More From Shows Across America
Below are additional noteworthy products our giftware reviewers found at the New York International Gift Fair (www.nyigf.com) and the Chicago Market: Living and Giving (www.shopchicagomarket.com). Best of Show: Chicago
by Megy Karydes, Karydes Consulting, Chicago, Ill.  Fabsters Stretch Fabric Bottle Wrap Retail Packaging 800/836-1177, www.retailpkg.comA creative new eco-friendly way to gift-wrap a bottle is in this bright stretch-fabric Bottle Wrap designed for standard 25-ounce wine or spirit bottles. Offered in three colorful designs, with eight more coming soon, the stretchy wrap requires no tape or scissors, and it’s machine-washable, so it can be reused many times.
 Ripple Scarf
RYU 213/746-6562, www.ryuwel.comThis wonderfully soft, cotton scarf features ripples that drape perfectly around the neck for a stylish look appropriate for any age. Available in six colors, including heather gray, chocolate brown, and eggplant purple tones.
  Celestial Globe
Fascinations 206/870-3000, www.fascinations.comThis globe may look like any other map of the Earth during the day, but in the dark, it becomes a map of 88 constellations. The Celestial Globe (12.5" x 10" x 9.25") makes a fun and educational gift for kids and adults alike.
Best of Show: New York
by Pamela Merritt Kramer, Urban Essentialz, Rochester, N.Y.
 Gentle GiraffeCloud B. 310/781-3833, www.cloudb.comJust turn on this soft, plush giraffe’s soothing sounds and it will lull a child to sleep. With two sleep options, the stuffed toy (box is 7.5" x 7" x 11.25") turns itself off after 23 or 45 minutes, and there are four sounds to choose from: Safari Groove (play), Gentle Stream (calm), Safari Trails (relax), and Victoria Falls (sleep). Included is a sweet story about Gentle Giraffe, an adoption certificate, a booklet about endangered species in the Serengeti, and two AA batteries.
 Copper Jewelry Tree Ancient Graffiti
888/725-6632, www.ancientgraffiti.com
Why should customers hide their jewelry away in a box, especially when you can offer them this sculptural copper tree (3.5" x 12" x 12") that looks like a piece of artwork, yet functions as a jewelry organizer. Handcrafted from copper with a bowl at the base to store rings.
 Birds of a Feather Mobile
Ige 323/939-2788, www.igedesign.comAn enchanting, floating piece of art, this mobile (15.5" x 16") arrives as a thin sheet of walnut plywood laser-cut with the silhouette of graceful birds. After popping out and assembling the mobile, the customer can also use the walnut negative as a handsome wall hanging—two gifts in one! |