Oh, Paloma!

Paloma's Nest is a revered veteran in the magical land of Etsy. Founder Caroline Colom Vasquez is always quoted in the countless 'rise of online shopping' articles that have appeared everywhere from the local paper you wrap your flowers in to the New York Times.

And, it's not hard to see why - her gorgeous ceramics range offers so many beautiful gifts including the trademarked ringbearer bowls that are hugely popular for marriage days!

I gave my absolutely-perfect-for-each-other friends Chelsea and Craig the 'I carry your heart' bowl you see above for their engagement.

And, my little 'good egg' smiles happily at me often from the Anthropologie ceramic egg crate in which it rests.

Too special. Too special.

Shanna Murray.

Ok, things are getting hairy. I'm sharing some of my serious secrets.

Illustrator Shanna Murray is one of my absolute favourites. She creates the most utterly gorgeous wall decals with beautiful garlands and the sweetest quotes.

And, she also designs the most lovely desktop calendars every month, available to download for free every month.

Check out Shanna's shop for gorgeous gifts and must-keep treats.

Kiki and Polly.

Oregon-based artist Lisa Golightly sells these uniquely gorgeous pieces under the moniker Kiki and Polly. She used to paint original pieces but now tends to focus more on prints (these are both available and her shop).

Lisa has also carved out a niche of offering 'old school portrait paintings with a twist'. You send her a picture of your child/family and she'll rework it into an original painting for you in her standard faceless style and the final effect is really striking.

It's no wonder Lisa is garnering many fans, including Martha Stewart Living!

Paper and prints.

I am a stationary and paper nut. I love it all. Folded cards, flat cards, letterpress, ink drawn, rough paper, smooth paper, coloured paper, big prints, small prints. All of it.

One of my favourite designers is New Zealander Dear Colleen who makes gorgeous old-school type prints, tea towels, totes and many more treats.

I bought my gorgeous friend Jess this print for her birthday.

And, my very tall brother John this one for Christmas.

Wearable planters.

I absolutely adore Colleen Jordan's wearable planters. Aren't they just divine? In Colleen's words, they're made to 'carry a plant by your heart on your day's adventures'.

Heart. Skips. Beat.

Wouldn't they make the most gorgeous everyday present for a man-friend?