Author Archives: Lauren Urbschat

  1. Friday Field Trip: To Moop or Bust

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    Last Friday, Traci and I took a field trip to Carnegie, PA. We were on a mission to visit our new friend Wendy Downs, the owner of Moop, at her studio. Moop makes reasonably priced, thoughtfully designed and impeccably hand-sewn bags right here in Pittsburgh.

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    From humble beginnings as an Etsy shop seven years ago, Wendy has built an impressive business and internationally sought after brand. Her work has been featured everywhere from Design Milk and Cool Hunting to People Magazine. For many designers, this kind of growth inevitably leads to outsourcing manufacturing overseas. But Wendy remains committed not only to quality workmanship, but to a quality of life for herself and all of her employees. And we think that’s awesome.

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    We think all Moop bags make great gifts, but we asked Wendy (seen above on the left) for a few of her favorites.

    The Porter ($134)

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    “The Porter in waxed canvas is a great gift for new parents. It’s large, gender neutral, water resistant and most importantly, does not look like a diaper bag.”

    I would totally carry this with or without diapers, wouldn’t you?

    Messenger no.3 ($185)

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    “This bag is great for new college graduate students. It is effortlessly casual, while still maintaining polished functionality. It’s large enough for laptops up to 15”, several books and your typical daily bag items. Plus it’s water resistant.”

    Funny, we just recommended Backpack no.2 in our blog about gifts for those heading off to college!

    Moop + Thread Collaboration, Paperback ($187)

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    “Lined in fabric made from 100% post-consumer, recycled plastic bottles collected from the streets of Haiti, this special edition is the perfect gift for your environmentally conscious friend who loves eco friendly materials.”

    Love this new collaboration with Thread. Looks great and does good. It’s a win win!

    Tiny Clutch no.1 ($39)

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    “These are the perfect gift giving item. Small, useful and made from 100% merino wool, they are perfect for filling with small treasures.”

    Pretty sure I need one of these. And definitely in this color!

    We also asked Wendy the questions we ask everyone…

    What’s the most memorable gift you’ve ever received?

    “One Valentine’s Day, my boyfriend made me a small heart, rimmed with flashing LED’s that he soldered and electronically wired so they pulsed a bit, almost like a beating heart cartoon.  Four months later we were married.  The little heart sits on the bookshelf in my living room and always makes me smile.”

    Looks like Joe’s got some competition, eh Traci? (To understand this reference, click here.)

    And finally, what’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever given?

    “A former studio assistant of mine was married a few years ago. She loves to cook, share food with friends and is committed to supporting local agriculture as much as she can. She wanted to participate in a community supported agriculture program but it was a little beyond her reach at the time. So, my husband and I, in honor of her marriage (and not wanting to give her a toaster), gave she and her new husband a CSA farm share. They were able to indulge in a season’s worth of locally grown produce and provisions and I was able to support something I deeply believe in: local farms and cooking from scratch.”

    Great idea! So thoughtful and useful. We knew Wendy would be a kindred gifter.

    What an awesome way to start a Friday. Moop is just the kind of business we love connecting with at Lily&Strum. Unique products with great stories always equals great gift recommendations. Want more? Check out our last Field Trip to The Shop in East Liberty.

    Do you know a maker or online retailer with a great story and great gift ideas? Let us know! We’d love to visit them and add their products to our inventory of gift recommendations.

    To learn about more great gift ideas, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. And to be sure you never miss a moment and always get it right, sign up here.

  2. 8 Gifts for Urban Gardeners

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    Spring gets everyone in the mood to garden, but not everyone has a big enough yard or properly colored thumb for that matter. These gifts for urban gardeners are sure to give all the satisfaction without requiring all the space or all the work. These gardening gift ideas bring Springtime indoors so no matter where they live they’ll always be surrounded by plant life.

    Side note: If your Mom happens to be an urban dwelling plant lover, why not send her one of these unique gardening gifts for Mother’s Day? (You’ve only got a few days left people!)

    Gifts for Urban Gardeners: Under $50

    1. Plant Mister ($19) West Elm

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    This is a really inexpensive but useful gift for any urban gardener. The old-fashioned pump nozzle gently waters plants, herbs and flowers and looks great sitting out on display in any of the three colors.

    2. Luna Hanging Planter ($39) Potted

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    These stylish modern planters work great hanging together or all by themselves, either indoors or out.  With clean lines and simple design, these planters are the perfect gift for the urban gardener.

    3. The Plant Recipe and The Flower Recipe Books ($49) Provisions by Food52

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    In addition to the gorgeous photographs, these books offer advice from some of the top experts in the field, and teach you everything you need to know for the art of flower and plant arranging, from layering colors to selecting a vase. This is a beautiful gift for any urban gardener or hostess for that matter.

    4. Hanging Glass Bird Feeder ($49.95) Red Envelope

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    Unassuming and perfect for the urban dwelling, this glass bird feeder looks as much at home outside an apartment window as it does in a spiraling back yard. A lovely gift for the urban gardener who likes a little fauna with his flora.

    Gifts for Urban Gardeners: Under $100

    5. Flower Power ($60) Ahalife

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    This gardening gadget by Parrot is sure to give anyone a green thumb. It monitors a range of parameters including light intensity, ambient temperature, soil moisture and fertilizer levels. This data is gathered every 15 minutes and connects to your smart phone or other Bluetooth capable device, so you’ll always understand exactly what your plant isn’t getting, or is getting too much of.

    6. Happy Family ($75) Urbio

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    We discovered the magic of Urbio when we needed a little green in our small office. It’s space saving and super easy to install. Plus you can always add to or rearrange the “Happy Family” for additional organization.

    Gifts for Urban Gardeners: Under $150

    7. AirPlant Frame ($130) AirPlantMan

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    Airplants basically grow themselves so they’re perfect for the aspiring urban gardener who just doesn’t have time to really care for plants. The frames come with a starter kit of 5 plants to instantly create a living work of art.

    8. Plug in Planter ($129) Aldea Home

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    This planter is a great gift for the absent-minded gardener who is also a wannabe chef or foodie. The chalkboard design looks great filled with fresh herbs in any kitchen. It’s self-watering, self-feeding, soilless, and simple to set up so they’ll never go hungry.

    There you have it, 8 great gifts for urban gardeners to help your friends and family get their garden on, no matter where they live. Want to let us know what you think or get more great gift ideas? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. And to be sure you never miss a moment and always get it right, sign up here.

  3. 8 High School Graduation Gifts They’ll Actually Use

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    As they leave the nest and head out into the unknown, give them one of these high school graduation gifts they’ll actually want to use. Whatever your budget, these gift ideas will help them stay focused, make friends, or be prepared for anything. We promise these unique gifts will not disappoint.

    High School Graduation Gifts Under $25

    1. Help her document the experience: Want them to take more photos so you can see what they’re up to while they’re away at school? Consider The Selfie as a graduation gift for a high school girl.

    The Selfie ($20) Urban Outfitters

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    2. Help him make friends: As he goes off to college he’s going to need something to break the ice. There is no better ice breaker than this game. With over 13 duodecillion possible rounds, he’ll always be the hit of the party and have you to thank for it. Side note…this is the best game EVER.

    Cards Against Humanity ($25) Amazon

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    High School Graduation Gifts Under $50

    3. Remind her that life is short: As she heads off into the great unknown, aka college, remind her that you only live once. Holla!

    Yolo Necklace ($45) Scoutmob

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    4. Keep him from going hungry: This is the graduation gift that keeps on giving. Munchpak boxes are filled with a huge variety of delicious munchies from Australia, Sweden, Japan, United States, Canada…and they will ship as often as you like. As they go off to college, at least they won’t go hungry.

    MunchPak ($47.70/6 months)

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    High School Graduation Gifts Under $100

    5. Prepare them for anything: Whether they need a little help keeping clean or making friends this kit filled with necessary yet unexpected items ill do the trick. This graduation gift includes everything from earplugs to tune out a noisy roommate to a ping pong ball for you know…

    Ultimate Dorm Survival Kit ($91.50) Dormify

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    6. Keep them healthy and happy: If your champion snacker is also a health nut, might we suggest a subscription to NatureBox? Instead of salt and sugar they can power through all nighters with wholesome and delicious nuts and berries.

    NatureBox (Starting at $99.95/6 months)

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    High School Graduation Gifts Under $200

    7. Help her carry the load in style: Whether she’s running to her next class or heading out of town for the weekend, this is sure to be her go to bag. It’s so stylish and well made that she’ll use this graduation gift long after college.

    Backpack no.2 ($188) Moop

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    8. Help him pack it all in: This bag is nearly indestructible and fits absolutely EVERYTHING he’ll need. Plus, you can customize it with his favorite color combos. This graduation gift is worth every penny.

    Custom Laptop Messenger Bag ($169) Timbuk2

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    There you have it, eight high school graduation gifts they’ll actually use. Want to let us know what you think or get more great gift ideas? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. And to be sure you never miss a moment and always get it right, sign up here.

  4. 8 Unexpected College Graduation Gifts Under $30

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    We all know that money is what they really want (and need) as they head off into the unknown. These fun college graduation gifts are all under $30 so they can accompany the cash and still give them something to remember you by.

    College Graduation Gifts: That Motivate

    1. Keep them from procrastinating: It can be tough in the real world so why not offer a little advice with their morning coffee. All “F” words aside…this graduation gift makes some really good points.

    Advice Mug ($25) Cool Material

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    2. Help them make big decisions: They’re on their own now and that can sometimes be overwhelming. This helpful graduation gift breaks it down and provides the guidance and sense of humor required to be self sufficient.

    Hand-Lettered Make a Decision Pad ($7.00) Knock Knock

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    3. Give them a morning pep talk: This graduation gift will remind them that nothing comes easy, but dreams do come true. They’ll be sure to think of you every morning as they grab their coffee and go running out the door. (For an added effect, set clock 15 minutes.)

    Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do ($30) Society 6

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    College Graduation Gifts: That Get Down to Business

    4. Teach them a foreign language: The office environment is a whole different ballgame complete with its own colloquialisms. Help them get fluent quickly with this humorous yet incredibly useful corporate dictionary. They’re sure to reference this graduation gift at least once a day.

    The Dictionary of Corporate Bullshit ($8.96) Amazon

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    5. Help them feel professional: Having your own business card provides a priceless sense of confidence when you’re out there networking for the first time. Give them that boost they’ll need with this unexpected graduation gift. These cards are friendly and unpretentious and make just the right impression.

    Mini Cards ($19.99) Moo

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    College Graduation Gifts: That Inspire

    6. Keep their creative spirit high: It’s so easy to lose the creativity and inspiration you had when you were in school, and you often don’t realize you’ve lost it till it’s already gone. As they look down every morning, this clever graduation gift will remind them that no matter where life takes them, creation is key.

    Never Stop Creating (the infinity pencil) ($28) Society 6

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    7. Remind them to live life to the fullest: Everyday. Even as they run around town doing boring errands, they’ll be inspired and be thinking of you.

    Carpe Diem ($22) Society 6

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    8. Keep them focused, but not too focused: Work hard. Play hard. Make it count. That’s what life is all about and this graduation gift says it all.

    Do Epic Sh*t Flask ($24.50) Cafe Press

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    There you have it. Eight unexpected college graduation gifts that will keep on giving long after the cash is gone. Want to let us know what you think or get more great gift ideas? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. And to be sure you never miss a moment and always get it right, sign up here.

  5. Friday Field Trip: The Shop in East Liberty

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    Now that spring has sprung, Traci and I sometimes find it hard to sit still.  Today we just had to get out of the office, so we took a gifting field trip to The Shop in East Liberty, which happens to be right around the corner from us.

    Now we may or may not have been on our way to Harvard & Highland for happy hour when we first discovered The Shop, but however it happened we’re sure glad we found it. Opened by Julia Reynolds in September 2012, The Shop offers fresh and modern home and personal accessories that are artful, well-made and won’t break the bank. Imagine that, a gifting oasis right in our own backyard! Since The Shop also has an online storefront, you can bet we added them to our list of recommended retailers.

    So Julia, what are your favorite things about being in this neighborhood?

    There’s an awesome energy in Pittsburgh, a level of passion that’s helping make this city great again. It seems like everyday you hear about someone starting something cool or doing good in the community. East Liberty in particular, is a neighborhood where this passion is really evident. 

    Do you have any gift ideas for us to add to our inventory?

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    One of the most beloved things in our shop is Gregory Beauchamp’s Tribe print ($50) – it doesn’t gets much sweeter than this. This print makes a great gift for Mother’s Day or for new parents.

    Adorable!

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    For someone that’s super practical or has just about everything, one of our Stak Ceramics’ Phone Docks ($28) makes a neat, inexpensive gift. We’re all in need of a good place to charge our phones and this dock makes a design statement at the same time.

    You know, I’ve been eyeing these up every time I go in…might just have to gift one to myself.

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    For that stylish lady who loves to make a statement, Fail Jewelry’s Arc Collar Necklace ($116) will definitely make an impression. During the day, this necklace is perfect when paired with a simple t-shirt or sweater; and at night, it looks amazing with that special dress or blouse.

    Oh, I would totally wear that.

    What’s the most memorable gift you’ve ever received?

    One of the most treasured items in my home was a wedding gift from one of my nearest and dearest friends. While she was traveling in Southeast Asia, just a few weeks before she came back to the States for the wedding, she found an amazingly intricate clay lantern. She said she watched as the artist made it and knew it was the just the thing – and it really was.

    What’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever given?

    You might have to check with my husband on this, but I think it was a drawing I had made for his birthday one year. The art features a sketch of our pup, Jake. I love that it tells a story not just about our amazing dog but about the person who made it.

    Thanks Julia for taking the time to talk with us! Looks like we’ve found another kindred gifter. If you’ve never visited The Shop in East Liberty, get yourself over there!

    Have a suggestion for our next field trip? We’re always look for an excuse to go shopping! For all things gifting, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. And to be sure you never miss a moment and always get it right, sign up here!

  6. Unique New Baby Gift Baskets

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    When it comes to unique new baby gift baskets, you have to do a little searching. It was worth it because we found some wonderful hidden gems! We’ve compiled a list of our favorites at a variety of price points to ensure that no matter your budget, you’ll keep up your super hero gifting status.

    FYI: Lily&Strum’s founder Traci is a new mom herself and has given the stamp of approval to all of the following.

    New Baby Gift Baskets: Under $50 

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    A bucket of burpies should really come standard with every baby. Since they don’t, we think this unique new baby gift basket ($34.95) from Gift Tree is a must for any new mom. Functional and adorable, these ones are eco-friendly, super soft and of course come packaged superbly.

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    This Beautiful Baby Gift Tower ($39.95) from Gift Tree is budget friendly and makes a big impact! We love this new baby gift basket because it’s stacked high with essentials to keep both mom and baby happy.

    New Baby Gift Baskets: Under $75

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    How cute is this Elliot Shoal gift set ($55) from Land of Nod? It contains three little onsies with vintage inspired drawings adorably packaged in a suitcase shaped gift box. There is also a new baby gift basket just for girls that is equally as precious. (These puppies are so cute they’re sold out until mid-may.)

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    Red Envelope has some great baby and kids gifts that are extra special because they can be personalized.  We especially love this baby one piece and toy gift set ($60). Whether you choose the giraffe or elephant, the modern design of this new baby gift basket shows off your great taste and attention to detail.

    New Baby Gift Baskets: Under $100

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    We just love the selection of new baby gift baskets at Aldea Baby. The Julia ($55.95) is so sweet and makes a great impression. This keepsake basket is over flowing with fun stuff for baby including a floppy fluffy stuffed bunny by Jellycat and a classic blankie by Angel Dear.

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    Maybe it’s because food is one of my top reasons for living, but I can’t get enough of Romp’s The Little Foodie Basket ($75). It’s just too cute for words.  From knit donut rattles to bamboo feeding spoons, this precious new baby gift basket comes packaged in an adorable tiny suitcase that can be used as a nursery decoration now and for pretend trips to Bora Bora later. 

    New Baby Gift Baskets: Under $150

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    Aldea Baby has new baby gift baskets for just about any budget. On the higher-end, The Noel ($145) is packaged in a cute tote by 3 Sprouts that you will want to use again and again. Among other things, it includes Organic Muslin Swaddles by Aden & Anais and Plush Baby Legwarmers by Little Giraffe. That’s right, we said baby leg warmers.

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    The Land of Nod is awesome for kids and baby toys alike and they’ve got some great new baby gift baskets. The Jumbo Nod Baby Gift Set is bright and colorful and bursting with fun stuff for baby as he grows. There’s also a pink version too.

    Want to let us know what you think or get more great gift ideas? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. To be sure you never miss a moment and always get it right, sign up here!

    NOTE: To my coworkers: I promise not to say, “omg this is soooo cuuuute” for at least a week.

  7. Easter Gift Ideas for BIG Kids

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    We’re not kids any more, but we all love an excuse to indulge in sweet treats once in a while and Easter is a good enough excuse for me. But who wants jellybeans and waxy rabbits when you could have Bourbon Marshmallows or Pistachio French Macarons?  Here are a few of our favorite sweet shops with some Easter gift ideas that would make a great addition to any basket (or a great gift on its’ own).

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    1. Easter Gift Ideas for the Chocolate Lover

    What’s better than a candy bar? One you customize yourself of course! At Chocomize you can create your own chocolate bars from 3 Belgian chocolate bases and over 90 ingredients ranging from pop rocks to Himalayan pink sea salt. That’s over 300 million possible combinations of deliciousness.

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    2. Easter Gift Ideas for the Kid at Heart

    I will always, always love Rice Krispie Treats. Something about that ooey-gooey-buttery-sticky-crispy texture instantly transports me to 1988. The Crispery kicks this childhood favorite up a notch by offering a host of decadent flavors. And if you just can’t decide between Cookies & Cream or Banana Chip, please feel free to send me a Sampler Gift Box.

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    3. Easter Gift Ideas for the Cookie Monster

    Mouth is one of our favorite sites to find both sweet and savory gifts for any occasion. But if you really want to make someone’s life, send the Cookies Every Night box. At least 30 cookies delivered right to your door for 3, 6, or 12 months! Subscriptions are the gift that keeps on giving, especially when they’re edible.

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    4. Easter Gift Ideas for the Foodie

    Wondermade’s fluffy artisanal marshmallows come in a dozen different flavors including, adult only varieties like Guinness, Bourbon, and Champagne as well as aromatic varieties like Chai or Rose Raspberry. I want them all.

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    5. Easter Gift Ideas for the Fancy Pants

    Sugar and Plum’s rainbow of French Macarons is so bright and Springy, they just scream Easter. Choose from vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, lemon, raspberry, strawberry poppy, licorice, violet cassis, coffee, rosewater lychee, peanut butter and salted caramel.

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    6. Easter Gift Ideas for My Face

    For popcorn lovers like myself, Funky Chunky is what heaven must be like. They have a product called Chip-Zel-Pop, which is a combination of potato chips, pretzel sticks, and buttery popcorn drizzled with caramel and dark, milk and white chocolate. This is what I’m talking about people.

    For more gift recommendations tailored especially for you and yours, sign up at Lily&Strum to receive a beta invite.  Happy gifting!