Natural trends dominate NY Gift Show

NEW YORK The New York Gift Show concluded today at the Jacob Javitz Center, and while trends in the gift business can be somewhat trendier than some of those in housewares generally, as people will buy more stylishly for friends and relatives, the products presented did support the premise that natural is an important segment of the market.

In the tabletop and housewares section of the show, bamboo was big and appeared in everything from decorative accessories, to cutlery, to fabrics, to window shades.

Scent diffusers have almost overtaken candles in their frequency of presentation, but candles still have a significant presence, although shading toward soy and beeswax.

Cutlery stood out in the tabletop category, with colorful and highly decorated handles prominent, and strong design factors, including stylish curves for blades and grips, an evident trend.