If you’re looking for a thoughtful, unique gift idea, the personalized dinnerware collections from Jessica Rust Designs are always a great option (and she’s got designs for all sorts of special occasions!).

I’m especially loving this colorful, new Tattoo collection – which is the sort of thing that’s just perfect for a certain type of person, and if you have that particular friend yourself, you’ll instantly think of them when you see it! (BTW – if they like this they might also love this “Eclectic” shower theme that we featured a while back.)

The Tattoo Collection from Jessica Rust consists of personalized Dessert Plates ($98/set of 4), personalized Mugs ( $72/set of 4 – pictured below), or a complete set of 4 Plates + 4 Mugs for $160.

P.S. There’s a long lead time involved in these personalized items, so make sure to plan for it! Lead time for the pieces pictured here is usually around 6-8 weeks.

Cool drinkware finds from Greener Grass Design…Pictured above: Fortune Teller Coffee Mugs – Coffee cups with predictions embossed at the bottom. See.. the future looks bright! (on sale for $10 / regularly $14)

Pictured below: Number Mugs – start every morning off with your lucky number! Or give a set of 2 as a thoughtful gift that features a wedding anniversary or birth date…($15 each)

Pictured below: Stamp Mugs – coffee rings never looked so chic! ($56/set or 2)

And last but not least… entertain office friends or family with these clever “Taz Ah Mugs“… there’s a surprise underneath! (Available in rabbit or pig – $23/each)

This fabulous Holly Heights collection from Kate Spade has a festive “modern & merry” vibe. Kate’s pieces are usually a little out of my price range, but these adorable “Tidbit Plates” are awfully tempting! ($50/set of 4 at Macy’s)

Pictured above: Holly Heights Ornament Set ($75), Holly Heights Mugs ($75/set of 4), and Holly Heights Cake Plate ($100) – all from katespade.com

Shiny, new chocolate & red finds from MoMA store: brilliant red Bean Vacuum Jug (inspired by the shape of a coffee bean!), cute & contemporary lacquer Cupcake Canisters, artsy Aika Espresso Cup & Saucer sets, and the ultra-modern and deliciously glossy Husque Bowl.

Are these "OrienTales" monkey & banana-themed products the cutest thing ever or what? The collection includes a sugar bowl, creamer, salt & pepper set, and bottle stoppers portraying the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" proverb. Created by Stefano Giovannoni for Alessi and available at unicahome.com.

In keeping with the tea theme today… I wanted to share another fabulous find that should appeal to modern design lovers out there: the world’s first Automatic Teapot! The newest product from eco-conscious company the TeaSpot, this contemporary teapot has an integrated timer that you can set for the type of tea you want – black, green, or herbal.

Then, it automatically removes the loose leaves from the water at the correct time so you always end up with a perfectly steeped pot of tea… nice! Even Oprah is a fan!

the TeaSpot also has a great line of Steeping Cups and Steeping Mugs in fun colors. I’m especially loving the vibrant yellow and lime green hues for spring!

{Pictured above} Flower Fields Espresso Cups + Saucers ($21.95/set of 2), notNeutral Ribbon Red Espresso Set ($32/set of 4), Rounded Square Espresso Cup & Saucer ($4.95 ea), and Cuisine Coffee/Espresso Cups & Saucers ($4.95 – $8.95 ea), and