uzzle – the quest for intelligent design


gdiapers
March 12, 2009, 12:00 am
Filed under: Eco-Items, Wee Ones | Tags: ,

Flushable liner, washable “pants” and a kickin’ assortment of designs and colors. Who says that baby isn’t doing their part (in style) for the environment?

the little g

little g

From gdiapers. Prices vary.



Facebank
March 10, 2009, 5:00 pm
Filed under: Kids, Toys/Games | Tags: ,

A bank that “eats” up to 30 quarters; the mouth opens after waving the coins in front of the eyes (aka the sensors.) Check out this strange video of the bank in action.

facebank

Facebank

From Audio Cubes. $45.99.



Wilton “Silly Feet” Baking Cups
March 10, 2009, 9:00 am
Filed under: Dining / Galley, Wee Ones | Tags: ,

I’ve checked these baking cups out in person and they really are as cute as they look. Adorable gift for your favorite cupcake.

wilton_silly_feet_baking_cups

Silly Feet

From Sur La Table. $10. set of four.



Plant Me Pets
March 9, 2009, 6:00 pm
Filed under: Outdoor Living, Wee Ones | Tags: , , ,

Although considerably more pricey than a plain old package of seeds, these Plant Me Pets get high marks for their charming style and terrific packaging. Available in pumpkin, melon or tomato.

plant_me_pets

Plant Me!

From Perpetual Kid. $19.99 each.



Envirosax
March 9, 2009, 3:00 pm
Filed under: Eco-Items, Wee Ones | Tags: ,

Ever since San Francisco banned the use of plastic bags in large supermarkets and pharmacies (paper is now used), I’ve noticed a definite uptake in people using canvas and reusable bags when they shop. And what a terrific opportunity for a whole new product market.

I’ve been a big fan of the Envirosax line since it came out in 2004 – in the category of “usable shopping bags” they’ve got it sewn up. Sturdy construction, true over-the-shoulder design and the best assortment of graphics in this category. And their “kid” and “graphic” series bags hold an impressive 40-44 pounds.

Their size is so compact and light that I carry with me at all times. And at this price-point, there’s no excuse not to look hip while saving the environment.

Kid Series: Flower Power

Kid Series: Flower Power

Graphic Series: Retro

Graphic Series: Retro

From Envirosax. Prices start at $8.50 each.



Il Bueno (“The Good”) and Il Cattivo (“The Bad”) Sculptures

Years ago, my friend Tim introduced me to the joys of spaghetti westerns – after one weekend, I was hooked.

The film “The Good, Bad and the Ugly” is at the top of my list for that genre, so I was delighted to find the film-inspired Il Bueno and Il Cattivo sculptures. Unique mid-century-meets-UFO sensibility.

10.6 inches high x 5.5 inches wide; doubles as a piggy bank.

Il Bueno & Il Cattivo

Il Bueno & Il Cattivo

Wannekes lists them in their “kids” section but they’d fit in beautifully as a display piece in any mid-century/modern influenced (including my own) home. €185.



Playsam Jetliner Toy
February 25, 2009, 4:56 pm
Filed under: Office/Desktop, Travel, Wee Ones | Tags: , , ,

I must admit that I covet the Playsam line every time I see them – simply gorgeous, sleek, simple wooden toys with a glossy finish. As a frequent traveler, the jetliner is my hands-down favorite (and winner of “Excellent Swedish Design.”) Comes packaged in an elegant black box.

playsam_jetliner

Also available in red & silver metallic

From Moolka. $65.99.



British Shorthair Plushy
February 25, 2009, 1:25 pm
Filed under: Furry Friends, Wee Ones | Tags: , , , , , ,

I share my abode with two awesome British shorthair (“Brits”) cats, brothers Jack & Charley, so it was with great interest to have come across this utterly charming plushy of this unique breed. Handmade in Melbourne, Australia by Chelsea.

"Brit"

Brit

Check out her other cat (and dog) breeds at her Etsy shop. $16.95.



“Urban Babies Wear Black”
February 23, 2009, 11:20 am
Filed under: Books, Wee Ones | Tags: ,

For your favorite urban baby, “Urban Babies Wear Black”. Urban babies “love nights at the opera, modern architecture, and fine cuisine.”

urban_babies_wear_black3

Two other favorites in this charming series by Michelle Sinclair Colman (author) and Nathalie Dionare (illustrator) are “Eco Babies Wear Green”

eco_babies_wear_green

and “Foodie Babies Wear Bibs”.

foodie_babies_wear_bibs

From Amazon. $6.95 each.



Boogaloo Dolls
February 23, 2009, 1:00 am
Filed under: Wee Ones | Tags: ,

Couldn’t pass up an opportunity to post something that not only is an adorable gift, but also has a great name.

boogaloos

Inoo-lala & Lee-lee Plum

From The Land of Nod. $35.00 each.