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.comTraditional 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 SleepwearRaksha Bella 510/898-1981, www.rakshabellaorganic.comBeautiful 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 SymbolRock Love Peace 941/284-1578, www.rocklovepeace.comThese 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 BurpiesZebi 800/269-3512, www.zebibaby.comNatural, 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 SignsPrimitives by Kathy 866/295-2849, www.primitivesbykathy.comThese 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 IncenseTibet Collection 800/318-5857, www.dzi.comA 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.comRecycled 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.comWhat 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 NecklacesHeart Gems 404/272-3017, www.myheartgems.comSimple 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 Bear212/518-4005, www.tedde.comA 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.comMiniature, 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.comMilk 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 PlatesSmiling Planet 310/302-0080, www.smilingplanet.netThere’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.comStatistics 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 RattleOré Originals 800/367-2675, www.oreoriginals.comMade 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” OnesieFarmerkids Organics 212/473-3616, www.farmerkids.comA 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 BlocksFidoodle 416/805-5632, www.fidoodle.comThis 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.comA 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.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).
|