What is Ideal?

Ideal is a carefully curated shop composed of unique, design-conscious gifts and accessories. The objects we choose are creative, authentic, and refined. They are inspired by the vision of talented artists and designers from around the world.

Our store was formed with our own ideal in mind: that shopping should always be a personal and thoughtful experience.

Enjoy our blog and please come visit our shop in beautiful, downtown Bellingham. If you can't make it in, we take orders over the phone - just call (360-752-5522) or e-mail info@anidealshop.com.


Sunday, November 28, 2010

Stocking Stuffers for $10 and Under!

Did you know we have over 20 well-designed, creative, and interesting stocking stuffer ideas for $10 or less? These great picks will provide enjoyment long after the holiday decorations have been put away. Check out this list for everyone on yours:


Worldwide Co Art Boxes - these great tins include stencil templates and pens so you can choose head shape, hairstyles, and other features for thousands of different creations! We've got Facebox, Zoobox, Robobox, Dinobox, Hypotrochoid, and Fingerprint Art Boxes.



Facebox Stencil Set, $10

Japanese Wooden Tops - these are like lovely little sculptures, and spin really well. Handmade in Japan.

Japanese Wooden Tops, $6.50 each


Audubon Bird Calls - The original Audubon Bird Call, made in New England by the Eddy family for over fifty years. The call consists of a birchwood roller and a zinc plug. $9.00 each.






Hand-knit, fair trade rattles from Bangladesh:

Ball Rattles, $10 each


Hanging photo strips. We have horizontal or vertical orientation, plus a new mini photo booth size:

Hanging Photo Strips, $9.75; mini size $3.75


Spin Optical Toys. Spin one of these discs between your fingers and magically watch the two sides merge into a single curious image. An old-fashioned optical toy with a modern twist. Several illustrations available.


Spin Optical Disc, $5


Holiday Surprise Balls - Unwind the colorful crepe paper ribbon to discover five fun holiday gifts hidden between the festive layers. Prizes include an interactive toy, fortune, candy, charm, confetti popper/bubbles. These make great table favors, as well. Made in Oregon.

Surprise Balls, $10 each

Neapolitan Chocolate Bars from Chocolate Editions by Mary and Matt. As lovely as a little painting and very delicious, too! We have samples at the shop so come by for a taste. Made in Brooklyn, NY.
Neapolitan Chocolate Bar from Chocolate Editions, 3 oz, $10


The iStand is like a kickstand for your iPod or iPhone. Suction this to the back and prop it up to watch a video.
iStand, available in white, blue, or orange, $6

Bicycle spoke bookmark, made by hand in Switzerland. Can also be used as a money clip.

Bicycle Spoke Bookmark, $8

Lasercut stainless-steel bookmark from Stewart/Stand. Several patterns available.
Stainless Steel Bookmarks, $9.50 each


Rubber bands from recycled bicycle innertubes, made in Switzerland.
Plattfuss Rubber Bands, pack of 70 assorted sizes, $6.50


Alchemy Goods business card holder made from upcycled bicycle innertubes. 99% recycled material and made in Seattle.



Business Card Holder, $10

Also from Alchemy, set of two zipper pulls made from pressure valves:




Zipper Pulls, set of two, $8






Marimekko paper napkins available in several patterns and sizes. $5.25 for cocktail size; $6.75 for dinner size.

Marmekko Cocktail Napkins, $5.25

Kamenoko Tawashi scrubber, made of 100% natural palm fibers. Designed in 1907 and still widely used, this scrubber has stood the test of time. Perfect for cleaning root vegetables, washing pots and pans, and more.
Kamenoko Tawashi Scrubber, $7.25




Also from Japan, "mt" washi masking tape in many different patterns:
Washi Masking Tape, set of two rolls, $9


Expandable plastic vases in several patterns. These store flat when not in use to save space.

Expandable plastic vase, $7.95

There you have 18 ideas for $10 or under and that's not all - we also have a good selection of stocking-worthy books for less than $10. Stop by for a look!

We'll be in touch soon with more gift ideas, but until then here are a few reminders:

*This coming Friday, December 3 is Downtown Art Walk and we'll be featuring a celebration of Finnish Design from Marimekko. Enjoy 20% off Marimekko handbags that evening! Spend over $50 in the shop and receive a Marimekko gift. Also enjoy the Window Walk, organized by Downtown Bellingham Partnership to highlight downtown businesses' festive holiday windows.

*Monday, November 29 through Saturday, December 4 is Sustainable Connections Buy Local Week. Shop locally first and help keep Bellingham the vibrant community we love! As a member, on December 4 we will be offering a free stainless steel Marimekko cookie cutter with purchase of $50.

*We will also be extending our hours December 13 - 24 to help with your holiday shopping needs. You can visit us until 8pm Monday - Saturday and until 7pm on Sundays.