Here's a novel idea (and I know this is mighty rich coming from someone who publicly covets things all day long): Instead of another scented candle or useless tchotchke for Mom this Sunday, how about the simple promise of your time, or something made with love and your own two hands?
Based on historic "tough times tokens" (shown above), which took the place of currency when money was in short supply, these charming wooden trade tokens from Lea Redmond of Oakland-based Leafcutter Designs (aka the woman behind the equally charming World's Smallest Postal Service) offer something of infinite value: A homecooked meal, a walk together, a pep talk when you're feeling down.
As Redmond says, "Many of the best things in life don't take much money, anyway. I've created this series of trade tokens to help spread thrifty and wonderful homegrown goods and services through our culture. Give them as gifts, pass them out at potlucks, leave them around town for other people to find and circulate. Let them take on a life of their own and remind us all what true value is." Hear, hear.
The tokens are 75 cents each, or 12 for $8 right here.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Cool Stuff: Leafcutter Designs Trade Tokens
Friday, May 9, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Etsy Find of the Day: Yo Mama
You may have noticed that I haven't done a whole lot on Mother's Day here. It's not because I think it's just some Hallmark holiday -- speaking as mother myself, I think it's a pretty important day to honor the women who birthed or adopted, raised, and just plain put up with us for all those years (and, as a matter of fact, who still do).
It's just that I don't presume to know you or your mother, or to have some sort of inside scoop on the perfect gift for the unique woman you call "Mom." Plus, I think that a lot of the things I feature here on the blog would make really lovely Mother's Day gifts -- depending, of course, on your own mom's personal style and taste. (As would taking your mom out for something really extravagant that she'd never do for herself, like a spa afternoon that includes a two-hour massage.) So you'll get no handy "Mother's Day Gift Guides" from me. Sorry.
But I can suggest a few sweet-but-not-treacly and wickedly witty Mother's Day cards to go along with that heartfelt gift you're going to pick out all by yourself -- each of them created, of course, by some of the ingenious mothers, sons, and daughters on Etsy. Top: Polar Bear Mama Love, $7 from pairedhearts
Mommie Dearest, $3.50 from jeanfrancisbean
Teacher Friend Hero Mom, $3.50 from annacote
Don't Roll Your Eyes at Me, $3.50 from She's So Creative
Mom Wow, $3 from clementine press
Oh, Mother Hand Embroidered Card, $8 from kingpopcorn
Mother's Day Gocco Card, $3 from Christina Williams Designs
Best Mother Letterpress Card, $4.50 from Oddball Press
By the way, any guys or female partners out there reading? A couple of cute options for your baby mama or the mother of your furkid:
Little People Gocco Card, $3 from lovemonkey
I'm a Dog ... , $3.50 from She's So Creative
No dawdling now -- order one of these today if you want to have it by Sunday.
