Unique and Fun Online Gift Shopping with UncommonGoods

You, know, I used to be real good at nailing the perfect gift – gifts that were truly unique to the giftee. Whether they were for birthdays, Christmas, I-love-you’s, thank-you’s or just-because gifts, they were usually the type of gifts that were so perfect (if I may say so myself), that one actually had like a tangible sense of satisfaction when one handed that little sucker over. But somewhere along the line, life got busy- real busy. My mind got crammed with all the to do lists and pressures of parenting and adulting, that the gifts…Well, the gifts didn’t quite rock on the richter scale much.I mean, yes, the gifts I give are still and always will be from the heart, but sometimes you’re looking for that special one, you know? That’s not quite your garden variety of gifts. So when I was introduced to UncommonGoods, suddenly I felt like I got my gift giving mojo back!

Well, I can’t really take all the credit for that because with a company like UncommonGoods, you’re bound to find something unique. (One of my favourite selections being for “wifey”, but more on that later) What’s more is that UncommonGoods is a company that believes sustainability is not just about being “green” but that it starts with integrity in everything they do, including treating each individual inside and outside their company with dignity and respect, offering health insurance to all their full-time (and most part-time) team members, as well as providing a fair wage to all. (Bravo guys, for understanding the people factor!)

Since their founding, they’ve featured products that contain recycled components and have not sold products containing leather, feathers or fur – showing their commitment to selling products that do no harm to people or animals.(you already have my vote just for this guys!)And, impressively, they pride themselves in being a founding member of B Corporation – an organization created to help customers understand the social and environmental impact of their purchases. (Which include various issues ranging from whether a company provides a living wage, to lessening their impact on the environment, to giving back to the community.)

But do you know what I love the most about this shopping site, is just how easy they try to make your shopping experience. So whether you’re an ace shopper but struggling to find something special for that really hard to shop for friend – you know, the one who has it all. Or whether you just plain old suck at this gift finding gig and need some help, UncommonGoods can help you narrow your search down based on various categories, whether its for a friend who loves to travel, or is into biking. Maybe you’re shopping for gifts for kids. Or maybe just a broader search, like gifts for girlfriends, or even gifts in terms of price ranges – UncommonGoods has you pretty much covered. And it’s all online, so the power lies literally in the palm of your hand.

Here are a few of my favourites from their various listed categories:

A little something special for the wifey

Ahem…I’ll just leave this here,hubby. 😉

1. Parent Nestling Necklaces
Rhonda Dudek’s recycled sterling silver birds perch on collarbones to keep your flock close.

2. Mother & Daughter Letter Book Set
This letter book set includes 40 cards for mothers and daughters to exchange, share, and treasure.

3. Aquamarine Branch Ring
A rough-hewn aquamarine stone is entwined in a silver ring hand-cast from a coiled twig.

4. Himalayan Salt Detox Foot Blocks
Put your best foot forward by soothing your hard-working feet with these Himalayan salt blocks.

5. Convertible Shoulder/Backpack
This transformational bag can be worn as a backpack or shoulder bag, and is made from recycled materials.

Or looking for the perfect gift for your dearest friends:

6. Trinity Wooden Cuff
This striking cuff bracelet is made from thin, woven bands of contrasting cherry, maple and rosewood.

7. Stemless Fountain Aerating Wine Glass Set
Decant your favorite wine with this stemless glass, designed to aerate to perfection.

8. Bluetooth Tracking Tag
Keep easy-to-misplace items on your radar with this Bluetooth-powered rosewood tag and companion app.

9. My Life Story – So Far
This journal gives you prompts for recording your life’s experiences, relationships and hard-won wisdom.

10. Automatic Handbag Illuminator
Cut down on The Great Purse Search with this handy bag light.

And if you’ve been around this blog for a while, you’d know of my Xmas stocking stuffer ideas posts. For the kids its usually so easy, its for the adults that i usually get stuck. So you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll be checking their link for stocking stuffer ideas come this christmas!

11. Table Topics
Keep guests guessing with the help of Table Topics. Each acrylic cube holds 135 conversation starters,

12. Beer Layering Tool
Pour the perfect black and tan – a classic and beautiful stout and a bitter ale combo – with this clever tool.

13. Wine PearlsThese innovative chillers allow you to enjoy wines by the glass at their ideal sipping temperatures.

Now, just in the spirit of keeping it real: When judging the prices, I think you need to keep the reality of the exchange rate in mind. But in terms of the uniqueness and quality of gifts, Uncommongoods.com delivers! Speaking of delivers, yes they are an international company, but unlike some other international sites, they display all prices in South African Rand (so no head scratching as you try to convert the currencies), duties and taxes are calculated at checkout for you, and they guarantee landed costs, so no surprises (as in, no additional charges at delivery).

And what’s really charming is that for each piece of work, you can actually find out more about the artist themselves that’s behind the creation. Reminding you that there is a real person who put their heart and soul into that piece of work.

So, if you’re looking for fun, exciting and unique gifts (for others or for yourself), then UncommonGoods is where you need to be!

Happy shopping! X