iSi has a cool gift for summer -- ORKA Freeze and Press Ice Cube Trays. These handy little trays are a great hostess gift tied in a bow with a nice margarita mix. The trays allow users to simply and easily portion out their ice cube use with a flexible thermoplastic rubber release pad on the tray's underside so you can release the cubes one by one or all together. What's more fun is that they come in fun colors from purple to green and retail for only $12. For a funky way to prepared hard-boiled (or poached eggs), check out their Silicone Multi-Purpose Egg Cooker Set, a handy kitchen gadget that travels from the stovetop to the tabletop for added convenience. The egg stand lowers right into the water and the handy egg-shaped timer sits atop for quick reference. Suggested retail is $29.99. For more information, call 800-447-2426.
Typhoon is approaching the U.S. market with a plan to be announced for 2006. A new specialty retailer loyalty program is in the works with STAR (Selected Typhoon Appointed Retailers). In the meantime, the British company has the corner on specialty gift sets ranging from Espresso to Creme Brulee to Cheese Sets at incredible pricing. In addition, when you purchase $720 of Typhoon merchandise, you'll receive a metro display with signage for free. The "Gifted" range includes everything from a Chocolate Therapy Mug ($10 retail) to a Pizza Set ($30 retail) to a Shaken and Stirred Cocktail Set ($30 Retail). For information, contact 800-688-1003.
Late for the Sky Production Company offered several food- and beverage-related games. Among their latest is the Chocolate-opoly, Wineopoly, and Brew-opoly. The line of games make great party entertainment by allowing players to indulge their sweet tooth, visit the country's microbreweries, or collect well-known spirits. Also available is a collection of games with colleges, animal games, and licensed games, such as Kiss-opoly, Whoville-opoly, or NBA-opoly. The games' suggested retail price is $24.95. For more information, call 800-422-3434, or visit www.lateforthesky.com.
Other fun gifts may be found in Wearable Vegetables' new Seafood Lovers Collection with clever quips, such as See Bass Run, Run Bass Run, and Play It Again Salmon, on tea towels, aprons, clothing, and other accessories. Towels retail for $7.99 to $9.99, and minimum orders are $200. Visit www.wearablevegetables.com.
NOW Designs put gifts in the bag with new promotions that make merchandising a snap. The In-a-Basket Promotion features a 22-inch straw basket stuffed full of dishcloths or tea towels that prompt in-store impulse sales. Available in an assortment of five colorways, the collection is suitable for the upcoming fall-Christmas selling season. Call 866-253-9001 for more information.
Oilcloth International has fun with its modern take on an old classic. The product is a printed vinyl bonded and supported with a woven cotton mesh that delivers a fashionable, non-cracking statement. These just-plain-fun aprons, lunch bags, bibs, tablecloths, and appliance covers make great gifts. There are over 50 prints to choose from, with custom manufacturing available in fairly small minimums. New at market was a 70-inch round tablecloth with French seams on the drape. Also, a moderately priced 5-quart Mixer Appliance Cover with an accessory pocket made the grade. Check them out at www.oilcloth.com.
Nomad traveling cutlery from WMF is a quick, easy summertime gift for the young and trendy. It's a fork, knife, and spoon (plus bottle opener) all sealed up in a palm-sized, colorful oval holder. The plastic, break-proof, scratch-resistant holder available in six trendy colors can be purchased with a coordinating lanyard (also in six patterns). The suggested retail is $25.00 for the set. Available in July. Call 800-999-6347 for details.
Vic Firth had fun with a colorful new range of mills from Louis Lara in smart pastels. From Lemon Ice to Seagrass to Periwinkle, these trendy colors will make everyone smile. Look for Vic Firth products to receive a boost in consumer recognition this fall when a feature on the company namesake runs in Better Homes and Gardens during the fourth quarter. Added to that notice is the fact that Emeril Lagasse has been seen sporting the Kismet model from Vic Firth's range on the Food Network. For more information, visit www.vicfirthgourmet.com.
