Rare Bird Finds

Moped Menorah

 

Organic Baby Toy Fruit Basket

 

Made from 100% organic Egyptian cotton, this basket of ultra adorable fruit shaped baby toys would be a sweet gift for someone you know with a newborn. I personally think these would also be cute displayed in a kitchen. Only $29.95 (plus the shipping is free) at Tiny Birds Organic Baby.

Fruit Shaped Memo Pad

This product definitely falls into the category of something utilitarian that I would buy and could never bring myself to actually use because it's so cool! These memo pads have 150 sheets and are shaped like either an apple or pear, with the design elements carried all the way through to each page. It even has a stem made out of a tree branch. While yes, it is pricier than your average notepad; it's those details that would make it a delicious addition to any desk or nightstand, and an amazing gift. $41 at Japan Trend Shop.

NYC Subway Token Cufflinks

 

Talk about repurposed! These cufflinks are made from vintage NYC subway tokens set in sterling silver. Like a beautiful pair of earrings, they would be the perfect finishing touch for a guy you know who wears suits (though you might want to skip the earring metaphor when you give them to him). $60.00 at Elsewares.

Sir Rowf Candle

The official name of these candles (which includes a horse and rabbit in addition to the dog shown), are Royal Animal Candles; and I definitely find something very regal about this finely sculpted dog bust, cast in chocolate colored wax. Sitting proudly atop a crisp, white resin pillar, he patiently waits to light your way through the darkness…or your next dinner party. $36 at anthropologie.

  

Sushi Luggage Tag

 

You can’t find a fresher piece of sushi than this retro tag, waiting to liven up any ordinary piece of luggage. If you don’t have any trips planned soon, it would look great attached to a pocket book or messenger bag. $10 at Sourpuss. 
  

Panda Pillow

Pandas are cute, peaceful, and now because of designer mymimi, they can add comfy and stylish to their repertoire of adjectives! This pillow is small enough to fit anywhere in your home that could use 7x7 inches of whimsy, and thanks to the genetic brilliance of their black and white color scheme, it goes with any décor. So take the Panda Express over to ShanaLogic and buy one today!

Sci-fi Journal

 

Did you know that the girls from tomorrow apparently look exactly like Ann Margaret from Bye Bye Birdie?Or that one day the world will be overtaken by giant Prairie Dogs? Well you would if you perused the over 30 reproduced 1950’s sci-fi book covers that adorn these 160 page journals. It’s a kitsch-licious way to organize your plans for world domination...or the days shopping list. $12.49 at Antiqueweird.

Sound Wave Bracelet

Simply record a six second message on The Sound Advice Project website, and they’ll turn the unique sound waves of your voice into a bracelet, even allowing you to pick the bead and cord color for more personalization. Originally conceived of as a way for parents to give their children wearable, anti-drug affirmations, anyone special in your life would love to receive this thoughtful and unusual gift. One note from personal experience: it definitely takes the full 4-6 weeks to ship, so be sure to order way in advance if you need it by a specific date. For $25 (shipping included) you can start making yours today at The Sound Advice Project.  

 

iPhone Monster

 

Have you bought that new app that turns your iPhone into a fuzzy, googly-eyed monster? Okay, so maybe there’s no app like that yet…but in the meantime this handmade cutie is waiting to dress up your phone. It has a hole to pull your ear buds through so you can listen to your monster jams, and its vinyl teeth will make even the Best of Yanni album you just downloaded seem ferocious! $35.00 Shana Logic.

 

Halloween Chocolate Skulls

While I certainly wouldn’t complain if someone tossed them into my trick or treat bag, I think these chocolate skulls are much more likely to end up as a Halloween gift for someone special. And with flavors like hickory smoked almond, grey sea salt, chipotle and Venezuelan white chocolate, you might have to get a set for yourself too. Macabre never tasted so good! $21.00 for 3 @ Vosges Chocolate.

 

 

 

Skull Ornaments

While there is nothing wrong with good ol’ black and orange, I think the gold and black color scheme of these glass skull ornaments is a great jumping off point for a sophisticated Halloween palette. And a bunch of them hanging on spray painted branches would look amazing as a table centerpiece! $18 for a set of 4 at Fred Flare.

Voodoo Toothpick Holder

 

This guy is dying to be at your next party…literally! I say nothing makes olives and cherries more appealing than being stuck to a corpse, but that’s just me. Either way, it will add a devilish detail to your next party and is available in gray or white for $8.99 at Stupid.com.

  

Bat Cookie Cutter

Ghouls and goblins of all ages will foam at the mouth (in a good way), when they encounter the over 8 inch wide bat shaped cookies you can make with this tin cutter. It’s also decoratively packaged with a recipe card, so it makes a great gift. Sure to quickly fly off the shelves, they’re only $5.75 and available at The Spoon Sisters.    

 

Skull Napkin Rings

 

If the Adams Family threw a Halloween soiree (and I was lucky enough to be invited), these would be the gift I’d bring. Realistically detailed with a polished silver finish, it’s certainly shriek-chic at its finest!  $39.80 for a set of 4 at Z Gallerie.

Creepy Cute Crochet

 

I’ll admit it; I have no talent for sewing. I don’t hem or patch and I certainly don’t crochet. If anything though, could be my gateway drug to becoming one of those people knitting on the subway--it would be this book! Full of patterns for making the strangest amigurumi dolls imaginable, including death, zombies and even a kawaii Cthulhu, it’s a wellspring of ideas for alternative gifts (and awesome Halloween decorations.) Spin a creepy/cute yarn today for $14.95 over at Irreference.

Men's Skeleton Torso Tee

This shirt is definitely a step up from the "This is my costume" button I usually wear for Halloween. Plus the detail gives it a 3D effect which is certain to turn heads...and probably score you an extra candy bar or two! $20 at nwshirts.

Flying Fox Bat Ring

These gorgeously gothic pieces would definitely vamp up any outfit this Halloween. What’s also great about Crystal's designs is that, with their sinuous curves and intricate details, they could be worn anytime of year. The bat was apropos for the season, but there are all sorts of creatures waiting for you to wrap them around your finger. $26.99 at chinookhugs.

  

Japanese Banana Sponge

 

Make cleaning up more adorable and less of a chore with this smiling banana sponge! Why not buy a few of the other fruit varieties and put them all in a basket on your sink or in a kid’s bathroom? Just be prepared if you do for your house to start spitting up rainbows from cuteness overload. $3.50 at From Japan With Love.

Erin Smith Apron

Know a cook with an edge...someone that puts the cool in culinary? Then this apron, from collage artist Erin Smith, would be a great gift for them (or yourself)! I’ve showcased one design, but there are many to choose from. Channel your inner domestic diva today for $19 at High Cotton.

  

Sushi Rattle Set

You don’t become the most popular guest at a baby shower by correctly guessing how big the belly is; or naming over 100 songs with the word baby in the title...you do it by presenting the mother to be with this amazing knit sushi rattle set packaged in a soft serving tray. Buying it will make you feel good because you’ll know it was handmade in Bangladesh by a women’s cooperative and is a fair trade product. Giving it will make you feel even better because it’s one gift that will grow with the child, turning from rattle to toy as they get older. Maybe if I throw a tantrum someone will buy these for me?! $32.99 at Elsewares.

 

  

Neutraface Slab Pillow

   

Black, white and modern letterforms come together to create a simply powerful statement with this large twill pillow, by design and type foundry House Industries. It would of course be perfect for a home office, but I could see it adding a graphic punch to a bedroom or living room as well. $55 at House Industries.

Let's Coffee Mug

  

Until now, I never knew that coffee could be used as a verb! But I guess it makes sense; because without it there are many verbs for me that wouldn’t exist (like moving, talking, thinking…). The main reason I love this 15 oz mug though, is the slightly annoyed expression on the cats face. Better buy one quick and pour him a cup before he gets angry. You won’t like him when he’s angry. On sale now for $9.95 at Engrish.

Mimobot USB Flash Drive

 

 

My continuing search for interesting flash drives has led me to these by the collective Friends With You. They’re loaded with character (figuratively and literally; it has character content for your computer built in), and its 4GB should be enough to hold all your files, music and downloaded episodes of H.R. Pufnstuf. If you still need any more reasons to buy one, I have a hunch that in the future—when we’ve mentally joined with computers and can save all our info by twitching our noses like Samantha from Bewitched—flash drives like these could be very collectable art objects.  The fact that they’re being sold at the Museum of Modern Art store bodes well for my theory. $35.00 at the MoMA Store.

Babushka Doll USB Flash Drive

I recently had my computer crash (which is why I haven’t posted in a minute), and my new mantra is “Back that thing up”, because I truly understand the importance of regularly saving important files. I’ve come to realize though, that my digital indolence was due to the fact that my generic flash drive simply wasn’t cute enough. Now, if I had purchased this 1 GB Matryoshka flash drive, that wouldn’t have been a problem. I love how she would be right at home on a computer desk, or hanging out with the little brass ducks and thimbles on Grandma’s curio cabinet! Get yours today for $24.50 at Delight.

Yummy Breakfast Keychains

 

Part of the fun in buying these keychains/zipper pulls is receiving the box, and not knowing which variety you’ve got until you open it. I bought two and ended up with a smiling egg, and one of the rare bananas! Now not only is breakfast the most important meal of the day, but thanks to artist Heidi Kenney, it’s also the cutest! $4.99 @ myplasticheart.

Charley Harper Memory Game

  

 

I can imagine an idyllic childhood, where after waking up in an Eames crib and drinking juice from a Noguchi sippy cup; I sit down and play with this memory game featuring 36 of Charlie Harper’s modern animal illustrations. And if a game that not only stimulates your child’s mind, but is so beautiful you wouldn’t mind it being left out strewn across the floor sounds like a perfect match to you too-- it’s only $14.95 over at Anthropologie!

Vegan College Cookbook

Let’s face it; the words nutritious and hotplate seems as unlikely a pair as student and moneyed. But with PETA’s wittily written cookbook, even the most space and fiscally limited school bound kid can find enjoyable ways of making healthy, animal free alternatives to classic collegiate fare. At only $14.99 for 275 easy and delicious recipes, this is a freshman 15 any young vegan would be happy to get! Buy your copy today @ The Spoon Sisters.

Drumstick Pencil

 

Now any kid can have their very own School of Rock moment with these No. 2 Drumstick pencils. Great for those sudden urges to reenact a scene from Fame, annoying the teacher, or--egad--actually taking some notes! $10.95 for the set of two at Spoon Sisters.

Composition Notebook Duffel

Doesn’t the sight of a blank composition notebook fill you up with the feeling of new beginnings and that anything is possible? (Don’t look at me like that, you know it does.) Well that is how your child can feel every time they head off to school toting this smart and practical duffel bag. At 14”x11”, it’s big enough to hold the essentials like a cell phone, lunch, and even a notebook or two. $24 at Fred Flare.