You Get A Car! And You Get A Car! And...

Okay, I lied. There is no car giveaway in this post. It's just lately I've had gift giving on my mind. The problem is, I am a mental shopper. For any person in my life, I have the perfect gift picked out and wrapped in recycled handpainted paper and a pretty bow. But, it's only in my mind. In reality, my bills are mounting and my meager paycheck can't bear the weight. It's like those old school paper towel commercials where they would compare the strength of the towel and the knockoff brand would inevitably break up into tiny scraps on the floor. Yeah, the knockoff paper towel is my paycheck and that leaves little left for the amazing gifts my friends and family so deserve.

So this year, I'm determined to do it right. I'm starting early and doing my research. I am on the hunt to find EPIC gifts at haiku prices. And because I want to give gifts to each and every one of you, I'm going to share my findings...

This is, Melissa's Favorite Things!

Project Repat sells handcrafted bags, infinity scarves and ties made from recycled tees. Their products are ethically produced from the tons of tees that are sent to developing countries. You know, like the millions of Super Bowl tees made for both teams before the game. And when the NY Giants win (yeah, I said it) what do you do with the other team's? Send them to Africa and pay crafters a fair wage to make fun and one of a kind products that are then 'repatriated' to the US to be sold for around $25. And in a nutshell, that is Project Repat. Oh, and did I mention you can send Project Repat your old tees to be refashioned into customized pieces? It's the perfect gift for the sorority girl or sports fan in your life.

SneakPeeq is an online shopping destination stocked with an everchanging inventory of unique housewares, lovely clothing and jewelry, plus food! Signing up is free and each day you'll have 20 'peeqs' into discounted prices, some as low as 70% off. As you explore the site, 'peeqing' prices and sharing with your friends, you'll gain points that earn you badges. Each badge will earn you even more discounts to be applied to future purchases. It's a fun site to explore but If you see something you like you'll have to move quickly, items sell out fast and each day brings a new group of designer ware. Last minutes shoppers bewarned, this is definitely a shop early site since most items will ship out at the end of the sale. I purchased a small quirky print for my walls on April 2nd and it was on my doorstep by the 23rd, but for $2.00 (that's including shipping) there's no complaint from me.

Teeki produces activewear and bikinis from...are you ready for it? Recycled plastic bottles. Their fresh designs and, ahem, 'camel toe free' cut will have your yogi in a stylish and worry free ustrasana. A pair of yoga pants runs between $45-$60 and is made from around 25 plastic bottles. That's priceless, if you ask me.

Haiku Bags has a lovely motto: Thoughtful, Simple, Meaningful. And their bags are exactly that. The Haiku Pouch has a spot for all the essentials with a threeway strap that works as a crossbody or small handbag. Or you could use it as a wallet, the perfect oasis for your own belongings in the chaos of a diaper bag. The Haiku Pouch is $49 and can be purchased online or a select retailers. I came across the Pouch at REI and could visualize how useful it would be for a backpacking trip through Europe. I suppose the fact that I was in the hiking section of the store had something to do with that fantasy. Back down here in reality, this Pouch is darn near organizational perfection. Oh yeah, and like the Teeki products above, all the Haiku bags are made from recycled plastic bottles.

It's a wonderful feeling to give a gift that you can trace back to a name and place. Like these, Guzel Papatya Earrings handcrafted by Hasan Bey in Izmir, Turkiye. The name of the earrings translates to 'Pretty Daisy' and they were made using traditional Ottoman design. This piece is handmade chic along with the rest of the items from Back Roads Imports, and every purchase supports Turkish artisans.

In my opinion, MoMA Store is just as entertaining as the museum across the street, if only for the fact that I can pick up and drop a piece without being tackled by a security guard (I swear it was an accident). This is the place to go for form follows function with a little ornamentation thrown in for good measure. Like this piece, the Fingerprint Bookmark Band which for $7 will not only mark the page of the book, but also the line. It's a perfect gift for those night readers in your life who can't seem to finish a book despite opening it every day for a month only to realize they have sleepily been reading the same line every night.

And considering I just wondered if there is a Fingerprint Bookmark Band for the internet, I think this is the best time to call it a night. Happy shopping and Iyi Geceler!

(Oops, I forgot to mention that no part of this post is sponsored. I just really, really love these products.)