Unique Gift-Giving and Shopping at UncommonGoods {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Lynda!}

I have often said that I really enjoy gift-giving, but it's the gift-purchasing that always leaves me stumped.

Or, more accurately, the gift-purchasing ideas.

Between kids (what are their interests?) and teachers (where is the happy medium between practical and fun?) and family and friends (what in the world don't they already own?), I find that coming up with items that are unique and different is a continual challenge.

I want to give a gift that makes the recipient's eyes light up, not one that they'll politely thank me for and then immediately move on. That's why I know that when I'm shopping for items that define creative and innovative, that I simply need to visit page after page of UncommonGoods.com.

The unique and wide-ranging collection of items for adults, kids, home, office, and more found at UncommonGoods are from all ends of the spectrum. From wedding gifts to jewelry to handmade goods, the hardest part about shopping there is finding a way to not spend an entire day browsing... and then actually deciding between all of the options available.

Even if my shopping list states "gifts for husband" I'll find myself getting distracted over in the Dining & Entertaining and Jewelry & Accessories pages (which aren't things that are likely to lead to a present for my husband like these). Then I'll be back on track for a few minutes, only to find myself wondering who I know that could use a guitar pick punch.

Although no one I know plays the guitar, maybe I need this for myself just in case I run into Dave Matthews when he is preparing for an impromptu show in the park? And just happens to not have a pick with him?

Hey, it could happen.

While I still think that it couldn't hurt to be prepared for Dave, in the meantime UncommonGoods had something that caught my eye even more. Considering the number of times that my husband and I have been stressed, frazzled and altogether angry about not being able to find our keys when we need them, how have we lived without the Buckle Up Key Holder?

Made from a discontinued car seat belt buckle that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill, this wall mounted key holder was the perfect blend of out-of-the-ordinary and extreme usefulness that I was immediately sold on it.

And, when two Buckle Up Key Holders arrived from UncommonGoods, I couldn't wait to see if the amazement would translate in person.

It did.

These are just so cool! Each one came complete with the buckle, a key fob and ring, and the choice of two hanging methods: two screws with anchors or two-sided tape.

I really appreciated that I had the option of using the two-sided tape, as putting permanent holes into the wall in my entryway seemed much less desirable. In total, the entire assembly and installation time took around one minute, as I applied one side of the tape to the back of the triangular top to the buckles...

...and the other side right to the wall. I did have my doubts that the tape would be strong enough to hold the entire contraption securely to the wall, but those were quickly erased when I found that I could tug and pull on these and not have them waver one bit.

After attaching the fob to our key rings, all it took was popping them into place in the buckles and suddenly we would never have to search the house for our keys again.

When it comes time to leave, I found that I was able to easily operate the buckle (while holding my keys) with one hand. With these hanging between our front door and garage door, we're all set to click and release and head out on our way.

The Buckle Up Key Holder is my new favorite piece of functional decor! While my husband and I tend to drive the same vehicles during the day, we often swap in the evenings or on the weekends depending on what we're doing with (or without) the kids. Therefore, knowing that I won't spend an extra 10 minutes searching the house for his keys when I need them makes me smile each time I see these buckles.

Add to the that the what-in-the-world-are-those? amused reaction that these provide when guests come into our home and I just couldn't be happier with the results. These are just such a fun addition to display!

Retailing for $24 each, the Buckle Up Key Holder is just one of the many ways that UncommonGoods makes gift-giving or shopping for something unique simple and fun. Their jewelry, tableware, accessories, home products, gadgets and gifts for him (so many fun ones!), her and kids are sure to impress for your next event or occasion.

With so many handmade or recycled products to choose from as well, you're sure to find something completely different from the norm but also good for the earth! Their commitment to the environment, affordable prices, helpful customer service, and quirky yet cool collection makes UncommonGoods.com the place to go for something special that your recipient (or you) is sure to enjoy.

And, thanks to the generosity of UncommonGoods, one person will be able to see the expression on their recipient's face with a gift that they will always remember, because...

One lucky person will win a $50 gift certificate to UncommonGoods.com!

To enter to win: Visit UncommonGoods.com and tell me one of their fun items that you would like to own or give as a gift.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you Like UncommonGoods.com on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, add them to your circles on Google+ and/or pin your favorite UncommonGoods product on Pinterest.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a $50 gift certificate to UncommonGoods for unique, fun gifts for the whole family! http://bit.ly/HjPat3 @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

1 Extra Entry (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
2 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on April 27th at 11:59pm CST. By entering this sweepstakes, you are agreeing to these official rules. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited by law. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning and the giveaway sponsor is solely responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and must be 18 years of age or older.

A big thank you to UncommonGoods.com for providing two Buckle Up Key Holders for me to review as well as a $50 gift certificate as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.