# Great Catalogs **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 16, 2004, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822 "2004-01-16T19:22:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/21 "2004-01-17T04:42:21Z")
ARGH!!! I hate a big list of some of the catalogs I get and it was erased! Damn you, hamsters! I’m gonna feed you to my cats! Now then, I am the Catalog Whore. I adore catalogs. My favorites: [The Victorian Trading Company](http://www.victoriantradingco.com) [The Lenox Collection](http://www.lenox.com/) [The Franklin Mint](http://www.franklinmint.com) [The Noble Collection](http://www.noblecollection.com/index.cfm) [Barbie Collectibles](http://www.barbiecollectibles.com) [The Scottish Lion](http://www.scottishlion.com) [Gaelsong](http://www.gaelsong.com) [The Sovietski Collection](http://sovietski.com) [Art and Artifact](http://www.artandartifact.com) [Treasures](http://treasurescatalog.com) ---
**Author:** ![LifeOnWry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/96bed5/32.png) [@LifeOnWry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LifeOnWry)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/22 "2004-01-17T04:57:22Z")
[QUOTE=Magickly Delicious] If anyone can tell me how to get on _Wireless_’ catalog list, please let me know! We used to get it at home and now that I’ve moved they apparently can’t find me. ☹ [QUOTE] I still get Wireless and Signals, and I’ve also noticed that the Marshall Field’s Direct catalog carries a limited selection of their stuff. I can’t find my copy of the latest Wireless, but according to the Signals catalog, they do have a website: [http://www.signals.com](http://www.signals.com) If I find my Wireless soon, I’ll let you know. They almost always have a “refer a friend” card floating around inside. As a gardener, I like Park’s Seeds ([http://www.parkseed.com](http://www.parkseed.com)) and White Flower Farm ([http://whiteflowerfarm.com](http://whiteflowerfarm.com)) because both carry a wide selection AND have enough info about the plants that they almost serve as reference books to me. I adore Hearthsong, which is children’s playthings. They have a Waldorf-type of approach to kids’ toys. ([http://www.hearthsong.com](http://www.hearthsong.com)) For artsy-fartsy stuff, I like Flax. For baking stuff (cookie cutters and the like, which I use for clay) I like Sweet Celebrations ([http://www.sweetc.com](http://www.sweetc.com)) and Gooseberry Patch. And I’m addicted to Improvements - [http://www.ImprovementsCatalog.com](http://www.ImprovementsCatalog.com) - for storage stuff. Even though I almost never buy from them, I have this wild fantasy of an organized home. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/23 "2004-01-17T05:38:00Z")
I love gardening and specifically flower catalogues. I love gardens, I love flowers. I just hate **to** garden. People say it’s relaxing. It isn’t relaxing - it’s hot and sweaty and dirty. And continuous. It would be one thing if it was one or two hot sweaty days a year, but nooo… So I’m a vicarious gardener. I also like horse/pet catalogues. I never order anything - I just like to look. StG ---
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/24 "2004-01-17T18:42:06Z")
For all things hot and spicy: [Mo Hotta Mo Betta](http://www.mohotta.com/) For those who are hard to buy gifts for: [Archie McPhee](http://www.mcphee.com/) ---
**Author:** ![radar\_ralf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b2d939/32.png) [@radar\_ralf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/radar_ralf)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/25 "2004-01-17T18:43:00Z")
Okay, here are just _some_ of the catalogs we get: Improvements (items for the home) Oriental Trading Company (party favors, bulk pack trinkets, etc.) Parrothead Island Madness Edmund Scientifics Express Medical Supply Caribbean Trading Company Duetsche Optik All of these companies offer catalogs that you can order online Here are a couple of great resources for catalogs that can be ordered online: [shopathome.com](http://shopathome.com) and [mailordercatalogs.com](http://mailordercatalogs.com) Oh yeah, and a website that I find interesting, but I’m not sure if a catalog is offered: [larryedmunds.com](http://larryedmunds.com) ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/26 "2004-01-17T20:05:56Z")
> [@medstar](#): > > Greenbean, thank you very much for the Tilley recommendation! I’ve been looking for a good sun/rain hat, but didn’t like the selection in the stores in my area. I just went to the website and ordered a hat. Again, many thanks! Oh, goody. I’m glad to spread the word–I truly believe the world would be a better place if everyone out there had comfortable shoes and a Tilley hat. I spent 13 days on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, and I didn’t put even a drop of sunscreen on my face or neck. I just wore my Tilley hat religiously. I didn’t get even a speck of sunburn! (not that I’m recommending this course of action…just saying it’s a great testimonial to the Tilley hat.) My husband, who refused to drop $50 on a hat, bought a knockoff that he claimed would be just as good. Ha! After the trip, he went right out and bought a Tilley of his own. Actually, the Tilley hat has changed my life. I used to be a real sun-avoider–I’m a redhead and I’m prone to heat exhaustion–but now I no longer feel the need to avoid the sun. I’m no sun-worshipper, but I no longer feel the need to lurk in the shade. Anyway, a good catalog for organic gardeners is [Peaceful Valley Farm Supply](http://www.groworganic.com/). And I’ll bet you didn’t know that there’s a whole catalog out there just for neurotic new parents! [One Step Ahead](http://www.onestepahead.com/jump.jsp?lGen=category&itemType=GATEWAY&itemID=117&iMainCat=117) And I’d like to make a little **PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:** If you are getting catalogs that you _don’t_ want or that you don’t read, please please please call them and get yourself taken off the list. So many resources were used to get that catalog to you–not just the trees for the paper, but also the energy used to make and print and transport it to you, and the resources that will be used to dispose of it when you’re done. If it’s a catalog that you don’t even bother to read, then take yourself off the list. It’s a little thing you can do to help save the planet–and save your mailman’s back! **/PSA** ---
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2004, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/27 "2004-01-18T04:23:48Z")
Ooh! I have a recommendation of my own. For those of us who don’t like lumbering around in front of strangers, but like to exercise at home, try [www.collagevideo.com](http://www.collagevideo.com). This catalog sells exercise videos and DVD’s, from beginner to advanced. There are instructors you’ve probably never hear of, who don’t get shelf space at Walmart or Target. They get new styles of exercise, such as Taebo, step aerobics, balance ball workouts, Pilates, yoga, muscle building, etc. Hope this helps. ---
**Author:** ![TelcontarStorm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3ab097/32.png) [@TelcontarStorm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TelcontarStorm)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2004, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/28 "2004-01-18T16:47:56Z")
Want to dress like Gandalf ? King Arthur (coconut included in shipping)? Sword lovers and member of SCA who do not know about these folks should be ashamed of themselves. [http://66.0.193.113/cgi-bin/www11650.storefront](http://66.0.193.113/cgi-bin/www11650.storefront) ---
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2004, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/29 "2004-01-19T22:30:46Z")
By the way, FisherQueen ( and anyone else who’s interested), you can order catalogs from a catalog. Go to [www.ShopAtHomeSelect.com](http://www.ShopAtHomeSelect.com) and you can pick the catalogs you wish to receive. Many of them cost between $1.00-$3.00 apiece, and there’s a wide selection of offerrings. Hope this helps. ---
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2004, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/30 "2004-01-19T22:38:52Z")
Just in case my last post didn’t make it, FisherQueen (and anyone else who wants), you can order catalogs via a catalog. Either call 1-800-315-1995 or log onto the website, [www.ShopAtHomeSelect.com](http://www.ShopAtHomeSelect.com) and order as many catalogs as you want. There’s a lot of catagories and most catalog prices are between $1.00-$3.00 each. Hope this helps. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2004, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/31 "2004-01-19T23:01:22Z")
**LifeonWry** I, too, love **Hearthsong**. Thanks for the links to help continue my catalog addictions. [Chinaberry](http://www.chinaberry.com) Is my all time favorite kids book resource. ( I’m even featured in a quote on one of the catalog pages and on their web [site](http://www.chinaberry.com/showbook.cfm?invnum=6198&userid=36480933) (scroll down to bottom of pages. I would be JA, Oxford, MI. 🙂 ) They specializing in finding or rediscovering kids books that are pretty much lost in the world of commercialism. I have never been steered wrong by them ( after doing a take it out of the library first.) [Magic Cabin Dolls](http://www.magiccabin.com) If you like Heartsong, then you will also like Magic Cabin. They are so nearly identical in catalog design and product, I often get them mixed up. Only they sell doll making supplies that are really hard to find at Joann’s or Michael’s, the latter not carrying a thing for doll making stuff.) I’ll do more later, but these are my top three. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2004, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/32 "2004-01-19T23:12:38Z")
**OneStepAhead** is perfect for the paranoid parent. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2004, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/33 "2004-01-19T23:21:26Z")
Another side to the **Chinaberry** site is [Isabella](http://www.isabellacatalog.com) which is a New Agey-ProFemale-YeahToMe-Oprahesque kinda thing. I dig it. ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2004, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/34 "2004-01-20T02:22:58Z")
I love getting the Pyramid Collection catalog! [http://www.pyramidcollection.com/](http://www.pyramidcollection.com/) I love weird stuff! FB ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2004, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/35 "2004-01-20T02:38:14Z")
A childhood favorite: [The Johnson-Smith Catalog](http://www.johnsonsmith.com/website/aspfiles/home.asp) ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2004, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/36 "2004-01-20T03:55:49Z")
> [@FaerieBeth](#): > > I love getting the Pyramid Collection catalog! > > [http://www.pyramidcollection.com/](http://www.pyramidcollection.com/) > > I love weird stuff! > > FB They have some pretty stuff-these long, flowy medieval type velvet dresses. _drool_ I mentioned The Noble Collection previously, which has a whole motherlode of LOTR stuff. The Evenstar, swords, the One Ring, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Hedda\_Rosa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hedda_rosa/32/1204_2.png) [@Hedda\_Rosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hedda_Rosa)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2004, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/37 "2004-01-20T04:03:06Z")
[Plow and Hearth](http://www.plowhearth.com/welcome.asp). ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2004, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/38 "2004-01-20T16:05:06Z")
Hey, the peaceful valley organics link didn’t work. I’ve added my name just about everyone’s catalogs links. When I am broke or die like a Collyer Brother, the blame rests on each and every one of you. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2004, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/39 "2004-01-20T18:21:22Z")
> [@Shirley Ujest](#): > > Hey, the peaceful valley organics link didn’t work. That’s odd. It works for me. Try [www.groworganic.com](http://www.groworganic.com) or Google on “Peaceful Valley Farm” ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2004, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822/40 "2004-01-20T22:59:44Z")
American Science and Surplus is a hoot, even if you don’t need “Yard Yuck Yankers,” 3.94mm left-hand thread stainless steel bolts or other Scout project, machine shop, chem lab or electronics whatnots. McMaster Carr [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-catalogs/224822.md?page=3)