The Uncommon Goods-ness of Gnomes

When opportunity knocks, sometimes super cute things await. Such was the case when Uncommon Goods asked if I’d be interested in sampling goods from their baby gift collection. Since my friend Madelyn announced she is expecting her first baby in January, the timing was perfect. I couldn’t resist, and chose these gnomes. I knew they’d be cute, but I had no idea they’d be so well-made.

Both the onesie/hat set and the blanket are made of recycled fibers. If you think recycled implies a lesser quality, you would be mistaken. These were flawless in every way. The fibers are super soft and snuggly, the colors are vibrant, and the gnomes scored a solid 10 on the cuteness meter.

Here’s what I learned (and what I love) about Uncommon Goods:

1. Founded in 1999, they are headquartered in New York City in the old Brooklyn Army Terminal. I know where I’m going the next time I visit NYC.

2. They are committed to supporting artists & designers; half of what they sell is handmade and most of their products are created right here in the USA. As a home crafter, I appreciate this more than I can express.

3. Approximately one-third of their products are made from recycled and/or upcycled materials. As an avid recycler, I love and support this.

4. They have B Corp status, which means they use the power of business to solve social and environmental issues. That B seal also means they meet rigorous standards on issues like wage levels, environmental impact, and giving back to the community. A company with a heart? You betcha.

Even if you don’t buy into the mission, you would be a fool to miss out on the quality and variety of products offered. Even The Complete Package, my beloved husband, gasped aloud “Wow…that blanket feels amazing. It’s so NICE!” Who says men don’t notice such things? He’s all mine, ladies.

What I love most is how they pulled it all together – great design, recycled materials, handmade products with a high level of craftsmanship, and made in America. Seriously amazing. All of it.

Somewhere in southern California is a wee baby who will someday be swaddled and soothed by these sweet, cuddly gnomes. And somewhere in Houston is a blogger who is appreciative of the folks at Uncommon Goods and their commitment to quality, creativity, and community and who, just for a second or three, contemplated keeping that snuggly blanket for herself. (Hint: it’s me.)

Disclaimer: Uncommon Goods offered to ship products from their selection of Baby Gifts and/or Personalized Gifts. I chose the gnome items from the baby collection, which were sent at no cost to me. I was not compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own. Readers know I only share items I love and feel strongly about, and these sweet gifts certainly fit that bill. -jeanne