Stationery Trends Magazine

Second Annual Giftys Awards Winners Announced

Museums & More has announced the winners of the second annual Museums & More Awards - The Giftys. The Giftys provide the industry with a voice on the latest trends in each category. These awards recognize the best in the industry as voted on by retailers.

The winner in the Gifts & Souvenirs category is the T-Rex Paper Doll Greeting Card by Hungry Dog Designs. The whimsical paper doll-inspired greeting card unfolds into a writable greeting card and includes a magnet.

"The Giftys provided me with a great way to engage my current customers and further promote my product line to museums stores and specialty retail shops," said Paula Fynboh, owner and artist of Hungry Dog Designs.

The Jewelry & Wearables category had a tie between the Scholar's Scarf from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and the Ox Uglybag Drawstring Tote by Pretty Ugly LLC/Ugly Doll, granting two first place awards. The 8-inch-by-55-inch, 100 percent silk Scholar's Scarf was inspired by one of the masterpieces featured in the exhibition "Fresh Ink: Ten Takes on Chinese Tradition", the scarf's traditional pattern is enhanced by its contemporary shape and use of color.

"It was exciting to participate with other great products and see the retailer's reaction to our products," said Ellen Bragalone, director of retail, Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

The other winner in the Jewelry & Wearables category is a plush drawstring backpack that goes by the name of Uglybag Ox. Pretty Ugly LLC has been providing specialty retailers with new and innovative product through the past decade. When asked what the win means to Alita Friedman, Chief Brand Officer at Pretty Ugly LLC, she responded, "We're thrilled to have such talent in both our creators of the brand and our product development team."

Pack A Smile took the winning spot in the Merchandising & Display category with their Easy Earring Cards Punch Kit. Easy Earring Cards Punch Kit is an easier way for jewelry designers and boutique owners to create unique jewelry packaging. The tool makes it possible to create double post punch and lever back punch custom earring cards.

Hungry Dog Designs was named the winner in the Paper & Stationery category with their Mona Lisa Paper Doll Greeting Card. The museum line paper doll-inspired greeting cards unfold into cards and include a magnet.

http://www.bananaslugstringband.com" target="_blank">Banana Slug String Band took the top spot in the Toys & Games category with their Only One Ocean, musical science-education CD. The Banana Slug String Band music takes listeners on a musical odyssey into the ocean through 14 songs that teach ocean science in a fun way.

"We know how powerful music can be and we are very grateful to the Giftys Awards for helping this message reach the ears and hearts of as wide an audience as possible," said band member Doug Greenfield.

The third annual Museums & More Specialty Gift Product of the Year Awards will take place in the fall of 2012. The Giftys are sponsored and managed by Museums & More magazine. See all of the finalists and learn more at www.thegiftys.com

Originally posted Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011