We’ve all been there—teetering on that big fat line between unique and ugly, standing at the register, rationalizing that the dry warty skin of that cane toad purse is strong and versatile, the pretty pigskin lining makes it extra durable, those little rubbery legs with fleshy webbed toes make it easy to grab and go, and it’s no longer toxic now that those poisonous glands have been removed. We need a “unique” gift. This is unique. And hey, toads are just so darn cute. But what we should really be saying to ourselves is, “Step away from the toad skin purse!”
In our attempts to outgift the Joneses, we are often incapable of distinguishing right from wrong, good gift from very bad gift. Here’s a little refresher course (with three examples) for the next time you find yourself in front of a mounted hog thinking, “Well, she does love animals ...”
1.
Toad Skin Purse
Available at ToadFactory.com
Saffiano Patent Shoulder Bag
Available at Net-A-Porter.com
Unique does not have to be ugly. With this Pauric Sweeney not-quite-frog-green patent shoulder bag on your arm, the message to the world is definitely “out” of the box. It shows personality and individuality—and you won’t have to worry about residual poisons ...
Now, step away from the Squirrel Decanter! Yes, he’s so eager looking, standing there on the tray, acorn in hand, eager to unscrew his cap/head to serve you a drink. But please, he belongs in a tree (and I’m not sure where you belong if you’re actually considering buying him ...).
2.
Squirrel Liquor Decanter
Available at CustomcCeatureTaxidermy.com
Gump’s Crystal Dragon Barware
Available at Gumps San Francisco
A decanter is indeed a lovely gift, especially the sort that don’t require heads to be unscrewed. Gump’s San Francisco carries a “unique” (not ugly) Crystal Dragon decanter, which is sand etched onto masterfully mouth blown clear lead crystal from Hungary.
There you go with the squirrels again! Sure it might be fun to have a squirrel lamp to brighten up your mother’s otherwise dull living room, but I wouldn’t want to be reaching under that shade to switch it on. Again, unique doesn’t have to be ugly.
There you go with the squirrels again! Sure it might be fun to have a squirrel lamp to brighten up your mother’s otherwise dull living room, but I wouldn’t want to be reaching under that shade to switch it on. Again, unique doesn’t have to be ugly.
3.
Squirrel Lamp
Available at CustomCeatureTaxidermy.com
Chameleon Lamps from Philips
Available at MetaEfficient.com
The Chameleon lamp changes color to match any color you place near it. A traditional bulb provides regular white light, whereas a LED ring around it projects a selected color into the shade. How “unique” is that?
