wood, tiger-shaped toy made with real tiger balm tins on the outside is super cool.  It's really a work of art.  $34 at Loran Scruggs

To-Do Chalkboard

Whether you're a list-maker, need to remember to do a few things, have a couple of nagging goals to accomplish or just need for that certain little person in your life to remember to do stuff (brush your teeth! make your bed! do your homework! call mom after school!), this handy-dandy (and super cute) 9x12 inch slate chalkboard can help. Comes with 'mini goals chalk' and 'mini goals eraser'. $32 at Mary Kate McDevitt

Miss Bear Skirt

 What girl doesn't want a few new little outfits?  This darling brown corduroy skirt comes with a detachable bear pin which can be used to accessorize an accompanying top or jacket, and even has a bit of gold tulle embellishing the bottom! In sizes 4t to 6t. $25 at Two Squirrels and a Nut

Customized Bookplates

 

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, us Birdies have you on our radar when it comes to great gifts. These retro-inspired Silly Sally bookplates are uniquely suited to that adorable little bibliophile on your list. Set of 32 adhesive-backed and customizable bookplates. $24.99 at The Paper Princess 

H1N1 Swine Flu Virus Plush Microbe Toy

I got a free flu shot this week to guard against the regular old flu.  But alas, no shot against the H1N1 Swine Flu that sounds so horribly scary in newspapers.  But if you're unafraid of the big bad Swine Flu or you like to face your fears head-on, here is a plush toy made to look like the H1N1 Swine Flu virus microbe.  Not as scary as you'd think - and a even a bit cute!  $13.34 at Curiosite

Tragic Thoughts Light Up Journal

I love Tim Burton's book The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories, and if you've read it, too, you're bound to be as excited as I am by the collection of toys, mugs and cards made of the characters found in the book.  My favorite is the Tragic Thoughts Light Up Journal.  This blank journal features the Pin Cushion Queen on the cover.  When you hit the "on" button, the Queen's jeweled pins light up.  If you're in NY, be sure to visit MOMA's Tim Burton exhibition that runs from now through April 26, 2010.

Perfectly Plum Ruffle Bloomers

 
Aren't these bloomers just adorable? While the weather may prove to be a bit chilly in some parts, throw some little tights on underneath and a frilly top- and bob's your uncle! Available in sizes 3 months to 2T. $22 at Three Yellow Starfish

Vinyl Boo Wallet

 

Boo! Are you ready for Halloween? This little wallet would be a fun find for your little one (or yourself!), chock-full of favorite pre trick-or-treating goodies... $12 at Sugar Lust

I Love Books Zipper Pouch

This I Heart Books zipper pouch is perfect for all you book fiends out there.  Use it to store pens, bookmarks, feminine products (ahem) or cosmetics. $12 at kukubee

Angel or Devil Portrait

 

Is your little devil a little angel? With a single profile picture, you can have this jekyl & hyde-esque set adorning your walls.  $22 at Miss Crowland

Sponsor Spot: The First Adventures of Incredible You Customizeable Children's Book

 

 

Want to know how to really make a kid's day?  Get them a book where they are the star!  The First Adventures of Incredible You is one of the most highly personalized children's books you can find today. You are able to "build" a one-of-a kind book at the Custom Made For Kids website by inserting over 20 personal facts about that special kid in your life, and the people and places that are most important to that child. From tasting a favorite food to cheering on a beloved sports team to visiting a special vacation spot or park, this rhyme-based book celebrates the first adventures of every young child that stars in it. Woo hoo! 

By personalizing these experiences, The First Adventures of Incredible You highlights the connection between children and the people and places that are special to them in their young lives. PLUS!  There is also a dedication page in the full-color, hardcover book where you may provide a personal message so that the child will always remember that this thoughtful gift came from you.  Is this the most awesome gift or what?  Honestly, I would've have felt so cool to have gotten this book when I was a kid - and definitely would've taken it to school to show it off to all my friends (who would've been JEALOUS!)

The delightful illustrations are cleverly executed so that the book is perfect for any child, no matter what their sex, race or family structure. The First Adventures of Incredible You makes a memorable keepsake that both children and parents alike will cherish for a lifetime.$32.95 at Custom Made for Kids (and worth every penny, if I do say so!)

SAVE 15%!  Use coupon code custom15 (lowercase, all one word) when you check-out.

By supporting our sponsor, Custom Made For Kids, you're helping to support Rare Bird Finds.  It's advertisers like Custom Made for Kids that make it possible for Rare Bird Finds to continue to offer amazing finds to you, our wonderful birdie readers.  So take a moment and click through - thank you!! :)

The Boo Crew Print

 In the wake of the upcoming Halloween festivities, this limited edition print would be a perfect addition to spookying up your kid's room or your home. Signed and dated by artist. $10 at Stephanie Fizer

X-Ray Notecards

 

Super excited about Halloween? Me too! Wouldn't these notecards be a ghoulishly perfect gift for that special little (or big!) person in your life? Would make frighteningly unique party invites too. $14 for a set of 6 at Scodioli Creative

Brains Hair Clip

Baby, you got brains, and let the world know it with these "brainy" hair clips.  Rarely do we come across design that works equally well for a smart chick or a zombie chick (or the smart, zombie chick...)  $13 at Your Organ Grinder

Sponsor Spot: SATees T-shirts

If words like loquacious and mellifluous are music to your ears (they are to mine!), then you really must check out the infant, toddler and kids' t-shirts at SATees.  Each 100% cotton t-shirt and onesie features a colorful adjective that will surely describe that special child in your life.  It's sophisticated yet playful - the perfect unique gift that will also help expand a child's vocabulary (we love that!).  And, don't worry if you forgot the definitions, the meaning of each adjective is listed in the shop.  In addition to T-shirts and onsies, the store also carries bibs.  Hurrah for smart designs!  $19.99 and up at SATees

By supporting our sponsor, SATees, you're helping to support Rare Bird Finds.  It's advertisers like SATees that make it possible for Rare Bird Finds to continue to offer amazing finds to you, our wonderful birdie readers.  So take a moment and click through - thank you!! :)

 

Win This! Sock Skeleton Kit

Unbelievably cute, this DIY sock skeleton kit comes with everything you need to create your own spooky skeleton.  It also comes packaged in a delightful casket-shaped box.  Makes the perfect Halloween gift for yourself or for that crafty person in your life. $9.95 at Mahar Drygoods

The Sock Skeleton Kit is a featured item in our Halloween Gift Guide!  And you have a chance to win it! 

To enter, just leave a comment for this post on our blog Rare Bird Finds with your name, email address and mailing address (in case you win!), and why you love this kit!  All comments will be kept hidden (unpublished).  DEADLINE TO ENTER: October 15, 2009

Good luck!!!!  And, keep checking Rare Bird Finds between now and Halloween for more opportunities to win the items in our Halloween gift guide!

WATCH IT!  On Wednesday, October 14th Robert Mahar from Mahar Drygoods will show you (and a few million other people) how to make this long-limbed friend on the Martha Stewart Show! This project is pretty darn cute and we hope you'll be inspired to tackle it on your own. So write yourself a note, mark it on your calendar and set your DVR! TitanTV.com is a good online tool to find out what channel and time the Martha Stewart Show airs in your neck of the woods.

CONGRATS to ASHLEYMARIE in CA for WINNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lovely Day Tote

 

 
With many a tote bag to choose from nowadays, why not choose one with a darling little dual-sided deep red printed girl and her bunny friend? $28 at Belle and Boo

Monogrammed Hair Clip

 

A girl always needs a little bit of a certain je ne sais quoi to add to an ensemble, be it a little olive skirt or the jeans/tee combo. How better than with personalized hair accessories? $6 at Modern Bean