Miss Malaprop Unique Handmade Gifts {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Amber L!}

What is it about handmade items that makes them so special?

Is it the way that every single one is unique? Or the remarkable feeling of knowing that a real person crafted it for you? How about the pride in having helped an artisan out, even just a tiny bit, in reaching for their dreams?

I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I love things that are handmade. But up until recently, I didn't know more than one or two places to look to find accessories, home decor, jewelry, clothing, and more that was not only handcrafted but also... distinct. Exceptional, if you will. Or how about: really, really cool.

And then I was introduced to Miss Malaprop and spent eons browsing through the amazing selection and knew that this site was the answer.

Defined as "where modern handmade meets sustainable design," Miss Malaprop is a shining example all things good. By bringing together independent (indie) designers and artists, eco-friendly and sustainable products, and charitable organizations, when you shop there you're doing your part to help the world on multiple levels.

As well as supporting the small businesses that are featured, Miss Malaprop focuses on sustainable, recycled, organic, environmentally-friendly products and services, so you know that your purchase is going to be something that you can feel good about for yourself or as a gift.

Which is just how I felt when I saw the NOLA Love Unisex Eco-Heather Grey V-Neck T-Shirt in person and was able to examine the beautiful design and feel its super-softness.
Right away I liked the way that, at first glance to this folded shirt, it looks like a simple grey t-shirt.

But then you touch it and the blend of organic cotton, EcoSpun polyester (which is made from recycled plastic soda bottles) and rayon (made from converted plant cellulose) makes it clear that you're not going to want to take this off. It's just so comfortable!

Even better, however, is the original "NOLA love" fleur de lis and heart design created by Miss Malaprop herself. The light grey vintage wash makes it so that the image slightly blends in but is also definitely noticeable and the off-center printing just gives it a little extra flair.

It's hard to not love New Orleans, isn't it? Whether you've visited, live there, or have never had the pleasure, I think there's a lot of love for that city floating around and what better way to show it than with something great like this shirt? Available in unisex sizes for $22, this is apparel that is stylish and unique for both men or women.

Whether you are looking for handmade jewelry, a one-of-a-kind item for your home, a gift made from organic materials, or much, much more, you're not going to find cookie cutter/box store products when you shop Miss Malaprop.

And, after you've spent forever browsing all of the distinctive items for sale, don't miss checking out the Miss Malaprop blog so that you can discover the woman behind the site and see how Mallory's style, talent, and individual personality fit right in with her shop.

Plus, thanks to her generosity, one person will be able to choose their own amazing handmade selection for themselves or as a gift, because...

One lucky person will win a $30 gift certificate to Miss Malaprop!

To enter to win: Visit Miss Malaprop and tell me which amazing item is your favorite.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Miss Malaprop on Twitter and/or Like her on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a $30 gift certificate from @MissMalaprop - unique, eco-friendly, and fun! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/eJA2sL #giveaway #win

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on April 8th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open worldwide! If you're reading this, you can enter!

A big thank you to Miss Malaprop for providing a NOLA T-Shirt for me to review as well as a $30 gift certificate for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.