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Gift Guides

Gift Lab: Coming Soon

October 14, 2010

I’ve been learning to knit with the iMitt DIY mitten kit. Not quite done yet, but here are some steps along the way:

Just figured out how to create that ‘ribbed’ look.


Almost a whole mitten!


Look ma! No fingers (yet)!

Check back soon to see two finished mittens and a full Gift Lab on the iMitt DIY mitten kit.

Gift Guides

Housewarming Gifts

September 30, 2010

Looking for that perfect gift for a housewarming party? Look no further. Gaby Germaine, UncommonGoods’ photographer, lists her 10 favorite products perfect for any new home. Find them all at UncommonGoods.com.

  1. Recycled Windshield Bowl: After photographing this vase, I couldn’t even wait a whole day before buying one for my mom. It’s such a delight to visit home and see it on the dinning table with a fresh bouquet of flowers from Mom’s garden. Each season breathes new life into this item. Fill it with pinecones, ornaments, seashells, or anything that inspires you. The options are endless—I’ve even used it to serve fresh lemonade at a party!

  2. Monogrammed Sachets: I love the letter G, though I’m probably biased by the fact that I have two Gs in my name 😉 I’ve been collecting monogrammed or G shaped items for several years now, and was really happy to add this sachet to my collection. It’s so fragrant, and revamps the traditional sachet with its modern design.

  3. Reclaimed Tool Bowl: This bowl is like an “I Spy” game! From chains to wrenches, padlocks and gears, the details here just keep me so interested in exploring this piece. I am in love with its one-of-a-kind nature and the effort behind each bowl—the artist literally pulls items from dumpsters for these!

Continue Reading…

Gift Guides

Employee Picks: Top Fall Accessories

September 24, 2010

1. Tulip Shoulder Bag

If you know me, you know that I love purses! This one has rich autumn hues as well as an entirely unique tulip shape. There are so many features to mention (like it being organic and recycled) – but instead I’ll give a shout out to Brooklyn where it was designed!

2. Um Carry Bag


I chose the Um Carry Bag because I know this recycled wool clutch would turn heads. I like the attention my favorite accessories get, and this is sure to wow my friends. Nobody would expect how it unzips to lay flat. I would like to dub this “the perfect travel bag.”

3. Colored Pencil Pin


I wouldn’t be a graphic designer today had I not started out with finger paints, chalk, and most importantly colored pencils. This Colored Pencil Pin is adorable and would let me proudly display my love of art. Have you seen Jennifer Maestre’s colored pencil sculptures? This was a no-brainer accessory choice.

4. Berry & Pods Wood Necklace


I’ve been going to numerous dinners and gatherings this year. These activities tend to outnumber the amount of dresses that I own. All I picture is sprucing up my little black dress with this fantastic Berry & Pods Wood Necklace. The splash of lime would add some flavor to my bland dresses.

5. Acorn Necklace


When I was asked to participate in picking my favorite fall accessories, I immediately thought of our Acorn Necklace. Simply put, this necklace reminds me of my childhood. The complexity and beauty is understated but the authenticity is unmistakable.

6. Pocket Scarf


As someone who has lost two iPods already this year, I don’t just want this Pocket Scarf – I need it. Us New Yorkers definitely need scarfs to shield us from the frigid winds and it seems as if this one was designed specifically for me.

Continue Reading…

Gift Guides

Friday Giveaway: Fall Accessories

September 3, 2010

ETA Tues 10:35 AM: Congrats to Mandy who told us, “I’m spending a few days with mom then hopefully heading to Kingsland, GA for the catfish festival!” She’s the winner of the sari scarf.

And Deanne Ross: “Oktoberfesting & heading to the shore this Labor Day weekend!” She’s won a bike tread belt and letter press money clip.

Hope everyone had great holiday weekends! Stay tuned for future giveaways by subscribing to the Goods via RSS.


Is it already Labor Day weekend?  On Wednesday, an NYC transit operator reminded folks in my subway car that there were still 22 days of summer left, but it’s hard to not be thinking about the start of fall, especially with Hurricane Earl set to bring all this rainy weather.

So this week we’re giving away two separate gifts that are perfect accessories for the changing seasons.

The sari scarf ($45) comes in cinnamon or turquoise/lavender and is perfect for that time of year when it gets a bit chilly in the early mornings and late nights, but it still feels like summer during the day. Upcycled from vintage saris in India, this gorgeous scarf is a patchwork of rich, warm-colored pieces of luxurious silk.

And we’re also giving away a set of a bike tread belt, handmade in Portland, Oregon from recycled rubber road or hybrid bicycle tires, and a letter press money clip, handmade in Seattle and inspired by antique letterpress publishing. Both are great items to take out of town on your last long weekend of the summer,  or for Tuesday morning when you’re back at work.

Leave a comment below to enter, and let us know what you’re doing for Labor Day weekend.  Then triple your chances to win by tweeting and leaving a comment on our Facebook wall.

We’ll announce two random winners on Monday morning.  Feel free to let us know which giveaway prize you’d prefer– we’ll try to take it into account!

Happy Friday!

ETA 2:11 PM: Whoops! I forgot that we have Monday off. How about you all get an extra day to enter, and I’ll announce the winners on Tuesday!

Gift Guides

UncommonGoods goes back to school!

August 17, 2010
A touch of class

A is for Art Class.

B is for Back to School Socks.

C is for Chalkboard Pillows.

D is for Delicious Lunches.

E is for Eraser Rings.

F is for First-day Fashions.

G is for Geology.

H is for History Class.

I is for “I will not watch the clock, I will not watch the clock.”

J is for Jamming in the hallways.

K is for Kicking it after class.

L is for Laptop Slings.

M is for Math Class.

N is for Nerds!

O is for Organization.

P is for Pebble Erasers.

Q is for Quite possibly the most perfect scarf for fall.

R is for Recess!

S is for Scented Pens.

T is for the Table of Elements.

U is for an Uncommon Pencil Bag

V is for Venting.

W is for Wall decals for the dorm.

X is for X-pressing yourself.

Y is for “Young and in love.”

Z is for Zebra-striped school supplies.

Gift Guides

The Good, the Bad and the Cozy

August 2, 2010

Because it’s Monday…and Monday is always a rough day, here’s a little something to get your week started off on the right foot:)

triplets in boots

Babies in cowboy boot socks! You might recognize this triple threat of adorableness from a previous post of them wearing sock monkey slippers. Perhaps they have a future in footwear modeling?

Do you have a super-cute pic of your baby or child wearing something from UncommonGoods? Send it to blog@uncommongoods.com and we’ll put it up on The Goods!

Gift Guides

Roman Holiday

July 26, 2010
Fern Leaf Hair Comb

Quick! If you could live in any ancient era which would you pick?

For me: Ancient Rome. Hands down. Or at least the ancient Rome from Gladiator. Swoon. Oh, how I loved seeing Connie Nielsen’s elaborate jewelry and headbands; the layers and layers of shimmering, sumptuous fabrics framed by elegant stoles and capes; gold thread, embellishments and jewels clinging to everything she wore. And Russel Crowe wasn’t too bad to look at either;)

When this fern leaf hair comb by artist Emily Elizabeth came into the office, Continue Reading…

Gift Guides

Wrapper’s Delight Debuts!

July 21, 2010

I’m excited to introduce a new feature to the blog: Wrapper’s Delight! Wrapper’s Delight will focus on creative gift wrapping ideas and techniques from both UG employees, and, hopefully, from our customers as well! If you would like to submit your own ideas for Wrapper’s Delight please email us at wrappers@uncommongoods.com with photos and instructions for your idea. Can’t wait to see what you all come up with!

And to kick things off, here’s a post from our very own wrap star/graphic designer – Jessica!

Wrapping Odd-Shaped Gifts

I just couldn’t resist buying Uncommon Good’s Tickle Monster Laughter Kit and the Dino Doll for my friend’s son’s first birthday. The Tickle Kit is sold in an easy to wrap, sturdy box. But the Dino Doll was just his big, green, bulbous self.  How would I ever conceal him from from the other children during this outdoor garden party?

Dino Doll and Tickle Monster

It doesn’t help that I waited until 30 minutes before Continue Reading…