www.UncommonGoods.com
I've always been on the lookout for interesting things - unique, one-of-a-kind but useful things. I've gotten tired of the usual stuff in the malls, and besides, you end up with something that "everyone" else has.
If you are looking for new gift ideas that aren't run-of-the-mill commercial stuff, here's a site to try! The name speaks for itself: Uncommon Goods. They have everything (more or less).
Unique stuff for the home. From furniture, candles, pillows, bowls and plates ... all crafted beautifully, and with a twist on the usual. I mean, where the heck would one find a stool made of recycled red wooden rulers?),
Stuff for the girly-girls. Quirky jewelry (button pendants, hourglass pendants, a compass necklace, scrabble jewelry ... anyone?). Inspired from designs from all over the world. I fell in love with the Bolivian rosewood necklace ... and it reminds me of what Mima gave me from her recent trip to Brazil. And the silver prayer box pendant - It reminds me of the ornate silverwork from Baguio. There's beautiful glass jewelry, never seen anything like it here, unless you count the cheap plastic versions .... (never mind!)
Imaginative recycled stuff. You can own a tray or coasters made from recycled road signs or circuit boards! Vinyl records formed into bowls.Maps made into stationery. Or a tote made from an old rice sack coming from Vietnam. And I swear that some of the stuff there must be Filipino made! Like the beach bags fashioned from the juice tetra packs. (They must make a killing with the prices!)
... and much much more. At the least, I would say that their stuff make great conversation pieces!
Excuse my gushing, but it is rare that I find a site I can actually gush about! Ahh, but the I also fell in love with so many other things! I could write on and on what I would love to get for me, or for people I know.
I think that i could just browse the site for about half a day before quitting ... and not out of boredom! I bet you'll have a hard time NOT browsing some more. I am sure that you will love to have something there. If you don't end up buying anything, you at least have had the pleasure of getting some new ideas, and getting un-stuck from the rut of thinking up what to give.
Photo: a clock made from an old record -- very very cool!
Link: 
