Housewares and gifts 'green,' functional

On-trend items included table- and kitchenware made of bamboo and silicone, and custom gifts.

Functional and environment-friendly were the buzzwords in housewares and gifts at the Global Sources Gifts & Home show. The use of biodegradable bamboo, for instance, has gained traction for tableware and kitchenware. Home products made of silicone, such as cups and dishwashing sponges, remain popular for their functionality. Meanwhile, custom gift sets, smart umbrellas and wooden boxes and photo frames are hot products in the gifts category.

Global Sources Gifts & Home showcased specialized sections featuring creative and innovative gifts, premiums and home products from China and across Asia. Co-located with Global Sources Mobile Electronics, the show ran from April 18-21 at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld-Expo.