I live in the South, where monogramming is a way of life like sweet tea and buttermilk biscuits. Besides the ubiquitous monogrammed car, I’ve seen all sorts of things emblazoned with curlycue initials and block name imprints – hand soap, dish towels, camp chairs, Easter baskets, hair bands, flip flops, trays, soap dispensers, swimsuits, and much more.
I don’t have a name that one finds finds at souvenir stores so I was never that kid who had personalized pencil cases and a mini license plate for my bike. Not one tourist trap in the world has “Ilina” in its inventory. This is why I love the advent of made-to-order personalization. I do love some monogramming, though my taste is more eclectic than Southern preppy. Uncommon Goods is my go-to spot for all things personalized with a sense of whimsy. We have a thing for maps in our family so this map pillow is a personal favorite (though Mac Daddy would claim we have more than enough throw pillows already).
In keeping with my love of all things cartological (Yes, I totally just made up that word.), I also adore this “statement’ necklace. My home state of Virginia will always hold a spot in my heart so I would love this little piece of the Old Dominion near my heart.
Here’s the thing, I don’t write many sponsored posts. I write about stuff I like and I won’t steer you wrong just to shill some stuff and collect a few bucks. I really do love Uncommon Goods and jumped at the opportunity to share my experience with the company. It’s a company that values design and responsibility in equal parts. I don’t think profits over people is a sustainable mentality so I love to find businesses that support causes that speak to me too. Here are the non-profts that Uncommon Goods supports:
RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.
American Forests protects and restores forests worldwide, helping to preserve the health of our planet for the benefit of its inhabitants.
Women for Women International provides women survivors of war with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-suciency.
City Harvest strives to end hunger in communities throughout New York City through food rescue, distribution, and education.
Uncommon Goods can tell their story better than I can, but I can tell you that I love this site and check it often to the new goodies that crop up. “Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, UncommonGoods is an privately-owned retailer that endeavors to feature unique designs and handcrafted gifts created in harmony with the environment and without harm to animals or people. We run all our operations out of the historic Brooklyn Army Terminal, including our warehouse where the lowest-paid seasonal worker starts at 50% above the minimum wage. We make it our mission to support and provide a platform for artists and designers; in fact, half of what we sell is made by hand. Most of the products we carry are created right here in the USA, and about one-third of our entire collection incorporates recycled and/or upcycled materials. At the core of our company is a great respect for the integrity of the creative individual and the belief that it is our responsibility to use our business to impact the world in a positive way.”
Next year is our 15th wedding anniversary, and I’m giddy about the gift options on Uncommon Goods. I’m getting this for Mac Daddy. Shshshsh…don’t spill the beans.
This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are all mine and 100% honest. You can’t buy my love.