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Elegant to Edgy: A Guide to Jewelry You’ll Love

July 30, 2015

See UncommonGoods' Jewelry Collection

As UncommonGoods’ Jewelry Buyer, I see a ton of the beautiful pieces that I bring into the assortment end up making fabulous gifts for stylish women. I love seeing my selections making people happy on birthdays and during the holidays, but I also enjoy thinking outside the gift box to find necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings that jewelry lovers will want to buy for themselves.

I hand-picked these pieces not only because they make me smile, but also because they span a variety of styles–classic, contemporary, elegant, edgy, and even eclectic.  Each design is special, unique, and totally unexpected, and I personally want them all for my own collection. (And I think you will too!)

3 Stone Sea Glass Necklace | Courtney Gillen | UncommonGoods

What is more nostalgic than sea glass? Courtney Gillen uses gorgeous real sea glass to make this necklace. It can be a wearable reminder of childhood days spent collecting rocks and shells at the beach or a tribute to a bygone seaside vacation. No matter why you wear it, it’s an easy way to keep the ocean close without going overboard with the nautical theme. | 3 Stone Sea Glass Necklace

Stalactite Slice Ring | Emilie Shapiro | UncommonGoodsThis statement ring truly does make a statement. Artist Emilie Shapiro is known for her use of gorgeous raw stones, and in this case, she goes all out. The eye-catching gem is actually a stalactite, formed over millions of years. One word: WOW. | Stalactite Slice Ring

 

Sterling Silver Wings Bangle | UncommonGoodsIt can be hard to take a chance when you don’t know what the outcome will be. The artist behind this beautiful bangle, Christine Street, uses the messaging “she took the leap and built her wings on the way down” to say it’s OK to take a chance and pursue a dream. | Sterling Silver Wings Bangle 

Tibetan Bell Necklace | Jen Pleasants | UncommonGoods

Inspired by meditative Tibetan bells, this handcrafted necklace makes a soft, soothing sound. As if the gentle tone wasn’t enough to bring on a serene smile, artist Jen Pleasants  finishes each bell clapper with a personal touch, a hanging heart. | Tibetan Bell Necklace

 

Mixed Metal Earrings | UncommonGoods

 

Fernanda Sibilia creates a rustic feel by hand-hammering these mixed metal circles and letting oxidation add its own special touch, a unique patina. No two earrings are the same, but those intentional imperfections make each set a perfect pair. | Trio Mixed Metal Earrings

 

Personalized Birch Cuff | Nancy Nelson | UncommonGoods

 

Nancy Nelson gets her inspiration, and materials, from nature. The bark that created the cast for this brass cuff is the perfect backdrop for Nancy to carve your initials. The little heart cutout is an extra drop of  sweetness. | Personalized Love Birch Cuff

 

Sky Glimmer Necklace | UncommonGoods

The artist behind this piece, Eileen Baumeister McIntyre, captures the feel of the sky as dawn breaks by adding glossy glass enamel to fine silver. The finished “petal” has a subtle, shimmery ombre effect that’s simple and sophisticated. | Sky Glimmer Necklace 

Hydrangea Gold Dipped Lace Necklace | UncommonGoods
Inspired by pre-Columbian jewelry, Tulianna Garces, takes lovely pieces of vintage-inspired lace and transforms them into gilded necklaces. The lace is dipped in 24kt gold and then meticulously cleaned by hand so the detail comes through, creating a special piece that isn’t easily replicated. | Hydrangea Gold Dipped Lace Necklace

Precious Dipped Lace Heart Necklace | UncomonGoods

The floral motif isn’t the only style that shines in dipped lace. The delicate fabric is the perfect starting point for Tulianna’s heart-shaped creations as well. | Precious Dipped Lace Heart Necklace & Mini Gold Dipped Lace Heart Earrings.

Penny for Your Thoughts Necklace | Trudy James | UncommonGoods

This whimsical necklace features an adorable mini penny!  Trudy James creates a teeny-tiny replica of a penny with perfect detail and places it in each pendant, so you won’t have to offer your spare change to get folks to tell you they think of this charming piece. They’ll pay you compliments unprompted. | A Penny for Your Thoughts Necklace

 

Golden Slice Agate Necklace | UncommonGoodsThe raw look of this shimmering stone is earthy, yet glamorous.  The designer, Lucy Dalton, hand selects each agate and then accents the chain with little gold nuggets to create a perfectly pretty piece with just the right amount of edge. | Golden Slice Agate Necklace

Anatomical Heart Pendant | UncommonGoods

Whether you love edgy jewelry, want to show off your interested in biology or anatomy, or just want a necklace that stands out, this piece by Justine Brooks is a great way to show that you march to the beat of your own heart.   | Anatomical Heart Pendant

 

Jewelry for Every Style | UncommonGoods

Gift Guides

Gift Lab: Grow Your Own Organic Cilantro

July 2, 2015

Rachel

Product: Garden-in-a-Can: Grow Organic Cilantro & Citrus Juicer

Hypothesis:
I’ve been told cilantro is really hard to grow so I was skeptical. Could it really be that easy? Just pop the top, bury the seeds and water for a few weeks? And would lime juice help me win the guacamole competition? My answers were yes! and yes!

Research:
When I heard we would be doing a more gardener-novice-friendly grow kit, I jumped on the chance to test it out. If all goes well, I’d have fresh cilantro in the house for the Purchasing team guacamole competition in a few weeks! I also knew then that lime (and tons of it) would be my secret ingredient, so I employed the help of our new citrus juicer to get the best results!

Experiment:
So, I did just that! I opened up the can, gently buried all the seeds about an inch under the surface and then poured about 2 shot glasses of water in every day or two to keep it looking moist.

Continue Reading…

Gift Guides

It’s Coffee Time: 8 Uncommon Facts About the World’s Favorite Bean

June 23, 2015

Summer is a telling time for coffee drinkers; the heat naturally flushes out the untrustworthy fair-weather “It’s too hot for coffee” types from their ruse and lets us know who we can really trust. I started drinking coffee as a kid – funny given a popular myth regarding the discovery of the bean’s stimulating properties. Coffee originates from Ethiopia, allegedly first noticed by a goat herder named Kaldi whose goats began acting jumpy after eating several wild coffee cherries. The bean has since grown to become an essential part of global food culture – the second most widely traded commodity after crude oil – and the basis of millions of people’s livelihoods (and others’ mornings).

In honor of one of the world’s favorite beverages, we’ve compiled 8 coffee facts about our favorite gifts that will have coffee lovers buzzing no matter how they take it.

Coffee Cold Brew Gift Set

1.) Cooler than you think: It’s never too hot for coffee, but for those who are after a refreshing and revitalizing afternoon drink, cold brew is for you! Plus, cold brew coffee may actually be more flavorful! When coffee grounds are exposed to hot water, acidic oils are extruded that don’t dissolve at lower temperatures. This gives coffee its bitter kick, but masks some of the fruity, aromatic flavor retained by cold brew. Check out our gift lab to see the Cold Brew Set in action!

 

 

The Coffee Towel

2.) Mornings on tap: Here in North America, one third of tap water used for drinking is used to brew coffee! Soak up a little extra with this towel – perfect to hang nearby your coffee station to dry mugs between mornings.

 

 

 

Coffee Explorer Set

3.) Sadly, you can’t wear the Coffee Belt: Though the most coffee is consumed by the global north, coffee can only be grown in a region straddling the equator known as the ‘Coffee Belt’ (or Bean Belt). The Coffee Explorer Set takes you on a tour of the belt with four varieties from Ethiopia, Brazil, Colombia, and Honduras without having to board an airplane. That could get expensive quickly; the only U.S. state in which coffee can be successfully grown for commercial purposes is Hawaii, which explains why backyard bean growing hasn’t quite taken off.

 

  

 

Coffee Liqueur Making Kit

4.) Before on-plane temperature control: This DIY take on coffee liqueur promises a different kind of buzz than your morning cup of Joe. Coffee Liqueur’s distant, freckle-faced cousin, Irish coffee, was conceived in the 1940s by the head chef at now-Shannon International Airport to warm American passengers on cold winter flights. When asked if they were being served Brazilian coffee, the chef labeled it ‘Irish Coffee.’

 

 

Le Café Personalized Art

5.) Stimulating more than your mornings: Turn your kitchen or dining room into your own café – maybe you’ll spark an important intellectual movement! European coffee houses, precursor to modern cafés, are often credited with helping to spark the Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries for their role as public places for discussion. Plus, coffee benefits short term memory recall!

 

 

Ceramic Greek Coffee Cup

6.) Classic CoffΣΣ: Immortalized in ceramic, the classic Greek motif coffee cup is an iconic symbol of the New York City morning rush. Makes a perfect gift for a coffee loving New Yorker, who drinks (on average) close to a whopping seven times more coffee than inhabitants of other major cities!

 

 

Café Collection Soaps Set

7.) Caffeine Vaccine: With these soaps active in the shower and caffeine active in the bloodstream, you’ll be extra safe from unwanted microbes! Long credited speculatively with antiseptic properties, a 2011 study indicated that caffeine may be more effective than ampicillin at inhibiting bacteria like staphylococcus, salmonella and E. coli.

 

 

Espresso Pop Chart

8.) Who needs unions when the boss has a bean machine?: Depicting 23 different kinds of espresso, the Pop Chart serves as an aesthetic reference for any espresso lover! Just don’t spend too much time staring at it with mouth-watering daydreams of bold, Italian goodness – espresso was first invented in the early 1900s as a means to decrease the time laborers took on their coffee breaks. Get back to work!

 

 

Gift Guides

Gift Lab: How to Make DIY Tonic

June 10, 2015

MarisaGiftLab_TonicKitedited

Product: Tonic Making Kit

 

Government quinine factory, Mungpoo, IndiaGovernment quinine factory, Mungpoo, India. Established in 1864 during British rule, via Wikipedia

Research:
Full-blown summer has arrived. In Cocktail Land, the hotter the weather, the lighter and crisper people want their drinks. Which brings us to the gin and tonic.

Tonic water’s bitter flavor derives from quinine, a chemical in the bark of certain species of Cinchona trees native to the Andes mountains of Peru. Quinine’s association with gin – a British booze – came about when India was part of the British Empire.

Continue Reading…

Gift Guides

Funny to Fantastic: Our Favorite Father’s Day Gifts

May 28, 2015

Father's Day Gift Guide | UncommonGoods

Father’s Day gifting has gone through some changes since it was officially designated a nationwide holiday in 1972.  Twenty years ago, Dad might have been hoping for the latest tabletop “Screen Phone” from Rolodex. Now, according to Yahoo Finance, Dad just wants steak. Nothing against 90s technology or your dad’s favorite grilled foods, but we think you could do so much better on his special day! We’ve gathered our favorite gifts that will make your favorite guy laugh, smile, cheers, and high-five all while the grill is warming up.

From all of us at UncommonGoods, we wish you and your loved ones a Happy Father’s Day!

Father's Day Gift Guide | UncommonGoods

Funny Gifts (Dad Jokes, Anyone?)

Your dad might not know what “lol” or “rofl” means, but these gifts will be sure to make him burst out loud into embarrassing coughing, snorting, crying laughter.  

Face Mug | UncommonGoods

 

It’s about time to pay your Dad back for all of those times he told you that you put your foot in your mouth. | Face Mug

Eye Glasses Holder | UncommonGoods

No more searching around trying to figure out where your pops put his glasses! | Eye Glasses Holder

6 Pack Beer Soap Set | UncommonGoods

From chocolate stout to pumpkin ale, each Beer Soap is made from scratch with pure, traditional ingredients. Cheers to a “Hoppy” Father’s Day! | 6 Pack Beer Soap Set

What I Love About Dad By Me Book | UncommonGoods

 

You can fill it with sweet memories, or write in your best Mad Libs style jokes. We’ll let you decide. | What I Love About Dad By Me Book

Man Cave Must-Haves

Whether your dad’s domain is the basement, the garage, or just his own closet, these finds will give his man cave a well-earned upgrade. 

Custom Repurposed Guitar Picks | UncommonGoods

 

Even if your Dad can’t jam like Jimmy Page, these coin guitar picks have been used by musicians for a century because of their unique tonal qualities.  | Custom Repurposed Quarter Guitar Picks

The Many Varieties of Whiskey Wood Engraving | UncommonGoods

Whether his buddies prefer Irish or Scotch, bourbon or moonshine, this homage to whiskey will be sure to become his favorite showpiece at game night. | The Many Varieties of Whiskey Wood Engraving 

Barnwood State Side Tables | UncommonGoods

More than just a place to put his morning coffee, these state side tables will be sure to conjure up Dad’s best storytelling. | Barnwood State Side Tables 

The LP Encyclopedic Print | UncommonGoods

Because he might not ever get rid of his prized vinyl collection. | The LP Encyclopedic Print

The Popcorn Bowl with Kernel Sifter

Dad shouldn’t have to deal with those kernels that just couldn’t get it together. | The Popcorn Bowl with Kernel Sifter 

Dad Deserves a Cold One

Your pops works hard, so if he’s the type who enjoys popping the top of a brewsky when it’s time to kick back, he’ll love these beer and booze accessories. 

14th Century Beer Stein | UncommonGoods

 

Dad’s proven that he’s a Renaissance man. Show him you appreciate everything he does with a 14th Century Beer Stein.

Beer Brewing Kit | UncommonGoods

 

If Dad’s more of a DIYer than a pick-up-a-6-pack type, an Oktoberfest Ale Beer Brewing Kit is sure to make him smile. (Even though it’s only June!)

Home Brew Journal | UncommonGoodsOnce he gives the Oktoberfest a try, he might just become an all out brew-thusiast. Help him track his homemade craft beer creations with a Home Brew Journal.

Boiler Maker Set | UncommonGoodsYour proud papa always encouraged you to give everything you try your best shot. Now he can give his favorite beer a shot of his best whiskey. | Boiler Maker Set 

 

Drink Chillers | UncommonGoodsIf beer’s not Dad’s thing, but sipping a fine spirit is just his style, he might enjoy having a drink “on the rocks” in style. | Drink Chillers

Whiskey Tasting Kit | UncommonGoods

 

Whether Dad prefers whiskey, whisky, scotch, or bourbon, he’ll have fun sampling them all and taking notes on the whole “experiment” with the help of a Whiskey Tasting Kit.

MVD: Most Valuable Dad

No one can replace the guy who first taught you how to catch, ride a bike, or play a fair game. These picks will let him know that he’s the ultimate MVP of your life.

Baseball Game | UncommonGoods

Take me out to the board game! | Baseball Game

TPC Sawgrass Golf Ball Cufflinks | UncommonGoods

As a kid, you imagined that he could shoot a hole-in-one better than anyone else’s Dad. Even if you can beat him at his own game now, these cufflinks will keep him looking dapper all season long. | TPC Sawgrass Golf Ball Cufflinks

Chicago Marathon Map | UncommonGoods

Whether he’s a devout runner or a loyal spectator, the Chicago Marathon Map will be sure to capture the energy he loves about any race. (Also available for New York and Boston!)

Baseball Stadiums Tie | UncommonGoods

A nostalgic piece for any true baseball fan, no matter which team he’s rooting for! | Baseball Stadiums Tie 

College Stadium Art | UncommonGoods

If he can’t be there to watch the game, this 3D tribute to his favorite stadium will make him feel like he always has home field advantage. |  College Stadium Art 

Gadgets for the Geeky Guy

When your father’s a fan of gizmos and tech toys it can be hard to beat him to the next new thing. Ensure he’s surprised with these uncommon geek-chic goods that are definitely different than the ones he’s already picked up at his favorite electronics store.

 

Kinetic Gear Key Holder | UncommonGoods

You’ve been gearing up to start looking for a great Father’s Day gift. Congratulations, you already found it! | Kinetic Gear Key Holder 

Solar Powered Charger | UncommonGoods

 

Sometimes gadget geeks are also outdoorsy types. The Solar Powered Charger and Light is perfect for the tech-savvy dad on the go.

Modular Space Science Kit | UncommonGoods

Does Dad love to tinker? Complete with 12 electronic and mechanical modules, 5 NASA lesson plans, and 10 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities, the Modular Space Science Kit might just be his dream gift.

 

Grill Master Favorites

He’s skilled with a spatula and quick with the ketchup, so show Dad  you can’t wait to see what he cooks up next with one of these picks to help him kick off BBQ season.

Tabletop Party Grill | UncommonGoods

A big backyard BBQ is always fun, but sometimes firing up a full-sized grill isn’t necessary. For those occasions, the  Tabletop Party Grill is perfect!

Four in One Grill Utensil | UncommonGoods

Dad’s already a pro at searing, flipping, and cutting. This handy tool makes it even easier for him to man the grill. | Four in One Grill Utensil

Yard Dice | UncommonGoods

A flame-kissed meal is just the beginning when it comes to outdoor family fun. Keep the backyard party rolling with Yard Dice.

Beer Jelly | UncommonGoods

The flavors in our Beer Jelly Set  aren’t just for spreading on bread! Each can also be used as a delicious grilling glaze.

Beer Opening Glass | UncommonGoods

Mastering the grill also means minding what’s sizzling. Let dad enjoy keeping an eye on the feast-in-the-making without having to abandon his station to hunt down a bottle opener | Beer Opening Glass


Fantastic Gifts

The  “#1 Dad” mug you got him when you were 12 still holds his daily morning coffee. Every crayon drawing and construction paper card you ever made him is stashed in his desk drawer. He calls you by your childhood nickname, even though you’re all grown up. (And you don’t mind.) If you’re looking to go all out on something great for your fantastic father, give one of these fantastic gifts a try.

Do Good Hammock | UncommonGoodsDad’s good at many things, and he’s not ashamed to say that napping is one of them. Help in do it in colorful comfort with a Do Good Hammock.

tree penWhat better to symbolize how he’s been there for you through the years as you’ve grown than a Tree Ring Pen?

Deluxe Shave Set | UncommonGoodsMaybe he likes a clean shave. Maybe he sports a champion dad ‘stache. Either way, he’ll dig this Deluxe Shave Set.

Pan Am Boeing 707 Bottle Opener | UncommonGoodsThis bottle opener was once part of an airplane, making giving it the least cheesy way possible to say, “Dad, thanks for being the wind beneath my wings.” | Pan Am Boeing 707 Bottle Opener

 

Father's Day Gift Guide | UncommonGoods

Gift Guides

Gift Lab: Potato, Potahto, & Two More Potatoes (All Seasoned Differently!)

May 22, 2015

Louise Geller | UncommonGoods

 

Product: Potato Seasoning Set and Potato People

Research:
There is nothing more ubiquitous than the potato when it comes to filling the role of “starch” on a U.S. dinner plate. In fact, the average American eats over 140 pounds of potatoes per year! And yet, despite a centuries-old national love affair with potatoes, our most popular side dish often gets a bad rap, because so many of our 140+ pounds each come to us fried in oil, coated in preservatives, and slathered in fatty or sugary condiments. But it doesn’t have to be this way! When eaten with a more simple preparation (and with the skins left on!) potatoes are a great source of Vitamins C and B6, Potassium, Fiber, and Iron, and the complex carbohydrates are great for keeping your energy up.

I am a firm believer that food is at its most truly delicious when it is prepared simply and healthfully, so when I saw Julie Pederson’s Potato Seasoning Set I was immediately excited to take it for a test ride. Julie Pederson is wonderful at creating food and drink kits to help you explore new flavors and combinations, from herbal tea to baking salts. Since there are over 4,000 varieties of potatoes grown, and the kit has 12 different seasoning mixes, there are seemingly endless ways to play, create, and EAT! Who could resist?

Since I was already going to be playing with potatoes, I also wanted to try out our Potato People, a super fun set of potato nails that use the natural heat conducting power of metal to help potatoes cook faster on the grill or in the oven, and look hilarious while they are doing it.

Continue Reading…

Gift Guides

Gift Lab: How to Stay Cool & Caffeinated with Cold Brew Coffee

May 15, 2015

Abi tests the Cold Brew Coffee Set

Product: Coffee Cold Brew Gift Set

Hypothesis:
Iced coffee is one of my favorite morning treats, so I was super excited to try out the Cold Brew Coffee Gift Set (and drink the coffee in the morning at work). I hypothesized that this set would be a great alternative to spending money at coffee shops.

Research:

The set includes instructions, which I followed to the best of my ability. I am rather impatient, so there were parts that I was tempted to skip, but I stayed faithful to the directions throughout.

Experiment: 
I began by boiling the filter (the instructions say to boil the filter before its first use, to pre-shrink it) in water for 10 minutes. The instructions say that filters “will continue to shrink slightly for the next few uses and will produce the best quality brew from then on.” I don’t have any proof of this yet, but I look forward to tasting all the future cold brew coffee batches to see if taste improves over time.

Boiling the Filter

The provided recipe says to use 2 cups of freshly ground coffee of your choice (the kit comes with two cups ready to go for your first batch).

Coffee Beans

I added the coffee to the fabric filter and “bloomed” the grounds, as per the directions. In this case, to bloom the grounds means to wet them thoroughly and let them stand for 60 seconds.

Grounds

I twisted the neck of the filter, as tightly as I could, and wrapped the tie string around the neck a few times, then slipped the neck of the filter through the glass ring (which is attached to/hanging from the filter bag).

Tightening Filter

Then I inserted the filter into the jar and filled the jar with cold water.

Cold Brew Coffee In The Works!

Luckily I did this at the end of the day in the office, because it takes 12-16 hours to cold brew in the fridge till it’s ready. The next morning, I would get to sample my first batch of cold brew!

Conclusion: 
Fresh Coffee | UncommonGoods

Ta da! I opened the fridge to find some actual cold brewed coffee. It looked pretty good, smelled delightful, and was also tasty. I did feel that it was a little weak, though. I removed the filter, dumped the grounds into the compost bin, washed the filter out, and set it out to dry until I made my next batch.

Finished Coffee

The kit comes with a pouring device that fits inside the lid, which works quite nicely for pouring the coffee once its done.

Drinking Cold Brew Coffee

People don’t naturally look at a camera when they are drinking coffee, but I wanted to show you that I was trying the coffee I just made, and allow you to fully see the expression on my face while I first tasted it. I look pretty strange, but I assure you, the coffee tasted good and I was excited to be trying it out.

Yumzies! |Delicious Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk
Here I am, showing off the final product, in my favorite glass, complete with almond/coconut milk. So yummy!

In case you are wondering (and you really might be curious about this), I do not add sugar to my coffee, unless it tastes completely awful. I did not even consider adding sugar to this batch. I found it very yummy (though, like I said, I would have liked it to be a bit more concentrated).

During my next trial, I filled the filter as much as possible (this was probably almost 3 cups of coffee grounds). It was delicious but quite strong. I think two and half cups is probably the ideal amount of coffee grounds that should be used for this cold brew coffee (at least for it to be just right for me). I’m excited to use the Coffee Cold Brew Set this summer to beat the heat in a very delicious way!

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Gift Guides

Better Than Brunch: Creative Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

April 26, 2015

Better Than Brunch: Creative Mother's Day Gifts | UncommonGoods

There’s one day a year that’s dedicated to all moms; this year, May 10 is that day. Mother’s Day may be a nation-wide holiday to honor the women who raised us, but that certainly doesn’t mean that there’s one gift that’s perfect for every mom. (OK, so maybe most moms are into the whole traditional Mother’s Day brunch thing, but who doesn’t love celebratory food? Treating her to pancakes is just a start.)

We rounded up all kinds of creative gift ideas to help you give mom a gift as unique as she is this year.

2015 Mother's Day Gift Ideas | UncommonGoods

Give Mom a Moment

Remember when you were a kid and you watched your mom balance what seemed like a million tasks at once? Whether she was picking you up from soccer practice on her way home from a long day at work or changing your little brother’s diapers while hoping the pot on the stove didn’t boil over in the 30 seconds she wasn’t looking, it’s likely that mom had very few moments to herself. Now that you’re all grown up, it’s not guaranteed that her life has slowed down any, but at least you can give her a gift that encourages her to remember to take a moment for herself every now and then.

 

Spa Experience Tin | Uncommongoods

 

Mom deserves to be pampered, and the Spa Experience Tin has just what it takes. Complete with Lavender Goat’s Milk Bath Tea, Bath Truffle, Wedding Cake Whispered Shea Crème, and Hint of Mint Lip Balm, this pretty package will transform her next soak into a relaxing retreat.

Meditation Box | UncommonGoods

There was a time when mom probably told you not to track sand into the house. While your dirty shoes used to stress mom out, this sand will do just the opposite. | Meditation Box

Tea Bag Pocket Mug | UncommonGoods

A hot cup of tea can be a nice start to a laid back afternoon or the perfect ending to a busy day. Either way, it’s even better when it’s drip-covered saucer free. | Tea Bag Pocket Mug

Green Tea Kit | UncommonGoods

Take tea time tranquility even further with the Green Herbal Tea Kit.  (Nine herbs and three types of tea further, to be more specific.)

New Mom

Whether you’re shopping for a brand new mother, or a mother who is just getting to know her second or third newborn, these mementos will help her celebrate the journey ahead!

Birthstone Wishing Balls | UncommonGoods

 

Mom can’t control everything that happens in her baby’s future, but she will always be wishing for the absolute best. Each shimmering ball of hand-blown glass comes with 52 tiny slips of paper for her to pause once a week throughout the year and record a message of hope or gratitude. | Birthstone Wishing Balls

 

Sterling Silver Teething Keepsake Necklace | UncommonGoods

We all know that newborns are excited to touch everything, both with their mouths and hands! So why not get jewelry that mom and baby can cherish? The cold sterling silver ring soothes baby’s teething gums, while a gentle rattling sound keeps babies entertained. | Sterling Silver Teething Keepsake Necklace 

Birthstone Definition Necklace | UncommonGoods

Did you know that the gemstones we associate with our birthmonths were also believed by the mystics to carry special meanings and even supernatural powers? Any new Mom needs all the super powers she can get! (Find out what her little one’s birthstone means here.) | Birthstone Definition Necklace 

I Heart You, Mom

There are so many ways to say I love you, but how many ways can you show her? 

A Mother's Love is Beyond Measure Spoon Set | UncommonGoods

Because a mother’s love is like a spoonful of sugar, the best kind of medicine! | A Mother’s Love is Beyond Measure Spoon Set 

What I Love About Mom By Me Book | UncommonGoods

It might be impossible to count all the ways, but this book will give you a great start. (Don’t forget to share the love with Grandma!) | What I Love About Mom By Me Book

Heart Book Box | UncommonGoods

This surprise will be sure to make this a Mother’s Day for the books! | Heart Book Box

 

What The Future Holds Love Locket | UncommonGoods

Whatever the future holds, this pendant will always keep your love close to her heart. | What The Future Holds Love Locket

The Art of Motherhood

We probably don’t have to tell you that parenting is a pretty tough job. It’s certainly not an exact science, but it might be a bit of an art form. Show your mama that you admire her colorful personality, creative problem solving, and technical expertise with a bit of art appreciation.

Bouquet by Wendy Gold | UncommonGoods

Flowers on Mother’s Day will make mom smile. Wendy Gold’s Bouquet will ensure that that smile is from ear to ear.

The Last Slice | UncommonGoodsIt may be true that no one knows how to bake a pie quite like mom, but artist Kendyll Hillegas is a pro when it comes to painting them. (Learn more about the artist here.) | The Last Slice

You Are Beautiful | UncommonGoods

Your mom is beautiful. Don’t let her forget it! | You Are Beautiful by Matthew Hoffman

Earth Mother

For the mothers who nurture Mother Earth, these picks will be sure to make their hearts bloom even brighter.

Birds and Bloom State Pillow | UncommonGoods

Just because you’ve left the nest doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the flora and fauna of mom’s home. | Birds and Blooms Pillows – Individual States

Pocket Wall Vases | UncommonGoods

It turns out that there are many beautiful perks to being a wallflower. | Pocket Wall Vases

Dandelion Paperweight | UncommonGoods

That moment when you make a wish and blow a dried dandelion into a thousand little pieces | Dandelion Paperweight

Pottery Birdhouse | UncommonGoods

Remember when mom used to read you stories about princesses who would get dressed in the morning with the help of beautiful hummingbirds? Well, you might not be able to bring her fairy tales to life, but you can give her favorite birds somewhere to sing. | Pottery Birdhouse

Strawberry Windowsill Growbox | UncommonGoods

A stretch of window sill, abundant sun, and a little patience are all mom needs to celebrate the fruit of her labors. | Strawberry Windowsill Growbox

Do It Herselfer 

For the Pinterest-loving, get-her-hands-dirty, jump-right-in kinda mom who is always up for a DIY challenge.

Himalayan Salt Foot Care Set | UncommonGoods

Because no matter what, mom is always putting her best foot forward. | Himalayan Salt Foot Care Set

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With only a few DIY components, Mom can create an efficient device to monitor when the family’s toilet paper inventory is running low, amongst other applications. Need we say more? | Modular Smart Home Kit 

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Keep calm and knit on! | Birdie Yarn Bowl Knitting Kit

Nerdy Mom

Maybe she loves sci-fi or is always the first in line for the latest gadget. Maybe she’s ever on the lookout for another piece of great literature to add to her home library or the newest research on her favorite area of study. Whatever her preferred form of geekdom, she’ll be happy to see that she raised you to show nerd pride AND great taste.

Literary Scarves | UncommonGoods

 

Mom’s more of a literati than a fashionista (and proud of it!). Let her show off her classic style with a Literary Scarf printed with pages from one of her favorite classic books.

Smartphone Vase | UncommonGoodsIt’s easy to add a little nature to her tech-filled world, even if your thoroughly modern mommy likes to keep her smartphone nearby on her nightstand or end table. | Bedside Smartphone Vase

Zodiac Embroidery Hoop Art | UncommonGoods

 

Mom is the brightest star on Mother’s Day, but she’s OK with sharing the sky with the constellations. | Zodiac Embroidery Hoop Art

 

Silver Solar System Necklace | UncommonGoods

If your science-loving mom is the first to jump in on any discussion about Pluto’s declassification, she’ll love this Sterling Silver Solar System Necklace. The “ninth planet” is present in this pretty line-up of celestial charms, making it an uncommon way to spark conversations about Pluto’s fate.

Mom Who Has It All

Whether mom is the most stylish person you know, or the most beloved hostess there is, these conversation starters won’t fail to impress!

Porcelain Bird Bud Vases | UncommonGoods

Whether or not she has it all, the last thing any mom wants to have is a water leak to clean up. This beautifully designed vase always ensures a beautiful, leak-free presentation! | Porcelain Bird Bud Vase 

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Bridging the worlds of fashion accessory and art canvas, this is the piece mom didn’t even know she was missing. | Manhattan Bridge Scarf

Recycled Glass Elephant Night Light | UncommonGoods

Because she’ll always protect you and your herd, no matter what. | Recycled Glass Elephants Night Light 

Bread and Butterfly Serving Board | UncommonGoods

A party accessory that will be sure to make her heart flutter. | Bread & Butter(fly) Serving Board

Because You Treasure Her

Giving mom a bracelet or necklace might seem a little old school at first, but these new pieces put a unique twist on traditional Mother’s jewelry.

Sea Glass Sterling Clasp Bracelet | UncommonGoods

The phrase “I’m turning into my mother” gets a bad wrap, but it can be a good thing. Show her that you’re glad to be two of a kind with a Sea Glass Sterling Clasp Bracelet featuring two beautiful pieces of found sea glass.

 

 Silver Dreamcatcher Pendant | UncommonGoods

Thank mom for encouraging you to always follow your dreams with a piece to help her catch hers. | Silver Dream Catcher Pendant 

Mother BirdFamily Necklace | UncommonGoodsYour mama bird took care of  you for a long time before you left the nest. Now you’ve spread your wings, but you’ll never fly too far away. | Mother Bird Family Necklace

My Lucky Stars Necklace | UncommonGoods

You thank your lucky stars to have such a fantastic mother. We bet she feels the same way about you. | My Lucky Stars Necklace 

 

See More Gifts Mom Will Love!