Rare Bird Finds: Shopping Blog for Unique Gifts

Rare Bird Finds News - Please Read

Hello Birdie Friends!

With a heavy heart, I must sadly announce that Sharla will no longer be a regular contributor for Rare Bird Finds.  Sharla and I made our first Rare Bird Finds post in March of 2006, and it's been a fun ride!  I always looked forward to seeing what finds she discovered and cursing her name for helping to empty out my wallet :)  All of us will greatly miss Sharla's eye for the beautiful and the unusual, but more so, her warm spirit and enthusiasm.  However, she is moving on her journey to take care of her two beautiful toddlers and tending to her jewelry shop (which you really must visit, if you haven't!)

But this isn't the end of Rare Bird Finds!

We will be taking a break in July to clear our heads and come up with some fresh ideas.  If you're signed up for our email digest, you will get an email letting you know when our posts have returned - so please sign up, if you haven't already (the subscription box is on the left column).  But if not, be sure to return Monday, August 3, ok?!

To all of you have been faithful readers these past few years, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Every day when we post, we post knowing that you're looking forward to our finds.  This blog wouldn't be possible without you.  You keep us motivated, and we love your emails and comments - so keep them coming!

Warmly,

Mei-Lynn

Call for Fresh Ideas!

As a reader of Rare Bird Finds, we welcome any ideas you may offer to help improve our blog.  We're open to suggestions!  Just leave us a comment below or if you prefer, you can email us at rarebirdfinds@yahoo.com.

Call for Writers!

We're looking to add more regular contributors.  If you feel you can spot shopping finds that are a good match for our blog, send us an email along with a sample of 3 - 5 finds with blurbs.  Show us what you got!  Also, send along a bio about yourself (please include if you're a shop owner or if you have your own blog), what category you'd like to post in, and why you think you'd be a good pick! 

Sale Alert: Tiny Revolutionary

 

Tiny Revolutionary has consciously-minded and very hip tees for babies and adults.  From now until midnight on Thursday, 12/18/08 use coupon code TINYSANTA at check-out to receive $10 off your order (Only Giving Tee items are excluded).  No minimum!  Plus, all orders will be upgraded to priority shipping at no additional cost to ensure delivery by 12/22.

Victrola Onesie

Perfect for: Your brand-new niece or nephew.  Any baby wearing this onesie knows how to kick it old school--really old school. Both mom and baby will appreciate that the design is printed on super-soft organic cotton. $20 from Mothpress on etsy.

Gifts Under $20: Built NY Baby Thirsty Tote

Built NY Baby Thirsty Tote $12.95

Brown Owl Hat

Keep your sweet little one's head warm this winter with this adorable brown owl hat. (also in pink!)  $24.95 at Patina

Ramones Diaper Bag

So, I recently became a mother for the 2nd time. My how things have changed in the 8 years since my first son! (Thank God)   Perfect example...this rockin' diaper bag is complete with outside bottle pockets, inside compartments and a changing pad!   $32.99 at Shop Happy Trails.  Because in all reality, your diaper bag says a lot about you..Hello? No more Winnie the Pooh bags!

Picked by Angie Lockerman, Guest Editor for Fab 5 Friday

Business Bib

I love these cute little business bibs for babies!  Perfect for a little boy who's going to grow up to be the next Alex P. Keaton - ha ha!  $12.50 at Modest Maven

Angel Baby Bath Blossoms

Apart from the very cool name that reminds me of Gwen Stefani, Angel Baby Bath Blossoms is a sweet herb bath blend to calm your little angels. Made with organic blossoms of calendula, chamomile, rosebuds, lavender along and moisturizing organic oatmeal, it nourishes baby’s (and Mama’s) skin. You can also fill the included muslin bag with the  bath blend to use as a gentle washcloth. $7.95 for 1.5 oz at Earth Mama Angel Baby.

Rockabye Baby!

Dads tend to get the short end of the stick at baby showers. Sometimes they aren’t even invited, but when they are it’s all oohs and aaahs over cutesy onesies and pastel teddy bears. A Rockabye Baby CD could be the end to all the fluffy bunny overload next time you need a cool baby gift that dad might like too. I have given the Metallica CD as a gift and I have to say, lullabye renditions of heavy metal are…surprisingly listenable. And if you aren’t into that kind of music, they’ve got you covered with Bob Marley, Radiohead, Rolling Stones and Nirvana, not to mention the goth-y lullaby sounds of The Cure. Really, there’s something for every dad-type…and every baby. $16.98 at Rockabye Baby!

Deluxe Washcloth Sushi

I have never been a huge fan of the diaper cake but I LOVE this washcloth sushi set.  It includes very useable washcloths and finger puppets.  Make sure to check out all the sushi sets.  I love the fish too.  On sale now for $31.50 at Jkalea

Win Daily and Weekly Prizes!

Rare Bird Finds has partnered with T-Mobile to offer SIXTEEN amazing prizes exclusively for Rare Bird Finds readers, including $100 gift cards to Crate & Barrel and T-mobile!  WOOHOO! All you have to do to enter is respond to the question posed below and enter your contact info.  Then you're automatically entered for a chance to be randomly picked for daily prizes and weekly prizes.  Contest runs for two weeks starting TODAY! 

Don't be greedy - tell your friends!

T-Mobile is hosting this giveaway to draw awareness to the T-Mobile Ultimate Home giveaway - where you get a chance to win a home!  Learn more about the T-Mobile Ultimate Home giveaway.

Review: Lassie Girl

Want some gorgeous, well made summer clothes for your little one or your friend's little one?  Head over to Lassie Girl immediately.  I received the most beautiful package from Lassie Girl.  It was a pinafore with bloomers and matching barrettes.  Everything was so well made.  You can tell this lady takes pride in her work. 

Every fabric in the shop is gorgeous.  She has some unique fabrics that I have never seen before too.  No baby ducks and princesses.  Just fun fabrics that look adorable on your little one without being babyish.

My daughter looks like a cute little cupcake in her outfit.  Trust me, you won't be sorry if you order from this store.  Everything is very reasonably priced.  I already see many more things that I need!

Octopus Metal Mania Wall Hook

I am loving the cool wall hooks at Crib Rock.  The hooks are fun and child friendly without being cheesy. A great way to get clutter off the floor.  $49.99 at Crib Rock

Organic Sleepy Hat

I can't decide whether this sleepy hat is cute or a little creepy, but if it gives tired parents a few extra moments of quiet, who cares? It works like a sleep mask for your baby, blocking out light to help keep him/her napping peacefully. Just don't laugh too loud and wake the baby! $22 at Downtime

Boon Squirt

Where was this Boon Squirt baby spoon when I was starting baby girl on solids?  I love that it just takes one hand.  Great for us multi tasking moms! $9.99 at Cheeky Monkey

Moon and Back Studios

When you get to a certain stage in life you need to have a go to stationary store.  You need save the date cards,  moving announcements, baby announcements, party invites, holiday cards...and the list goes on and on.  You also need a good supply of cards if you married into a huge Italian family like I did.  It seems like I am always sending a birthday or thank you card.

That's why I was excited to review the products at Moon and Back Studios.  I picked the Yo Dawg cards above because I love to send a card the old fashioned way from time to time just to say hi.  I also have a thing for Dachshunds.  The cards are gorgeous.  Great quality and super reasonable price.  25 cards are $42.

If you are looking for announcements I would recommend that you consider the UV coating.  It really makes the card.  The colors just pop with the coating.  They also enhance your photo free of charge (see the photo enhancement options here) and will match their ready made announcements to a color scheme that goes with your photo. Really, could you ask for more?  Looks like we found our go to guy!

Sale Alert: Wry Baby

Today only!  Save 50% off of everything* at Wry Baby.

*With a few tiny exceptions

Etsy Saturday!

Mushroom Hair Pins $4.75 at Green Thumb Designs

Handmade Gift Boxes 4 for $5 at Field and Sea

Flower Earrings $14 at Tiger Lilly Shop

Baby Binky Bib $18 at Q Bu Baby

Thank You for Being a Friend Necklace $20 at Trashed Clothing

Bird Card $6.50 at Belly Button Industries

 

Review: Least Likely 2 Breed

I've been to a lot of baby showers.  Even though I am a mom and love all things baby, they are not my favorite thing.  They tend to get a little sappy and emotional and plain over the top.  (Or maybe that's just the ones I've been too)  I recommend that you bring a little humor to the next baby shower you attend with this Bundle O Joy from Least Likely 2 Breed.

The attendees that don't have kids will laugh because the names are funny. (Bad Ass Booty Balm!)  The seasoned moms will laugh because the names are funny AND because they know that the new mom will need them and they are SO glad they are through that stage.

Even if you know nothing about babies you will look like you are in the know when you show up with this.  Your friend will thank you!

The best part?  The stuff works!  Not only is it funny but it works.  You gotta love it.  Now go buy some Bundle of Joys for your preggo friends.  $17.95 at Least Likely 2 Breed

Swirly Kids Hats

I know it's getting warmer and these are out of season, but I couldn't resist.  Love how cute these swirly kids hats are!  $20 at Baby Rocks Mohawks.