Pewter Wall Pegs

I've had these pewter wall pegs bookmarked forever, so when I went back to the link I was happy to see they're on sale for $14.99, down from the original $22.00! (I also note, though, that they've been discontinued -- so once they're gone they're gone.) Uncommon Goods often has stuff priced a little higher than I would like, but at the same time their merchandise always looks to be of very high quality. In any case, I think these pewter wall pegs would make great stocking stuffers, especially for cat or dog lovers. They're perfect for holding a key ring or two, or a dog leash. They're approximately 3 inches long by 1 inch wide.

What: Pewter Wall Pegs
Where: Uncommon Goods
How much (as of today's post): $14.99 (on sale from $22.00) (plus shipping)

Cosmic Cat Pendant

At this price, this is definitely not your everyday stocking stuffer, but it did catch my eye, and I haven't listed a "luxury" stocking stuffer in a while. What drew me to this Cosmic Cat pendant is that I'm into cats (duh!) and I'm also into the stars, both fictionally via reading so much science fiction, and with my interest in the space program. In any case, the Pyramid Collection catalog describes this as "a handcrafted pendant of antiqued sterling silver by fantasy designer Uma Silbey." It's 1.5" long and the stone is genuine opal. The online description doesn't specify, but I don't believe the chain comes with it, which is something to keep in mind.

What: Cosmic Cat Pendant
Where: Pyramid Collection
How much (as of today's post): $39.95 (plus shipping)

Set of 3 Lucky Cats Expandable Sponges

I've always liked the Japanese lucky cat, so I find these sponges to be a cute way to brighten up the kitchen. The sponges measure 5.5 by 3 inches, and expand when wet to 3/4 inch thick. They're biodegradable and dishwasher safe, and because they come in a three-pack, they make a reasonably priced stocking stuffer or small gift if you split them up among a couple of cat lovers. They even come from the Literacy Site online store, which means your purchase helps fund children's books for children in need. Sounds like they're lucky all around!

What: Set of 3 Lucky Cats Expandable Sponges
Where: The Literacy Site store
How much (as of today's post): $9.99 for set of three (plus shipping)

Pet Food Can Covers

I've never been a fan of canned food for cats and dogs -- I'm not crazy about the way it smells -- but recently our vet recommended we add wet food to one of our cat's diets as he seemed like he might not be getting enough water. And I have been giving Pixel only a half-can at a time, so these covers might be just the thing for my own stocking this year! In any case, if you are looking for stocking stuffers for the cat or dog lover in your life, this set of 3 pet food lids is only $2.99 from the Container Store. Cats or dogs, your choice! Or maybe they choose us.... (I say this because I grew up a dog person and suddenly I find myself with a house full of cats!)

What: Colorful Pet Food Can Lids
Where: The Container Store
How much (as of today's post): $2.99 (plus shipping if ordering online)

We Interrupt this Blog for an Important Kitten

Boy, life does keep getting in the way of this blog! But this is a happy announcement. About a week ago my husband and I trapped a stray kitten living out of a dumpster in a parking lot. We cannot keep her as we already have more cats than we should. So tomorrow I am flying from Houston to Newark to give the kitten to a friend of mine who lost his cat of 17 years just a few weeks ago. I couldn't be happier about the outcome, although I'm a little nervous about flying with a kitten! But she will be in the cabin with me, and once she gets where she's going she'll be in a wonderful, loving home.

As a side benefit for me, I get to visit my sisters over the weekend. So I'll see you back here on Monday!

Mechanical Kitty Coin Bank

Another item that's really too expensive for a stocking stuffer, but oh! it's so cute. And it's Friday.... which I've designated for "luxury stocking stuffers." This one is a Mechanical Kitty Bank from Japan, infused with that special brand of Japanese cuteness. You put a coin on the little fish "food bowl", and the clever kitteh hiding in the box pops out and steals it. As usual, ThinkGeek is clever with their descriptions, claiming that this kitty is saving up for that long-desire cheezburger.

Made of plastic, the bank requires two AA batteries to work, which are not included. In addition to being pricey at $29.99, the bank is also a little big for a stocking stuffer unless you have a pretty big stocking; it measures 11.5 x 12 x 10 cm (which I converted to learn that it's just under 5 inches on the largest side). You can choose a brown or white kitty, and you'll have different Japanese writing and graphics on the "cardboard" box depending which you choose.

Perfect for LOLcat lovers, or for teens into anime and manga, for whom anything cute and Japanese is cool!

What: Mechanical Kitty Coin Bank
Where: ThinkGeek.com
How much (as of today's post): $29.99 (plus shipping)

Cat Puzzle Box

Girls -- especially those in the 'tween years and younger -- love puzzle boxes, diaries with locks, and other places to hide thoughts or treasures. For those who are also cat lovers, this puzzle box would be a lovely small gift (and can double as a stocking stuffer due to its 5 x 4 x 2 inch size). It's also nice knowing that the boxes are handmade by HSSS artisans in India. This is a nonprofit organization of underprivileged artisans with educational, training and/or health related issues. Last but not least, this is an eco-friendly gift; according to the Uncommon Goods website, the boxes are made "of sustainable Shisham wood, native to the Indian subcontinent, bought under supervision and quota from the government of India (which sells the wood of dead trees)."

What: Cat Puzzle Box
Where: Uncommon Goods website
How much (as of today's post): $20.00 (plus shipping)

Hand-Carved Cat Stretching

Not long ago I posted about a stocking stuffer from the Southwest Indian Foundation, and here is another one that caught my eye: a hand-carved figure of a cat stretching, made of ironwood in Mexico. I love the way the simple lines capture the natural grace of a cat. The figure measures about 5 1/2 inches long, and would make a lovely stocking stuffer for the cat lover.

What: Hand-Carved Cat Stretching
Where: Southwest Indian Foundation
How much (as of today's post): $35.00 (plus shipping)

Cattitude Note Cards

I know I just posted about Sharon Montrose's "Lightweight" note cards for dog lovers, but I saw these Cattitude note cards by Charley Harper in the Detroit Institute of Art gift shop this past weekend and I completely fell in love with them. I love the humor in them, especially in the one titled "Treed", with our friend the cat none-too-happy about the massive bulldog below. But my favorite is the card with the yellow-eyed cat looking out with the leaves all around.

The boxed set includes 20 5x7 inch note cards (five each of the four designs shown). Perfect for any cat lover!

What: Cattitude Note Cards
Where: Bas Bleu website
How much (as of today's post): $14.95 (plus shipping)

Kong Natural Straw Catnip Ball

Our kitties are so spoiled by their "grandparents, aunts, and uncles" on both sides of the family that probably could go twenty years without buying them another toy, but I am tempted to get these natural straw catnip balls as a small gift or stocking stuffer for some of my other cat-loving friends. I've noticed our cats like the toys best that they can catch on their claws and toss into the air, and that would certainly work with these! They are regularly $5.95 for two but are currently on sale at the Animal Rescue Site store for $4.95.

And don't forget, part of the purchase proceeds go towards providing food for animals living in sanctuaries and shelters!

What: Kong Natural Straw Catnip Ball
Where: Animal Rescue Site store
How much (as of today's post): $4.95 for set of 2 (plus shipping)

Illustrated Necklaces from Boygirlparty

I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but this is exactly the kind I like: unique and unusual with a sense of humor. These illustrated necklaces from Susie Ghahremani of Etsy shop Boygirlparty are original drawings by Susie embossed in cast metal. More specifically, they're brushed antique silvertone (a nickel alloy).

Susie doesn't limit herself to necklaces; her drawings also adorn clothing, note pads, book labels, to do lists, recipe cards, pocket mirrors, signed prints, and more. Many of these items feature the same delightful creatures, giving the opportunity for a themed batch of gifts, several of which are the perfect size for stocking stuffers. If you like the kitty, for instance, you can search on "kitty" in her shop and see all the kitty creations at once. There are lots of owls and other birds, and of course the octopi. I want just about everything I see in her shop!

What: Illustrated Necklaces
Where: Boygirlparty (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $22 and up (plus shipping)

Wishing Cats Ornament from the Animal Rescue Site

[Click here to enter my ongoing giveaway of stocking stuffers for men. Giveaway ends Saturday Nov. 28, 2009! Apologies, but U.S. residents only.]

I have never before actually listed an ornament on this blog as a stocking stuffer -- the closest I came was when I posted about some lovely suncatchers from Etsy that could also double as ornaments -- but this Wishing Cats ornament has three things going for it:

• It's from the Animal Rescue Site store, which means part of the purchase proceeds go towards food for animals in shelters and sanctuaries;
  
  
• It's not actually Christmas-y if you look closely at it, and would therefore make a lovely window or wall decoration year-round;
  
  
• Today is Thanksgiving, and this lovely ornament reflects the gratitude I feel for each of the cats that have come into our lives. Each one has a truly unique personality, and they have made our lives richer every day. Especially for the feral cats that we trapped, I feel privileged that they have bestowed their trust upon me.

The ornament measures about 3 inches square, and is two-toned metal: gold-toned on the outer rim, and bronzed-toned for the rest.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

What: Wishing Cats Ornament
Where: Animal Rescue Site store
How much (as of today's post): $9.95 (plus shipping)

Edward Gorey "Cat on a Unicycle" Pin

I know I've posted before about an Edward Gorey cat pin -- his "cat on books", to be precise (see here) -- but considering the herd of cats I have at home, I don't think I can be held responsible for my feline weakness when it comes to stocking stuffers! Allowances must be made!

In any case, don't you just love this whimsical cat on a unicycle, with his scarf blowing in the breeze? (I wonder whether the number "31" on the scarf has any special significance.) Made of sterling silver, the pin measures approximately 1 x 1.75 inches. It makes me happy just looking at it.

What: Edward Gorey "Cat on a Unicycle" Pin
Where: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston online store
How much (as of today's post): $54.00 regular price / $48.60 member price (plus shipping)

Whimsical Cats from Susan Faye

Here's a wonderful Etsy stocking stuffer: whimsical cat treasure tins/tea light holders and magnet sets from artist Susan Faye. You may have come across Susan before on her 365 Cat Ladies blog, where she posts a cat lady portrait each day. (I'm proud to say that Susan has done a portrait of my cat family here -- I gave the original watercolor to my husband for our anniversary, and several members of my family will be receiving magnet versions as stocking stuffers this year!)

Even if you don't do a portrait, Susan has plenty of goodies that will serve as stocking stuffers for the cat lover in your life. She's turned her whimsical cat paintings into lovely little treasure tins that can also double as tea light holders. She also has lovely magnet sets, and all sorts of other goodies in her shop. (There are even plenty of Halloween portraits!)

What: Whimsical Cats from Susan Faye
Where: Susan Faye (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $7.50-12.50 (plus shipping)

Cat Butt Air Freshener

Yes, yes, yes, I know this is tacky! But a friend once gave us a set of cat butt magnets (made by the same company as this air freshener), and I just can't help it. I think they're funny!

Anyhow, if you have know a cat lover who also has an, ahem, specific sense of humor, here's an inexpensive stocking stuffer that will make them laugh.

There's really nothing more to say about this, is there? Here is my cat stamp of approval: >^..^<

What: Cat Butt Air Freshener
Where: Perpetual Kid website
How much (as of today's post): $3.99 (plus shipping)

Cat Silhouette Wall Hook

The charming cat silhouette wall hook would make a lovely stocking stuffer for any cat lover, child or adult. It was created by Noah's Ark, an India-based fair trade company, and is available through the Animal Rescue Site store. It's made of cast iron with a ceramic inlay, and measures 5.5 inches tall by 2.5 inches wide.

If you have a moment, don't forget to go to Animal Rescue Site itself and click to donate free food and care to animals. (This checks out on snopes.com as legitimate!) I like to go there, then also click on each of the other "cause" tabs across the top to click-donate food, care, and services. It's a quick and painless way to help out a little.

What: Cat Silhouette Wall Hook
Where: Animal Rescue Site Store
How much (as of today's post): $9.95 (plus shipping)

Silver Origami Jewelry

I've always considered origami to be a delicate, fascinating art form (one that is generally far beyond my capabilities!). Here, Etsy artist Gary from Allegro Arts goes one step further by turning origami into lovely silver jewelry -- and jewelry, as you know, is perfect for extra special stocking stuffers!

Naturally, I was first drawn to the pair of kitty earrings shown above. But I also love the seahorses! These and several of the other designs (goldfish, butterflies, angels, puppies) are available as earrings or pendants. I was also particularly taken with the elephant (shown at left). I'm amazed that such a simply shaped piece so clearly and unmistakeably evokes "elephant", but there it is. For each piece, Gary lists the size so you know exactly what to expect.

Don't forget to take a look at the rest of his wares, some of which incorporate beads and crystals. You'll especially want to see the gorgeous "Tres Mariposas" (three butterflies) bracelet, which combines handmade glass beads and sterling silver butterflies.

What: Silver Origami Jewelry
Where: Allegro Arts (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $20-$60 (plus shipping)

Cat and Dog Car Plaques

Now that I see these, I'm amazed someone didn't think of them earlier -- because we all know that cats are at the top of the evolutionary food chain, right? Well, at least they seem to think so! And I guess somebody figured they better make one for dogs just to throw them a bone.... (Yes, I admit it! That very bad pun was intentional!)

Anyway, these car plaques from One Nation Under Dog come in three varieties: cat, dog, and Dogwin. They are 5 inches long and come with adhesive on the back, so they can be stuck to bumpers, windows, computers, or any other flat surface you can think of. It's the perfect stocking stuffers for cat or dog lovers.

(Note: I first came across these car plaques at the Gifting Gumshoe blog, which has lots of great gift ideas.)

What: Cat and Dog Car Plaques
Where: One Nation Under Dog website
How much (as of today's post): $6.00 (plus shipping)

Paw Print Key Covers

I know I've featured key covers (also called key caps) before, but I just came across this particular style at the Animal Rescue Site and I had to list them because 1) they're too cute, and 2) at the moment they're super cheap!

Originally $6.95 for a set of four, these paw print key caps are now at an "anniverary special" price of only $2/set, with a limit of six sets per customer. You really can't beat that for an inexpensive and fun stocking stuffer! I will note one thing, though -- it looks like you have to use loop/ball chain to attach the key to a keyring, since there's not an opening big enough to go on your actually keyring without it. Still, these would be especially good for extra house keys for your family, neighbors, or petsitter.

[Note: Don't forget to enter my ongoing giveaway for a Swarovski rhinestone stretch bracelet. The giveaway runs through Saturday, July 11, 2009.]

What: Paw Print Key Covers
Where: Animal Rescue Store website
How much (as of today's post): $2.00 set of 4 (plus shipping)

Felted Bear and Cat Brooches

I'm always drawn to art that incorporates subtle humor with aesthetically pleasing forms, and these felted bear and cat brooches from Etsy seller ememem do just that. They're complete just as they are, but they have the added benefit of being wearable. I've chosen a white bear to show here, but be sure and look at all the bears, which come in pink, emerald green, brown, bright blue, red, gray, violet, yellow.... Each bear is "accessorized" with not too much, not too little, but just the right amount of coordinating pearls or crystals in their paws, or a scarf around their neck. Honestly, my description can't do the bears justice -- go look at them!

There are also a few lovely cat brooches to choose from: white with one black ear, gray with white face, and an all-white cat. Each has a lovely crystal necklace -- and they are necklaces, because everyone knows that cats do not deign to wear collars!


When you look at the photos, you'll notice mysterious little bunnies crowding around their bear and cat friends. They're made of modeling clay and are not for sale, but Em tells me they are very vain and love having their picture taken, so they will insist on hopping into the frame. What can you do? Seriously, though, one of the things that drew me to Em's shop in the first place was the artistic arrangement of the bunnies around the brooches. I know Etsy has advice for its sellers on how to attractively showcase their wares, but Em clearly has already mastered the technique. And that's what I love about Etsy -- the sellers are very talented artists.

Finally, although it's not a stocking stuffer, you must see Em's House of Flying Bears mobile.

What: Felted Bear and Cat Brooches
Where: ememem (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $29 (cats); $35 (bears) (plus shipping)