A couple of weeks ago I attended the massive Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center. There were endless aisles of new iterations of coconut water, gluten-free baked goods, turmeric-spiked sports drinks, dietary supplements and energy bars. I also came across some products that would make terrific gifts for colleagues or clients. Here are three of my faves:
Love Bottle: These reusable bottles, made from recycled glass, have an etched heart at the bottom to “remind you that you are loved with every sip you take.” The company’s founder, nutrition counselor Minna Yoo, said she wanted to create a product that improved people’s health, helped the planet and spread love. A portion of profits ($1 for each bottle) is donated to organizations like Global Water, which helps create clean water systems in third-world countries. The bottles can be customized for large orders.
Sisters Gourmet: Just add eggs and butter to the layered gourmet cookie, brownie or blondie mixes, packed in mason jars, and you have homemade yumminess in ten minutes flat. The 11 flavors include the traditional—chocolate chip, ginger spice—and newer recipes like coconut salted caramel blondies. The gorgeous packaging can be customized with corporate logos and the like for orders of 500 or more. For a sweet gift that keeps on giving, The Cookie Club is offered for 3, 6 or 12 months.
Indy Plush: These eco-friendly made-in-LA plush animals are constructed with sustainable wool and cotton, stuffed with recycled plastic bottles, colored with water-based, biodegradable inks, and inspired by children. It began when a local kindergarten teacher and children’s book writer/illustrator had her students draw a picture of an animal. She then turned each of the pictures into a stuffed animal. The dad of one of the students, who was the CEO of a local family aid service, was so delighted by the plush dog his son brought home he asked the teacher if she wanted to start a business. Indy Plush gives a portion of their profits to groups devoted to protecting endangered species, such as Shark Angels and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
