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Giftware Reviews for Summer 

All prices wholesale unless specified otherwise. Click here to see Giftware Reviews from the past.



Cathedral Candles
Biedermann & Sons
847/446-8150, www.biedermannandsons.com

Traditional off-white, unscented paraffin candles come in a variety of sizes (2" x 5" to 6" x 6") and have a substantial burn time. Sold in boxes of 12 for smaller sizes or six for larger sizes; prices start at $24 a box. —Jean Haller, Journeys of Life, Pittsburgh, Pa.









Mini Sabine Sleepwear
Raksha Bella
510/898-1981, www.rakshabellaorganic.com

Beautiful sleepwear ($97 retail) made with made with the highest quality GOTS certified organic cotton and low-impact AZO-free dyes that have been hand-block-printed. All products are handmade by women self-employed through the Grameen banking system of micro lending for the poor. Sizes 2, 4, and 6. —Royce Amy Morales, Harmony Works, Redondo Beach, Calif.










Heirloom Teethers: Star, Heart, and Peace Symbol
Rock Love Peace
941/284-1578, www.rocklovepeace.com

These darling teethers ($10/single, $22/set of three) are made of FSC certified cherrywood and bagged in an eco-jute bag. These toys fit perfectly into little hands and are safe to chew on. —Royce Amy Morales, Harmony Works, Redondo Beach, Calif.













Bucket of Burpies
Zebi
800/269-3512, www.zebibaby.com

Natural, unbleached cotton burp cloths are packaged in a fun, reusable gallon paint can ($17/set of 3). The cloths (12" x 16") are nine layers thick through the middle and four layers on the sides. —Royce Amy Morales, Harmony Works, Redondo Beach, Calif.






Box Signs
Primitives by Kathy
866/295-2849, www.primitivesbykathy.com

These thought-provoking signs with white lettering on a black box are unique—they don’t have “run of the mill” quotes you see everywhere—and affordable. Made to hang on the wall or sit on a shelf, Box Signs come in sizes ranging from 3" to 24" with prices between $3 and $24. —Jean Haller, Journeys of Life, Pittsburgh, Pa.












Sacred Mantra Incense
Tibet Collection
800/318-5857, www.dzi.com

A bundle of 39 sticks of a traditional monastic blend of incense ($12/two boxes, 8.5" long) combines scents of white sandalwood, camphor, nutmeg, cloves, juniper, and dozens of other herbal ingredients. The handmade incense comes in an attractive box with lokta paper printed with the sacred Tibetan mantra for compassion: Om Mani Padme Hum. An embossed, gold painted ceramic incense burner is also included. —Jean Haller, Journeys of Life, Pittsburgh, Pa.








Fused Glass Word Tiles
Nina Cambron Studio
248/344-4393, www.ninacambron.com

Recycled at its best! Each fused glass tile ($20, 5" x 5") is a one-of-a-kind piece of art made from reclaimed scraps of studio glass. Choose from 37 quotes, kiln-fired into the richly colored glass. Tiles are ready to hang or display on a small easel. —Jean Haller, Journeys of Life, Pittsburgh, Pa.








Prayer Angel
Holben Design
888/584-9083, www.prayerangel.com

What a great find from a first-time market vendor: This graceful porcelain angel figurine ($9.98, 4") was created to hold photos, cards, or other cherished paper items as an inspirational reminder to pray for family and friends. Comes in an elegant white gift box. —Jean Haller, Journeys of Life, Pittsburgh, Pa.









Heart Gems Necklaces
Heart Gems
404/272-3017, www.myheartgems.com

Simple yet powerful, these necklaces connect gemstone knowledge with original poetry on friendship, courage, and more. The Gratitude Necklace ($19.50) features a rutilated quartz stone and sterling-silver circles on an 18-inch chain with a letter-pressed card in a silk-screened bag. —Jean Haller, Journeys of Life, Pittsburgh, Pa.







 

Tedde Bear
212/518-4005, www.tedde.com

A seriously redesigned teddy ($14, 12") for those who are looking for a modern twist on a classic bear. Stuffed with personality and joie de vivre, each is made by hand. —Royce Amy Morales, Harmony Works, Redondo Beach, Calif.










“It Is Worth the Climb” Ladder
Tamara Hensick Designs
323/668-1812, www.tamarahensickdesignsusa.com

Miniature, hand-cast pewter ladder ($22, 6") to lean on a computer or rest prominently on a desk. A great gift for a man, a graduate, or a playful reminder to stay committed to one’s journey. —Royce Amy Morales, Harmony Works, Redondo Beach, Calif.















Nest Egg Chocolate
Sweet Assets
609/577-3502 , www.sweetassetschocolate.com

Milk chocolate egg ($10) is filled with 11 pieces (a banker’s dozen!) of mint-flavored dark chocolate coins each with a small “tax bite” taken from them! Egg is wrapped in gold foil and rests on a bed of real shredded money. —Royce Amy Morales, Harmony Works, Redondo Beach, Calif.













Mexicania
Juan Albert
866/680-2036

Elegant and earthy handcrafted frames ($13, 4" x 4") with embedded gemstones in a heart-shaped motif and other shapes. —Royce Amy Morales, Harmony Works, Redondo Beach, Calif.








Earth Friendly Plates
Smiling Planet
310/302-0080, www.smilingplanet.net

There’s a lot that these adorable plates ($7) don’t have—BPA, lead, phthalates, or toxic inks. But what they do have are whimsical, child-like designs that remind us all of the importance of Mother Earth. Made with recycled plastic. Wonder Full World and Fairies Fly are shown. —Royce Amy Morales, Harmony Works, Redondo Beach, Calif.







Organic Sleepy Wrap
Sleepy Wrap
888/567-9727, www.sleepywrap.com

Statistics show that holding a newborn close to you means at least 43% less crying, and causes babies to eat more, sleep better, and become independent faster. All perfect reasons to sell these easy-to-tie carriers ($28.50) made of washable organic cotton. —Royce Amy Morales, Harmony Works, Redondo Beach, Calif.















Peek-A-Boo Wood Rattle
Oré Originals
800/367-2675, www.oreoriginals.com

Made from European beechwood using water based inks and coated with natural beeswax, these wooden rattles ($8.50, 3" x 2.5") have an internal bell that jingles with each shake. Natural shown; multicolor also available. —Royce Amy Morales, Harmony Works, Redondo Beach, Calif.









“Peace Baby” Onesie
Farmerkids Organics
212/473-3616, www.farmerkids.com

A sweet, organic-cotton onesie ($14) with an embroidered “Peace Baby” patch reminds parents to model the message toward those impressionable wee ones. Sizes 3-6, 6-12, and 12-18 months. —Royce Amy Morales, Harmony Works, Redondo Beach, Calif.











City Blocks/Country Blocks
Fidoodle
416/805-5632, www.fidoodle.com

This blocks set ($15), available in two charming designs, is made from natural, sustainable, and healthy materials. Also available are handmade puzzles that come in a felt bag, sketch pads in a felt folder, pillows, and T-shirts. —Royce Amy Morales, Harmony Works, Redondo Beach, Calif.









The Cup of Destiny Kit
Jane Lyle
$18.95 retail, 9781859060612, 6.7" x 6.5" x 3.6", Connections Publishing, 800/326-2665, www.newleaf-dist.com

A quiet cuppa can be a window to the future if you know the traditional method for reading tea leaves. This giftable kit includes the cup and saucer in the classic Edwardian design, as well as a 96-page guide by Jane Lyle explaining how to interpret the signs.

 




Selenite Ice Lamp
Relaxus
800/668-9876, www.relaxus.com

This 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).


 

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