Ever Green

Posted by Canadian Gift Guide on November 9, 2014 · 132 Comments

There’s a theory out there that’s often applied to content marketing, about how some content is ‘evergreen’. Namely, that it outlives the day it was published. Some posts on this blog would be considered evergreen actually, because the gift ideas are still so wildly popular that I’m still seeing hundreds of hits on particular posts on a weekly basis. I thought it was a fitting choice for today’s featured brand for a host of reasons – evergreen trees and their association with the holidays, the fact this is a gift-giving resource you can dip into year after year, and the fact that their very name, theUncommonGreen, feature the titular colour. Let’s check out what they have to offer, shall we?

Maps Glassware – $12.50 each
Say hello to your new favourite glass – and one of theUncommonGreen’s most popular gift items. Each 11 oz tumbler is etched with a shockingly detailed map of the featured city’s paths and landmarks. It’s a fitting choice for anyone that’s a hometown hero looking to celebrate their Torontonian (or whatever city you hail from) roots, as well as a cool pick for a loved one that’s recently moved away. The four glasses above represent the current Canadian cities you can choose from – but if you’ve got ties to the U.S., there’s plenty of options from Atlanta to Washington. You can also add custom text to the side or bottom of the glass to make it super customized. Consider pairing a glass with a 26 of your friend or family member’s favourite drink for an extra special gift.

Molecular Flutes – $30 per pair
I’m actually heading to a wedding on New Year’s Eve – and this would make an awesome gift for the bride & groom. If you’re celebrating a similarly love-filled occasion or you simply want to commemorate a couple’s first holiday season together, anniversary or engagement, then keep an eye on these lovely glasses. They’re etched with the molecules for Oxytocin and Vassopressin, two hormones linked to true love and lasting, long-term relationships. Box ’em up with a bottle of bubbly for a toast to a long and happy romantic future together.

Pi Plate – $55
Speaking of brainy yet beautiful gifts, theUncommonGreen also carries a lineup of Pi-themed items. Alas, not the delicious edible kind, but the mathematical, infinite number we’ve all come to know (to varying degrees) and love. You can nab everything from shooter glasses to coasters to show off your love of numbers (and practice memorizing Pi while you’re at it), but I was drawn toward the amusingly named ‘Pi Plate’ for a number (hey-o) of reasons. First, it’s made from uber durable Corian, a countertop material, meaning it can double as a cutting and serving board. Second, it’s the type of conversation starter that any math whizzes will adore as they serve up apertifs at their next board game night, binge watching session or crazy intellectual cocktail party. Functional and fun – what more could I ask for?

State Slates – $65
And that cheesy mention brings me right over to theUncommonGreen’s State Slates, another versatile serving board for any occasion. These raw-edged beauties have cork feet to protect your tabletop, and come in over a dozen designs, all of which feature a U.S. state etching, including major roadways. Canada hasn’t made their way into this relatively new segment of theUncommonGreen’s Maps barware collection, but all in due time. In the meantime, opt for a state that means something to your loved one – maybe they moved there, went to school there, or are a New York or California fanatic. Whatever the case, these chic slate boards make a perfect housewarming or newlywed gift.

Concrete Shave Set – $130
Here’s a primo gift for the discerning gentleman on your list – theUncommonGreen’s new line of grooming products, 73Prime, is all about durability and quality. This unique razor and high quality shaving brush are both made from a unique post-consumer mixture of granite and marble dust, which is blended into an advanced concrete compound and molded into ultra-smooth, ultra-luxe shaving tools. The rationale behind the concrete is this: when your handle is too light, you tend to overcompensate to get those whiskers shed. With a sturdy handle, you can apply a lighter touch, preventing you from potentially roughing up your sensitive skin.

Flotsam Clocks – $60 each
One of theUncommonGreen’s core principles is to design and manufacture sustainably. That’s why you’ve probably noted above mentions of recycled materials playing a big part in many of their designs. Such is the case with the brand’s wildly successful Flotsam clocks and tables, which are made from a unique composite material designed for the U.S. Navy and other heavy duty marine equipment. Their unique bubbly texture gives these simple clocks an edgy, modern feel – plus you’ll feel good about knowing your home decor is actually a green choice. It’s also worth noting that this line in particular is sold out as of me writing this post – and sells out quickly when it is in stock. So if you’re interested, be sure to sign up for theUncommonGreen’s ‘Notify Me’ emails so you know when they’re available again.

I am somewhat just scratching the surface here for what theUncommonGreen carries. In working with the brand to build this post, I can tell you this. They are always coming up with new ideas and new products, and are fully worth keeping bookmarked as they add more items and expand their existing collections. Also, I just feel good about featuring them. I mean that wholeheartedly – these are good people, with good ideas, and good gift choices that you can feel good about buying. All good! They do ship to Canada, however theUncommonGreen is also working on building up their Canadian distribution, so keep your eyes peeled – you may see them in a gift shop near you very soon. In the meantime, I’m pleased to announce I’m giving away a $150 theUncommonGreen credit for you to shop to your heart’s content in their store. Here’s how to enter to win:

1) Visit theUncommonGreen website and then tell me in the comments below by November 21, 2014 – how would you spend your $150 credit if you won? You can tell me about as many items as you want 🙂

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around November 22, 2014 to select the winner(s), who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.

4) Bonus Entry: There are four ways to earn bonus entries into the draw, all of which involve following and interacting with theUncommonGreen’s social media. For each activity that you do, be sure to leave proof in a separate comment (i.e. one bonus entry per comment) below. Good luck!

Twitter – Follow theUncommonGreen, tag them & me in a Tweet that links back to this post, leave a link to your Tweet in the comments below.

Facebook – Like theUncommonGreen, leave a wall post, then link back to your wall post in the comments below.

Pinterest – Follow theUncommonGreen, then Repin any of their Pins to a board of your own. Link back to your Pin in the comments below.

Instagram – Follow theUncommonGreen, like or comment on a photo, link back to that photo below with your instagram username.