One catalog that I love getting and flipping through is Uncommon Goods. I’ve often admired the selection of unique items that include affordable handmade goods and eco-friendly products and was excited when they reached out to me with a challenge. My task? Shop for all four members of my family and the family dog for $100. Not only do I love a good challenge but there’s also the thrill the hunt for unique items that put smiles on the faces of gift recipients so I accepted their challenge!
Travel Themed Gifts from Uncommon Goods
We’re a family who loves to travel. Going to China this summer was the start of what we hope will be many international trips. I chose the Travel Stub Diary ($14.95) as my way to keep mementos from our journeys. Going with the travel theme, I selected the Scratch Map ($24) for my husband as more of a family gift. This map is something that we can hang on a wall of our house and as we travel the world.
Pick Punch
For the kids…Captain Computer has been asking for guitars ever since he was 3. His collection includes a ukulele, a couple of Paper Jamz guitars, and a classic acoustic guitar. Because he also has an affinity for collecting hotel card keys, I knew the Pick Punch ($25) was perfect for him. He’s going to love making his own guitar picks out of used hotel keys!
Alphabet Studs
Little Miss Techie is at the age where she’s considering getting her ears pierced. Not succumbing to peer pressure, she thinks she might want to pierce her ears when she turns 9 soon. I chose these sterling silver Alphabet Studs ($14.99) featuring her initials for her to wear after she can take out the starter studs.
Dog chew toys for our lovable pooch
And Oliver the family dog….With an affinity for ripping up cardboard boxes, our now 5 year old pup still loves a great chew toy. Since he’s a master at unstuffing toys, Coco Elephant Chew Toy ($15) seemed to be a durable choice for our Yellow Lab.
The grand total for these 5 items came to $93.94, proving that it’s easy to shop for 5 for under $100, not including shipping.
What are some other budget friendly items I might select for those I love while trying to stay around $100?
Newlywed Gifts
The newlyweds and their beloved dog. My brother and sister-in-law are going to be celebrating their second anniversary soon. As still newlyweds, I could get them a great gift that they could both use like the BBQ Briefcase ($86) since they grill year round. Or I could get them each their own gifts. My uber-fit Ironman brother would probably appreciate this recycled bike tread belt ($38) made out of a recycled road bike tire and featuring a buckle made out of bicycle chain. My sister-in-law might appreciate relaxing after work in the backyard with a glass of wine, cheese, and crackers served on the bamboo wine table ($22). Our kids wouldn’t let me forget their dog who might need a fire hose leash crafted out of fire hose material ($28). Family gift of BBQ Briefcase= $86 or individual gifts= $88. With shipping, my total still comes to around $100.
Grandparent Gifts
The 4 grandparents. I always find that when it comes to my parents and my in-laws, it’s always helpful to purchase helpful technology accessories they didn’t know they needed. Since they readily admit to not being able to remember passwords, I’d get each set of grandparents an open sesame password reminder book ($13). This low profile spiral notebook blends in a desk or drawer but to best protect your accounts, I’d encourage them to write a hint about what their password is rather than the entire password. Since my in-laws have two Labradors of their own, I know they would appreciate these bad dog drinking glasses ($35). I always remember listening to the windchimes at my parents’ house on the back deck and love this blue and clear glass waterfall wind chime ($48) for nostalgia purposes. Total for grandparent gifts= $109.
Uncommon Goods provided items to review. All opinions are my own. Images courtesy of Uncommon Goods.
