Radical Reuse: Upcycled and Recycled Gifts

Handmade by artisan John Carter, this far-from-pedestrian chair combines fine art and trash for a truly unique creation. Not only is the entire piece handmade from street sign parts, but the New York City "Walk/Don't Walk" signs actually work — a remote control is included to turn them on and off at will. $3,700 at uncommongoods.com, 1-888-365-0056.

Where do old PVC advertising billboards go to die? Perhaps to provide comfort for your eco-chic trendsetter in the form of this funky bean bag made from recycled highway signs. $175 at ecodepot.com.

Passchal Accessories Company has repurposed more than 20 tons of inner tubes to date. This Passchal Original Messenger Bag is created from discarded tractor inner tubes and comes complete with an automatic LED light that illuminates the interior of the bag, but shuts off automatically when the bag is closed. $225 at passchal.com, 1-888-618-8619.

Rethink the archaic CD jewel case with designer Josh Owen's CD Case Chandelier, a masterful reuse of otherwise landfill-clogging plastic. $1,500 custom ordered through gearfuse.com, 1-215-923-4856.

Made from discarded circuit boards, these glitzy cuff links are replete with techno-appeal. Make your guy the envy of his office mates. $125 for a set at eco-artware.com, 1-877-326-2781.

Just like the grown-ups, the littlest members of the family can radically reuse with this one-of-a-kind chair made from highway signs. $800 at eco-artware.com, 1-877-326-2781.

Even typographical errors can find reuse as colorful watering cans made from defective printed metal scraps. $48 at vivaterra.com, 1-800-233-6011.

Hark back to the days of old-time rock 'n' roll with these repurposed vinyl record label coasters. $20 for a set of 12 at eco-artware.com, 1-877-326-2781.

Upcycle with bracelets made from real beer or soda cans. Coated with 100% sterling silver, each bracelet is snag-free. $99.99 at elsewares.com, 1-866-491-5156.

Billiards and drinking go hand in hand. Make the marriage complete with bottle stoppers decorated with discarded pool balls. $30 each at uncommongoods.com, 1-888-365-0056.

Nahui Ollin (pronounced: "now-we-oh-lean") bags are hip, haute and handmade from recycled candy wrappers. $89 at nahuiollin.com, 1-732-460-1900.

Made from postconsumer recycled paper and seemingly ancient floppy disks, these Recycled Floppy Disk Notepads are a radical throwback to early '80s technology. $5.95 each at greenfeet.com, 1-888-562-8873.

Hang up your coat and have a drink! The Green Glass Company's innovative coat rack, made from discarded wine bottles rescued from the landfill, helps guests stay awhile. $75 at uncommongoods.com, 1-888-365-0056.

This ingenious bowl is handmade in Oregon using real recycled bicycle chains. The perfect gift for the biker in your life, it holds anything from wallets and keys to potpourri. $88 at greenfeet.com, 1-888-562-8873.

A surefire icebreaker when entertaining the inlaws, these hand grenade oil lamps are made in the U.S.A. from actual surplus military grenades. Explosions not included. $55 at elsewares.com, 1-866-491-5156.

Ok, so this one might not even be for sale -- but isn't it cool? The designers at EX49 are certainly radical with their reuse. This purse is made of a used soccer ball turned inside out. Request the handmade one-of-a-kind soccer ball bag at ex49.com, email info@ex49.com or look to local artisans and artists in your area (or on etsy.com for ideas.

Lounge in repurposed bicycle parts. This chair, handmade by Bike Furniture Design, is a retro amalgamation of bicycle bits including chromed steel rims, inner tubing and spokes. Chairs start at $400 at bikefurniture.com, 1-906-361-2483.

These conversation pieces are conservation pieces, too. These amber tumblers are made in Wisconsin from assorted Boylan's soda bottles. $34 for a set of 4 at elsewares.com, 1-866-491-5156.

Amassed from over 1,500 half dollar coins and 7,000 welds, this handcrafted stainless steel coin chair is a heavy investment. $59,000 at vivre.com, 1-800-955-1642.

Clad in discarded real state license plates with a billiard ball handle, this handmade mailbox will add unmistakable flair to any front yard. Each is one of a kind and features a unique mix of plates. $225 at uncommongoods.com, 1-888-365-0056.

Handmade from recycled Esterbrook pen nibs from the 1940s, these distinguished silver or gold cuff links make the perfect gift for writers, pen collectors or those who simply sign on the dotted line. $125 at seasons-and-trends.com, 1-877-571-4400.

This fabulous fantasy birdhouse, inspired by nature field guides, is decoupaged and crafted entirely by hand using books discarded from libraries. $62.50 at katespaperie.com, 1-800-809-9880.

The coolest use of recycled bottles we've seen (so cool, we've included them even though they're an artist's creation and are not mass produced), these über-chic utensils are handcrafted from old beer and wine bottles. Hand cut, sanded and combined with eco-friendly cork and beech wood, each utensil is beautiful and entirely unique. To learn more, contact the designer directly through his Website at laurence.brabant.free.fr.

This chair rules! Elevate your decor with these one-of-a-kind rare chairs handmade from vintage advertising rulers. $325 each at vivaterra.com, 1-800-233-6011.

Made from recycled wine barrel staves, this dining set is the ultimate gift for the eco-oenophile. $458 at daxstores.com, 1-650-591-2190.

Cut the cheese on this Flattened Wine Bottle Platter. A fantastic gift for any wine and cheese lover, each repurposed bottle comes with a decorative label and pewter knife. $15 at olivebarn.com, 1-800-808-1630.

Whether you groove to Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" or Pink Floyd's "The Wall," you'll love these recycled vinyl album journals. Each blank book is hand cut from discarded vinyl records, then hard bound with black cloth for a durable diary, sketchbook or conversation piece. $26 each at bookbinders.com, 1-732-752-0800.

Silicon Valley meets Napa Valley with these handmade wine cork USB flashdrives. Available in 1 GB and 2 GB for $49.99 at smediart.com.

Get more flip for your flop with these unique, colorful storage boxes handmade in the Philippines with scrap foam rubber from flip-flop factories. These nesting baskets are perfect for holding anything from toys to towels to...well...even flip-flops. $135 at vivaterra.com, 1-888-365-0056.

The perfect gift for the tardy bicyclist, this Hybrid Wall Clock is made from old bicycle parts. $36 at resourcerevival.com, 1-800-866-8823.

Handmade by a group of Zulu weavers, these one-of-a-kind baskets are woven from scraps of insulated copper telephone wire. $135 at eco-artware.com, 1-877-326-2781.

Go for a ride on this surprisingly comfortable handcrafted Water Ski Bench or other furniture made from recycled skis, wake boards and the like. The perfect gift for the water sports lover! $249.95 at sportsfurniture.net, 1-781-231-2322.