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."

Take me back

Do you have a giftee who always says, "high school was the best time of my life" or "I wish I were a kid again"? Here's a uber-cool way to remind them---with school house chairs listed in the classifieds on Apartment Therapy-NY. The best part? Besides being "adult sized," they are also going for just $50! Remember how your legs used to stick to them in the summer when you were wearing shorts and then you'd walk around with red splotches down the back of your legs in between classes? Yep, those were the days....

Make your own cookbook

Know anyone who's ever wanted their own cookbook? My friend Paola sent me over this link from the New York Times about a new venture from Conde Nast and Kamran Mohsenin - Tastebook.com. Through this site, users can create their very own cookbooks, using up to 100 recipes from Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Epicurious, and other chefs. You can even add your own personal recipes - which is why I really like this concept. The book comes in a hardcover binder (you choose the front image and the title) and allows you to add chapters that are tabbed for easy access.

How much does all this cost? $34.95!

For gift-giving purposes, I suggest gathering up the family's favorite recipes and creating a cookbook using the family name (ie, The Smith Family Recipes) and gifting to all the chefs in your clan. This would also be great for showers, weddings, and office parties.

Thanks for the tip P!

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!

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).

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.)

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?

Asian Inspiration at Horchow

While super-sheik Neiman Marcus retailer Horchow may be a bit out of my budget, they do have some nice once-in-a-lifetime gifts for weddings, showers and engagements. And if nothing else, they provide inspiration for your next trip to Homegoods.

These "Asian Treasures" would impress even your most critical giftee.

Antique Food Basket, hails from 1850-1870, $190.00

Antique Grain Barrel, circa 1850-1870, $300.00


Antique Drum, 100-120 years old, $379.00 (marked as a "special" HA!)

Bacon, Bacon, Bacon!!!!

Speaking of salt, who doesn't love bacon? (Okay, maybe that wasn't the best segue, but moving on...) Shelterrific posted this link about a BLT-scented candle trio that was featured in Rachel Ray's mag, and as weird as it sounds, I bet I know some people who would absolutely love it! And if you know someone who would like a bacon-inspired gift, here are a few suggestions:
The BLT candle trio (mentioned above), $33.95 at the Grateful Palate.

Bacon Salt, because "everything should taste like bacon." Don't ask me how these guys did it, they actually invented a seasoning that tastes like bacon, but doesn't actually have bacon as an ingredient (some things are better left unknown). Bacon salt also boasts no fat and no calories. What's not to love? Available in Original, Peppered, and Hickory ($12.99 for the sampler).

The only thing I can think of that's better than smelling or eating bacon taste is wearing it! Well, not really, but this bacon scarf looks mighty tasty to me! ($39.95 at Shopsin's General Store, via Ohgizmo.com).

Now that you have all these bacon products, what do you wrap them in? Why, bacon gift wrap of course! $3.95 for 2 20''x30'' sheets, available at Merch-bot.com.

Salt is my drug of choice

How many salt addicts do you know? I can think of at least 12 off the top of my head (myself included). Why not indulge their craving 24 different ways with the World Salt Sampler from Red Envelope ($165, On October's O List). According to Red Envelope, "The serious chef knows that salt from Cyprus has a distinct ocean flavor and that Indian black salt greatly complements vegetarian dishes." Crap, I guess I'm not as addicted to salt as I thought I was. Does knowing the difference between Morton's table and kosher salt count?

Carved for Cutting

These cutting boards available at Elsewares from Olze and Wilkens would make great housewarming gifts. The designs are lasered into the wood following the grain, creating a cool scene. Cutting boards are an essential kitchen item that everyone needs, but can never seem to remember to purchase. Pick one up for $38.00.