Christmas Wish List from Uncommon Goods

This post was sponsored by Uncommon Goods. I jumped at the opportunity to tell you, my readers about this wonderful, ecologically responsible business that links us to such unique creations. All opinions are my own. 

“When we recognize the virtues, the talent, the beauty of Mother Earth, something is born in us, some kind of connection; love is born.” – Nhat Hanh

Hey! I’m just as much a bargain shopper like anyone else – the thrill of finding a product at a 70% off gives me an intense rush, like the moment when your roller coaster ride tips down from the top! But it is nothing, compared to the joy of finding a unique hand-crafted product on one of my trips from a local small business whose window display drew me in like a siren song!

And it’s these magical finds that I fill my house with pride – and the ones I show-off to those who visit. No one cares about the slow cooker I got on sale at Thanksgiving, because they probably have one at home too. But an upcycled wine bottle turned appetizer plate that I picked up from a studio in Asheville, NC, now that is something everyone is curious about! There’s gotta be a story there, and everyone loves stories, particularly me. Everything that I surround myself with, must come with a story.

Now imagine being able to discover and buy handcrafted beauties from all over the world (each one with a story of their own) from the safe comforts of your home! That’s what Uncommon Goods is about!

Unique + Eco-friendly + Sustainable = Uncommon Goods

As a consumer and a Green Peace supporter, each of those words mean a lot to me. Uncommon Goods is an online marketplace that brings together a clientele of global artisans who craft unique creations that are both gorgeous and ecologically responsible.

They say Charity begins at home, and true to that, the values at Uncommon Goods apply not just to the products they sell, but also to their fellow human beings, starting with their employees. They’re B-Corp (Benefit corporation) certified for their positive impact on society, workers and the environment, while managing to make profit responsibly. I wish all businesses were like that!

They are also largely online, printing as little as possible and even when they do, it’s with recycled paper sourced from sustainable forests. They also make sure that the artists they work with share their values and are fully committed to never selling/creating products that harm another life (human or animal).

I LOVE how each product page comes with a ‘Story’ – it’s such a pleasure to read and discover that everything you buy from them has so much character to it. Like with this Japanese Steamer – its story walks you through the entire process that goes into its creation – from clay to kiln to table.

Their blog (besides giving you awesomely curated lists and more), also takes you on an insider tour of the studios that churns out the products on sale at Uncommon Goods – you ‘meet’ the artists, find out what inspires them to do what they do. It makes you feel closer to the products you choose to purchase, giving you a feeling of having bought it from their studio yourself.

What every Culinary Junkie needs in their home

Uncommon Goods has a GREAT collection of things for everyone in your family and every room in your home. But as a culinary junkie, I was naturally drawn to the Kitchen things. Know someone who, like me, hoards things for their kitchen? Here are some things I think they’d love!

Note to husband: I wouldn’t mind receiving each of these things as a 12-days of Christmas thing. Love you too! 

Not a culinary junkie? No problem! Here’s a specially curated Christmas list for all you ‘other’ folks! The rest of you, read on!

1. Soapstone Sauté Pan

The good folks at Uncommon Goods sent me this Soapstone Saué Pan, handmade in Brazil and 100% natural.  Properly seasoned, it’s naturally non-stick and withstands + retains heat upto 1000°C! That means lower fuel to heat and keep warm, which automatically means better for the environment and you!

The pan looks pale white (pre-seasoning), but once you season it, turns a dark onyx – and offsets the copper beautifully! (see images above)

I would love to add their entire cookware line to my kitchen – I got this one, next, I’m going for their pizza pan!

2. Jar Zipper Bags

This was the first thing that impressed me at Uncommon Goods – zipper storage bags that look like glass jars! They even stand up and everything! How cute would these be to send party favours in!!! And they’re quite cheap too!

3. Beeswax wrappers

Cotton fabric treated with beeswax, molds under the heat of your palms to fit any food that needs to be packed away – the PERFECT substitute to cling wrap (the only plastic in my kitchen that I seem unable to get rid of). And it washes for reuse too!

4. Nesting Lotus Bowls

Ok, let me just say this: I’d get married again, if I could add these Nesting Lotus Bowls to my registry! I think they’d brighten up ANY home – whether you are in a grand country home or in a chic new apartment!

5. Portable Coffee and Tea Steeper

As a fellow coffee-addict, I think this is a gift any coffee/tea lover would love – that’s right! It steeps both coffee and tea with perfect precision! I’d love to take this to work, so a good cup of coffee is always at hand! Or tea, if you wanna take that route…

6. Chic Salt and Pepper grinder

I LOVE things that make people go ‘ooo what’s that??!!’ – This salt + pepper mill would do the job quite nicely, don’t you think? Looks like a chic storage container, but surprise! Grinds salt and pepper!

7. Fresh Produce Keeper

I keep telling myself that I’m gonna get one of these things someday, but I just never do. Imagine how many sprigs of herbs you could save with these! Get these for a friend who boasts a kitchen herb garden! There’s a compartment that holds water for your herb stems to sit in – replace the water every couple of days and your herbs would happily live a few extra weeks!

8. Popcorn maker

How do I not have one of these yet??!! Guys, you know how much I love popcorn! I eat popcorn for lunch sometimes! Gawd! Take a hint, people!

9. 45 second Omelet maker

One bowl omelettes in 45 secs – these are just what my mornings were missing!

10. Fondue for two

Wouldn’t these make movie/date nights at home a little extra special – hot, molten cheese (or chocolate) to dunk all sorts of things into! Now, what’s not to love about thaat!

11. Cast Iron grill w/ trivet

Wouldn’t it be awesome to bring a ‘sizzling’ hot dish from stove to table – still piping hot, juicy and incredibly mouthwatering , restaurant-style? There’s a grill-side and a smooth side too! 

12. Bottle cleaning beans

I always thought those bottle cleaning brushes were an eyesore at the sink. But how cute are these bottle-cleaning beans!

And ladies, let’s not forget the wonderful men in our lives – I bet they’d love any of these gifts! I think I even saw a Beer Jelly in there! Imagine how much fun it’d be to watch their eyes pop out Christmas morning when they bite into a regular toast made special with a smear of Beer Jelly!

They might even take a hint and return the favour by getting you something too! From the Women’s list, I personally LOVE the Bedside SmartPhone Vase and Crimson Heart Umbrella – there’s just something so romantic about a cute umbrella!

So what are you waiting for? This holiday season, go get your loved ones a gift from Uncommon Goods that gives joy not only to the beholder, but sends a little love to the planet on the side too! I mean, until science advances further, we only have this one, so we best take care of it!

What did you think of my list? Which ones caught your fancy? I’d love to know! And don’t forget to share! The more you share this list with people, the better your hints sink in. Happy Holidays everyone! <3