Japanese Pond Bells

The Red Envelope, like Uncommon Goods, is a website that features high-quality gift items. I prefer Uncommon Goods because the merchandise there is a bit more artsy and contemporary, and generally more affordable, whereas the Red Envelope seems to be aimed at the true "luxury" crowd -- the kind of people who don't mind paying $79.95 for an embossed leather notebook.

But occasionally I will find something on the Red Envelope site that is within my hypothetical price range, like this set of three Japanese "pond bells". The product page says that these tiny bells (approximately 1.75 by 1.5 inches high) have been a tradition in northern Japan for centuries, and are found hanging in gardens and parks. I had never heard of them before, but I do agree they would make a lovely gift for the gardener in particular -- something a little different than run-of-the-mill wind chimes.

This set of three, featuring a brown turtle, blue fish, and green frog, costs $29.95 plus shipping. At Christmastime, they could be divvied up between different recipients' stockings, or the set can make a nice gift for a Springtime occasion. Currently, Red Envelope also has a set of four "Japanese Bird Bells" available for $39.95. They're nice too, but I prefer the set of three shown here.

What: Japanese Pond Bells
Where: The Red Envelope website
How much (as of today's post): $29.95 for 3 bells (plus shipping)