Gift & Home - August 2010

Message in a Gift

Inspirational gifts say it best with words
by Jolene Turner

Be l i e v e ” — “ L o v e ” — “Hope!”—“Peace”—these simple words can have a wealth of meaning and we all know that such words can be an added boost of inspiration to get through the tough days. In acknowledging the power of words and joy of receiving a special gift, gift manufacturers are coming out with beautiful products that say it all with words. From the simple one word message on a bracelet or sculpture to a phrase or prayer on a wooden plaque, all these gifts are designed to offer us guidance and reassurance. Ahead is a look at some of the latest offerings in objects laden with words of wisdom-all of which could be quite a hit in your gift shop for the coming months!

Carruth Studios

George Carruth of Carruth Stu-
dios ( www.carruthstudio.com;
800/225-1178) has always said that
the “Plant a Smile in Your Garden’
concept has been the desire of him
and his wife Deborah since the
beginning of
starting their
company in
1983. It started
when Carruth
carved a cher-
ub face into a
rough piece of
sandstone us-
ing only screw-
drivers. “It was
a gift to my
wife Deborah
who immedi-
ately placed it
in the flower
bed and saw
the potential
of hand carved
stones as gar-
den accents.”
Twenty-seven
years later, Car-
ruth carves
stones on a
daily basis for their company that
offers birdbaths, thermometers,
and, of course,
a large collec-
tion of popular
plaques with
inspiration-
al messages.
Some new de-
signs for Car-
ruth Studios in-
clude these two
plaques that
celebrate the
beauty of every
new day. For
“Embrace the
Day,” Carruth
carved a butter-
fly to help take
one’s thoughts
to a peace-
ful place. The
plaque reads,
“Believe in the
promise of this
day.” Hang in-
doors or out. The suggested retail
price is $29.97. “A Smile A Day”
features a cheery sun motif and the
words “Start each day with a smile
live, love, and laugh awhile!” Sug-
gested retail price is $35.

ENESCO

As anyone who has worked in an office knows, sometimes you need a little extra motivation to get through the day and that is where Enesco ( www.enesco.com; 800-4-ENESCO) comes in with its Lifelines collection of sculptures and desktop fixtures featuring messages of hope, faith and encouragement. The collection includes a stylish tape dispenser, penholder, business card holder, and a paper clip dispenser. In the same designs are also plaques, frames, mugs, and a set of original kinetic sculptures (shown here) designed to roll back and forth but always return to their upright position. Pieces from the