Novica: A Place to Find Rare and Unusual Gifts

If you're tired of giving the same old same old for birthdays and holidays then consider Novica for unusual and rare presents. This global company features such diverse items as Balinese theater puppets or hand blown stemware. It also employs artists from such diverse areas as Brazil, India, West Africa and Thailand to create unique and elegant gifts. All are made completely by hand to give gifts that stand out for years to come.

The best part about Novica is that it is truly international. It employs some of the world's best crafts people in jewelry making, glass blowing, weaving and carving. Another interesting fact is that is also a division of National Geographic and that it's dedicated to helping the world's artisans. The artist's name and picture appear with their products on line so you get a sense of what spirit and drive go into the piece you've just selected. There is also a written postcard signed by them included in the purchase.

This site has one of the widest selections for the homethat I've seen so far. It's hard to choose here. There are so many interesting gifts here from something as grand as beaded wall hangings to simple coasters. If you're looking for a small house warming or holiday gift for coworkers or even your boss, then think about giving the coasters. There is one set that is created from teak called "Parrot Talk which features the birds and hard carved designs. They also have their own unique box where they can be stored and is priced at $47.95. Lacquered wood coasters are another elegant choice. They are black and gold rounds, adding a certain exotic touch and again they come with a matching lacquered box.

Price wise they are a good buy at $48.95 because they are hand crafted and no two sets are exactly alike. Another small but tasteful gift are placemats and Novica has many different styles. Price ranges here from as low as $19.95 for the simply woven "Batubalan" from Bali to the silk and cotton blend $89.95 "Jade Poppies" from Thailand. For a middle ground price of $32.95 go with the colorful cotton "Blueberry Stripes" or "Hot Tomato". These Indian made mats add color and spice to any dinner table during any season. Novica also has coffee and tea sets along with stemware. The tea and coffee sets are reasonably priced and make different shower gifts. The stemware is a little more expensive but they have an excellent range of styles and colors.

Another aspect Nociva is known for is their handcrafted jewelry. The brooches and pins are exquisitely crafted. They look so ethereal that it's hard to believe human hands actually created them. Again the price range varies but all are amazingly beautiful. A tiger lily brooch has hand filigreed petals made by a Thai artist. Surprisingly this is only $42.00 in price because it looks suggests hundreds of dollars more. A truly colorful heirloom piece is the Bouquet, a brooch wrought in the shape of a flower basket and filled with amethyst, garnet and topaz "flowers".

This is a little more at $84.00 but still is a steal considering finer priced jewelry stores sell similar pieces costing at least one thousand dollars. Necklaces are another good buy. Here you can find everything from beaded to jeweled, from earthy Mexican to exotic Indian. A wooden bead necklace and earring set cost only $32.95 and can be worn from office to evening effortlessly. For much more you can get an exquisite azure set for $242. If you're looking for smaller gifts, then consider Novica's vast earring selection. It has an striking pair of Thai made "Shooting Stars" for only $19.95 or the amethyst and garnet "Blossom" earrings for $24.00 . The site has some exquisite bracelets and rings from all over the world as well along with hand carved jewelry boxes that look straight out of "Arabian Nights". Again there are all sorts price ranges here but you'll definitely find something unique and memorable no matter what you want to spend.

Novica also has some neat looking apparel for both adults and children There are alpaca and pashmina shawls as well as ponchos and this fall's latest trend - capes. All are hand made by textile artisans and come in a variety of styles and prices. There are even delicately made dresses, blouses and skirts as well as exotic batik robes handcrafted in Thailand. Novica even has men' s wear - and actual good looking wearable sweaters. There is the very rich looking alpaca vee neck pullover in a pale gray or the intarsia alpaca polo style "Highland" done in browns and golds. You can also treat the little ones in your life to Novica 's children clothing. The sweaters and ponchos are down right cute with their bright colors and different themes. These are pricey for a kid's sweater, about $48.00 for something that may only fit for two years. You may want to consider them as hand me down gifts, going from one sibling to the other as the kids grow. Novica also has splashy summery dresses that are perfect for tots living in tropical climates. You can buy a little shift here for as low as $19.95. There is also a baby sling, covered with suns by Global Mamas for the youngest gift receiver. It is $47.00 and looks like a knitted sweater sleeve.

Toys are a big item at Novica however they're meant for older kids and adults not the pre-K to third grade age range. There are hand carved soapstone domino sets that are etched with flowers for $38.95 as well as chess sets made out of metal , wood or stone. For a new spin on this old game, buy the "Nature Does Battle" at $58.85, where the pieces are stones painted with chess symbols (miters for the bishop, large crown for the king, etc) For a really unique present select the Balinese shadow and theater puppets . These are more intended for collectors. Each is hand crafted and the characters are taken from myths and legends of the region. Their price is high - ranging from $54 to $125 and made of embossed leather.

If the site is overwhelming and puts you at a loss as to what to buy then head to their gift certificate section. The lowest denomination starts at $35. and goes up to the Global Shopping Spree (yes, that's what it's called ) of $1,000. Your best bet are the ones priced at $50 and $75. There's enough to be found at these two price ranges to satisfy anyone.

Novica makes gift buying and giving fun. Its' wide range of gifts from around the world make a special occasion even more special. Consider this unique site when you're tired of giving the same old stuff.