There's butterfinger, skittles, mr. goodbar...

A friend and I were talking recently about what the best houses gave out on Halloween when we were growing up. My favorite Halloween house gave out WHOLE candy bars, and hers gave out banana clips and charms (Awesome!). I thought to myself - what a great idea! EVERYBODY gives out candy - why not be different and give something that won't be confiscated (I didn't know what a tootsie roll tasted like until I turned 16) or regulated ("You can have 3 pieces when you get back.") by parents? Also, not everybody gets to enjoy candy - so why not make it fun for all the kiddies? Below are some Halloween treat alternatives, and while it may be too late this year to give them out, it is definitely something to keep in mind for the next!

Temporary Tattoos

SmileMakers (part of Staples) has a ton of temporary tats with different characters and themes. 1 pack is around $15.00 - sounds like a lot, but you get 144 tattoos per pack!

Glow Gear

Safety First! Give out glow sticks or other glowing gear. Sites like Oriental Trading sell many of these products in bulk.

Stationary

Stamps, pencils, notepads, erasers...kids love this stuff. Again, check out SmileMakers (where you can find all the pics from below), as they have some great ideas.

Nabawhat?!

Who cares what this thing is called (it's called a Nabaztag)? After reading about it on Yahoo, I knew Nabs and I were destined to be together.

Why, you ask? This little wifi rabbit hooks you up with all kinds of info - and reads it aloud! It can read your RSS feeds, tell you the weather, wake you up in the morning by singing your favorite MP3. . . here's the description on Amazon: "Just connect your Nabaztag to your PC and you'll have a pet that reads your news headlines, tracks stocks for you, even tells you how the traffic and weather are doing. Your Nabaztag can even be programmed to do all sorts of things -- what you decide to make it do, is up to you. . .Your Nabaztag has its own moods and personality - It'll have its own random ideas and say random things Don't sit in front of the computer waiting for an email or IM - When you receive a message, Nabaztag will warn you Feeling the need to stretch? Your Nabaztag will do T'ai Chi with you When it's time for bed, you can tell it to catch some rest - it may give you a sleepy goodnight back."

And apparently, that's just the tip of what this thing can do. It can also smell and hear (seriously)!

Nabaztag retails for $165.00 on Amazon.com. Great gift for the all gadget lovers!

Holy Flying Monkeys!

If you know me, you'll know why I think this is an awesome gift. Flying monkeys rock.

Get this ($4.95), or an assortment of other flying catapults at Archie McPhee. This site is perfect for office gifts, secret santas, and stocking stuffers.

Mixed Tapes: The Next Generation

One of my favorite things to give and receive has got to be the CD mix. The CD can be themed with titles like "X-mas", "Winter" or "Let it Snow"; or they can be themed to a particular type of music or upcoming event. Zeichen press gets this, and has come up with an array of awesome CD sleeves that would be the perfect compliment to any CD mix. Some favorites are below...pick them up, along with their other fabulous stationary, at the shops listed here. (Found via Indie Fixx.)

Hog wild!

I really can't say enough good about Delight. They have single-handedly got the coolest stuff around. I fell in love with this Pomaireware Handcrafted Pig Serving Dish and Spoon and I bet a lot of others did too (their website indicates that it's "back by wildly popular demand!" The site also says that you can use this bowl on the stove, in the oven and as a serving dish. Doesn't get any better than that! Pick it up for $39.91, but you better act quickly!

Chill out

Ahhhhh. Last night was the first night that I could actually feel fall. And then I thought, "Jesus, it's cold! I can't wait for spring!" If you know someone who likes to stay warm and fuzzy, but wants to look cool while doing it, the shawls and scarfs from Kelgwo might do the trick! I love their organic blends - the perfect colors for fall! Pick one up at their Etsy shop (found via Modish).

Paper Dolls with a Twist

Paper Forest posted about Amy Earles' Paper Dolls and I am thoroughly enchanted. Her delicate creations would have created hours of puppet theatre fun when I was a kid. Oh, who am I kidding? I would still play puppet theatre with them! The dolls are available at her Etsy store Wool & Water for anywhere from $6.00 - $15.00

The more the mightier!

Since I'm such a big fan of stuff, I had to give a shout out to Mighty Goods for the introduction of their newest "mighty" blog - Mighty Junior. 'Cause kids definitely get more goods than the rest of us adults. Just like their big sis, Mighty Junior showcases the coolest products (although in this case, kiddie products) from around the net. Bravo!

First there were Cat Butts, now there's Penguin Poop!

For those of you who enjoyed Cat Butts (there was at least one, right?), now there's Penguin Poop! Penguin Poops are completely edible chocolate candies, and I think the description on the Penguin Gift Shop says it all: "Are you struggling to find a penguin gift for the person that has everything? How about one of our famous jars of "Penguin Poop"? Besides being a fantastic penguin conversation piece, the chocolate rock candy really tastes great. Why not buy a case and stock up for that long hard penguin winter?" Just when you thought you'd seen it all...($6.95, found via Neatorama.)

New gift wrap at shopsins

Shopsin's is an ode to simpler times. One page, a few products, and a catalog-esque order form. Recently added to their list of goods is "Jokewrap" - double-sided wrapping paper with a joke on one side and the punch line on the other. One question: Will your giftee be more interested in what's inside or the punch line? I think you can learn a lot about a person from using this gift wrap...

Gift Debate: Milk Mumu: Appropriate or scary?

I think the Milk mumu ($27.99, found via IndieShopping) over at Etsy is a great concept - not only does it keep all of your bits from prying eyes, it eliminates any uncomfortableness that you or others might feel you while you are "taking care of business." I think this is an awesome idea and a lot of moms would be all over it...but do you think it would be appreciated as a gift (say, for a baby shower) or could it be interpreted by the giftee as the equivalent of you saying, "Keep your you know what's out of my face"? Also, how do you explain what it is to that person? Maybe it's the kind of gift that you should only give to yourself? I'm torn. Does anyone else have thoughts?

At any rate, Milk Mumu has lots of fabrics to choose from, and I think the idea is pure genius!

Good on Paper's at it again!

I'm loving the new "goods" that Good on Paper e-mailed over. The wall calendar is perfect for the new year - the designs are really fresh, which makes a great way to start each month. The new notecards are also flawless, the petals note card is really beautiful, and I think I just picked out my new holiday cards. Head on over to her site today!

Reverting back to my childhood

This is going to be #2 on my list to Santa this year (#1 will be a tree to put it on)...Mighty Goods posted a link to a recycled tire swing in the shape of an airplane and I cannot think of a cooler gift for a kid. The swing is available at Best Price Toys (on sale for $210.95), which also has recycled tire swings in other shapes, like a kangaroo and and elephant. I agree with Mighty Goods on this one though, nothing is cooler than that airplane.

Etsy Highlights

Okay, I know this whole subject is kind of tired out, but I just wanted to highlight some great Etsy shops that caught my eye this morning. . .and besides, Esty really is one of the best sites around to get one-of-a-kind gifts in one-stop shopping, so why shouldn't I give a shout out every now and then?

Pearl & Marmalade

This stationary is totally my style. The designers behind this shop really have an eye for detail and each card is like it's own piece of art. Personal favorites are the "I'm Sorry" card, the "Peek-a-boo Gnome" noteset (gnomes rock!), and the "Foxy Salutations" card (all pictured above).

something's hiding in here

Nothing's cooler than a crazy mustache - and these gals know it. If you've ever been envious of someone else's stache - they might be able to help you out. Oh, and they also have other cool stuff too.

I always wondered what I'd look like with antlers...

If you are just too lazy to dress up for Halloween, these mirrors from the Design Can might put you in the holiday spirit. Perfect for the friend who thinks it'd be cool to be a pirate. (What?! I'm the only one who knows someone like that?) Also just a fun mirror to give in general. The mirrors (don't worry, pirate isn't the only style) are available at Unica Home for $48.00 (found via Apartment Therapy).

New Orleans Baby!

In case anyone was wondering, the gift giver went to New Orleans on a three-day excursion. If you've never been, or if you haven't been post-Katrina, I highly recommend it. The city is really getting back on it's feet and the people there are all about having a great time. If you're in the area and looking for possible souvenirs/gifts here are some hot spots I found.

The New Orleans School of Cooking and Louisiana General Store in the French Quarter offers daily cooking classes, plus a store where you can get traditional New Orleans seasonings. I picked up some Joe's seasoning for stocking stuffers (also available in their online shop). The staff there is very friendly and willing to help with whatever you are looking for.

I'm not necessarily a sweet person, but it's had to go to New Orleans without passing a praline shop. Many claim to be the "original," and while that is an argument I wouldn't want to touch, I had a chance to sample Aunt Sally's at the French Market, and they are delish! Pick up a box for grandma.

If you head over to Magazine Street, you must hit up Pied Nu. It is a cute little boutique with all sorts of gifts, I especially love their jewelry (warning...they aren't cheap)! You may also want to check out Hazelnut, which has the "exclusive" New Orleans Toile. When I first moved to CT, I turned into a toile freak, and although I have since calmed down, my heart went pitter-patter at the thought of a New Orleans toile accordion file.

So, there you have it! Anyone else have good gift recommendations for the NOLA area?

Clapton is God

Although the early teen version of myself would kick my butt for saying this (c'mon, I know I'm not the only George Harrison fan with irrational hatred toward Clapton for stealing away Pattie Boyd), Eric Clapton ranks up there as one of the best guitarists around. And I guess I got over my irrationally hurt feelings because I can't get enough of Clapton lately - I even went to his concert last year ("Blaspheme!" says 13-year-old Cortney).

Clapton recently released an autobiography (read an article on his appearance on the Today Show here) and a cd, "Complete Clapton." It's gift-giving 101 people: book + cd = awesome gift.

Matthew Mead: Style Genius?

Black.White.Bliss reminded me of one of my favorite party inspiration sites - Matthew Mead Style. His ideas are genius and I know for a fact he could out dress any table in the New England area (sorry Martha). His fall site is up, and some of his amazing downloads include jack-o-lantern inspired wine glasses, with an orange cocktail recipe; Halloween treat boxes and Halloween giftwrap; and thanksgiving place holders and favor boxes. Perfection!

Charming

Design*Sponge posted a link to Bethan Lloyd Worthington's creations. Her one-of-a-kind works are equally as impressive as her name (or is that just my transference of an early high school obsession with Oscar Wilde?). Commission one of these charming bracelets for £20-£25.

Oh you Jezebel!

Did I mention my obsession lately with silhouettes? Or did I just mention it out loud to myself? Thought so...

These lovely letterpress cards from Jezebel are perfect for any occasion, and, in my case, would make good refrigerator/mantle art (where all good cards go). (starting at $3.50, found via Domino Mag's blog.)

Jezebel also has an awesome etsy store with t-shirts, etc.

Going Mobile

Alexander Calder is one of my favorite sculptor/artists. My friend D doesn't get it, but I mean, c'mon, the guy INVENTED the mobile! Anyway, I think mobiles make great gifts, and with inspiration from Print & Pattern's post, here are some mobile favorites.



Hanging Peacocks at Mirror Mirrior (via Print & Pattern). Gift one for a cool new light pull or gift three and hang together (£8.00).



"Sheep" by Flensted, available at Konrads ($25.00). Help a sleepy neighbor visualize better.


"Monkey Tree" by Flensted, available at Konrads ($29.00). For an updated nursery.






"Rift" mobile, available at Adrift Mobiles ($248.00). Something about this mobile is very calming.