In the spirit of online shopping, er, giving, I’ve been browsing through any and all catalogs that make their way into my mailbox.  A little over a week ago, the Uncommon Goods catalog caught my eye with its quirky, humorous and unique inventory.

Their motto, “find anything but ordinary”, fits them to a T.  I enjoyed searching through the one-of-a-kind items for possible gifts – and maybe even things just for my home.  Here are the items that I particularly like.

1)  These Paper Pots hold a stack of Kleenex tissues or a roll of toilet paper.  {Click on the link and view the You Tube video to see how they work.}  They’re a pretty clever alternative to the boring cardboard Kleenex box.

2)  One of my goals for the next year is to start composting.  {I know, I know.  I should be doing it already.  I’m awful.}  These cutesy Ceramic Countertop Compost Containers would make it easier and prettier.

3)  This bag o’ goodies may not seem like anything special but look again.  It’s actually an Unzipped Glass Zipper Bag.  What a creative way to display treats!

4)  I’m one of those people who must have their checkbook balanced to the penny.  This Lined Paper Checkbook Cover is simple and fun…in contrast to the act of balancing your checking account.

5)  Ok, so I totally want one of these Cardboard Animal Heads.  {Hear me, Santa?  The deer, I like the deer.}  They’re a great way to add some hunting lodge appeal to your home minus the hunting part.  Plus, they have cool names like Bucky, Fred and Eyan.  They just need an Earl and my family tree would be complete!  Handy Hubby thinks I’m crazy to want a paper deer hanging from the wall but not a stuffed one. Oh well.  It wouldn’t be the first time he thought I was crazy.

6)  I could see my boys manipulating this Evolutionary Dinosaur Puzzle Set into loud and scary beasts.  Roar!  The fact that they’re made of non-toxic wood and water-based paints is music to my ears.

7)  The Destruct 3 would be a great Family Friday game to play with all my boys {Handy Hubby included}.  You know how kids {and their fathers too} like to build things and then knock ’em down?  Well, this game is meant just for that.  Players take turns building a block tower while their opponents try to demolish it with either a catapult, ramp or pendulum.  Now if that doesn’t mold my lil’ men into spittin’ engineer images of their Dada, I’m not sure what will.

So, that’s me window shopping, uh, maybe ‘web shopping.’  Do you like anything you saw?  If so, go to the Uncommon Goods website to find even more {and more unique!} gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.  And tell me…  Am I a Scrooge for avoiding the store bought hustle-and-bustle? Or maybe you already compost and could give me some tips?  Or, better yet, you’re with Handy Hubby and find paper animal heads just ridiculous?

Happy shopping!

FYI – I was not compensated in any way for featuring Uncommon Goods and their goods.  I just like sharing fun stuff.

images:  1) Uncommon Goods  2) collage by Dana Miller with Uncommon Goods images