The Owl's Have It

Looking for an unconventional stuffed animal for a child? (Although I think many adults would love this too.) I spotted this Wooly Night Owl at Viva Terra. It's hand-spun and knitted by women in Kenya and dyed with plants grown in their gardens. Great gift for a great cause! ($79.00)

Super-size me

There's a great interview with Jessica, co-creator of Slaughterhead over at IndieFixx. They make tons of cool vinyl bags a wallets with unexpected designs. I think I'm at my bag buying capacity, but wallets are another story. I've owned many wallets, but they never seem big enough, especially the one I own now. It definitely doesn't hold all of my credit cards, and my bag is so darn big anyway that I can never find it when I need it. Then I saw this jumbo wallet. Nothing like killing two birds with one stone... ($60.00)

Terry Graziano Transforms Your Style

I just ran across Terry Graziano's Esty Shop and fell in love with her chic, innovative hat designs with a vintage feel! Check out the Sweetheart Candy Box hat, I think it would flatter any head shape (and hair style for that matter). The Sweetheart Style comes in many color combinations and you can wear the hat 4 different ways! This would make a great addition to any hat/accessory addicts' closet. The style shown here costs $95.00, gift certificates are also available so you can let your giftee select her own.

Will you write me a song, Valentine?

Happy Valentine's Day! Always wanted someone to write a love song for you for a special gift between you and your loved ones? Brian Alex will do it---and it'll only cost you anywhere from $2,000-$25,000! What do you get for the price? Depends on the cost, of course. But he generally records it with musicians and delivers two CDs---one framed and the other for playing. Check out the story here. As noted on his website, it's "the perfect gift."

Important notice from the Bureau of Communications

I just found my favorite new way to send e-greetings thanks to How About Orange's blog. Bureau of Communications allows you to send most-official looking documents when you just have to get something off your chest. The site is provided by Magnetism, who makes all kinds of cool widgets like the Idea Generator. They even have a "Declaration of Romantic Intent"---be sure to send one to your sweetie on Thurs!

Read my Declaration of Gratitude below. I mean every word of it!

lunch-time genius

I had to post about Delight's find of the day---a portable dish set. The set includes a plate, bowl, cup, utensils, that all wrap together in a placemat. Pure genius and conveniency can be yours for $25.08.

Gifting Chocolates: The next generation

Okay, so you're set on gifting chocolates this Valentine's Day? That's okay, because there are some great products out this season that are far from your run-of-the-mill Russell Stover's. Here are a few of my favs from around the web.

Dylan's chocolates are getting a lot of buzz lately, and rightly so. Their colorful labels and simply delicious combinations have skyrocketed them to success! This 18-piece truffle box is packed with flavors such as Milk Rocky Praline, Caramel Mousse, and Passion Fruit Ganache. $42.00

MarieBelle is also taking chocolates to the next level. Her boxed chocolates are literally tiny works of art. Pick up the 25-piece set for $48.00.

Another product she makes that I'm totally wild about is the Pin-up girl chocolate bars. Pick some up and hand them out to your favorite single gal-pals ($15.00).

Finally, I love these little "love bugs" from John and Kira's. They come in a little wooden box and are filled with dark chocolate ganache. Yum! ($34.00 for a box of 12)

Sew cute

Looking for an unconventional way to surprise your loved ones this Valentine's Day? Nab a piece of their clothing and sew in one of these: "the best" label from the Curiosity Shoppe. Although they may not realize it right away, it's sure to bring a smile to their faces when they do! $16 (found via Design Sponge)

Sharon Gill NYC: New Twists on Old Favorites

Have you discovered Sharon Gill NYC yet? I recently did, and the more I check out her site, the more I love what she's doing. Sharon has a new take on tunics, and she just came out with a line including vibrant colors for Spring 08! I'm picturing wearing her Algiers tunic in light morning on vacation, sipping my morning coffee, white sand squished in between my toes...

And dare I say it, I think her St Bart's dresses would look totally chic on bridesmaids for spring weddings or even for the bride at her rehearsal dinner.

The best part? Buying a Sharon Gill original also means supporting a great cause. A portion of her earnings benefits the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

You can find out where to buy Sharon Gill designs here. Tunics and dresses run around $150. Pick one up for a friend or loved one and show them how "with it" you are! Or, if you're planning to gift a romantic vacation for your girlfriend/wife this Valentine's day, surprise her with a suitcase carrying one of these tunics and the airplane tickets/itinerary.

V-Day: The anti-gift

Tired of gifting/getting candy hearts with sweet sayings, boxes of chocolates, and flowers that are way overpriced and die within days? Why not give an anti-valentine gift this year instead? The Inventorspot posted a list of the 10 hottest anti-valentine's day gifts. My favorite? Duh! the Sarcastic Candy Hearts, available at ThinkGeek.com ($9.99). "He fit, u fat." 'Nuff said.

A little box

Need a small package for that little something you just picked up for Valentine's Day? Patricia at A Little Hut has got you covered! Pick up the template for her little boxes and gift cards here for $3.99 each. Cheaper than Hallmark! (via Poppytalk)