More Best of ShowsBelow are additional noteworthy products our giftware reviewers found at the Atlanta Gift Show (www.americasmart.com), the New York International Gift Fair (www.nyigf.com), and the Chicago Market: Living and Giving (www.shopchicagomarket.com).
Reclaimed T-Shirt ScarfGreen 3 920/235-1288, www.green3apparel.comThis super soft, lightweight scarf (60" x 8") is made from unused, reclaimed T-shirt scraps, remnants, and excess in the U.S. Each reengineered scarf is unique and made from 100% organic and reclaimed cotton. Assembly is part of a program that provides job and life skill training for cognitively disabled adults. Bug Garden Stakes
Oak Street Wholesale 309/432-3600, www.oakstreetwholesale.comThese bugs will be a welcome attraction in any garden. The assorted mix of garden stakes includes a butterfly, ladybug, bee, and dragonfly, the last two with screen for wings. Each is approx. 33 inches tall. Garden Flower CollectionSaro Trading Company 800/662-7276, www.saro.comWhimsical daisies and serene, sophisticated colors make this collection both elegant and fun. The 100% cotton pieces include an apron, pillows (9" x 20"; 18" square; 24" square), a runner (13" x 72"), and topper (60" square). Available in aqua or ivory.
Stinky Dorm KitFresh Wave 800/662-6367, www.fresh-wave.comDon’t let the packaging fool you—there’s no need to limit yourself to the college crowd with this product. The Stinky Dorm Kit, which includes two 16 oz. jars of Odor Neutralizing Crystals and one 8 oz. spray, is a safe and healthy way to cleanse or deodorize any space. Purity (White) Intention OrbElenas Imports 828/324-5093 www.czechartglass.netThese beautiful handblown glass orbs (6" and $16.50, 5") from Bohemian artisans are a nice alternative to witches balls. Intentions (colors) include protection (black), healing (blue), confidence (gold), prosperity (green), love (pink), peace (purple), seduction (red), and spiritual balance (rainbow).
“Our Family” tea light holderKindred Hearts 815/230-2700, www.kindredhearts.com“Our family is a circle of love and strength founded on faith joined in love kept by God forever together.” This beautiful sentiment, inscribed in wood in either chocolate or charcoal hammered paint finish (9" x 10"), holds three tea lights, and can be used as a unity candle at a wedding or as a handsome addition to any décor.
Peace SignSKALNY 800/724-7300, www.willowgroupltd.comThis brushed aluminum peace symbol (18" diameter, 1.25" deep) will promote harmony in any home or office Also available: the word PEACE (40" long, 1.25" deep). ]
Selenite Ice Lamp
Relaxus 800/668-9876, www.relaxus.comThis unusual lamp (master case of four) is a five-inch glass cube filled with 20 Selenite shards. Also available with Himalayan salt cubes (master case of four).
Soho Pennsylvania square bowlBeatriz Ball 888/265-1069, www.beatrizball.comSoho is one of my most popular collections, and I expect this new bowl to be a top seller. It looks like silver, but it’s made from beautiful, easy-care aluminum alloy that can go from freezer to oven. Available in two sizes (10" x 10" x 2" and 12.25” x 12.25" x 2.65"), it comes with a soft fabric storage bag.
Daddy and Baby Bear Play SetAll New Materials 888/830-4212, www.allnewmaterials.comThe Daddy Bear (14") and Baby Bear (5.5") go fishing. Daddy’s nose squeaks, Baby’s belly rattles, and the set includes a cloth fishing pole, a vibrating fishing bag with a fish, and a crinkle cloth flower.
“Frame” the FutureTwo’s Company 800/896-7266, www.twoscompany.comAttractive and functional picture frames (6" x 8" holds 4" x 6" print; 5" square holds 3" x 3" print) are made from recycled mother boards. Also available: Take Note, Take Action, a legal-sized clipboard (9.5" x 12").
Hand Blown Fish Wine GlassesYurana Design 631/206-1003, www.yurana.comDrinking wine will never be the same with these decorative hand-blown 9-inch stemmed goblets. The collectible stemware comes in a variety of marine life designs, such as a dolphin, turtle, and swordfish.
Candlestick TrioThe Green Glass Company 715/355-1897, www.greenglass.comThree candlesticks (8", 10", and 12.5") of varied heights and colors from reclaimed wine bottles are made by artist Christa Donahue.
|