One of the most interesting and unusual Merry Mushrooms pieces is the Ice Cooler/Stool. Billed in the only catalog it appears in as "great for patio, kitchen, boat, etc.", this cooler is 21" high and 14 1/2" in diameter.

Because it has such apparent limited availability, I was very surprised (so was the cat) to find one listed on eBay. Given its age and the fact it has been used, it is in great condition. Before I could justify spending the money, it sold on less than a day later on July 29, 2020 for the buy it now price of $150.00.

Are you the lucky buyer? Are you going to use it on your boat? Send pics!

It may be from October 2014, but it demonstrates the passion we Merry Mushroomers have for our favorite retro kitchenware. I love hearing that clink of the canister lids!

How did I miss this?! The listing on letgo.com only says it sold 1+ month ago, so it may be years. Whoever bought all this for $22 was very, very lucky. However, because it was sold to benefit a no-kill animal shelter makes me wish the lot went for so much more.

Look! There are two plant water spikes! A round cheese board with the cover! And the teapot! There are even original boxes lurking in the background. Though I missed out on this, it is exciting to see the plant water spikes in the wild.

My collection has mostly grown organically, picking up a piece here and there as I came across them and at an affordable price. Recently, however, it feels like finding Merry Mushrooms in person at antique malls, resale and thrift stores, and rummage and estate sales is becoming more rare - even for the ubiquitous cookie jar and embossed canister. So I've turned to scouring online to find some of the more elusive fungi.

​First on my list was the ashtray. For some reason, I always thought about collecting ashtrays, even though I don't smoke and rather despise smoking. Vintage ashtrays are so varied, colorful, and funky! It felt right that my first ashtray should be the Merry Mushrooms one, even if I never get another one. This ashtray has some damage - the glaze has cracked so moisture got underneath. But the price was right despite the flaws. It was also identified as a spoon rest, but I knew better. The ashtray became longer halfway through its run; this one is an early ashtray.

Next is the pitcher which set includes four small pitchers ranging in size from 2 1/4" to 4" for syrup, cream, or milk. The smaller ones are even more adorable in person with their tiny single black-spotted orange cap mushroom on the front. These pitchers resemble the creamer in the sugar and creamer set, but can be distinguished by the upturned spout that appears more square from the side. The creamer spout curves downward.

Last is the paddle-shaped cheese board which was available in only one catalog in the 1970s. It's oak finished hardwood. This one is in excellent condition so it probably just hung on the wall for decades, which will be where it lives in our home.