I now have a much more interesting and cool replacement for eBay when shopping for unusual items and gift ideas. It is called Etsy. I don't know why it is called that... but, it rhymes with Betsy. Here is a look at their site:

Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. We built it for those consumers conscious of the true value of handmade goods and their creators, as well as to give all independent artists the technology and information they need to make a living, making things. Our intention is to offer viable alternatives to mass-produced objects in the world marketplace, and to encourage consumers to be aware of the social and environmental implications of their purchases.

The connection between producer and consumer has been lost. We created Etsy to help them reconnect, and swing the pendulum back to a time when we bought our bread from the baker, food from the grocer, and shoes from the cobbler.

Our vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice: Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade.
If you are looking for a frugal, unusual, and one-of-a-kind gift ---this is the place to shop! It is similar to eBay in that each seller has a store and a rating. If you are an artisan, or know how to make something, you could easily make money selling your wares on this site. Plus, I hear it is much cheaper than selling on eBay!

Here are some of my favorites:

AnnaLeahDesigns$13.00
Original photograph on clay. (sealed, baked, waterproofed)
Price is for pendant and necklace.

handsmocked $24.90
Hand-made and Hand-smocked

stitchella $6.00
Sparrow Coffee Cozy

bradleyspottery$6.00
Small Tortoise Shell Stoneware Vase
(hand-made)

ectasy$7.50
hand silk-screened t-shirt

Can you believe the bargains? I must warn you: Etsy can become addictive. ;) Have fun!