After flying from San Francisco to Amsterdam to Norway to Amsterdam to Chicago, BussBuss is le pooh-ped. Jetlagged. Or, shall we say, jethagged.

And while we could go on about beauty solutions to make us look perkier, we'd rather just sleep.

All.

Day.

Long.

How to block out that gorgeous Chicago summer sun?

With a firecracker of an eye mask by Hambone and Jennicakes, of course.

We're sad we missed them at last weekend's Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco, but thank the Internet gods and sfgirlbybay for leading us to them.

Take a peek!

Did someone you know recently graduate and you still haven't nabbed her a gift? Or does your struggling artist friend have a birthday coming up?

Why not get her the perfect gift?

The Ramen Spoon/Fork by Masami Takahashi was originally created for use at the popular Sugakiya ramen noodle restaurant chain in Japan, but we think it's perf for your ramen-eating friends.

Make it extra special by buying some packs of ramen -- or ten (heck, aren't they 10 for $1?) -- and this Grumpy Girl 'I Cook Instant Ramen on Certain Holidays' tee and creating the yummiest and funniest gift basket ever.

In the spirit of the Fourth of July and having the right to vote, not to mention our undying love of animal accessories and soft spot for Jonathan Adler, we present these cheeky elephant and donkey ceramic banks.

A super cute baby gift for your fave future republican or democrat, as well as a fun retirement gift for your hardened republican or democrat, as peeps who tend to see both sides with rose-colored Gucci-knockoff glasses (kidding), we'll take one of each, thanks.

Why not treat yourself to an Independence Day prezzie? You're worth it.

Plus, it'll finally give you somewhere to put all your change and will be the most carefree pet you'll ever have.

Take a peek!

p.s. BussBuss is off for the long weekend! We hope you have a fabulous Fourth of July and look forward to seeing you next week, where we'll be bussing from the Nordics and the Netherlands!

How does your garden grow?

Well, since we live in a city flat with no yard, it doesn't grow so much.

But that won't keep us from getting our flower fix.

Instead of mulch and mayhem, we're opting for a vintage-style flower ring from Twist Style.

Like a corsage for your finger, we think they'd make a sweet birthday gift for your BFF, a fab bridesmaid gift or simply a happy treat to yourself for being so fabulous.

And, because they're a bargain at under $30 each, you can easily collect multiples for a whole bouquet of vintage-style loveliness.

The best part? They'll never wilt.

Take a peek!

Even though it's a chilly 61 degrees here in San Francisco right now, summer has officially arrived.

And summer to us means finding great hostess gifts to give (and maybe even to get).

If you're spending some time at a loved one's home (beach, mountain, city) anytime soon, why not give them flowers that will last a lifetime, like this perfect tulip on a porcelain platter by gleena?

It's simple, beautiful and will surely guarantee you'll be invited back again. {We also may be drawn to the tulips because we're gearing up for a trip to the Netherlands -- and Norway -- this week!}

Gorgeous bowls, cups, plates and vases are also available in a variety of colors and styles by gleena designer Asya Palatova, who was born in Russia ('gleena' means 'clay' in Russian) and now lives and works in Rhode Island (we love that we can see her childhood influences in her work).

Take a peek!

Via the fabulous oh joy!

Maybe it's his birthday. Or your anniversary.

Or maybe you just want to say 'Happy Friday. I love you.'

May we suggest getting your favorite travel partner a pair of handmade, custom antique map cufflinks by designer Anne Holman?

Commemorate your honeymoon, your hometown, where your little ones were born, or where you fell in love.

Choose almost any city around the world and he'll always have a special memory with him.

While you're at it, snag a custom map pendant for yourself.

That way, no mattter where in the world he is and you are, you'll always be in sync.

Available at Anne Holman's Etsy shop and our fave design and gift shop, Rare Device.

We've gushed over Henry Road designer Paula Smail's groovy prints and colorful global style in the past and are so excited to see her latest collection of pillows, bags, aprons, tablecloths, runners, journals and more.

The poppy, colorful graphics put us in the mood to host a sun-drenched summer party with good food and friends. And that just makes us happy. And, really, isn't that what good design is all about?

We also love that we can get a dose of Henry Road on the go in handbag form, too. The totes are perfect for hopping and shopping around flea markets, rummaging through vintage stores for hidden treasures and traipsing the globe stylishly.

The best part?

Paula's giving BussBuss readers an exclusive 20% off with code BUSSHR20 at checkout through July 15, 2008.

Take a peek!

What happens when two vintage-loving super-talented designer friends put their heads -- and hands -- together?

Domestic Construction.

Maureen Walsh, Uncle Bikes clothing designer -- and former BussBuss alum, and Trish Andersen, Anthropologie's Fifth Avenue store display coordinator, met in the fibers department at SCAD and, as most young designers do these days, eventually moved to Brooklyn, where they formed the fab new design studio specializing in interiors, environments and one-of-a kind fashion and home products.

You can scope out their debut line of dresses crafted from vintage fabrics and hand screen-printed pillows at Domestic Construction (and buy at a Renegade Craft Fair near you).

But it's their ted lights, made with vintage teacups, that we're swooning over, and that you can nab right now on Etsy if you're fast enough.

Imagine hanging one, or a cluster, over your kitchen or dining room table for a statement all your Scandinavian-design-loving friends would sell their first-borns for. They'd also make such a fab, unexpected gift.

Take a peek!

What happens when a former ad world girl with a twisted sense of humor starts a greeting card line?

Oh My Word.

On the outside, the cards reveal simple and sweet enough sentiments such as the tradish:

[outside] I miss you.

But on the inside, the fabulous because it's true:

[inside] when I'm drunk.

We love (and have heard that a certain Gossip Girl star does too):

[outside] You skinny little b*tch.

[inside] What I mean is...did you lose weight?

Scope out the three brand-spankin' new debut collections: The Truth Hurts, Just Because, and What I Mean Is...at Oh My Word.

Take a peek!

p.s. A recent experience prompted us to begin a special feature we've been tossing around for a few years now. We call it The DailyBust.

Click here to read The DailyBust!

As you may have surmised, dear reader, we have a weakness for the glam.

So we were thrilled to find out that we can now glam up our lattes and hot cocoas too.

How?

With this two-carat cup, dahling.

A graceful porcelain cup adorns your fab finger with a sparkling solitaire diamond ring when you pick it up.

We'll drink to that.

Give one to your single SATC-loving BFF. Because, like diamonds, friends are forever.

Take a peek!

Got a grad in your life that you want to gift, gorgeous?

Hook her up with a playfully chic Lauren Merkin business card case or laptop sleeve.

Since it's important to dress the part of the job you want and not necessarily the job you have, you'll be setting her up for success -- or, at the very least, making her the envy of all of her friends.

Which, let's face it, is sometimes just as rewarding.

Take a peek!

Small is the new big. At least when it comes to handbags.

Seriously, we girls will sacrifice a lot for the sake of fashion, but scoliosis shouldn't be one of them.

Which is why we've fallen hard for these Lolli by reincarnation chain clutches.

Pick from a slew of lambskin hues, then opt for either a silver or gold chain. The fab part is that the chain is so thin, yet durable, and looks like it could be a necklace. Making it perfect for going out at night and being hands-free, or for running around the city and having plenty of hands free for shopping and your latte -- or milkshake.

Just pop in your essentials: phone, credit card, lipgloss, keys and you'll look vintage glam in a snap and, more importantly, be super comfy too.

Take a peek!

Still looking for an ah-mazing Mother's Day gift and feel like splurging on the lady who gave you a fab life?

Consider the Kindle.

If Mom loves to read books, the newspaper, magazines or even blogs (wow -- she's rad), this will blow her Crocs off. It's Amazon's wireless reading device and is about the size of a book. You don't have to hook it up to a computer for it to work or anything. And it works on the same network as advanced cell phones, meaning you don' t have to find a hot spot to download new books.

Our favorite highlights?

It holds up to 200 titles, so when you travel (whether to an exotic island or just to work), you no longer have to lug your reading material with you, saving you from shoulder and back pain (when your porter isn't available that is).

Because it's paperless (obviously), it's totally green, saving lots of trees. We love trees!

No more ink smudges on your hands from newspapers or mags!

Unlike a laptop, it doesn't get hot.

There are no service plans or wireless bills. Once you buy it, you're set.

The battery can last for a week!

Best of all, you'll make Mom the coolest soccer mom on the block.

Plus, if she ends up not being able to convert from her old-school ways, you can totally steal it!

To get free two-day shipping and your Kindle before they all sell out -- yet again -- click here!

Some moms love the classics and delight in receiving flowers on Mother's Day. If that sounds like your Mom, take advantage of Martha Stewart's perfectly perfect taste and send her Martha Stewart flowers, so you know they'll live up to the highest of standards (plus, get $10 off orders of $59.95+ with code MARTHA10 or $25 off orders of $119.95 with code MARTHA25 at checkout through May 31, 2008). For something a little out of the ordinary, we love the Chamomile and Rose bouquet in a fab faux bois vase.

Some moms, like ours for instance, like flowers as much as the next girl but are more practicality-oriented and would prefer something that lasts a little longer.

Which is why we've come up with our list of...Top 10 Mother's Day Gifts.

Take a peek!

Doesn't it seem like most moms value practicality over anything else?

Indulge your Mom this Mother's Day and help her hop on the green bandwagon at the same time with the perfect market tote.

Modeled after shopper bags chic Europeans have been toting for years, we're smitten with this one because it can hold a ton in the main compartment, has four grommet air holes at the bottom corners to let groceries breathe and two flaps that zipper closed. With six bottle pockets on the outside, you can carry bottles securely and well balanced (we won't tell if there's more wine than water).

There's even an inside zipper pocket, a cell phone pocket, a tiny plastic pocket to hold change for the parking meter, a removable zipper pouch to use as a makeup bag or wallet, handles and shoulder straps.

In a nutshell, the perfect bag.

It would also make a great gym bag, diaper bag or even picnic basket, so why not treat Mom to the perfect bag and a fun mother-daughter picnic this Mother's Day?

Score it at one of our favorite gift shops, The Spoon Sisters.

P.S. The Spoon Sisters are treating BussBuss shoppers to an exclusive 15% off your entire order with code bussmom through May 31, 2008!

Save for cupcakes and milkshakes, there's not much BussBuss loves more than traveling.

Which is just one reason we're so in love with these chic city totes.

Besides being adorable and oh so very practical (no more fussing with unsightly maps when you're visiting your favorite locales), Maptotes are also very eco-fabulous, as they make a great replacement for any plastic bag.

Also, being the typography junkies we are, we totally dig how the fonts match the vibe of their respective cities.

At just $15 a pop, it's never been easier to travel the world (and your fave nabe) in style.

Take a peek!

Calling all earth angels.

Earth Day is right around the corner and while you may be doing your part to be green (no, eating green M&Ms sadly does not count), we're sure someone in your family or inner circle isn't (hello, Mother).

Want to jumpstart them on the road to being eco-fabulous?

Get thee to Greensender.

The smart eco-friendly company sends green starter packs to your chosen recipients.

Each box includes a SIGG water bottle (plastic water bottles are so last year), a reusable grocery tote bag (roomier than most, which is a big plus in our book), an energy-efficient cfl light bulb (you'll be amazed at how much you save on your electric bill) and a super-soft organic cotton t-shirt (a girl's gotta look cute on Earth Day).

It may be trendy to be green (Jaye Hersh, fashion pioneer and owner of Intuition in LA, listed Greensender as a favorite site when we chatted with her recently), but you can't argue that it's not needed. Send one for Earth Day, for Mother's Day or just because you love the planet.

Go to Greensender!

P.S. Greensender loves us too and is giving BussBuss readers a free Greensender organic cotton t-shirt with every order of $30 or more! Simply enter BUSSGREEN in the comments section of the checkout process. Be sure to note size and male/female for free tee.

Ever wonder what designers across the pond are up to? Not the big names you can get in every major city, but the independent designers you'd find on sites like Etsy here in the States?

Wonder no more.

DaWanda, the Etsy of Europe, will let you get your fix.

And even though exchange rates aren't exactly in our favor these days, you can still score great deals.

For instance, this darling teapot necklace made from polymer clay would make such a sweet birthday or Mother's Day gift and costs just $6 EUR plus $2 EUR to ship via USPS Priority Mail (if math hurts your head -- and we feel your pain, that means you'll pay about $12 and get your goodies from Sofia, the designer in Bulgaria, in 7-10 days).

It's like having a jet-setting BFF send you goodies from afar, a style pen-pal of sorts -- but better because you get to pick them out yourself.

Way more affordable than booking a ticket to Europe, stroll the virtual market and impress your friends with one-of-a-kind gifts, art and fashion.

Take a trip to DaWanda!

Most hotel shops are filled with overpriced touristy tschotkes, but W hotels are not like most hotels and neither are its stores.

Filled not only with their signature bedding, towels and robes, but also with hip design-focused goods that cater to the clientele they attract, we love that we can shop their well-edited picks without going on vacay by simply clicking over to their website.

What did we find? Jonathan Adler vases, Mimobot flash drives, Philippe Starck Louis Ghost Chairs, Rachel Leigh earrings, CC Skye cuffs, Comme des Garcon wallets and more.

Plus, there are two big deals happening right now.

One, a huge up to 80% off warehouse sale. We spotted Hand Maid by Michelle Frantz bags (originally $165, now $39.99) and CC Skye buckle cuffs (originally $168, now $62.99).

Two, get 40% off with coupon code 39Y9G (does not apply to sale items).

Three, shop now!

Bored by big box stores and yearning to shake things up?

Click on over to Mod Cloth, featuring one-of-a-kind vintage and vintage-inspired looks from independent and up-and-coming designers.

You'll also find great accessories, jewelry, bags, shoes and home decor, all at incredibly reasonable prices.

Think of it as an indie Urban Outfitters meets Fred Flare.

We're loving the Tilly Bloom antique typewriter necklace, Anna Sui tights, lace ankle socks, graphic houndstooth scarf in pink and grey, Dreams of Paris pillowcases, Moniker Clothing's snip and shear tee and Architecture booties -- a mix between sandals and ankle boots.

Find your own favorites here!

The lovely folks working behind the curtain at Kate Spade have teamed up with some of our favorite designers and artists like Lena Corwin and Paulina Reyes to create the cutest handmade e-valentines that you can send to those you love.

All the cards are free to send and you don't have to register or anything -- so fun!

We love their trademark nostalgic, clever and quirky aesthetic and are so excited to send a little charm to those we're thinking about this Valentine's Day.

Give love!

Dear Valentine,

Roses, chocolate and lingerie?

Great classics.

But we've thought a little outside of the box this Valentine's Day to reveal the new classics.

Find 30 inspired ideas for the ladies you love this holiday of hearts in part one of our Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Her.

XX,
BussBuss

Conversation Hearts? So five mins ago.

Conversation bracelets? Now we're talking.

For Valentine's Day, why not gift your favorite girl (you) and a make a statement with a witty Jessica Kagan Cushman bracelet?

Phrases we're fond of?

Truly fabulous people never get dressed before lunchtime.

You can agree with me or you can be wrong.

Why?

Because I said so, that's why.

Take a peek at Shopbop and at Jessica Cushman.

At BussBuss, we believe in surrounding yourself with things that you love. And things that love you back.

From the perfect ballet flats to lovely letterpress stationery that makes you and your recipient feel special to all of the fashion, beauty, interiors and gifts in between, we love sharing our love of style and online shopping with you.

We believe that the things you buy and choices you make directly affect the life you have, make and live. Whether that's in your closet or in your living room, join us in resolving to buy only those things that make you smile and bring you (or those you love) joy in 2008.

Like Jessica Rust's personalized, customizable, sweet nostalgic designs.

The birch mugs and bowls, featuring "carved" initials in a tree, make an ideal engagement, wedding or Valentine's Day gift. Also find one-of-a-kind gifts to celebrate babies and kids and all the many moments in life worth capturing.

Take a peek at Jessica Rust Designs.

P.S. BussBuss shoppers enjoy an exclusive 20% off with code BUSS20 through January 15, 2008 (tip: order now for Valentine's Day as customization takes 2-3 weeks).

Wow. We're basically a week away from Christmas. Which means it's seriously time to get clicking. Here are our top ten favorite gift sites, the ones we'll be clicking over to in just two secs, with special deals and coupon codes too (because unlike what Mom always said, sometimes procrastinating until the last minute is good for you).

The Spoon Sisters: 15% off with code bussbuss at checkout through January 15, 2008.

Wishingfish: 15% off with code BUSSBUSS15 at checkout.

Wrapables: Free shipping on all orders of $60 or more (before taxes, shipping & discounts).

Uncommon Goods: Only two days left to order with ground shipping!

Etsy: Find super affordable and unique handmade gifts.

Hammacher Schlemmer: Free shipping on orders over $100 with code HOLAFS2 at checkout.

Amazon: Free two-day shipping for Amazon Prime members (totally worth signing up if you shop Amazon a lot)!

Vivre: Free gift wrapping through December 21, 2007 plus save 15% on cashmere through December 23, 2007.

Red Envelope: Free shipping on orders over $50 through December 22, 2007.

Barnes & Noble: 25% off one item with coupon code N6R7C4J through December 18, 2007.

See more great gift sites in our Haute Shops directory!

See great gift ideas and deals in our Holiday Gift Guide:

For Her
For Him
For Everyone Else!

Tomorrow, find out what Nina Garcia, Atoosa Rubenstein, Rebecca Minkoff, Jaye Hersh, Ophira Edut and Andrea Nelson want to give and get for the holidays in our Stylemakers Gift Guide!

We think 2008 should be about everyday glamour and luxury. From your head down to your toe-ee-ooos.

Why not spread the luxury to the ladies (and men and kiddies) you love by giving the gift of shoes this holiday season?

Buying shoes as gifts used to be a risky proposition. What if they don't fit or they don't like the style? With all of the fabulous online shoe shops these days, all offering free return shipping, you can put those fears behind you.

In fact, Endless is offering not only FREE OVERNIGHT shipping, but overnight shipping is negative $5 (that's right, they take $5 off your order) and you get your order the very next day. Returns are totally free too for a full year and easy (pre-paid label included).

We'd love to receive bejeweled heels and cashmere slippers, Santa. And we'd love to give some luxury this year, too.

Plus, Endless carries fab handbags, clutches, wallets and brag books as well and is giving $20 off $100 orders of select handbags brands, $20 off $100 orders of select winter boots and select fashion boots, plus $10 off $50 orders of select slippers too, for a limited time. Whew.

Take a peek!

Over the next weeks, we'll be sharing gift picks from our favorite stylemakers, as well as editor's picks and our favorite gift sites.

To kick things off, we're highlighting one of our favorite gift shops of all time, Uncommon Goods.

You can literally find something quirky, fun, cool and non-mainstream for everyone on your list, whether you're shopping for coworkers, hostesses, guys, babies, kids, sisters or best friends.

We love the focus on artist-designed goods and clever solutions and ideas, not to mention that we can find Laurel Denise, Alyssa Ettinger, Teaposy and Clocky all in one place.

So if Christmas is turning into Stressmas, give in to the glory that is online shopping and get it all done fabulously right now at Uncommon Goods.

Take a peek!

Remember the glamour days of air travel?

Neither do we.

But we've finally found a fabulous solution to the things that irk us most when flying the unfriendly skies: arctic cold air, icky used pillows (if you're lucky enough to even nab one), wanting desperately to sleep it all away, but failing miserably, no matter how many Dramamine we've knocked back.

Say hello to the PamBee.

Designed by a flight attendant who knows we want to travel in style and comfort, the PamBee includes a silky blanket long enough to keep toes cozy, an inflatable pillow and a matching adjustable eye mask.

Available in several prints and solids, PamBee fits into any carry-on or tote and barely takes up any space due to the ingenious design (the blanket and eye mask slip right into the deflated pillow).

Take a peek!

WINTER BREAK: For 15% off all orders and free shipping, use code bussbuss at checkout!

Looking for darling-chic handmade gifts without having to actually make them yourself (seriously, we know you don't have the time)?

Check out Atlanta-based Microwave Girl Handmade Goods.

The gray floral pouch and pretty in pink clutch make great gifts for sisters and BFFs.

We're also loving the cheeky cards, like Happy No Particular Holiday and You Rock My Socks.

Need a great stocking stuffer or coworker gift for less than $10? Pick up some sparkly glitter magnets that come packaged in a metal box. Simply tie a gorgeous ribbon around and you're set.

Take a peek!

With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas and the bustling holiday season ahead, we wanted to kick off the giving season by giving you our Fabulous Holiday Gift Guides.

Find fab picks for everyone on your list and special deals just for BussBuss subscribers. Plus, be on the lookout for more great finds in the weeks to come. Why stress when you can easily impress and shop in a click -- and with some yummy hot chocolate in hand?

Shop the Holiday Gift Guide:

*For Her
*For Him
*For Everyone Else!

Looking for fabulous gifts for hostesses, coworkers, babies, pets and more? We've got you covered. Enjoy our top picks, with exclusive coupon codes and savings, too.

Take a peek!

Why fight the masses at the mainstream mall when you can kick back, sip bubbly and shop fabulously unique and chic gifts from the comfort of your home or office (we won't tell) this holiday season?

Find fab gifts, jewelry, accessories and more from the best online boutiques and up-and-coming designers, plus enjoy special coupon codes just for BussBuss readers, too!

Take a peek!

If you have someone special on your holiday shopping list that you want to impress, or simply want to spoil yourself, look no further than the glamorous shopping adventure that is Vivre.

Find everything from silver champagne straws (fab gift tip: pair with a bottle of champagne or champagne flutes), porcelain peonies (much better than fresh-cut flowers) and silvered wood bookends (fab gift tip: toss in a gorgeous coffee table book) to sparkly rings, cool cufflinks, golden bowls and glittering salt and pepper shakers.

Of course, you'll also discover knock-your-socks-off shoes, bags, beauty products, gifts for men and kids, plus an addictive under $100 category.

We're obsessively making our wishlist now.

Make yours at Vivre.

Fall Break: Get free shipping when you click this link and enter code VIVRE07 at checkout through November 30, 2007.

TALK BACK: What's on your wishlist this holiday season? Share in the comments!

Love animal accessories? So do we.

And we think piggies are the new birds and are in love with this little guy.

Handmade by potter Sarah Marymee, set Mr. Piggy on your entryway table or bedroom dresser as a place to toss your spare change.

Or, with the holidays right around the corner, let's not forget about the little ones in our lives.

Adopt your piggy from the Marymee Studio at Etsy.

TALK BACK: What are your favorite animal accessories? Tell us in the comments below!

One of our favorite gift shops, The Spoon Sisters, has partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure for the month of October to support breast cancer awareness and research, with 10% of the retail sales of Pink Ribbon products going to the cause.

Why not shop early for a few Christmas gifts and do good at the same time?

We're loving the sweet pink melamine mini colander, the designer dish gloves and the pink ice cream spoons.

Plus, when you shop online, The Spoon Sisters will give $5 off orders of $40 or more with code CURE2007 at checkout through November 15, 2007.

Shop pink at The Spoon Sisters.

Life's full of ups and downs, so when we're feeling down and want an insta-lift, we can always count on Fred Flare for retail therapy.

Full of the quirky, silly, happy, sweet, retro and insanely affordable, Fred Flare is all about having fun and never growing up. And, in their own words, they have totes great gifts too!

Currently on our wishlist? Scented lollipop earrings, classic pink-wheeled roller skates, a cozy pony scarf, the Holly Golightly sleep mask and a gemstone newsboy cap, cuz a girl can never have too many jewels.

We also love the kawaii cute grocery totes, which prove that going green doesn't have to mean boring.

And, if everyone you know seems to have a baby and people won't stop asking when you're going to have one, simply wear the hilarious Paul Frank baby on board tee.

Take a peek, and prepare to smile, at Fred Flare.

We believe your sense of humor is as important as your sense of style.

Which is why we adore these cheeky coin purses emblazoned with: trust fund, inheritance, nest egg, lunch money, mad money, allowance and rainy day fund.

Witty and stylish, these glam little bags make a perfect gift for celebrating birthdays, graduations, promotions and housewarmings (tuck a few bills inside or perhaps some baubles for extra brownie points).

Give one, and adopt one for yourself, here at the always clever gift shop Wishingfish.

From candy colors to bold baubles and every gem in between, discover what's new in jewelry this fall.

Up-and-coming jewelry designers and boutiques present exclusive coupon codes and savings just for BussBuss readers in our fall jewelry guide.

Take a peek!

We believe having your head in the clouds beats having your feet on the ground any day. And that shopping for presents should be a piece of cake. And that you can have your cake and eat it too, five times a day.

Which is why we love these young-at-heart designs from Australia-based Tabitha Emma.

Have a friend's birthday coming up and want to present her with something sweet? There's nothing wrong with being literal.

These mini cupcake, ice cream and cake bags are simply fun and they make great gifts themselves. Or, you can get clever and put something (perhaps a bauble or two) inside and use the bags as, well, gift bags. Sweet.

Scope out the delicious lot, and be sure to browse the lovely clothing and illustrations too, here at Tabitha Emma on Etsy.

Louboutins? So last season. Also so mass fashionista. Searching for something truly one of a kind, under the radar, comfy and much more affordable, especially when you realize how many pairs of shoes you get in just one?

Look no further than Mohop.

Custom-made by designer Annie Mohaupt in her Chicago studio, Mohop is that rare experience where fabulous customer service, fabulous packaging and fabulous product create an online shopping trifecta.

Composed of rubber soling made from recycled tires (very eco-chic), a Finnish birch plywood core, and topped with various select veneers, what really makes Mohop shoes unique is the patent-pending strapping system, where you can customize your shoes by changing the ribbons that tie the shoes on (it's super easy and fun!).

How does it work? Once at Mohop, select your heel height. Then choose your fave base style. Next, find your exact size by printing out a paper cutout (so much more fun than checking Perez for the latest H'wood scoop -- trust us). Then, select the ribbons you want.

Different lengths and styles of ribbons can be used to achieve a virtually infinite number of looks with just one pair of wooden bottoms (we heart versatility). As Annie says: "Now anybody can play Imelda Marcos without requiring the budget and storage space for 5,000 shoes."

Before checking out, be sure to use coupon code BUSSMO25 for a lovely 25% off exclusively for BussBuss readers (expires September 30, 2007 so do not delay).

Prepare to fall in love at Mohop.

We obviously love independent designers and cottage industry. But we also love that big online players are doing amazing things, too. Case in point, Amazon.

Ever been in a gift-giving pickle? Like, you procrastinated yet again and your sister's birthday is in two days and you must send something stat? And preferably something she actually wants. But you don't want the shipping to cost more than the actual gift? Yeah, happens to us all the time, too.

But not lately. Why?

We finally signed up for the wonder that is Amazon Prime, a membership program that gives you "all-you-can-eat" fast shipping for eligible purchases.

For an annual membership fee of $79 (think of it like being a Costco member, but not having to deal with lines or traffic), you get free two-day shipping on more than a million in-stock products sold by Amazon (books, digital cameras, Frye boots, Alexis Hudson bags, diamonds). Or, for just $3.99 per item, have it overnighted.

This has saved our tooshies on more than one occasion when it comes to gifts, but it's also great when you don't have time to run to the store (did you know you can buy toothpaste and toilet paper on Amazon?) or there's something slightly embarrassing you need to buy (um, beauty catastrophes anyone?)

Try it free for a month here at Amazon Prime.

P.S. Did you know that Amazon also has a Subscribe & Save service, where you can have drugstore and household items automatically delivered to you monthly? Think razorblades, coffee, diapers or your fave face wash (or items for other things that happen once a month, wink wink). Plus, you get a discount when you choose the subscription service (and free shipping). Check it out here.

It's no surprise we like the good life and we love quirky and honest-to-a-fault designer Pamela Barsky (have you read her blog -- a tale of making it as a gift designer in LA, overcoming divorce and more?).

Her products have as much personality as she does and are as entertaining as she is, so it only makes sense that she's responsible for these fabulous entertaining journals.

They'll help you keep track of all your social events, from sharing a bottle of vino with friends to finally getting a table at the hottest restaurant in New York.

Choose from the Dinner Party Journal, the Restaurant Journal, the Wine Lover's Journal or the Recipes Journal to help keep track of your fabulous life.

Better yet, be fabu-less and get these for 50% off right here at See Jane Work.

We love makeovers and we love Laurel Denise, so it's only fitting that we're extra excited about the new look, blog and designs at Laurel Denise.

Queen of exquisitely pretty and cool hand-written and hand-drawn personalized jewelry (that also happens to be wildly affordable), Laurel has added earrings and new necklace shapes and designs to her mix, as well as a brand new line of stationery the whole paper and gift community is abuzz over (or at least they're about to be).

It just makes sense to be able to get her lovely drawings in paper form: think birthday, greeting and notecards, journals, and soon, a calendar.

As Laurel says, "All pieces are inspired by vintage papers (or "found" papers)...old financial ledgers (hence, the graph paper) old library cataloging cards...just about anything that I feel has a story behind it."

Shop the latest and create a story of your own here at Laurel Denise.

P.S. Laurel Denise loves BussBuss too and is offering an exclusive 15% off with code BUSSFRIEND through August 31, 2007.

The Spoon Sisters is perhaps our favorite gift shop of all time.

Selling many of our fave products, style solutions and innovations, such as the Purseket, the Doorganizer, GalPals, Egglings, the Message Bean, Thumb Thing, the Takeout Menu Organizer, the DaysAgo Digital Counter, the Rear-View Computer Mirror, the Foot Petals Stiletto Kit, ABC Gingerbread Cookie Cutters and just about every clever product you've ever wanted for yourself or your loved ones, The Spoon Sisters is more a celebration of innovation and cottage industry than it is about selling products.

Fortunately, The Spoon Sisters love BussBuss just as much as we adore them and are offering an exclusive 20% off to BussBuss readers with code bussbuss at checkout through August 20, 2007.

So stock up on Christmas, baby, hostess and birthday gifts (um, for yourself of course), and save here at The Spoon Sisters.

P.S. We'd like to send a huge thank you to everyone who has taken our Summer Survey. If we learned one thing so far, it's that you want more coupon codes and unique finds (see above) and we're working hard to keep them coming!

Haven't taken it yet? Don't be shy. Click here to tell us all about YOU!

Warning: Immature Content

We're all about the art of the unexpected, which is why when we came across New Zealand-based Trixie Delicious, we were instantly smitten.

Tea and china are always so proper and stuffy, but not when Karen Dennis of Trixie Delicious gets her naughty little hands in the mix.

Her vandalized vintage plates mix the soft and pretty with the edgy and cheeky. The Upper East Side with the Lower East Side. Think Shabby Chic meets Sarah Silverman. Rachel Ashwell would be quite surprised indeed.

Giving new life to old dishes (oh so very green), imagine your guests' reactions when you serve tea on the Seven Deadly Sins -- or Poisons -- plates. Or, when you use your new plate as decor -- we heart the Clueless plate, but get a kick out of the Starf*cker one as well.

Trixie also does custom work on plates, shakers and teapots, so feel free to choose your own word(s).

Get a little naughty and give the gift of the unexpected (so fab for your hip friends having an untradish wedding) at Trixie Delicious.

The only thing better than a bowl of cherries? A bowl of bling. Honestly, fruit is so passe, these days it's all about diamonds. Big, shiny faux diamonds.

Use your brilliant bling as a paperweight, artfully propped by the fireplace or on your bedside table (so very Bond girl). Really, in our opinion, you can never go wrong with big shiny objects anywhere. Must be the Holly Golightly in us.

And, in this gorgeous stainless steel stella bowl, these diamonds seem right at home.

In search of a creative wedding gift or thank-you-for-letting-me-stay-in-your-Paris-flat gift? Ixnay the wine and get them what they never knew they wanted right here at mod design store Chiasso.

Always on the style hunt for great handbags, we've giddily found our next prey. And a designer we're sure is a rising star in the design world.

MABeL handbags by Jessica Miller-Webster is a young, cool collection of ruffle totes, oversized bow bags, heart-handle clutches and more handmade in Chicago by the designer herself.

The aesthetic? Think Betsey Johnson meets Marc Jacobs. Something that cleverly tows the line between Teen Vogue and Nylon.

These are bags with personality that stand out on their own, but maintain a hip sophistication. Think contrasting color and print linings for girls who embrace their inner child. Are you a city girl who sees her bag as her car? These bags are for you.

Visit the MABeL handbags site here to view all the styles and learn more about the designer.

Shop the MABeL Etsy store in a click.

Also, check out MABeL on MySpace to see even more pictures and styles -- custom orders are taken (any color or pattern), so feel free to get creative.

If BussBuss were an actual boutique, it would be Delight. Featuring cool, fun, fabulous gifts, accessories and design and shopping goodness, Delight's goal is to put the happy back in shopping. They've succeeded.

What's really fun is that everyday at noon central, a new item is posted and at special savings too -- just for the day. If you love it, nab it right away at the special price. There's a 30-day store as well that items go into if they haven't sold out, which is equally divine for procrastinators like, um, us.

Scope out today's adorable Loop clutch and browse the store for hip Envirosax (by far the cutest and most functional reusable bags we've seen yet), mojito muddlers, haute hostess gifts and oodles more here at Delight.

P.S. Delight loves BussBuss as much as we heart them and is offering 15% off purchases of $30+ exclusively to BussBuss readers. Simply enter code BUSSBUSS at checkout!

Plus, all DailyBuss subscribers are also being entered to win a $100 shopping spree! Be sure to tell your friends to sign up for this contest now and sign up so you can win if you're not already a subscriber (it's free!)! Click here to win!

Looking for the next Dooney & Bourke of the handbag world? Enter Luxgirl by Lindsey Finamore.

Her classic collection of lambskin leather bags sports youthful touches like heart accents and charm details, balancing girly and chic with a touch of luxury (young Hollywood will be delighted).

We heart the roomy quilted (so very Chanel) Isabella Tote and the equally roomy Colette Satchel, which has quickly become our BFF travel companion. Clutches and wallets are also available.

Choose your new BFF in sky, vanilla, white, tan or black right here at Luxgirl.

Summer's all about taking the time to celebrate the sweet moments in life. Dripping ice cream cones, last-minute roadtrips to the beach, staying up late and watching bad TV and giggling with good friends.

And we can think of nothing sweeter than Rosanna's Soda Fountain collection (which BussBuss giddily received as a wedding prezzie -- perf since our vows included milkshakes for life!).

Retro reminders of childhood in yummy sherbet shades, how could you resist a set of milkshake cups that come in an adorable hexagon gift box?

We're also drooling over the Playing House collection of cake stands. Yum.

Browse all of the dinnerware and accessories collections right here at Rosanna.

If there's one thing we know for certain, it's that life is short. Which means we all should be making the most out of every moment. And as sentimental memory-recording junkies, we think diaries and journals are divine.

Gift someone you love -- and yourself -- with the ingenious 5 Year Diary. Travel forward and back in time as you record daily entries. How? Each page represents one day across five years, so you can read what you were doing two years ago as you write your new entry.

For those wondering if you should quit your boh-ring j-o-b to pursue your big fantasy dreams, we think this will help. After all, who wants to read that they were doing the exact same un-stimulating thing five years ago that they are doing today?

A great birthday gift and a perfect prezzie for new parents or recent grads, score Tamara Shopsin's fab 5 Year Diary at Rare Device.

In celebration of independent design and the success of her indie shopping blog Modish, Jen Coray opened the virtual doors to Modishoppe in April 2007.

Since, she's been featuring a coolly edited collection of handmade goods that span from handbags, hoodies and jewelry to paper, home and gifts. It's like shopping Etsy but with a really in-the-know friend (i.e. her keen eye for hip handcrafted treasures does the digging for you).

We're especially fond of the animal-laden accessories, such as the birdie keychains by Kwoozy and the elephant wristlets by Blissful. But we're not all about fauna, we need our flora fix too. Enter Brooke Medlin's rose-shaped earrings.

Both the beauty and the curse of Modishoppe is that Coray only carries a few (sometimes only one) of each item, so if you see something you love, scoop it up fast before it's gone forever. The upside? No fear of ever having the same thing as anyone else and a constantly changing collection.

Scope out all the current treasures here at Modishoppe.

P.S. Modishoppe loves BussBuss too and is offering 10% off with code bussmod at checkout exclusively to our readers!

Perhaps the closest you've come to being green these days is with envy over Jessica Alba's killer physique. But it's never too late to do something swell for the planet. And you can't get much better than planting a tree (though buying Stella McCartney vegan boots doesn't hurt either).

We absolutely adore this apple tree-to-be kit and think it makes such a sweet gift. Planting a tree is not only good for the planet, but it's a fab way to celebrate a special occasion, commemorate a fresh start, honor a loved one or remember a special memory. Like that time you got married in Central Park in the Big Apple, perhaps. Or not. What do we know? It's your life.

Make it sweeter (hello, apple pie) and give a charming kit to someone you love (perhaps as a Fourth of July hostess gift) right here at darling gift shop Calliope.

As one of the first independent online shops on the block, Jenny Kwok's Cut + Paste has been helping pave the way for emerging designers and crafters since 2002 with its well-curated collection of handmade clothing, jewelry, accessories, paper products and more.

And it's only gotten better over the years, serving up gigantic doses of hipness and featuring over 300 designers along the way. The best part is knowing you'll never be wearing the same thing (or giving the same gift) as someone else when you shop at Cut + Paste.

If absolutely forced to pick favorites (it's like choosing your fave offspring), we'd point to Erica Weiner's cicada earrings, smil's love doll brooch, Desira Pesta's diamond print tunic, and pinecone & chickadee's cards.

But we suggest you set aside a few minutes (okay, hours... okay, days) to drool over all the Partners in Craft and find your own faves right here at Cut + Paste.

Wedding season is in full swing and we can think of no bigger name in the wedding industry than Mindy Weiss. The 'it' celebrity wedding and party planner has lavished her chic taste on Jessica and Nick, Gwen and Gavin, Trista and Ryan and Charlie and Denise, to namedrop a few. And while not all the marriages have lasted, the stylish memories live on forever.

And now, with the opening of her new online bridal boutique and gift shop, even those of us not trailed by paparazzi can get our French-manicured hands on glam gifts, accessories, favors and more (even honeymoon and baby gifts too).

Imagine Plum Party meets Spoon Sisters with a sprinkle of girly sweetness thrown in for good measure. Love, Me serves up everything from hip flasks to vintage travel train cases to rhinestone and croc domino sets, lollypop favors, martini shakers and panties of the week.

Explore and find eternal fabulousness when you shop Love, Me.

{Dying to see the Haute Shop of the Week? Let's get it on, style lover!}

We must confess, BussBuss has quite the addictive personality (very La Lohan of us, we know). In fact, we've considered checking into rehab on more than one occasion for our addiction to milkshakes, vintage dresses and cupcakes, to confess a few.

But our latest obsession these days has been over the indie goodness that is Etsy. In case you've been shopping under a rock for the past year or two, Etsy is the spot to find handmade clothing, accessories, home goodies and gifts direct from the artists, crafters and designers themselves (from all over the world).

Think of it as a hipster Ebay, minus the stress of bidding. The best part? Everything is surprisingly affordable (no retail markup rocks!) and you can bookmark your favorite sellers and then browse by who their fave sellers are too. It's never-ending indie awesomeness.

Discover your faves, and prepare to join us in rehab, here at Etsy.

Pictured above: Mod Babydoll Dress by Papaya; Banded Rudderfish Card by