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Packaged to Sell at the New York International Gift Fair Designers showing their wares at the NYIGF at the Jacob Javits Convention Center (January 29-February 3, 2011) gave buyers an added bonus. Not only have they kept their prices reasonable, but, knowing how far a well-presented item goes in landing a gift shop sale, manufacturers found innovative, elegant ways to package their designs. APPAREL:
Homebase: New Milford, CT DESIGNER: Heather Jaffe Sizes: 3 months to 4T; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer Only Pima cotton is used in the ultra soft one-pieces and mercerized yarns hand knit in Peru. Jaffe prefers bright and jewel tones that look on-trend this season. Outstanding Pieces: A riot of stripes dazzles head to toe. Tel: 203-517-7023 E-mail: info@jaxxwear.com
Homebase: Tinton Falls, NJ DESIGNERS: The Kissy Kissy design team Sizes: Preemie to 24 months; Wholesale price for knit dress: $27 Buyers turn to Kissy Kissy for beautifully manufactured, traditional layette pieces. Lately though, a bright color and trend-conscious piece appears among the racks to shake things up. Outstanding Piece: One twist in the front adds the perfect touch to this flattering knit A-line in a day-brightening shade of cherry. Tel: 732-345-5073 E-mail: Tatianaoffice@aol.com
Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Lynne Buchman Sizes: NB to 3 months; Wholesale price for bootie, hat and sweater set: $58 Buchman is the master of understatement. Her garments are all about the combination of unexpected colors and textures - no pattern or embellishment needed.
Outstanding Piece: A reusable basket holds a hand-knit sweater in a rich shade of pumpkin with a coordinating hat and Mary Jane slippers in navy. Tel: 917-664-0148 E-mail: Lynne@loralindesign.com
Homebase: Santa Fe, NM DESIGNERS: Katie and Troy Klith Sizes: One-Piece: NB to 24 months; T-shirt 12 to 24 months; Wholesale price: $12.50 Small Plum, the infant collection at Urban Smalls, features lush viscose organic bamboo one-pieces and tees with the softest imaginable hand. Charming graphics and slogans add to the fun.
Outstanding Piece: This adorable tee says it all: "Bound for great things." Tel: 877-519-5498 E-mail: info@urbansmalls.com
Homebase: Mooresville, NC DESIGNERS: David and Kelly Sopp Sizes: NB to 12 months; Wholesale prices: $12-$14 Remember when infant T-shirts sported messages like "I love Grandma" and "Mommy's little angel"? Man, are those days over.
Outstanding Piece: For the next generation of social networkers. Tel: 704-660-6955 E-mail: info@wrybaby.com
AMERICAN TERRY Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNERS: Nancy Schmidt and Renee Madail Sizes: 6 to 12 months; Wholesale prices: Mittens: $10; hat: $14 Ecologically conscious buyers source American Terry for organic cotton terry velour towels, burp cloths and robes. Now buyers have more to love with the company's new accessories and blankets.  Outstanding Pieces: The elegant ultrasuede-covered/sherpa-lined trapper-style hat and coordinating mittens are light yet warm enough for the coldest weather. The trapper hat is au courant at the moment too. Tel: 212-226-8040 E-mail: info@americanterry.com
Homebase: San Francisco, CA DESIGNERS: Susan and Chloe Pate Sizes: Hats: 6 months to 6 years; slippers: 6 to 24 months; Wholesale prices: Beanie: $13; booties: $12 The Apple Park booth invites one into a fantasy world of plush creatures, books that tell the creatures' stories, and, now accessories that complete the package. 
Outstanding Pieces: Children will love (and parents will find irresistible) these unique, stay-warm, commune-with-the-animals hats and booties. Tel: 415-223-9220 E-mail: Orders@applepark.com
Homebase: Cabot, VT DESIGNER: Uli Belenky Sizes: 6 months to 4T; Wholesale prices: Shaggy Hat: $12-$12.50; Mittens: $6-$7.50 To her multi-piece collection of print-happy separates, Belenky adds vivid, ultra-soft hats, scarves and mittens.  Outstanding Pieces: The trapper-style Shaggy Hat is the "it" accessory for fall/winter 2011. Here it has double-sided warmth and softness with faux fur and plush. Coordinating plush mittens with knitted wrist cuffs ensure coziness. Tel: 802-563-2961 E-mail: zutano@zutano.com
BABY DEEDEE Homebase: Brooklyn, NY DESIGNER: Dominique de Bourgknecht Sizes: NB to 36 months; Wholesale prices: $18-$24 Kids up to three years stay cozy from shoulders to toes in de Bourgknecht's lightweight Sleep Nest. Two-tone colorations look modern while a bright center zipper aids tired eyes during those early a.m. diaper changes.  Outstanding Piece: A unique item in a unique color combination makes for a much appreciated shower (or-any-time) gift. Tel: 347-850-2313 E-mail: Dominique@babydeedee.com
Homebase: Waltham, MA DESIGNER: Kate Browning Sizes: 3-24 months; Wholesale price: $14 What makes newcomers Joy Chopak and designer Kate Browning's Gunapod Wearable Blanket different from others in the market, is the zippers. One long center zipper allows easy diaper or clothing changes, while another opens along the bottom from armhole to armhole so the entire front can be removed and a sleeping baby can be lifted without waking (one hopes!).  Outstanding Piece: The Gunapod is light, soft and its unisex cream color makes for goof-proof gift-giving. Tel: 617-851-3566 E-mail: Info@gunamuna.com
Seen at the January 2011 New York International Gift Fair; Originally published February 24, 2011
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