Holiday Shopping Guide 2007, Vol 1

UncommonGoods: While the products are consistently fresh and original, their website is lacking in design and usability. They're a trusted, long-time quirky goods reseller. Be sure to sign up for their print catalog -- it's nice to browse through printed materials every now and then.

Elsewares: Taking a page out of Urban Outfitter's playbook, Elsewares is another success story in peddling original, quirky stuff on the web. Popular among urban-dwelling twenty-somethings, like the above UncommonGoods, this is the place for independent artist designed jewelry, clothes and products for your apartment (err, dorm?).

Branch: Recycled and earth-friendly products are perfect for an eco-minded gift recipient. One fact I especially warmed up to is that their founder Paul Donald is a former creative from Wired magazine.

GelaSkins and Mophie: Looking for great iPod accessories? These guys have got the hottest way to wrap, protect and accessorize the most precious of mp3 collections.

NY Transit Museum Store: For those passionate about trains, or more specifically NY's mass transit, this is the place. While the subway map emblazoned apparel and bags are a bit tacky, the old subway grab holds and original subway art make for tasteful, original gift ideas.

Burt's Bees Community Service Announcement

I fully disclose that Burt's Bees is a client of ours over at the agency, and I never leave the house without my Beeswax Lip Balm. With that said, I am still compelled to share news that these fine folks are raising awareness to a growing concern: our country's troubled bee population.

We have a problem with honey bees dying. This issue is important for all of us… not just nature lovin’ tree huggers. To learn more, visit the Burt's Bees site and watch a new video about dying honey bees.

Do-it-Yourself Flintstones Car for Kids

Yabba Dabba Doo! A member at Instructables has posted detailed instructions on how to build a Flintstones car for your kids! Brilliant idea, and very well executed. Eat your heart out Fisher-Price!


Warning: May not be appropriate for children under 3. Hazardous and dangerous to most children's health. Only use if your child grew up watching classic Hanna-Barbera cartoons, and is named Pebbles or Bam-Bam.