Leigh’s first birthday is this week, and I wanted to get her something really special. Since her older sister steals all of her toys, I decided I would buy her one very special gift and make sure it stays hers. The one perfect gift? A handmade, natural and organic doll from Bamboletta. The bonus? I think it looks like her. Green eyes, crazy brown hair, and deliciously cute. — Beth J.

I confess I buy toys made for adults — and no, not what you’re thinking! A collection of Kidrobot Gorillaz and Smorkin’ Labbits have a place in our china cabinet. So I asked Kristen Rask of Schmancy to talk to us about the explosion in collectible toys for adults. Here’s what she had to say. –Mary T.

“I would say since opening Schmancy that the ‘gateway’ toy is Dunny by Kidrobot,” says Rask. “Those who know nothing of the urban vinyl toy movement still are attracted to them. Those are always, without fail, a big seller.” Can’t get enough toys? There’s more. (more…)

I hate to brag, but I can’t resist. I found these adorable embroidered critters at the flea market over the weekend in Rhinebeck. Get this: They were a dollar each! Someday, they’ll go in Isadora’s room. When we finally get a place that has a room for Isadora. For now, we all can enjoy them in the hallway! — Angela M.

Here’s a collectible, decor-friendly item we haven’t thought about in a long time: stamps! “I’m an anthropologist by day, and I’ve found a lot of world stamps that reflect many countries’ historic and prehistoric past,” writes reader Melissa. “I eat this stuff up!”

“I mount them into a shadow box so I can hang them all together. I hang them up using a combination these double-sided putty things called Zots and use pins for extra support.” See more of Melissa’s collection after the jump. (more…)

Cooking? Collecting? Just like looking at Pyrex? Head over to White Elephant Vintage for the Pyrex Spectacular! “We’ve spent the past couple of months scavenging for every complete vintage Pyrex mixing and cinderella bowl set we could get our hands on,” say White Elephant’s Hollie and Jane, “and we think we’ve finally amassed a collection big enough to be worthy of the title Pyrex Spectacular.” So take a look — they tell us there’s more to come! (And of course, don’t forget to revisit our posts on collecting.)

Our second showcase of Shelterrific reader collections is the Polish Pottery of Deb Schiff of Altered Plates and Here and There. According to The Polish Pottery Collector, “Polish Pottery is made in only one place – Boleslawiec, Poland – a small town in the southwest corner of Poland. Each piece [is] handcrafted using centuries-old techniques and unique materials.”

Deb’s collection is in the Peacock pattern. “There are quite a few different patterns available, but I find that sticking with the classics allows me to find many more of the pieces I’d like, like large vases,” she says.

Deb uses the pottery every day. “It’s really sturdy stuff — you can bake in it, microwave it, and run it through the dishwasher. I’ve even dropped bowls from the second shelf in the cabinet onto the counter without any damage to the bowl (or the counter).” (more…)

The organic tableware created by Edith Heath beginning in the 1940s is a modern American classic. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans in Heath Ceramics‘ small pottery in Sausalito, California, and has an elegant earthiness and a streamlined simplicity that’s all about material and form. Many Heath pieces are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Heath items are relatively scarce on eBay — I suspect because people tend to hang onto theirs forever and pass them down to family members. This vintage stoneware tea set, purchased from the Heath Ceramics Factory Store, includes a teapot with a cord-wrapped copper handle, six teacups, a creamer, and a lidded sugar bowl — all made from Heath’s signature brown clay finished with a creamy ivory glaze. Current bid: $10.49. –Leah H.

(P.S. Click here to see the absolutely breathtaking Sausalito home of current Heath owners Catherine Bailey and Robin Petravic, who were kind enough to let me feature it in an Apartment Therapy writeup awhile back.)

See more of Leah’s great finds on her blog, More Ways to Waste Time.

We’re huge fans of Angela Adams here at Sheterrific. She is a designer driven by nature (and perhaps, groovy vintage shirts like the one she’s wearing above). This is especially evident in her couture rugs which pay tribute to the beauty of her hometown of Portland, ME. The latest in this series is her Sea Fantasy Ocean design, now available through DWR. To honor their partnership, the design-store chain is hosting a series of events with Adams, where you can get a behind-the-scenes peek at her creations. Even if one of her luxe floor coverings is beyond your budget, getting the scoop on her life and way of working is sure to provide inspiration to any want-to-be entrepreneurs. Here’s the schedule for those lucky to be nearby:

April 3 — San Francisco
April 4 — Santa Monica
April 5 — Pasadena
April 17 — NYC
April 30 — Seattle
May 16 — Las Vegas
June 11 — Chicago

We loved the submissions we received in response to our What Do You Collect? post off, and we think you will, too. Our first showcase of collections comes from Abbey Hendrickson of How Now Design, who also runs the blog Aesthetic Outburst. We adore her display of Fischer-Price Little People “Moms,” and also the way she displays certain collections: vintage birds on a tree branch, souvenir pressed pennies strung together in a modern wall wreath.

Visit How Now Design’s Etsy Shop — and maybe jump-start some collections of your own — here. And be sure to peruse her entire roundup on her Flickr Page. We’ll feature more reader collections in coming weeks.

The other day I was reading a story about swanky party thrower Colin Cowie, who has a new book out, Colin Cowie Chic. One of his tips for adding a dose of fabulousness to your everyday life is NOT saving your good china for the holidays only, but to use it all the time. I couldn’t agree more. What’s the point of owning something that you don’t ever get to enjoy? Cowie told PEOPLE magazine: “In ‘94 an earthquake broke pieces I had collected — and hardly ever used. Now I use my favorites every day.” Of course, we don’t actually own good china… but if I did, I would gladly use it all the time. The same should hold true for all precious collectibles — even the Pyrex! What about you, do you use your heirloom quality homegoods, or keep them for “display only”? — Angela M.

P.S. Shown above, Tiffany’s Audoubon place setting. The cost of one plate? Ninety bucks!