Copper sconces age gracefully

People in Hawaii are always looking for ways to give our homes a sense of place, and these handcrafted copper sconces made locally by Leighton Lam do just that. The artist uses a vertigris patina to accent his floral and ocean designs, and the copper only gains character with age and can withstand even salty environments, making them ideal for outdoor installation. Prices run from $290 to $350. See more of Lam’s designs at www.leightonlam.com. — Christie Wilson

Converted bodyboard is waves of keiki fun

When it comes to baby water toys, there are a lot of inflatables out there. But the thing about inflatables is that they deflate, and you have to fill them with air again and again to get them to float. Enter Aquabebe, which is basically a bodyboard with a mesh seat and a plastic steering wheel with a horn to beep. It’s the invention of the late Frank Foti, a local waterman who devised it for his toddler son. My 11-month-old baby tested it out in a swimming pool and gave it a thumbs-up: He was all smiles as we spun him in circles in the Aquabebe. Retails for about $30; visit www.aquabebe.net. — Nina Wu

What’s inside counts with these cups

I don’t really need another set of measuring cups, but these are so adorable and clever I was compelled to buy them. M-cups: Matryoshkas Made to Measure are three nesting dolls that you split open to reveal six dry-measure cups. Buy them online at amazon.com for $9.99. — Donica Kaneshiro

Baby-name book has plenty of back story

I’m under no immediate deadline to choose a name for a baby-on-the-way, but this handy little book, rescued recently from the office slush pile, is fascinating general reading for anyone with an interest in trivia. "Bring Back Beatrice! 1,108 Baby Names with Meaning, Character and a Little Bit of Attitude" by Jennifer Griffin (Workman Publishing, $10.95, paperback) includes the history and meaning of names, numerous variations and nicknames, and advice. For example, the book warns against trendy names, names that can doom a child to years of schoolyard teasing, and combinations that create problematic monograms — P.I.G., anyone?

I had anticipated a mainstream America slant, but the compact book includes names of Arab, Persian, sub-Saharan, Islamic, Hindu, Hispanic and Japanese origin. Leilani and Makena are here as well. — John Berger

Rainier cherries worth price

I love Rainier cherries, the "white cherry." I lived in Seattle for 10 years, and for midsummer weeks they would appear in fruit stands throughout Washington. I would buy big bags of them and gorge on the delicate red-and-gold-skinned fruit. First developed in 1952 by Washington State University researchers, farmers don’t even pick them until they reach a brix (sweetness) rating of at least 17, a rating beyond a ripe peach. Rainiers are available here at a pricey $8 a pound at Safeway, so get them for a special occasion and enjoy. — Steven Mark

5 Things We Love is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. What are you loving this week? Send a brief description of your latest favorite thing, where to find it and how much it costs, along with your name and contact info to features@staradvertiser.com.