i go to that show almost every year and always have a great time. be sure to check out the tabletop/housewares division. there’s quite a lot of amazing new stuff for the upcoming season.

- stephanie umbach

I honestly can’t imagine a worse fate than having to walk that infernal show. It’s so big and there is so much schlock - and that’s in the sections that are supposed to be good like Accent on Design. We used to go to this show to buy, but have given up. There is not much that is original. Same old stuff you’d find in any “design” store in any city anywhere.

Good luck finding something “new”.

You’re going to the Gift Show and IKEA in one week? Here’s hoping you find that “happy place” and can stay there — can’t wait to hear your report. By the way, just went to IKEA myself this last week and want to mention that they’ve got quite a good selection of new SHOE cabinets (a sorely lacking area with furniture makers). They were all very reasonably priced and not bad to look at. Check it out.

yeay.. heard of this fair many times, never went and never read a report on it before. I’m so excited, I can’t wait!

Can’t wait to see what you discover - I’m excited to read the reviews!!

Wow, I can’t believe the anonymous post who hates the gift show. Do you have any idea how much work goes into preparing for that show? The great thing about the gift show is that it’s huge, and diverse. There is a little something for everyone. So if you as a buyer aren’t finding anything good or “new”, maybe the problem is you. There are tons of new, small vendors all the time who take it very seriously.

By the way, check out the Handmade section in the North Pavillion, that’s where all the cool kids are.

amy adams