Image via Complex Original
Read closely all Ikea-faithfuls and Bed, Bath & Beyond loyalists: I get it. These stores are criminally inexpensive, physically convenient and with plenty of gems for the purchasing. No one's judging you for your minimalist Ikea bookshelves or your poly-blend iPad sleeve. However, I'm here to shed light on a practically bottomless marketplace filled with minimalist bookshelves, iPad sleeves, and oh so much more: Etsy.
Not only will you find incredible vintage furniture from Danish designers, or structured vegetable-tanned leather iPad sleeves, but you can also find prints, letterpress stationary, vintage board games, cookie ingredients and more. Think of it as eBay, if eBay grew up with a pack of Brooklyn wolves who were really eco-conscious.
Click through to check out the 10 best finds on Etsy this week. Don't like what you see? I bet I can find stuff you will.
iPad 4 Sleeve "Arrow"
If you're one of the lucky few who gets to tote around an iPad, you might as well go all the way and protect it with a sharp, structured case. This one is made of vegetable-tanned leather and German merino wool.
Shop: The Navis
What: iPad 4 Sleeve "Arrow", $76.39
Hazelnut Whisky Sandwich Cookies with chocolate ganache filling
THROW AWAY YOUR OREOS. Life's three great flavors – whiskey, hazlenut and chocolate – collide and the result will make grown men get weak in the knees. These bad boys are comprised of bittersweet Scotch Whisky-infused Madagascar chocolate filling nestled between two cookies studded with ground hazelnuts and rich chocolate chips. Each order includes 6 sandwich cookies, so you can share. Or not.
Shop: Whimsy & Spice
What: Hazelnut Whisky Sandwich Cookies with chocolate ganache filling (set of 6), $9.50
Vintage Polaroid Camera
Brought to you from the late 1970s, this guy is untested but in "excellent vintage condition." In other words, even if it doesn't work, it's worth displaying.
Shop: Hindsvik
What: Vintage Polaroid Land Camera, $45
Vintage Mint Green Lamp
You know what your night stand or desk needs? A wickedly slick vintage lamp in a subtle minty green. Now you know.
Shop: Laan2
What: Vintage Mint Green Lamp, $59.72
"Lasalle" Original Painting On Salvaged Wood
Sometimes, rooms without characters feel dead and vacant. This Lasalle painting can add a little personality to whichever room you feel she fits best.
Shop: You Sentimental Idiot
What: "Lasalle" Original Painting, $200
Door on Hairpins End Table
If you don't have the means do go full-out Dutch on your living room (couches are expensive!), start with the small stuff. This end table is made from an old oak door too. You know what they say: one door closes, an end table is born.
Shop: Pecan Workshop
What: Door on Hairpins End Table
Licorice Black Bakers Twine
Trust me: everything looks better when wrapped in twine. So you want to send a package but will have to use recycled newspaper? All good. Take some twine, tie twice or three times over, and boom: you're package will look artsy and thoughtful. The same goes for gifting on the fly. Invited to a housewarming party or a BYOB dinner? Cheap bottle of wine + twine = great looking gift.
Shop: Pretty Tape
White Pod with Velutina Air Plant
If you can't take on another pet or need a little more plant life in your midst, this hand dipped bell cup will greenify your home or office.
Shop: Bird and Feather Co.
What: White Pod with Vuletina Air Plant, $10
Black Ceramic Bowls
Soup, salad or cereal, anyone? Bowls are an easy upgrade for anyone looking for improvements in small doses.
Shop: Laurie Goldstein Ceramics
What: Black Ceramic Bowls, $34
Slip Leash in Smoke
Once again, Etsy offers an alternative to your mass-produced PetCo product with these hand-made, hand-dyed leashes made from 100% organic cotton, complete with brass hardware. Dog is apparently man's best friend, and unless you're the type to get your best friends something from the dollar store, these leashes might be worth the splurge.
Shop: Blink Things
What: Slip Leash in Smoke, $55