Friday, April 6, 2012

Unique Gift-Giving and Shopping at UncommonGoods {Review & Giveaway}

UncommonGoods logo{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Lynda!}

I have often said that I really enjoy gift-giving, but it's the gift-purchasing that always leaves me stumped.

Or, more accurately, the gift-purchasing ideas.

Between kids (what are their interests?) and teachers (where is the happy medium between practical and fun?) and family and friends (what in the world don't they already own?), I find that coming up with items that are unique and different is a continual challenge.

I want to give a gift that makes the recipient's eyes light up, not one that they'll politely thank me for and then immediately move on. That's why I know that when I'm shopping for items that define creative and innovative, that I simply need to visit page after page of UncommonGoods.com.

UncommonGoodsThe unique and wide-ranging collection of items for adults, kids, home, office, and more found at UncommonGoods are from all ends of the spectrum. From wedding gifts to jewelry to handmade goods, the hardest part about shopping there is finding a way to not spend an entire day browsing... and then actually deciding between all of the options available.

Even if my shopping list states "gifts for husband" I'll find myself getting distracted over in the Dining & Entertaining and Jewelry & Accessories pages (which aren't things that are likely to lead to a present for my husband like these). Then I'll be back on track for a few minutes, only to find myself wondering who I know that could use a guitar pick punch.

guitar pick punchAlthough no one I know plays the guitar, maybe I need this for myself just in case I run into Dave Matthews when he is preparing for an impromptu show in the park? And just happens to not have a pick with him?

Hey, it could happen.

While I still think that it couldn't hurt to be prepared for Dave, in the meantime UncommonGoods had something that caught my eye even more. Considering the number of times that my husband and I have been stressed, frazzled and altogether angry about not being able to find our keys when we need them, how have we lived without the Buckle Up Key Holder?

Buckle Up Key HolderMade from a discontinued car seat belt buckle that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill, this wall mounted key holder was the perfect blend of out-of-the-ordinary and extreme usefulness that I was immediately sold on it.

And, when two Buckle Up Key Holders arrived from UncommonGoods, I couldn't wait to see if the amazement would translate in person.

UncommonGoods Buckle Up Key HolderIt did.

These are just so cool! Each one came complete with the buckle, a key fob and ring, and the choice of two hanging methods: two screws with anchors or two-sided tape.

UncommonGoods Buckle Up Key Holder reviewI really appreciated that I had the option of using the two-sided tape, as putting permanent holes into the wall in my entryway seemed much less desirable. In total, the entire assembly and installation time took around one minute, as I applied one side of the tape to the back of the triangular top to the buckles...

double-sided tape...and the other side right to the wall. I did have my doubts that the tape would be strong enough to hold the entire contraption securely to the wall, but those were quickly erased when I found that I could tug and pull on these and not have them waver one bit.

After attaching the fob to our key rings, all it took was popping them into place in the buckles and suddenly we would never have to search the house for our keys again.

Buckle Up Key Holder reviewWhen it comes time to leave, I found that I was able to easily operate the buckle (while holding my keys) with one hand. With these hanging between our front door and garage door, we're all set to click and release and head out on our way.

key organizerThe Buckle Up Key Holder is my new favorite piece of functional decor! While my husband and I tend to drive the same vehicles during the day, we often swap in the evenings or on the weekends depending on what we're doing with (or without) the kids. Therefore, knowing that I won't spend an extra 10 minutes searching the house for his keys when I need them makes me smile each time I see these buckles.

Add to the that the what-in-the-world-are-those? amused reaction that these provide when guests come into our home and I just couldn't be happier with the results. These are just such a fun addition to display!

fun home decorRetailing for $24 each, the Buckle Up Key Holder is just one of the many ways that UncommonGoods makes gift-giving or shopping for something unique simple and fun. Their jewelry, tableware, accessories, home products, gadgets and gifts for him (so many fun ones!), her and kids are sure to impress for your next event or occasion.

With so many handmade or recycled products to choose from as well, you're sure to find something completely different from the norm but also good for the earth! Their commitment to the environment, affordable prices, helpful customer service, and quirky yet cool collection makes UncommonGoods.com the place to go for something special that your recipient (or you) is sure to enjoy.

And, thanks to the generosity of UncommonGoods, one person will be able to see the expression on their recipient's face with a gift that they will always remember, because...

One lucky person will win a $50 gift certificate to UncommonGoods.com!

uncommongoods giveawayTo enter to win: Visit UncommonGoods.com and tell me one of their fun items that you would like to own or give as a gift.

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 Like UncommonGoods.com on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, add them to your circles on Google+ and/or pin your favorite UncommonGoods product on Pinterest.
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 $50 gift certificate to UncommonGoods for unique, fun gifts for the whole family! http://bit.ly/HjPat3 @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

1 Extra Entry (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
2 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 27th at 11:59pm CST. By entering this sweepstakes, you are agreeing to these official rules. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited by law. 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. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning and the giveaway sponsor is solely responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and must be 18 years of age or older.

A big thank you to UncommonGoods.com for providing two Buckle Up Key Holders for me to review as well as a $50 gift certificate as 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.

919 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 400 of 919   Newer›   Newest»
Leann said...

I am an email subscriber. chefl@swbell.net

Leann said...

Following by google reader. chefl@swbell.net

cynthia said...

woven glasses

cynt49@hotmail.com

cynthia said...

i like uncommongoods on fb

cynt49@hotmail.com

Jessica Allen said...

Daily Tweet-
https://twitter.com/#!/MrsJessicaS/status/189321941990117376

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Fly Me to the Moon Wall Art

leia617 (at) hotmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

like on facebook

leia617 (at) hotmail (dot) com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

I'd love to have the Ceramic Modular Planter.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Pur One-Click g/a
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Little Mommy Doll g/a
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Mega Blocks Chuggington Sets g/a
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

email subscriber to Thanks, Mail Carrier
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Kristy Thiel said...

I'd love to get the growth tree necklace. thanks for hosting!

Kristy Thiel said...

I follow you via GFC!

Kristy Thiel said...

I follow you via GFC!

Celeste said...

the moss terrarium bottle! very cool.

celeste@mail4me.com

Celeste said...

following Uncommon Goods on twitter @swellswag

celeste@mail4me.com

Celeste said...

following this blog via GFC

celeste@mail4me.com

Celeste said...

Pinned!
http://pinterest.com/pin/117445502752579614/

celeste@mail4me.com

Robyn Dones said...

My sister would love the Agate Coasters and I would get those for her. Thank you for the chance to win!

kdones (at) optonline (dot) net

Robyn Dones said...

I am an email subscriber. Thank you for the chance to win!

kdones (at) optonline (dot) net

Robyn Dones said...

I am an email subscriber. Thank you for the chance to win!

kdones (at) optonline (dot) net

Robyn Dones said...

Entered the Annie's giveaway. Thank you for the chance to win!

kdones (at) optonline (dot) net

Amy said...

I adore their Whiskey Stones. How clever!

Jackie said...

All the boots in Texas artwork. Love that.

Jackie said...

Facebook follower

Jackie said...

Rss subscriber

Jackie said...

Entered rubbermaid giveaway

Jackie said...

Entered chuggington giveawat

Jackie said...

Entered Lindt giveaway

Jackie said...

Entered jenlinn shoes giveaway

Sunnymay said...

Uncommon Goods has a doormat I like: branch doormat, that looks like crosswise slices of branches laid out on a mat.
amwiden at aol dot com

Sunnymay said...

email subscriber

Amy said...

I love their Whiskey Stones Set!

Kaylie said...

http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/custom-fingerprint-wall-art

I love this

ckaylie777 at hotmail dot com

Kaylie said...

Like UncommonGoods.com on Facebook as Kaylie Nguyen

Kaylie said...

followed them on Twitter as ckaylie777

Jaime Nicole said...

I like the Whiskey stones & gift set!

Kaylie said...

added them to your circles on Google+
as Tran Nguyen

Kaylie said...

https://twitter.com/#!/ckaylie777/status/189400654874296321

I tweeted and followed u

Jaime Nicole said...

I follow you on twitter and tweeted:

https://twitter.com/#!/kidliterati/status/189400552768151552

Kaylie said...

Liked u on Facebook as Kaylie Nguyen

Jaime Nicole said...

I like Uncommon Goods on Facebook as Jaime Nicole

Jaime Nicole said...

I follow Uncommon Goods on twitter as kidliterati

Jaime Nicole said...

I follow you on GFC as jsweeps318

Kaylie said...

http://tranntb08.blogspot.com/

I added u my blogroll

Jaime Nicole said...

I subscribe by RSS feed/Google Reader

Kaylie said...

http://tranntb08.blogspot.com/

I grabbed ur button

#1

Kaylie said...

http://tranntb08.blogspot.com/

I grabbed ur button

#2

Jaime Nicole said...

I added Uncommon Goods to my Google circle

Jaime G.

Jaime Nicole said...

I am your fan on Facebook as Jaime Nicole

Jaime Nicole said...

Your button is on my blog:

www.champagnetastereviews.com


Entry 1

Amy said...

I'm following UG on Twitter @getbackzack.

Jaime Nicole said...

I entered the XO Laptop giveaway

Amy said...

I'm following you on GFC @Amy.

Jaime Nicole said...

I entered the Gourmet Gift Baskets giveaway

Jaime Nicole said...

I entered the Annie's pizza giveaway.

Jaime Nicole said...

I entered the My Pal giveaway

Jaime Nicole said...

I entered the Xia-Xia giveaway.

Jaime Nicole said...

I entered the Douglas Clifford giveaway.

Jaime Nicole said...

I entered the Lindt giveaway.

Jaime Nicole said...

I entered the Pur filter giveaway.

redfuzzycow said...

tweet https://twitter.com/#!/redfuzzycow/status/189423584396058626

Sunnymay said...

entered Everything Happy giveaway

Sunnymay said...

entered Jumpsport iBounce Kids Trampoline giveaway

Jennifer T. said...

I like the Unzipped Glass Zipper Bag.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. said...

I follow through Google Friend Connect.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. said...

I subscribe via Google Reader.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. said...

I'm a facebook fan of Thanks, Mail Carrier under username Jennie Tilson.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. said...

I'm a facebook fan of Uncommon Goods under username Jennie Tilson.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

ColleenMarie82 said...

I really like the have-a-ball babysuits

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

LIKE uncommon Goods on facebook

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

following Uncommon goods on twitter as Halleelujahmom

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I follow on twitter and tweeted

https://twitter.com/#!/HalleelujahMom/status/189444883839328256
inman@Mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the Jumpsport giveaway

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the everything Happy giveaway

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the LIttle Mommy giveaway

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the Glade giveaway

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the Douglas Toys giveaway

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the My Pal giveaway

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the Rubbermaid giveaway

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the Chugguington giveaway

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the Annies giveaway

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the Betty Crocker giveaway

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the Jenlinn giveaway

inman@mobap.edu

Anonymous said...

like the dream giclee print
gkuroda(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

liked uncommon goods on fb
gkuroda(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

entered douglas toys giveaway
gkuroda(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

entered chuggington giveaway
gkuroda(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

entered jumpSport giveaway
gkuroda(at)gmail.com

Jennifer T. said...

I entered the Little Mommy giveaway.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. said...

I entered the Lindt giveaway.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. said...

I entered the Xia-Xia giveaway.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. said...

I entered the Annie's Organic Rising Crust Pizza giveaway.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. said...

I entered the Gourmet Gift Baskets giveaway.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Linda W. said...

The Jaws shower curtain is interesting!

Elkhorn Inn & Theatre said...

I love their stuff! They have great gifts and So many things I want for ME!!!! I especially love their truly unique, fun furniture, like the "Don't Walk" and Snow Ski chairs: http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/snow-ski-rockers

Elkhorn Inn & Theatre said...

I "like" uncommon goods on Facebook: Elisse Jo Goldstein-Clark

Elkhorn Inn & Theatre said...

I "follow" uncommongoods on Twitter: @elkhorninn

Elkhorn Inn & Theatre said...

I follow & +1 uncommon goods on Google+

Elkhorn Inn & Theatre said...

I follow you on Twitter and I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/elkhorninn/status/189487073793818624

Elkhorn Inn & Theatre said...

I subscribe to you by email: elisse @ frontiernet.net

Elkhorn Inn & Theatre said...

I "like" you on Facebook: Elisse Jo Goldstein-Clark

Elkhorn Inn & Theatre said...

Your button is on the homepage of my blog: http://www.southernwestvirginia.blogspot.com/

Hello said...

<3 The ninja umbrella!

Anonymous said...

like the nestling birds mom necklace

jenpress@hotmail.com

jlafount said...

I like the Stone Drink Dispenser

Marisa May said...

Scrabble cufflinks. I need those for my hubby.

Marisa May said...

I liked them on facebook.

JDewolf said...

OWL BOWL SET!!

Pauline MIlner said...

Tweeted today:

https://twitter.com/#!/bullittmilner/status/189596375275675649

dod@rogers.com

SueZH said...

I entered Daisy flatts

Terra Heck said...

I'd like to have the Glass Water Faucet. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Terra Heck said...

email subscriber
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Terra Heck said...

follow your blog via gfc
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Karen said...

LOVE the Sari Bag :)

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Karen said...

LIKE on Facebook :)

Karen said...

Entered JumpSport :)

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Karen said...

Entered Happy Blankie :)

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Karen said...

Entered PUR :)

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Karen said...

Entered Douglas Toys :)

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Karen said...

Entered Chuggington :)

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Karen said...

Entered Annie's :)

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Karen said...

Entered Gourmet Gift Baskets :)

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Karen said...

Entered Uncommon Goods :)

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Karen said...

Entered JennLin :)

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Karen said...

Entered Pillsbury :)

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Jessica Allen said...

Daily Tweet-
https://twitter.com/#!/MrsJessicaS/status/189686952470122498

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I am always interested in letter openers, but the Railroad Spike letter opener is some thing I have never seen before. One of my favorite things on the site.

Mirm said...

like the sea glass earrings
mayerfeld at gmail

Mirm said...

gfc follower
mayerfeld at gmail

Mirm said...

Entered jenlinn shoes giveaway


mayerfeld at gmail

mogrill said...

I like the nesting bowls.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com

wigget said...

i would love to get the State of Our Union Workbooks

wigget said...

subscriber

wigget said...

entered Everything Happy Giveaway

wigget said...

entered PUR One-Click Faucet Mount Giveaway

wigget said...

entered Lindt Easter Basket Giveaway

wigget said...

entered XO Laptop Giveaway

wigget said...

entered Chuggington Giveaway

wigget said...

entered Pillsbury Disney Giveaway

mverno said...

i like the bird alarm clock
mverno@roadrunner.com

mverno said...

i like uncommon goods on fb susan v
mverno@roadrunner.com

ColleenMarie82 said...

daily tweet

https://twitter.com/#!/HalleelujahMom/status/189772061202325507

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the Uniquely Me giveaway

inman@mobap.edu

Jaime Nicole said...

4/10 tweet:

https://twitter.com/#!/kidliterati/status/189798777178165248

Jaime Nicole said...

I entered the Pillsbury giveaway.

PAIGE said...

I entered the Jenlinn flats giveaway.
elysesw@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Baby Fortune Cookie Slippers
are adorable!
adinatm(at)aol.com

Anonymous said...

i entered the trampoline giveaway
adinatm(at)aol.com

redfuzzycow said...

tweet https://twitter.com/#!/redfuzzycow/status/189876603969486848

thight said...

i love the baby bubble dresses!
telithahight at yahoo

Rich said...

https://twitter.com/#!/unevenfist/status/189900126570029056

Jessica Allen said...

Daily Tweet-
https://twitter.com/#!/MrsJessicaS/status/190044075842478080

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

vandahm said...

I like their Family Traditions Journal
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

Follow you on FB
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

redfuzzycow said...

twee thttps://twitter.com/#!/redfuzzycow/status/190119969642659840

ColleenMarie82 said...

daily tweet

https://twitter.com/#!/HalleelujahMom/status/190121178671751172

inman@Mobap.edu

Jaime Nicole said...

4/11 tweet

https://twitter.com/#!/kidliterati/status/190134947703562240

Jaime Nicole said...

I entered the IHOP giveaway

Rita M said...

I'd love to have the colorful Pantone Storage Boxes.

Rita M said...

I like Uncommon Goods on FB - Rita Melton

Rita M said...

I follow Uncommon Goods on Twitter - @4emsmom

Rita M said...

I follow Uncommon Goods on Google+ - Rita M

CherylS22 said...

I'd like to own the ALL SHALL BE WELL SPINNING RING.
Thanks for the giveaway!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

I like UncommonGoods.com on Facebook (Cheryl EntryAccount)
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

I added UncommonGoods.com to my circles on Google+ (Cheryl Snyder)
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

I pinned my favorite UncommonGoods product on Pinterest
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

FB fan (Cheryl EntryAccount)
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

I entered the Celebrate Lucky Number 7 with IHOP {$25 Gift Card Giveaway - 7 winners!}
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

I entered the Celebrate Easter with Lindt {Hoppy Easter Basket Review & Giveaway}
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

I entered the GourmetGiftBaskets.com Brownie Sampler {Review & Giveaway}
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

Liz said...

I love the Unzipped Glass Zipper Bag

Anonymous said...

I like to use mushrooms in recipes, so I would like to try the mushroom kit.
bkittie@hotmail.com

Noelle said...

The Tourist Baby Bodysuit it really adorable.

Ann Fantom said...

I would like the NESTING PREP BOWLS.

abfantom at yahoo dot com

Ann Fantom said...

I like Uncommon Goods on Facebook: Ann Fantom

abfantom at yahoo dot com

Ann Fantom said...

I added Uncommon Goods to my Google+ circle id: abfantom fantom

abfantom at yahoo dot com

Ann Fantom said...

I follow via GFC: abfantom fantom

abfantom at yahoo dot com

Ann Fantom said...

I'm an email subscriber

abfantom at yahoo dot com

Ann Fantom said...

I entered the Lindt Easter basket giveaway

abfantom at yahoo dot com

Ann Fantom said...

I entered the Bop It! XT giveaway

abfantom at yahoo dot com

Pauline MIlner said...

Tweeted today:

https://twitter.com/#!/bullittmilner/status/190354341314560001

dod@rogers.com

Jessica Allen said...

Daily Tweet-
https://twitter.com/#!/MrsJessicaS/status/190406219721224192

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

Rich said...

https://twitter.com/#!/unevenfist/status/190434275038986240

LaurKnotter said...

I love the Hidden Message Pendants.

ColleenMarie82 said...

daily tweet

https://twitter.com/#!/HalleelujahMom/status/190488123640254465

inman@Mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the Hasbro giveaway

inman@Mobap.edu

redfuzzycow said...

tweet https://twitter.com/#!/redfuzzycow/status/190525274427895808

nd said...

Lucy Socks. Had some with my little one. So cute!

ndmolyneaux (at) yahoo

nd said...

Entered "Stylish Flats for Spring from Jenlinn.com" Giveaway

ndmolyneaux (at) yahoo

PAIGE said...

I entered the Eockboard Skateboard giveaway.
elysesw@aol.com

jill190 said...

HOLGA LEAF BASKETS is what I would buy for my self.

Nikki said...

I think the GARDEN PLATE & UTENSILS looks like fun! ngiraldi at gmail dot com

Nikki said...

follow uncommon goods on twitter ngiraldi at g mail dot com

Nikki said...

entered in the Brownie Gourmet Gift Basket giveaway ngiraldi at gmail dot com

Nikki said...

follow you and tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/MissOsMom/status/190567827319685120 ngiraldi a t gmail dot com

Nikki said...

follow you through GFC ngiraldi at gmail dot com

Nikki said...

subscribe to your emails ngiraldi at gmail dot com

Nikki said...

like you on FB ngiraldi at gmail dot com

«Oldest ‹Older   201 – 400 of 919   Newer› Newest»