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Small-kitchen ideas are always invaluable, which is why I fell for Desu's 1-Line Spice Rack ($200). The sturdy, 30-inch stainless frame works as a platform for 15 colorful spice bottles and holds a bottle of olive oil or vinegar. Think of it as space-smart wall jewelry. Photo: desudesign
Effort-saving gadgets, handy organizers and space-smart gizmos at the New York International Gift Fair
At the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), New York's largest wholesale trade event, which closes today, there was a ton of great design to be found. As your ShelterPop editors walked the show, we found ourselves thinking about "smart" designs -- items that are intelligent because they make your life easier, because they're good for the earth or because they'll save you money. I found nearly a dozen clever products that present practical, green or more space-conscious solutions for all of us with busy lives. (Because this is a trade show, all retail prices listed are approximate.)
You'll always know what time it is with a clock projected on the wall or ceiling. Custom colors, dimmers and sizes are created by light beams from an igloo-shaped mechanism that sits on a shelf or mounts on a wall. About $200 from Timebeam by Design, London. Remaining gallery: Jane Freiman
Candles-in-disguise are easy to create with Lushlife's tea-light cutter ($15). Press and twist the device to hollow out fruits or vegetables, then tuck in a votive. Natural moisture in the foods helps the tiny points of lights burn safely. This gadget will come in handy when Thanksgiving and Christmas decorating returns.
Like-it is dedicated to cool storage ideas like, well these colorful Japanese-made acrobatic stacking laundry baskets ($13 to $17 each). Ridges on the bottom of each basket hold each in place on top of another's handles. Mix and match colors, shapes and sizes to color-code your kids clothes or shortcut sorting chores.
Before you toss out copies of personal documents, you can block out names and account numbers with a Kes'pon ID guard stamp. Press once and indelible ink does the censoring. Stamps come in two sizes ($10 to $20) and ink pads are replaceable. Faster than shredding, stamping also saves electricity.
Colin Ross' eco-cups have twist-on lids and double insulated walls. Each 16-ounce go-cup is thermal BPA-free polypropylene ($8) with a colored gripper band for instant ID. Plus they're microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
This Korean-designed umbrella prototype from ek design, is made with an ingenious cup-holder loop in the handle (about $30), which would prevent mocha latte dribble down the front of your coat when it rains -- so logical!
Yubz (that's short for "why you busy?") specializes in cell phone, mp3 player and iPod accessories like this bluetooth enabled, battery-fueled speaker ($120). They call it the 'Magnum, ' but I think of it as a burrito speaker -- it's the same size and shape as the favorite Mexican dish.
Speaking of Bluetooth, Yubz also showed a retractable, clip-on cellphone ear bud with noise cancellation technology in a range of pop colors ($75-$100). Called the Clipo, it's a little girl-y, but it can't fall off.
USB hubs are rarely as design-cute as this 4-port green mouse ($18) from lushlife; it's a great item for grownups or junior computer users -- can Hello Kitty! be far behind?
