The hottest products in the gifts and novelties for retail, grocery, gift stores. Buyers will love this trend report and guide.

1. COVER. FPO
gift + novelties
BUYER’S GUIDE
2016
ASDMARKETWEEK

2. ASDMARKETWEEK / Gift + Novelties Buying Guide 2016 / asdonline.com 2
Gift + Novelties: A $19 Billion Industry in 2016
The U.S. gift, novelty, and souvenir store industry includes about 30,000 stores with combined projected annual
revenue of about $19 billion in 2016 - with no signs of slowing.* This is the ideal category of product for every
shop to carry.
Today, consumers are looking for products (and shops) that are interesting, unique, and allow for an expression
of personality to stand out from the crowd. In other words, that impulse buy!
It’s also about bringing a sense of humor and convenience to your buying decisions
(i.e. those ugly holiday sweaters are here to stay).
Let’s get started!
In this report you’ll find:
6 3 5 1
Key gift & novelties
trends that will drive
sales now
Retail tips that will
supercharge your
sales
Staples: Gift +
Novelties you should
always carry
Curated directory of
vendors to contact and
visit at Gift + Novelties
at ASD in 2016
(source* First Research and Statista)

3. ASDMARKETWEEK / Gift + Novelties Buying Guide 2016 / asdonline.com 3
The Key to Gift and Novelties Retail Success
effective product selection,
on-trend, high-margin
the ability to generate store
traffic offline and online
in-store events and
seasonal promotions
social media presence
(Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.)
providing a unique
customer experience
expert merchandising

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The Handmade Revolution: Kitsch-Meets-Do-It-Yourself
#1
These are exciting times. Anyone with a good idea and a well-honed craft can sell handmade
goods and make money doing it. One thing’s for sure: Etsy helped turn “handmade” into a
must-have retail category - which is great for your business (and a welcome break for the
tech-obsessed)!
SHOP THE TREND
W&P Design
Bootleg Botanicals
UPixel USA
Makers Kit
K&K Tabletops
See it on Social:
Your Must-Know
Hashtags and
Keywords
#handmade
#stationery
#giftstore
#mug and #mugs
#etsygifts
#diygifts
Product to stock
Dream Catchers | Terrariums | Etsy-Inspired Craft and Hobby | DIY Craft Project Kits: Crocheting, Cocktail Kits, Knitting Patterns /
Tutorials | Hanging Earth Planters | “Make Your Own” Jewelry and Bead Sets | Macrame Anything

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#2
Emoji Marketing Fact
Studies show that if you include an emoji in your email
newsletter subject lines your open rate spikes!
SHOP THE TREND
Rhode Island Novelty
Smiley World
Bigmouth Inc.
Nila Anthony
Get on Fleek
Step Up Your Emoji Game
With the Latest Batch
Did you know there are
hundreds of new emojis?
Stay ahead of the curve and
make sure to include these as
part of your offerings
In an era when the Oxford Dictionary crowned the “tears of joy” emoji “2015’s Word of the Year”
(as the visual incarnation of LOL), it’s no surprise that emojis have a huge influence on
product trends.
Emojis, better known as those small, cute digital icons everyone uses in electronic
communications (texts, emails, etc.), will continue to be everywhere in 2016. Go beyond just
smiley-face emojis and your store (or site) will be set.
Emojis Forever, LOL: This Trend is Here to Stay
Product to stock
Pillows | Stickers | Placemats | Mugs | Totes |
Wallets | Small Purses

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Which came first? Humor or the booze? This intoxicating accessories product trend opens your
shop and e-commerce site to customers from almost every demographic, from collegiate to
boomers. Who couldn’t use a wine goblet the size of a small child?
I’ll Drink to That! Wine + Booze-Related Gifts/Accessories
#3
SHOP THE TREND
EZ-Jello Shot Company
W&P design
Smuggle Your Booze
Earthly Body
Sign of the time
R Expo (USA) Inc. Song of India
Baxbo / Flask Tie / Flask Scarf
Mostly Signs
Funqigifts
Hanna’s Handiworks
Bigmouth Inc
Makers Kit
Products to stock
Necklaces | Vintage + Irreverent Signs | Wine Shower/Bath Holder | Kitsch Openers | Funny T-Shirts | Curiously-Shaped
Wine Glasses | Watch Wine Openers | Cocktail Kits, Brew-Your Own | Beer Pong Stuff | Wine-Scented Candles | Red Solo
Cup Kitsch | Shot Glasses

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#4 Sox Sells
Are those argyles you’re wearing or are you just happy to see me? Socks are the high-margin
canvas where almost anything goes. The more irreverent, quirky, and even sexy, the better.
Get your own sock section started at your shop.
Bundle Alert
Selling footwear? Socks are an easy, revenue-exploding
add-on!
SHOP THE TREND
Unemployed Philosophers Guild
Uni Hosiery
Socksmith
Sox World Inc
Everbright Inc.
Prints to stock
Cats | Nautical | Animals | Unicorns | Hearts | Sugar Skills |
Food | Vintage Pin-Ups | Funky Patterns | Emojis (of course)

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Coordinate your inventory with the best movies’ iconic characters and your sell-through will
thank you even well after the movie comes out. Want to see what’s in the pipeline?
Movies to watch
Star Wars
Minions
Marvel Superheros
X-Men
Avengers
SHOP THE TREND
Icup Inc
Costume Agent
Pyramid America
The Pirate Pipeline
Spoontiques
#5
May the (Blockbuster Movie) Force and Sales Be With You: Licensed to Make Bank
Check out Rotten Tomatoes for an overview of the
merchandise blockbusters coming to a theater (or
Netflix) near you.
Products to stock
Superhero Aprons | Batman Ice Cube Trays | Storm Trooper Salt And Pepper-Shakers |
Minion Plush Toys | Lego Anything

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SHOP THE TREND
Big Mouth Inc
Chef Craft
Novelty Gift Co
Siu Sons Trading
Streamline Gifts
XO Mints
Primary Colors
Hot sauce, candy, donuts, fruit, vegetables, lollipops - anything that looks edible, but isn’t,
is going to be a big seller this year.
#6
Hot Sauce = Hot Trends: Embrace These Food-Inspired Money Makers
Product to stock
Inflatables In Candy Themes | Plush Hot Sauce And Condiment Toys | Funny Napkins | Candy Cannisters And Paint Pails |
Rock Candy | Giant Fillable Easter Eggs| Lollipop Pen And Eraser Kits | Donuts

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ASD’s Top 3 Retail Tips: Putting it all Together
Tip #1: Merchandising + Selling Trend:
It’s Called “Bundling!”
Definition: the art of bundling is finding interesting, creative connections
between products - and pairing those customized product selections for
your customers to purchase.
Get Started:
Curate 3 or more products according to a theme and sell those as a unit
in your shop, site, or online marketplace.
Bundling Benefits:
Higher margins: Customers see the well-curated “bundle” as more
valuable than the sum of its individual components. If you bundle well,
consumers will pay a premium for your taste and choices.
Customer convenience: Take pressure out of pairing products for your
customers with a customized all-in-one selection of trending items - this
convenience drives value.
Establishes loyalty: Bundles create a hook, convey your unique brand
personality, and provide a competitive advantage.
Customers see the well-curated bundle as
more valuable than the sum of its individual
components, and they’re willing to pay
accordingly, which is great news for retailers.
- Katharyne Shelton, bundling + online selling expert

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ASD’s Top 3 Retail Tips: Putting it all Together
Tip #2 Crossover Buying =
Transform Your Gift Shop Revenue
Adding high margin fashion + accessories items to your gift/novelties mix
can significantly increase your revenue and vice versa.
We’ve also embraced the trend in fashion
accessories and clothing, especially one-size-
fits-all, ready-to-wear pieces. That’s turned our
business around.
- Lee Patterson, St. Vincent’s Hospital Gift Shops,
Birmingham, Alabama
We sell a lot of gifts and a lot of fashion, with
fashion having the largest growth in the last
10 years. We’ve gone from about 10 percent
of what would have been termed ‘fashion,’ to
almost 50 percent today.
- Bruce Leahy, Founder Quips N’ Quotes
“Boho” has been a huge trend and continues
to be a big trend with tassels on necklaces and
earrings with organic stones.
- Monica Czerniak, Head National Buyer, Suzy Shier
Crossover items to keep an eye on in 2016:
Jewelry
Leggings
Scarves
Tunic Tops
Shawls
Scarves
Ponchos
Leggings
Hats
Insider Tip
Find these items at ASD Market Week too!

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ASD’s Top 3 Retail Tips: Putting it all Together
Tip #3 Did You Know?
Travel and Tourism Drives Gift Shop Sales
Travel and tourism is one of the biggest industries in the U.S.
In 2014 direct travel spending in the United States totaled $927 billion
- by domestic and international travelers - and is expected to grow at least
4% annually.
Consumer spending, special occasions, and travel help drive product
demand. Souvenir-savvy gifts and novelties like:
Stock your shop accordingly!
Learn More About Bundling:
Head over to the ASD Insider Blog and search “bundling” for a
quick tutorial »
Postcards
Maps
Caps
Mugs
Cell Phone Cases
Pens
Pendants
Cookbooks
Historical Books
Alma Mater Memorabilia
Fashion Jewelry
Destination Apparel
**U.S. Travel Association, SBDCNet, Statista

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Mugs Mason Jars
This is a great way to show some
personality with funny, irreverent mugs
(and even pitchers too). These will make
your customers smile and deliver huge
returns.
Vendors: Unemployed Philosophers
Guild, Big Mouth Inc., Culturenik/Classico,
Just Funky
Tech, Mobile Phone, and
Electronics Accessories
Perfect for Point of Sale (POS)! Stock
colorful and functional flash drives,
mobile phone cases, chargers, keyboard
accessories, headphones and basically
anything for the iPhone. Customers will
pay a premium for convenience!
Vendors: Cajole, Geek Tech Mobile
Accessories, iDecoz, Scosche Industries
Office Supplies/Office-related Kitsch
From traditional to trendy, office supplies and
accessories are always in-season whether
it’s time for “back to school” or securing that
summer internship!
Vendors: Allary Corporation, Aeropen,
EasyPag, Honey Can Do Intl
Journals/Scrapbooks
Every customer will appreciate seeing
your store stocked with staples like
stationery, journals and scrapbooks. A
personal touch never goes out of style.
Vendors: Gallant Greetings, Gator
Greetings, Hartley Marks/Paperblank,
Papaya!
Dorm Décor / Dorm Room “Chic”
College-bound customers (and alumni) are
craving collectible, homey items with a bit
more style that easily transition from func-
tional to fashionable. Take product cues from
Pottery Barn Teen (PB Teen), Urban Outfit-
ters, and Bed Bath Beyond and put your
own unique spin on dorm room accents.
Vendors: Boelter Brands, Hanna's
Handiworks, Lucky Horse, Surya
Staples: Timeless, High-Margin Treasures That are Always in Style
Bundle Alert!
Combine multiple dorm-related products into a
high-margin set.

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The Experts Weigh In on Gift + Novelties Product Trends
The next iteration of gift shop trends will cater more to the
millennial generation, who prefers electronics and handcrafted
jewelry to cookie jars and angel ornaments.
- Lee Patterson, St. Vincent’s Hospital Gift Shops
These days the traditional notion of the Gift Store is evolving
in amazing ways. I'm seeing convenience stores and even car
washes taking a more gift-y approach with their merchandise.
Add-ons like postcards, collectibles, and kitschy memorabilia are
incredible margin-makers.
-Holly Harris, Show Director, ASD Gift+Home
Decorative nail files, novelty keychains, trendy earrings,
hand sanitizer, fun coasters and stylish mittens are all great
examples of what you can add to your assortment of check
out area items. This is prime space to gain more attention
and more dollars from your customers.
- Nicole Leinbach Reyhle, Founder/Publisher of Retail Minded,
The Independent Retailer Conference, and Forbes columnist

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About Gift + Novelties at ASD
ASDMARKETWEEK
Already registered?
Research specific products and make appointments at ASD with the vendors
above using our show planner.
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entered for a chance to win a Store Makeover!
February 28-March 2, 2016
Las Vegas Convention Center
600+ vendors and 1,000s of new products
90+ free retail education sessions
Gift + Novelties at ASD is the largest wholesale gift, novelties, toy, and decorative
accessories trade show in the U.S., connecting retailers with trending products at the
highest margins anywhere.
Your ticket also gets you into Fashion + Accessories at ASD!
Follow ASD Market Week on
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The ASD Insider Blog
Head over to the ASD Insider blog
for year-round retail advice, free
trend reports, and how-tos!

16. ASDMARKETWEEK / Gift + Novelties Buying Guide 2016 / asdonline.com 16
Vendor Directory - Shop The Trends
#1 The Handmade Revolution
WP Design
http://wandpdesign.com/
Bootleg Botanicals
http://www.bootlegbotanicals.com/
UPixel USA
http://www.upixelusa.com/
Makers Kit*
http://makerskit.com/
KK Tabletops*
http://www.kandktabletops.com/
#2 Emojis Forever, LOL
Rhode Island Novelty*
http://www.rinovelty.com/
Smiley World*
http://luminousartconcepts.com/
Bigmouth Inc*
http://www.bigmouthinc.com/
Nila Anthony*
http://www.nila-anthony.com/
Get On Fleek
http://www.getonfleek.com/
#3 I'll Drink to That!
EZ-Jello Shot Company*
http://www.ez-squeeze.com/
WP Design
http://wandpdesign.com/
Smuggle Your Booze*
http://www.smuggleyourbooze.com/
Earthly Body*
http://earthlybody.com/
Sign of the Time*
http://www.sottproducts.com
R Expo (USA) Inc. Song of India*
http://www.songofindia.com
Baxbo / Flask Tie / Flask Scarf*
http://www.flasktie.com
Funqigifts
http://www.fun qigifts.com/
Hanna’s Handiworks*
http://www.hannashandiworks.com/
Bigmouth Inc*
http://www.bigmouthinc.com/
Makers Kit*
http://makerskit.com/
#4 Sox Sells
Unemployed Philosophers Guild*
http://www.philosophersguild.com/
Uni Hosiery*
http://unihosiery.com/
SockSmith
http://www.socksmith.com/
Sox World Inc*
http://www.soxworldinc.com
Sunshine Import*
http://www.5866sunshine.com
Everbright Inc.*
http://www.everbrightinc.com
#5 Licensed to Make Bank
Icup Inc*
http://www.icupinc.com/
Costume Agent*
http://costumeagent.com/
Pyramid America*
www.pyramidamerica.com
The Pirate Pipeline*
www.piratepipeline.com
Spoontiques*
http://www.spoontiques.com
Hot Properties! Merchandising Inc.*
http://hotmerch.com/
#6 Food Inspired Money Makers
Big Mouth Inc*
http://www.bigmouthinc.com/
Chef Craft*
http://www.chefcraft.com/
Novelty Gift Co*
http://www.noveltytoys.com
Siu Sons Trading*
http://www.siunsons.com
Streamline Inc.
http://www.streamlinenyc.com
XO Mints*
http://www.xomints.com/
Primary Colors*
http://primarycolorscorp.com/
The Staples
Gallant Greetings*
http://www.gallantgreetings.com
Gator Greetings*
http://www.gatorgreetings.com/
Hartley Marks/Paperblank*
http://www.hartleyandmarksgroup.com/
Papaya*
http://papayaart.com/
Unemployed Philosophers Guild*
http://www.philosophersguild.com/
Big Mouth Inc.*
http://www.bigmouthinc.com/
Culturenik/Classico*
http://www.culturenik.com
Just Funky*
http://www.justfunky.com/
Cajole*
http://www.cajoleonline.com
Geek Tech Mobile Accessories*
http://www.geekaccs.com
iDecoz*
http://www.idecoz.com/
Scosche Industries*
http://www.scosche.com/
Allary Corporation*
http://www.allarycorp.com/
Aeropen*
http://www.aeropen.com/
EasyPag
http://ieasypag.com/
Honey Can Do Intl*
http://www.honeycando.com/
Boelter Brands*
http://www.boelterbrands.com/
Hanna's Handiworks*
http://www.hannashandiworks.com/
Lucky Horse*
http://www.the-lucky-horse.com/
Surya*
http://www.surya.com/
*vendors you’ll find at Gift + Novelties at ASD