Unique and Unusual Gifts Online

Year after year people give the same gifts. Ties, perfumes, socks, and you can almost predict what certain people are going to give. Frankly, gifting is as lost an art as making wooden hinges. With a little imagination and Internet access you can break out of the predictable mold, though, and become a gifting guru, handing out incredible and creative gifts for every occasion that your friends will remember for a long time to come. And really, that is what gifts are all about, a tangible memory. Too many of us exhaustedly move through the mall and grab what seems to be both in our budget and something the recipient will not hate too badly. Check out some of these unique gifts, some of the most unusual that I could find. Each one promotes sustainable living or socially responsible lifestyle or is eco- friendly. Many of the gifts meet all three goals. Anyone of these gifts is unique, unusual and guaranteed to make a lasting memory.

Everybody, deep down in their heart of hearts, wants to own a little land somewhere. Now you can make that dream a reality! Buy a GreenPoint! What is a Green Point, you ask? Well it is 10 square feet of land in Queensland, Australia. Not quite big enough to build a homestead on, never-the-less this gift will make the recipient the legal owner of the land. They will receive a certificate, and will guarantee that their piece of the globe will be restored to the sub-tropical rain-forest that it used to be. Imagine, for under $50.00 your friend can say that they own land in Australia. This is not only a unique gift but it doesn't need to be dusted, vacuumed or fed. It is a forever gift, both to the recipient and the earth.

Do you know someone that has absolutely everything? What about a survival kit in a sardine can? This kit that I found at Gaiam is lightweight and waterproof but it puts a survival kit at your fingertips! Inside there is a compass, whistle matches, first aid items and instructions, razor, pencil, fish hook & line, duct tape and so much more! This is a great item for the Christmas stocking of your favorite outdoors-man. It is a mere 3" x 41/4" x 7/8" in size, and even floats!

Green Earth Market has the perfect sippy cup. The Kleen Kanteen stainless steel sippy cup is re-usable, light weight and easy to clean. You won't have to worry about plastic leaching chemicals or breakage. Stainless steel is used in commercial kitchens precisely because it is easy to clean. The 12 oz bottle comes with an adapter made with safe polypropylene and two spouts. As your child grows you can buy other lids to make it a sports bottle or a thermos.

What is more natural or beautiful than a tree? And especially, is there anything more striking than maple trees in the autumn? Uncommon Goods has beautiful maple leaf ornaments made from real maple leaves. Each leaf is treated with a filigree process to make them semi-transparent and then they are coated in copper to make them strong and durable. After that they are dipped in an iridescent copper to give a beautiful and delicate finish. These maple leaf ornaments are sold in a set of three and are beautiful Christmas decorations or just hanging in your home.

Also at Uncommon Goods this is a brilliant gift for the new parent. The Pee Pee Tee Pee is a little fabric tent that is placed over a little boy's private parts as he is being changed and creatively protects the diaper changer from an unexpected shower. If you have had boys you know what a great idea this is! They have standard ones in blue cotton, as well as Christmas ones in red that look like Santa's hats. Too Cute!

Another Uncommon Goods item that I found was the Recycled Newspaper tote. As the name states this tote is made from recycled newspapers which are woven together and make a gorgeous fabric that is durable and unique. The totes are made in Mexico and Peru and are large enough to carry groceries, beach stuff, or anything else you can think of. An added plus is that it is waterproof.

World of Good carries fantastic wallets which are handmade in Viet Nam. Your purchase helps support the family that makes them. The wallets are 4"x 3.5" and best of all are made form recycled cans. Each one is unique, each one is Fair Trade certified, and each is handcrafted.

I really believe the best gifts are things that create a memory for a long time to come. Excitations is a company that has some of the most unique and memory making gifts I have ever come across. Check these out!

Eagle Observation Cruise If you have a nature lover, a bird watcher, or someone who just really loves eagles imagine taking them on a scenic cruise down the Connecticut River to observe eagles. Imagine watching these regal birds, symbols of the United States, soaring high above you as you learn from an eagle expert about the habits and various facts about not only the eagles but the other wildlife that you will see. You will be comfortable ensconced, sipping hot coffee, in an enclosed observation deck while you enjoy the beauty around you. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch or grab a bite at one of the local restaurants following your trip.

This one is only available in Miami. It has to be the most romantic gift I came across, especially perfect for Valentines Day or an anniversary! You will travel along the historic streets of Old Naples, Florida, and enjoy the beautiful European architecture and gorgeous plants. Your vehicle will be a romantic, horse drawn carriage! After you have toured the down town you will take a traditional English afternoon tea which will include finger sandwiches, scone, and pastries resplendent with strawberry preserves and Devonshire cream. Finish up the day with a glass of champagne. Guys, this one is a no-brainer. Seriously.

Jet Fighter Experience O.k..if the last one was a no-brainer for guys this one is a no-brainer for the ladies. What guy has not dreamed of shooting through the sky like Tom Cruise in Top Gun? Give him the chance to see what he is made of with a high speed adventure in a real jet fighter. The pilot will lift off and perform a series of acrobatics, high speed maneuvers, and then allow the passenger to take over the controls if he dares! The plane is a Soviet L-39 jet fighter and flown by a licensed fighter pilot. The flight its' self lasts for an exhilarating 30 minutes.

FindGift.com has a most unusual gift for the smoker in your life. If you need a literal gag gift here it is. This ashtray coughs and screams as the smoker uses it. The ash receptacle looks like a set of lungs. It is not the most tasteful gift I saw but it may be just the thing to convince that loved one to quit.

Have a spy wanna-be in the family?Want someone to feel secure? How about a 15 User Biometric Deadbolt Lock? The system powers on and off automatically to save electricity and restricts access to only approved visitors. The biometric deadbolt system will hold up to 30 fingerprints and retains all programming even when the batteries are out.

This Tree House Play Set by Melissa and Doug is the coolest! It is for ages three and over and has four levels of foliage, pulley systems, trap door hammock and play figures. Kids are going to have a great time playing Swiss Family Robinson with this! The set is made from sustainable rubberwood and has a solid wood construction. According to the site it is easy to assemble. No promises there but it does look like a lot of fun.

O.k..well maybe this is an off the wall gift but it is certainly unique! The AQUS Toilet System is a water conservation system which channels the water you use in your bathroom sink for washing hands and brushing teeth into the toilet tank to use for flushing! How cool is that? It is simple to install, and requires little maintenance. The reservoir holds up to 5.5 gallons of graywater for use in the flushing the toilet. The company estimates that it an reduce water usage in a two person home bu 5,000 gallons a year, which also reduces water usage and sewer fees. There is even a filter that blocks hair and other things from entering and possibly clogging the toilet. A great gift that saves money and the environment!

Rent Mother Nature is an innovative gift that will make memories over and over again. You will be helping to support a family farm using sustainable farming practices while also allowing the recipient to enjoy his "farm" for a period of time. You can choose from a variety of items to rent. Consider renting an oyster bed for the seafood fanatic, or a cocoa tree for the chocoholic. You can rent a sheep, a goat, a cow, or a wheat field. There are many other options as well. For your rental you will get a portion of the produce, a wool blanket from your sheep, chevre from your goat, maple syrup form your maple tree...You get updates and photographs of your rental, as well as a certificate stating what you have rented. This is a fun way to re-connect with our agricultural roots.

Unusual and unique gifts don't have to cost a lot of money or take a lot of time. The best gifts are always gifts from the heart, gifts that show someone that you are thinking of them and that you care about them. When you can give a gift and support a worthy cause at the same time it is especially satisfying. As you consider the tastes of the people you are buying for try to think outside the box. Making memories can be a learned skill. Don;t forget to use beautiful and unique wrappings and ribbons to make your gift as beautiful as the thought that went into it.