Top 10 Gifts You Can’t Get at the Mall

GGRubbing

Story by GGRubbing

Published on Nov 30, 2008 in Shop

Photo by chrisparry

Friends — doesn’t receiving a gift that millions of other people have leave a little something to be desired? The thought of giving that type of gift isn’t very appealing either. To cure our shopping malaise, here’s my list of the top 10 unique and rare items that you won’t find anywhere else:

 

1. Your Book Rebuilt by TYLERBENDER

Send in your favorite retired book and get back an amazing decoy journal to stash in your library. It’s a great way to recycle old books, and keep nosey-rosys out of your business! $50.

Find more journals from recycled materials.


2. Hudson Valley Yarn CSA by MVKnits

I’m not even a knitter, but supporting an independent fiber farm (and adorable sheep like this) has got to be really good for the karma. Personally, I’d take the yarn and make a lifelike sculpture of this sheep’s head. $140 per share in the CSA. (See the video Etsy did with MVKnits.)

Find more handspun yarn.


3. Bunny Rabbit Feltidermy by girlsavage

Feltidermy is taking the Etsy world by storm as a less-expensive and more-fun way of preserving the likenesses of pets that have unfortunately ‘eaten the big one.’ This seller will work with you to preserve the memory of a loved one’s recently deceased pet, but will be “announcing the cutoff date for Christmas custom creations soon.” Act now (or forever hold your peace!). This large size bunny is $120.

 

4. Blue Baseball by LemonBall

These unique handstitched baseballs are so old school it hurts, and are made in the ol’ US of A. Speaking from experience, they make great gifts for all the sports fans on your list (who are notoriously hard to shop for.) $24.

Find more balls in the Toys Category.

5. Brief jerky by mixedspecies

In economically difficult times, gifts that can serve multiple functions are the best gifts. These briefs are not only unbelievably fashionable, but they’re also a great source of emergency protein. One size fits/feeds most. $139.

Find more men’s underwear.


6. Cut Your Own Loaf Soap by chasestreetsoapco

For all the dirty birdies in our lives, this custom soap loaf* (where you choose your own scent, color, and exfoliant) is just what the doctor ordered. Literally.

*Each loaf normally yields 15-17 3.5 oz bars. $45.

Find more vegan soap for men.

 

7. Recycled Wine Bottle Glasses by SurfsideCreations

Besides being an amazing display of craftsmanship and ingenius recycling, these wine bottle glasses would be much easier to drink out of than the hundreds of broken bottles that litter my apartment. $70.

Find more recycled glassware.

 

8. Commission a Pet Portrait by candiceart

For the people on your list who would rather have a portrait made of their pet than get a portrait of you. $75.

Find more pet portraits.

 

9. Custom Thumbprint Ring by chrisparry

This seller will create a true-to-life portrait of your thumbprint onto the top of a silver ring, so that future generations will always remember how OOAK you are! $249.

Note: Leaving this at a crime scene would be disastrous.

 

10. Custom-made 3D Island by AdmiralSlade

For the recluse in your life who would rather spend the holidays on his or her own island! This little model is meant for gamers, but I think it could work as an intriguing element for your home decor. $6.

You might also like terrariums.

Good luck, friends. Get out there and “cut your own loaf.”

More Holiday Shopping Posts | Gift Guides | Top 10 Lists

Discuss: 73 comments

Related Items

73 comments

Sign in to add your own