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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. SWEATERS:
ARTWALK Homebase: New Milford, CT DESIGNER: Shelley Hunt Sizes: Sweaters and hats: 6 months to 4 years; booties: 3 to 18 months; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer Artwalk is the place for whimsical intarsia (no threads hanging) cotton sweaters, blankets and matching accessories. As owner Rob Hunt says, "Artwalk really has become that 'Oooh and Aahh' shower gift. When the room erupts with delight over an Artwalk stroller blanket, that is the gift that will be given at all future showers!"  Outstanding Pieces: Give one piece or the whole group. Either way, the partying collection of animals on the fresh white ground should bring on the 'oohs and aahs'. Tel: 860-210-0005 E-mail: COTTONSAFE@SKIVVYDOODLES.COM
Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Melissa Karetsky Sizes: 6 months to 10 years; Wholesale prices: approximately $22 Melissa Karetsky takes knitting personally. Her cotton sweaters, hats and scarves, alive with stripes, dots and vivid color, can be personalized with a name or initials for a one-of-a-kind gift. 
Outstanding Pieces: What's in a name? A whole lot of pleasure for the lucky giftee. Tel: 212-751-7066 E-mail: MJKknits@nyc.rr.com
MIYIM Homebase: Brooklyn, NY DESIGNER: The Miyim design team Wholesale prices: Ballerina: $12.99; rattles: $5.25-$6 Miyim's organic cotton dolls and rattles are treated to the company's trademark PureWaterWash that softens the colors and creates a deliciously velvety feel.  Outstanding Pieces: The Good Girl Ballerina and knitted and plush rattles. The subdued tones and gentle expressions soothe. Tel: 718 389-8233 ext. 302 E-mail: Sales@miyim.com
BIBI & MIMI Homebase: Long Island City, NY DESIGNER: Genie Voulo Sizes: NB to 24 months; Wholesale price: $13 The slippers - breathable, soft and with the elastic ankle feature, sure not to slip off - sport charming animal motifs in happy colors.  Outstanding Pieces: Soft, flexible, luxuriously comfortable - they're even machine washable. Tel: 718-383-1452 E-mail: Bibiandmiminy@yahoo.com
Homebase: Seattle, WA DESIGNER: Eda Topur Sizes: NB to 12 months; Wholesale price: $14.50 Topur added terry socks to her collection of couture quality kids' leather booties.  Outstanding Piece: Just turn the knob for a pair of gumball socks; no penny needed. Clever and what a store display! (Five "gumballs" to a machine.) Tel: 206-860-3100 E-mail: Info@edoche.com
Homebase: Burlington, NC DESIGNER: The Elegant Baby design team Sizes: NB to 12 months; Wholesale prices for a box of six pairs: $13.50 The name says it all. This lifestyle brand that spans from bottles to blankets, room décor to sweaters, is reasonably priced, but looks right at home in the toniest boutiques.  Outstanding Pieces: You'll find sun-drenched colors, classic patterns and flirty details such as dyed-to-match eyelet ruffles, silk bows and pom-pom borders on these "must-have" organic cotton baby socks. The coordinating print boxes are the kind of touches this company is known for. jamesgirone.com/janismillsteinsales Tel: 336-227-6202 ext. 21
Homebase: Brooklyn, NY DESIGNER: Andriana C. Spence Sizes: 3 months to 7 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$17 Newcomers Hank & Jojo offer retro-styled socks in bright, fun boxes and "lunch boxes." Made of bamboo grown without chemicals. Even the packaging is toxin-free and recyclable.  Outstanding Pieces: Four to a package, the socks are longer than usual for extra warmth and an extended wearability. And with boxes like these, there's no need for wrapping. Tel: 917 622-8804 E-mail: info@hankandjojo.com
Homebase: Pittsburgh, PA DESIGNER: WINNIE LIU Sizes: NB to 12 months; approximate wholesale prices for 3-pack: $9 Playful, comfortable and nonskid, Jazzy Toes slipper socks are meant to bring a smile.  Outstanding Pieces: Flip-flops in winter? Why not. Kids can keep summer in mind with the Flip-Flops: Little Athlete set of three nonskid slipper socks printed with everyone's favorite warm weather footgear. Tel: 800-519-3128 E-mail: Customercare@jazzytoes.com
Seen at the January 2011 New York International Gift Fair; Originally published February 28, 2011
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