Serveware, barware, hostess gifts

Suzy Toronto Collection. New serveware designs from popular licensed artist Suzy Toronto includes tabletop for home entertaining, cosmetic bags, water bottles and gifts for girls of any age. Bright colors, fun patterns and humorous text are signature Suzy, applied to formats such as glasses, snack plates, platter, place card holder set, cosmetic bags, water bottles, luggage tags, pill boxes and credit/business card holders.

Wine & Vine. Contemporary barware, accessories and hostess gifts are exclusive designs by Midwest-CBK in-studio artists. Formats include glassware, snack plates, serving dishes, wine toppers, bar towels, cheese boards and markers, cork holder, cocktail and cheese picks and wine holder, featuring tongue-in-cheek phrases such as "Aged perfectly," "Cork it," "Wineaux," "Grape therapy," "Time to wine," "Wine a little, laugh a lot" and "Wine time.

Nature's Soul. Inspirational quotes and beautiful designs lift the spirit and soothe the soul. Style is contemporarly with brushed silver finish and designs made of metal, glass and canvas. Formats include ornaments/pins/charms (all in one), angel figurines, keepsake boxes, candle holders, wish and prayer stones, photo frames, night lights and wall crosses.

All are available from Midwest-CBK. The company has showrooms in Atlanta, Billerica, Mass., Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Seattle and Toronto. It also exhibits are regional shows.

Luggage, aprons and manicure kits

Manicure kits in a ribbon design

Mommy & Me apron set

6-piece luggage set

Isabella’s Journey Brocade is a new six-piece luggage set from Manual Woodworkers and Weavers. (Last season's introduction was a zebra pattern.) The set consists of a traveler, a hanging jewelry/toiletry bag, cosmetics bags (in three sizes), a "Hipster" and a tote.
Other new items shown at the winter markets include manicure kits and mother-daughter apron sets.

Fair trade handbags and totes

Mar Y Sol calls itself "a socially responsible resort accessories company that collaborates with artists in New York and artisans in Madagascar." The company designs and creates authentic accessories made by hand using natural materials sourced sustainably from Madagascar’s forests. The sale of the products enables families to gain economic independence and promotes environmental conservation. This is achieved through fair trade partnerships with artisans who make a living wage through Mar Y Sol's “trade not aid” business model.
The totes, clutches and zippered pouches are made of brightly colored raffia, jute and wild seagrass. Handles are made of wood.

The Avalon

The Guadaloupe

The Maybelle

The Panama

In Atlanta, see the bags at the Aesthetic Movement showroom (building one, 10th floor).

Lightweight stylish tote bags

Saky Sacks, a Seattle-based company launched in March 2010, is showing five new prints and two new contemporary styles—the Saky Weekend and Sakcessories—this week at the Seattle gift show. The company's original bag is the City Saky. Saky Sacks are made from DuPont Tyvek. The bags are lightweight, strong, tear, stain and water resistant. They are machine washable and recyclable.

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Retailers: Contact the manufacturer for prices and minimums.

Shoppers: Ask your favorite independent retailer to order this item for you.

Apparel, shawls, handbags in chiffon, crepe

Harshita Designs offers uniquely designed wearable art for women and men, including scarves, shawls, handbags, jewelry, tunics and jackets. Colors and designs are printed or embroidered. Designer Harshita Lohia says the inspiration for the designs and colors comes from elements of nature, manmade structures, symbols of Indian culture and simple geometrical figures. Materials include chiffon, crepe, georgette and charmeuse silk. See the company at the New York International Gift Fair.

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Retailers: Contact the manufacturer for prices and minimums.

Shoppers: Ask your favorite independent retailer to order this item for you.

Eco-friendly canvas tote bags

Cotton canvas Girlie Bags are made in Los Angeles by Planet Saver Sacks. Side pockets hold cell phones, keys, cosmetics and bus passes. The bags have cotton webbing handles. Two sizes are available: 11 inches by 12 inches and 14 inches by 15 inches. Search "Planet Saver Sacks" on this blog to find other styles.

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Retailers: Contact the manufacturer for prices and minimums.

Shoppers: Ask your favorite independent retailer to order this item for you.