Rare Bird Finds

Thank You Card Set

Let's be honest, we could all use a set of Thank You cards. And we could all do a little better at saying "Thank You" with said cards. I mean, how long has your auntie been waiting to hear from you, just to let her know that you got the sweater she sent for your birthday? It's been a while, I think. These colorful tv cards will do nicely to let her know and they are only $12 for a set of 10 at Pixel and Post.

Big Eye Exene Calendar 2013

I know we are over a quarter of the way into 2013, but I couldn't resist showing you this calendar featuring a Keane-esque Exene Cervenka. What struck me is how I recognized her right away. The crazy 60's style really suits Ms. X. and the calendar is only $6, so you'll get plenty of bang for your buck. At Berndt Offerings.

¡AY MAMACITA! Custom Color Papel Picado Banners

Now, generally I try to stick to my role around here and post stuff that I think is a “cool guy find.” Often, that also crosses into a “cool girl find” or a “just plain cool” find. I think these smashing papel picado banners are meant to be for a lady, maybe for a bridal shower, but I think that they could find an equally happy home at a bachelor party, in a dorm room or...heck, I just think they are cool. $78 gets you a set at Ay Mujer!

Mustache Banner

I have to confess that the appeal of the mustache that is not actually on a dude's face is kind of lost on me. I like a mustachioed man, but I am not sure I get it as a design element. Until now, that is. This spiffy mustache banner would be a great detail at any old-timey sort of party, perfect for the newly legal boy, cute at a baby shower for a wee laddie, and fun for the hipstery chick who loves the mustache. $9.99 at Postscripts.

Let's Read

*GASP!* How adorable is this print of Bibliobears taking a little reading break? Very adorable. It would like great in a kid's room, a classroom or anywhere you'd like to curl up with a book. Four colors available, $35 each at Cuddlefish Press.

The North Pole - Holiday Tag Set

If you are unlike me and you still have hopes of beautifully wrapped presents under the tree (I am totally going for gift bags this time!), you still have time to order these lovely retro tags from The Black Apple. Or perhaps they would make good gifts so people like me can have nicer wrappings next year! Twenty tags for $9 at The Black Apple.

Wrist Watch Sticky Note Pad

If you're anything like me, then you've got post it notes all over your desk filled with reminders.   And, I usually forget to look at them half the time to remind me. But, I do look at my watch and that's why I think theseWrite Watch Sticky notes are great.   You just write your note to yourself and then make yourself a watch by wrapping it around your wrist.  Only $12.99 at pad at Amazon.com.

My Swedish Garden

Are you familiar with Helen Dardik's work? If not, here's a delightful first glimpse: her 'Garden' print. A limited edition 8x10 glicee would add a sprinkle of happiness to any room. $24.50 at Huset

Custom Portrait

Looking to spruce up a bare wall in your home? Why not have a custom animated portrait done of you and your wee ones?! Just send in a photo and voila! Yes Birdies, you TOO can be transformed into your very own character--- and what a conversation piece for your guests! $13-25 (depending on size) at Fall Down Tree

Reading IS Cool

Looking for ideas to decorate your mini's room? These adorable 'Reading is Cool' prints would add a happy splash of color to any wee one's space, while also promoting a love of books. $20 for boy or girl print at DazeyChic

Arrested Development: Combo Set

You got an Arrested Development fan you have to buy a present for? I got a present for you to buy. Because this is unexpected and clever and there's a really good chance that they won't have a paperdoll set of all their favorite faces and places INCLUDING the banana stand, Gob's Aztec Tomb and the staircar. Not to mention a lot of really cool accessories, including an LP of Europe's The Final Countdown. Oh and yeah, there are the paperdolls themselves. But you can check out the listing to see all that is included. Because there is a lot. Well worth your $46.99 at Heartless Universe.

I'm Otterly In Love with You Handprinted Card

Tell someone you love them with this otterly-cute card <3 Handprinted and ships from the UK. $4.20 at Keeki

Dunder Mifflin Copy Paper

I don't know if your house is like mine, but with writers and artists living under one roof, we use a lot of paper. I am sure those living with students, business people and kids find themselves in the same boat. So, you know, a gift of a ream...or a case of paper might be a useful, welcome gift. It might be even more welcome if it comes from Dunder Mifflin. Get your Scrant-on, people, this is not a joke. The Office branded paper is available for $34.99 a carton at Quill.

Natural Wood Blank Gift Tags

These natural wood gift tags are a great way to dress up a package this holiday season. Made from fallen branches. $6 for a set of 12 at Pine Branch Designs

Black Friday Online Sales! Support Small Businesses and Take A Look at These Shops!

 

 If you buy from any of these businesses - let them know Rare Bird Finds sent ya! :)

 

Bath & Body

Daily Repose - 20% Off on Black Friday with code BLACKFRI2011

Earthen Magic Essence - Buy two and get one FREE, expcept for gift baskets. No coupon code needed. When you check out, please specify which product you would like as your free item. Valid through Cyber Monday. 

Sweet Peanut Pie - From the Friday through Sunday, use coupon code TheGobbleWobble for 15% off. On Cyber Monday, use coupon code CyberSale for FREE shipping (valid that day only).

 

Edibles

Catie J's Cake Pops - On Black Friday (November 25) get 40% off all Christmas cake pops with coupon code hoho40  On Saturday (November 26) buy one at regular price get the second one for 55% off with coupon code bogo55  On Sunday (November 27) get free FedEx grouund shipping on all purchases (That is up to a $12.00 + savings) with coupon code freeship  On Monday (November 28) buy 2 dozen get the 3rd dozen 55% off with coupon code 3rddozen

Eden's Touch Bread - Get 15% off with coupon code CYBERHOLIDAY11

La Fuffie's Boutique - Black Friday: Use coupon code FabFriday and get 25% off Select Holiday Oreo Cookies  On Saturday: Use coupon code SatHandMade and when you buy 2 Dozen Holiday Items, you will get 1 Dozen Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods FREE  On Sunday: Use coupon code SundayFREE and get FREE shipping on ALL HOLIDAY Items over $30.00  On Cyber Monday: Buy 2+ dozen Holiday Items get 1/2 dozen Chocolate Covered Pretzels and 1/2 Dozen Chocolate Lollipops FREE with coupon code BOGOLolli

Love Sweet Chocolate - FREE SHIPPING on entire order over 3 dozen using coupon code BFR25 (excludes packs - sets - bundles) or get10% off your entire order with coupon code 10LSC or get 30% OFF 6 DOZEN or MORE with coupon code 30OFF6 (excludes packs - sets - bundles) 

 

Realist Mermaid - 20% off Thanksgiving through Monday with coupon code GOBBLEGOBBLE
 

Red Rose Confections - From Friday through Monday, buy 2lbs of any bark and get a 1lb free!  Use code BlackFridayB2G12011

 

Home Goods / Jewelry

All Things Colored - Buy any item in this shop and you'll get a pair of pumpkin pie earrings FREE. There's also FREE shipping!  Sale ends Cyber Monday.

 

BKD SIgnature - From Black Friday through Cyber Monday: Free Love in Bloom pendant with each $10 spent (before shipping); Free candle tart pack of three for orders $25 or more (before shipping) - 20% off orders $40 or more (before shipping) - USA Customers: Purchase $50+ merchandise for FREE shipping - Canadian Customers: Purchase $50+ merchandise weighing under 16 oz for FREE shipping or reduced shipping for packages over 16 oz.  On their Facebook page, there'll also be comment games each night to clear out inventory at rock bottom prices.

 

Horrorfemme Art & Accessories -  Save 25% with coupon code BLACKFRIDAY (valid friday only).  In addition, good for the entire holiday season use HOLIDAY for FREE shipping! 

 

Oh Soy Sweet - Save on scented soy wax tart melts!  From Friday 12 am eastern time until Monday 9 pm eastern time get 20% off using coupon code SOYSWEET20

Paper Goods / Packaging

Growable Greetings - Use code FBFANRL20 for 20% for black friday you will also recieve a free gift if you purchase on Black friday November 25. The coupon code will be valid untill Cyber Monday and that includes Small Business saturday.

 

Mammygram - 30% off all cards using coupon code blackfriday

Twine and Tape - Use coupon code BF25 for 25% off on Black Friday, other specials will be posted on their Facebook page through Monday.

 

 

You've Got Red on You

Despite the fact that I really dislike zombie movies, one of my all time favorite films is Shaun of the Dead. I know, that doesn't really make sense, but Shaun is not really just a zombie film. It's a "zomromcom" (or is that a romzomcom?) and it's the comedy that I love. And I love this print almost as much as I love the movie. Immortalizing one of the classic lines from the movie, it also pays homage to one of my favorite scenes, the one where Shaun and Ed use records as their weapon of choice and much discussion goes into the appropriate album for killing a zombie. $10 at SDerby Illustration.

Friends & Neighbors

To keep in the spirit of retro figurine-posts this week, this print would make a fun addition to your mini's room- or any kitschy part of the house for that matter! The bottom of the print reads: "Today is a wonderful day. I will meet many amazing people today. Today I might meet an astronaut, a teacher, an accountant, a graphic designer or an international pop star. You never know. I might just meet the person who dares to dream big enough that they change the world in two years. it is entirely possible. Anything is possible. I will smile at new faces. I will ask how they are doing. I will pause and listen to their response. I shall glean what I can from their experiences and I will try to remember together we can do amazing things. We are amazing people. I am no exception. It's time for a walk. It's time to sit outside. It's time to shake a few more hands." $30 at The Small Object

Romantic Greeting Card: If I Was a Zombie

This brain-eating zombie card is quite romantic and perfect for telling that someone special how much you love their brains. It's also great for those who have Halloween romances. The shop carries a wide variety of cards featuring original artwork that are fun and worth checking out. $4 at Able and Game

Little People Print

Looking for that perfect retro art piece for your wee's room? This print would certainly give a calm and subtle blast to the past feel, sure to light up any room. $40-250 depending on print size at Little Collector

Origami Toilet Paper

Let's be honest, we all do it. We all NEED to do it. There's nothing to be ashamed of, is there? I mean, it's totally natural...to hide in the bathroom when you don't want to have to deal with company...or the kids...or the world. Now you can entertain yourself while you hide in there with this origami toilet paper. One hundred feet of origami education all for a low price of $3.99.  

Letterpress Blind Impression Love Stationery

I love letterpress stationery, and this little set would be a great gift for a newly wed couple. Customizable for your initials, the set includes 15 flat notes + 15 envelopes, wood and metal letterpress printing block  - everything you need to create your own stationery. $35 at Dahlia Press Shop

Girrrrrl Posters

Looking for some girl power posters for your wee girl? With phrases like "I am my own captain", "I can save myself", and "Get dirty", you can teach your daughter that gender isn't an obstacle- but a gift. $30 each or $100 for each set of four at Switcheroo

Moby Dick Book Poster

Moby Dick in it's entirety printed on just two sheets of paper. Granted, they are two very big sheets, but two sheets nonetheless. Toss in that nice little graphic conceit of the whale's tail and you have art you can read, my friend. Hang it on you wall and impress your friends with your taste and literary proficiency. £72.99 at Spineless Classics.

Triangle Notebook

I guess the triangle shape of this unique notebook doesn't really ADD any function to it, except it makes it look super cool. And it opens so you have a full square page to write on. And it probably looks great on a book shelf. It might even be easier to find in your book bag. Your friends might think it's awesome. Other than that, though, it's just a notebook. A COOL ONE! $17.95 at the MOMA store.

My Life In Graphs Journal

http://www.perpetualkid.com/my-life-in-graphs-journal.aspx

 

Want to journal but want to try something new?  My Life In Graphs: A Guided Journal is full of fill-in tables, charts and diagrams that'll help you express how you feel about a wide variety of personal topics.  $15.99 at Perpetual Kid

Atari Six Pack

I've long been a fan of the work of Rakkadeer. In fact, I am pretty sure I have featured her cards on Rarebird Finds before. And here I am again, touting her wares because not only is this Atari controller art awesome. Not only does every guy I've ever met need some kind of cards on hand for birthdays and thank yous (because no one can ever have too many!). Not only is this pack of six cards both charming and affordable. All proceeds of these awesome cards will go to Red Cross in aid of Japan. So, you know, good stuff all around. $20 at Rakkadeer.

Things To Do Notepad Set

Often I try to remember everything that needs to be done, but really, I'm most productive when I write it all down on a "to-do" list.  These hand-assembled Things To Do notepads make it super easy and convenient to create a to-do list, and they also come with nifty days of the week magnets so you can organize your lists by days.  Brilliant!  $20 at The Small Object

William and Kate Paper Dolls

For our readers who happen to be really into the upcoming royal wedding, these William and Kate paper dolls would surely brighten your day. $9.99 at Dover Publications

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

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

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)

Rosie Flo's Kitchen Coloring Book

Looking for yet another paper-doll -esque type of book for your little fashionista/foodie? This fill-in-the-heads-and-arms-and-legs coloring book combines kitchen gadgets and foodstuffs into people and clothing any mini imagination will love to doodle on and color in. $9.35 at Amazon

We Heart Science Baby Book

Need a unique gift for a unique mum-to-be? This science-themed baby keepsake book is the perfect gift for the cosmonaut-dinosaur-chemistry-loving almost-parents. The intro page boasts: "The story of YOU as told by nerds" and is really too nerdily-cute to resist. If you're a nerd like me, that is. $40 Nerdy Baby

Pig Butchery Chart

This print of a papercut features the cuts of meat of a pig. Now, I know not everyone wants to eat pig but if you do this would look striking on the kitchen wall. $18 from drywell.

This Boy is a Hero Silkscreen Print

I know I am not the only person excited to see Pee-Wee Herman back in a big way. And this great screen print pays homage to him with an iconic movie moment. Be honest, wouldn't you freak out if you had a big ol' handful of snakes? $25 at The Little Friends of Printmaking.

Harper's Coloring Book of Birds

Charley Harper's minimal realist birds are transformed into lovely little black-and-white line drawings any mini would be thrilled to color in. A great find for the budding artiste under any tree! $6.95 at Amazon

Orion Slave Girl Wrapping Paper

It's on sale and you've just got time to get this nerd-tastic Orion Slave Girl wrapping paper for all your geeky gifts. It's a six foot roll with a repeating pattern of the holiday themed hottie. It's a little pricey, but it will make your gifts look all the more fantastic. And boy will they stand out underneath the tree! $19 at Merry Pranxster.

My Quotable Kid

I can say with the utmost of certainty that littles speak with hilarity and honesty, resulting in some verbal gems you'll probably remember (or really want to) for years to come. For example, my mini was dead serious when she explained that she didn't have school this past November 11th, as it was Vegetarians' Day... something of course I'll probably continue to call the same holiday every year from now on. Why not use this keepsake journal to jot down those quotable notables? Makes a great gift for new parents! $14.95 at Paper Source

The Indie Rock Coloring Book

 

I'll admit it. I now have Xmas on the brain. Stocking stuffers, personalized gifts, and gift-giving traditions are pretty much all I'm focused on-- and do not want to put off until the last minute. This coloring book would be perfect for the indie music lover on your list- both young and old- and includes illustrations by everyone from MGMT to Rilo Kiley. With proceeds going to charity (the reason for the season!), pair it up with some fancy-shmancy drawing pencils (for the friend artiste!) or some fun-scented crayons (for the minis!). $9.99 at ModCloth

Norman Goes For a Drive Print

I've often wondered what theme I'd decorate a little boy's room if I were ever lucky enough to have one. This artist is right on the mark with a bit of a retro, slightly modern, and super fun print of her Norman character. It would definitely add a skosh of uniqueness to any mini's room. $13 at Junecraft

Places On Earth Print

I will be the first to raise my hand and say I reallyREALLYreally heart Oliver Jeffers. So when I came across this print, my jaw dropped to learn that they are numbered and signed by the artist himself, and are shipped along with 202 pins to chart your own journey through his hand-drawn version of the globe. Perfect for the budding little geography-enthusiast in your house or... you! $180 at The Royal We

Sponsor Spot: Girlz Lyfe

 

Now with a brand-new, easy to navigate website, one of our favorite online shops, Girlz Lyfe, is now your perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories, home goods and doggie items that are all guaranteed to brighten your day. 

The Handlebar Moustache corkscrew would make me want to drink wine every day.  The handlbar moustache corkscrew will not only help you pop open the cork from your pinot noir with grace and class, but it's also a bottle opener when you feel like downing a hard cold one.

Okay, I'm an avid reader and bunny owner, and nothing would bring a quicker smile on my face than these bunny bookmark tabs.  These uber-cute bookmark tabs are made out of paper with an adhesive back so you can easily find where you left off.  Then, as if bunnies aren't cute enough, the site also carries bear bookmark tabs!!  I'd totally just buy both sets and stick them wherever a little cuteness is desperately needed - like a calculus textbook or Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations.

I love coasters but I am a firm believer that they should not only help keep rings off the table but add to  your decor.  If you're looking for a bit of fun plus function, these sandwich coasters are awesome!  Filled with meats, veggies and cheese between two slices of bread, you get nine coasters of yummy goodness.  Okay, you can't eat them, but they are surely conversation starters, and imagine how cool they'll look stacked together when not in use.

Halloween is just around the corner, and why not add this Day of The Dead bride and groom salt and pepper shaker set to your kitchen or dining room table? They look fabulous, don't they?  And oh so adorable!  Perfect as a wedding gift, too.

Check out Girlz Lyfe for fun gifting ideas for those special folks in your life (or simply to gift yourself!). The new site redesign, launched in August 2010, really has made shopping a breeze!

Looking for Halloween items?  Check out Girlz Lyfe's Creepy Halloween accessories.  The vintage bat bracelet is a personal favorite.

SAVE 15%!  Oh birdies, aren't you the luckiest?  Our readers get an extra 15% discount.  Use coupon code Rare Bird Finds at check-out.  Also, shop your heart's content - there's an amazing flat-rate shipping of only $5.95!

Daring Young Girl-Blank Moleskine Cahier Journal

This moleskine cahier journal is the perfect gift for the daring girl in your life. Perfect little journal to jot down adventures or do wild sketches.  The cover image of a girl on a trapeze is done in ink and acrylic, and the image even comes with a three-dimensional bisque arm.  Cute!  $20 at Marysgranddaughter

Divvies Bakery Cookbook

  

One of my dear friends and I were recently discussing back-to-school fears and hers included her mini's very scary allergy to nuts. When I came across the Divvies Bakery Cookbook which boasts fabulous recipes without the milk, eggs or nuts-- an allergy-mom's dream-- I just had to share. $17.15 at Amazon

Secret Message Envelopes

These envelopes are made to reveal a secret when held up to the light.  There are a few messages to choose from.  $3 at Sweet Pie

Skull Dance

Beautiful set of 10 small cards with the visually interesting image of a skeleton in a tutu.  Personally, I'd frame one as a tiny work of art, and use the rest as gift tags or flat note cards to scribble a message of love or my phone number.  $6 at Damn French Desserts

Food Love Cards

I love these cute little cards.  They are water-colored by hand and tells your loved one how much you really love them - whether it's as much as you love avocado, chips and queso, salsa or even dim sum.  Another fun find from yesterday's Renegade craft fair. $5.50 at Ucello Curioso

Walls Notebook

 

For you graffiti artists, this Walls Notebook lets you doodle your heart away without breaking the law.  Each page features photos of urban walls just waiting to be decorated.  $11.53 at Amazon

One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book

 

I'm really lazy with journaling - ugh, a whole blank page to fill up?! - but I like the idea of keeping memories.  That's why I'm drawn to One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book. It's basically a journal that you keep for five years, but you only need to write one line.  Yep, easy peasy.  $11.53 at Amazon. (Psst...for you artists, you might want to check out One Sketch a Day: A Visual Journal)

Waterproof Notepads

 

The next time you're in the shower and you have a genius idea, you don't have to wait until after you towel-dry to scribble it down.  Hang this waterproof notepad in your shower and with the waterproof pencil, you can write and erase while you're letting your conditioner sit in your hair.  The paper is perforated so you can rip it out and go.  $9.95 at Vat 19